CK: When people saw MSU’s schedule, they pointed to the consecutive games against Ohio State, Michigan and Wisconsin as the do-or-die point of MSU’s season. So far, the Spartans are 1-1 in that stretch, and even though the Badgers are struggling, it’s going to be a much closer game than people think. The difference-maker will be linebacker Greg Jones, who records 16 tackles, two sacks and an interception in an MSU victory.

MSU 28, Wisconsin 21

JC: Against Ohio State two weeks ago, the MSU defense looked like a student who skipped “Run Tackling 101” for half a semester and then showed up to fail the midterm. Then, the group crammed for seven straight late nights and aced the Michigan exam on Saturday. This week, the test will be Wisconsin’s bruising backfield duo of P.J. Hill and John Clay. I’m expecting a B- grade, which will be enough against a reeling Badgers team.

MSU 31, Wisconsin 20

AA: MSU and Wisconsin have combined for an astounding 277 combined points over their last four meetings, but expect few fireworks in this one. Both teams lack the offensive luster that ignited their successes last season, but have strong defenses that could stifle the opposition. Brian Hoyer will be the difference-maker for the second week in a row, tossing a pair of touchdowns and leading MSU to a close victory.

MSU 17, Wisconsin 13

AD: This is by no means a gimme game for the Spartans. Even though Wisconsin has been on quite the slide of late, MSU can’t afford to overlook the Badgers. Time to cue up Javon Ringer, who by no one’s surprise will single-handedly win the game for MSU, rushing for 135 yards and two touchdowns. Kicker Brett Swenson will redeem his subpar performance last week, drilling a game-winning field goal with less than 30 seconds left.

MSU 24, Wisconsin 21

No. 7 Texas Tech vs. No. 1 Texas

TV: 8 p.m. Saturday, ABC

CK: Granted, Texas has played high-powered offenses such as Oklahoma, Oklahoma State and Missouri, but the Longhorns have allowed 265.5 passing yards a game, which seems like a lot to me. Still, Texas proved a few weeks ago against Oklahoma that Colt McCoy and the Longhorns offense can hold their own in a shootout. Different — and lesser — opponent. Same result.

Texas 45, Texas Tech 35

JC: Don’t we talk about Texas playing a top-10 team each week? Does an executioner make their schedule? The Longhorns have beaten Oklahoma, Missouri and Oklahoma State in three consecutive weeks, winning each game at home or a neutral site. Now, they go on the road to face the Texas Tech Red Fakers, who once again show they are more fraudulent than the BCS.

Texas 48, Texas Tech 24

AA: I’m sick of hearing that the Red Raiders aren’t that good, that they’re just a product of head coach Mike Leach’s creative offensive mind. Are they not beating Big 12 teams? Granted, Texas Tech hasn’t beaten anyone worth gushing about, but that will change this week. Quarterback Graham Harrell slices and dices through Texas’ secondary for five touchdowns to knock off the ‘Horns and steal the “Heisman frontrunner” tag from Colt McCoy.

Texas Tech 42, Texas 38

AD: The Longhorns defense gives up 265.5 passing yards a game and the soft secondary is going to be the story for Texas. I don’t care how good quarterback Colt McCoy is. The Longhorns will prove it’s impossible for a team to win every shootout — unless of course you are the MSU men’s hockey team with goaltender Jeff Lerg between the pipes.

Texas Tech 38, Texas 21

No. 6 Georgia vs. No. 8 Florida

TV: 3:30 p.m. Saturday, CBS

CK: If I really wanted to, I could write this prog two words: Tim Tebow. But I have to give a more in-depth reasoning for my pick. I can’t just rattle off that Tebow is the reigning Heisman Trophy winner and say that he’s basically God’s gift to Earth. Oh yeah, as for the rest of the team, Percy Harvin and the rest of the Gators are pretty good, too. I guess.

Florida 35, Georgia 24

JC: I loved Georgia coach Mark Richt’s decision to have his entire team rush the field last season after a touchdown to motivate his lackadaisical Bulldogs. Know what’s cooler? When your team can rush the field after a win. The Gators defense has allowed half the points of Georgia’s “D” this season and will double up the Bulldogs at home.

Florida 28, Georgia 14

AA: Seeking revenge after Georgia’s excessive touchdown celebration last year, Florida head coach Urban Meyer leads a rousing version of the “Cupid Shuffle” on Georgia’s 50-yard-line after his team’s first score. Unfortunately for Florida, that won’t come until the game is well out of reach. Georgia running back Knowshon Moreno runs effortlessly through the brittle teeth of the Gators defense, as the ‘Dogs take sole possession of first place in the SEC East.

Georgia 35, Florida 24

AD: Georgia’s defense is going to show why it’s one of the best in the country when it completely shuts down Florida quarterback Tebow. The “Dawgs D” isn’t going to let the reigning Heisman winner out of the backfield — just like last season when Tebow totaled minus 15 yards on the ground.

Georgia 24, Florida 10