Matt Bishop: This is an interesting game for the Spartans. Central Michigan brings a talented team into Spartan Stadium but struggled in its season opener against Arizona, losing 19-6. Quarterback Dan LeFevour has proven himself to be the real deal for the Chippewas, but MSU’s defense is hungry and ready to go following last week’s game against Montana State in which it only allowed three points. This will be a heated game, but MSU is too talented to allow the Chips to steal one in East Lansing.

MSU 34, Central Michigan 17

Chris Vannini: When you look at this game, a shoot-out comes to mind, as it should. LeFevour is going to end his career as one of the most productive players in NCAA history. I expect Central to put up its fair share of points, but I see the Spartans scoring more and the reason is the defense. Central’s defense is questionable. They ranked last in the MAC in pass defense last season and I see quarterbacks Kirk Cousins and Keith Nichol both having successful days and continuing their battle for another week.

MSU 42, Central Michigan 28

Joey Nowak: The key this weekend for the Spartans will be how strong they hold down the fort. If they allow Chippewas fans to take over East Lansing and Spartan Stadium, the Central football team could soon forget they’re walking into a Big Ten stadium. LeFevour has played in big games against quality opponents, but this is a super-magnified stage for him: senior year, in-state school and a chance to redeem the Chips’ poor offensive performance from last weekend. It’s a shame though — not gonna happen.

MSU 32, Central Michigan 16

Alex Difilippo: If you’re a Central fan, this game is a win-win situation. If Central loses, you can brush it off saying, “MSU was supposed to win because they’re a bigger school.” But somehow, if the Chips find a way to win, MSU fans will never hear the end of it from their friends at Central. That being said, I’m confident the Spartans will take care of business and easily handle the Chips on Saturday. The game stays close for the first quarter then the Spartans crush those lofty dreams by halftime.

MSU 27, Central Michigan 10

Michigan vs. Notre Dame

3:30 p.m., ABC

MB: Hype Bowl 2009 is upon us! Michigan looked swell last week against Western Michigan and Notre Dame rolled Nevada, which means these two teams should be ranked No. 1 and No. 2. Back in reality, both these teams could be a product of hype. We’ll see which one is just putting on a brave front in this game. If U-M quarterback Nick Sheridan sees the field for long periods of time, expect a Notre Dame win. In fact, just expect a Notre Dame win regardless of who spends time behind center for U-M.

Notre Dame 24, U-M 19

CV: Both teams’ fight songs are undeniably two of the best in the nation, but are overplayed and certainly will be at this game. For the play on the field, I expect Notre Dame quarterback Jimmy Clausen to have a better day than Michigan’s talented freshmen. Notre Dame has too many receivers and will overwhelm U-M’s secondary, which is short on depth. This game also could become a shoot-out, but Clausen’s experience along with Notre Dame’s defense will lead the Irish to victory.

Notre Dame 34, U-M 24

JN: I will be the first to admit that I was way off in my prediction of the Michigan-Western Michigan game (but for God’s sake, please keep Nick Sheridan on the sidelines with his helmet off and a headset on). Bad news, though. Taking out the Broncos in front of 100,000—plus at the Big House is not the same as going up against a ranked and much—improved Notre Dame team. And this is a Notre Dame team that had its way with U-M last year. Some things never change.

Notre Dame 34, U-M 14

AD: Both teams looked impressive in their Week 1 victories. But then again, they weren’t playing teams that should have given them any serious trouble. Even though it’s only Week 2, this game feels like a must-win for both teams already. U-M has won four of their last five games against Notre Dame in the Big House, but I like Notre Dame in this game. Plus, if Notre Dame wins, MSU should climb the rankings when they head down to South Bend, Ind., and easily handle the Irish next week.

Notre Dame 21, U-M 17

Ohio State vs. Southern Cal.

8 p.m., ABC

MB: Looking to avenge last year’s 35-3 loss to the Trojans, Ohio State is going to have to play mistake-free football to have a shot at winning.

USC 28, Ohio State 14

CV: If Ohio State had trouble with Navy, imagine what USC is going to do. I want the Buckeyes to win, but I don’t see it happening.

USC 24, Ohio State 7

JN: This is the year. Ohio State’s got the goods, it’s at their place and I would hope they have a bit of a fire in their belly from last year.

Ohio State 27, USC 24

AD: The Buckeyes have a knack for folding on the big stage and I’m expecting that again, even if it’s at the Horseshoe.

USC 27, Ohio State 24