TV: NBC

ZC: If statistics are an indicator of anything, they’re indicating that the Spartans should have no problem stomping all over the unlucky little leprechauns from Indiana (or Ireland, I guess). Notre Dame’s offensive line is pitiful, their quarterback too young and lacking weapons and their running backs are having a tougher time running than former Detroit Lions offensive lineman Aaron Gibson in a tub full of molasses. Spartans run the ball to victory and Notre Dame head coach Charlie Weis will eat his words (among other things) for saying the Fighting Irish would never lose to MSU again. MSU 37, Notre Dame 17

JS: Looking at Notre Dame’s team stats gives a lot of fodder for an argument against them. But one glaring statistic grabs my eye – they ran for an abysmal -6 yards against a U-M team that ranks dead last in the Big Ten in rushing defense. So far, the Notre Dame offense looks like it’s had a load of cement mix dumped on it. Their defense is ugly as well, allowing its opponents an average of 237.3 rushing yards per game. MSU will win this one on the ground, but Notre Dame will get a first offensive touchdown of the season. Yay for moral victories. MSU 31, Notre Dame 10

EF: You would have to be a fool to pick Notre Dame in this contest after seeing an absolutely atrocious performance of football the past three weekends. Don’t forget that the Spartans own Notre Dame Stadium and don’t be surprised when the Irish faithful leave the stadium half-empty at halftime. MSU 42, Notre Dame 9

SS: Offensive “genius” Charlie Weis has the Fighting Irish leading all teams in college football in rushing offense, scoring offense and total offense. What? The Irish are LAST in those categories? This is what offensive genius gets you? Well, at least we can all thank them for providing the hijinks in a YouTube.com video showing Michigan’s defense making fools of Notre Dame’s offensive line, complete with clown-like background music. Even if Jimmy Clausen picks Saturday to show off the skills that will win him multiple Heismans like mentor Ron Powlus, the offensive line isn’t going to learn to block in one week. MSU 24, Notre Dame 7

No. 10 Penn State at Michigan

3:30 p.m. Saturday

TV: ABC

ZC: Penn State is the best team in the Big Ten, so they’re not about to lose to the worst team (as far as records go, at least). Penn State has the second best scoring offense and third best scoring defense in the Big Ten, whereas Michigan ranks at the bottom of the conference in both categories. Nittany Lions head coach Joe Paterno, in all his senile glory, leads his team to victory in the Big House. PSU 30, U-M 17

JS: Despite losing their first two non-conference games, U-M’s season is not over. Quite frankly, I think a lot of people overreacted saying that the Wolverines are headed straight to the bottom. I may or may not have been one of them. They still have some offensive weapons, and they’ll be able to ride Mike Hart to some wins this season. Beating Notre Dame was an emotional boost, but I don’t think U-M has what it takes to upset Penn State. PSU 28, U-M 20

EF: For as much as I despise myself for picking this way, I think I have to go with Michigan in this game simply because I think all it took was a big win over a crappy football team to really give the Wolverines a jump start. People say Penn State is the best in the Big Ten, but the fact of the matter is that the Big Ten isn’t that good. U-M 24, PSU 23

SS: Michigan ruined what could have been a perfect season for the Nittany Lions in 2005 when Pennsylvania native Chad Henne hit Mario Manningham for the game-winning touchdown. If Henne makes a triumphant return Saturday after missing last week with an injury, that’s not good news for the Lions. Penn State is the better team, but Michigan is in the Lions’ heads after beating them eight consecutive times. U-M 21, PSU 17

No. 22 Georgia at No. 16 Alabama

7:45 p.m. Saturday

TV: ESPN

ZC: All the SEC head coaches are hoping Alabama head coach Nick Saban has a tremendous year so he can get contract offers from all over and leave for more money. Okay, maybe that’s only a little true (oh, it’s true, they just wouldn’t ever say something like that aloud). The Crimson Tide almost collapsed against formerly ranked Arkansas last week but came back to win it. That perseverance will earn ‘Bama the victory. Alabama 34, Georgia 24

JS: Georgia knows that this is the gut-check game of their season. For a football program with a lot of pride, don’t look for the Dawgs to just roll over and play dead after being upset by South Carolina. Their offense gained some momentum last week that should carry through to this Saturday. Georgia 38, Alabama 31

EF: I think Colman is a little too in love with Nick Saban on this one. Georgia isn’t going to roll over and die, not even for some head coach who’s making rockstar money. In the end, it’s the players that play the game, not the coaches. Georgia 13, Alabama 6

SS: Apparently, Nick Saban is spending a chunk of his $4 million salary on some quality hair dye. Hey Nick, mind telling me what color you use? I’d like to try it. Oh… and Saban will take a cue from his former team (MSU, not LSU, Toledo or the Miami Dolphins) and former assistant Mark Dantonio to battle through adversity and the Crimson Tide will win another close one on their home field. Alabama 28, Georgia 21

No. 12 South Carolina at No. 2 Louisiana State

3:30 p.m. Saturday

TV: CBS

ZC: Well, it’s always hard to pick against the home team – especially when they’re higher ranked and have allowed just seven points all season. That’s why I’m not going to pick against the home team here. Steve Spurrier has his Gamecocks playing solid defense and their offense has been consistent, but LSU is just too much for almost any team to handle. LSU 28, South Carolina 17

JS: LSU’s explosive offense will lay a nasty Madden-style truck stick on South Carolina, and their stifling defense will keep the Gamecocks’ faces planted in the dirt. The fact of the matter is, LSU can outgun pretty much any offense, and South Carolina won’t be able to keep up. This game is only a quiz compared to the test LSU will face in week six against Florida. LSU 38, South Carolina 21

EF: Last week, we caught some flack in progs because we all picked the same teams to win. I’m going to be difficult here and pick the Gamecocks to beat LSU just to be a stubborn S.O.B. South Carolina 21, LSU 14

SS: I jumped on the LSU bandwagon after the Tigers unleashed their stifling defense against a terrible Mississippi State team in the first week. Then Mississippi State beat Auburn, so maybe the Bulldogs weren’t so bad. (Or Auburn is worse than terrible.) Back to this game, South Carolina is much improved under the ol’ ball coach, but even Spurrier can’t coach up the Gamecocks’ average offense against an LSU team that’s only given up seven points this year. LSU 34, South Carolina 14