JN The Spartans have choked this season away and the Skunks have proven they can squeak out wins against Eastern Michigan and Indiana at home. But what encompasses Paul Bunyan and his trophy better? A massive warrior recognized through history as one of the most feared individuals in society? Or a slimy weasel that you can pick up and hide in a backpack? U-M fans better get used to hearing this all day Saturday: 1,2,3 … first down, RICH! Don’t cry, coach. It’s just a loss. Save those tears for when the NCAA comes down on you.

MSU 34, U-M 31

MB This is the game everybody’s been waiting for. Too bad it’s the first weekend of October. With no national attention for this one, it will be a gritty, no-frills game that will probably be an offensive shootout. Neither team’s defense can stop anybody right now and the offenses have looked pretty good. MSU needs to run the ball and Glenn Winston needs to hit the hole and burst through like his life depends on it. And Tate Forcier better hope Greg Jones doesn’t flat-out remove his injured shoulder from his body.

MSU 42, U-M 38

CV The game might not get the national attention it deserves, but it is still the biggest event in the state. The forecast says rain so the Spartans will need to have a big game from their running back, whoever it might be. I initially expected this game to have an over/under of more than 100 points, but with the rain, the shootout people expect may not happen. I hope it doesn’t rain, because I want to see the shootout everyone expects.

U-M 35, MSU 31

HC With the U-M program back on track on offense, the defense still is questionable. Will the Spartans’ coaches make adjustments or do the Wolverines smack them at home when the coaches don’t remain set in their ways? I say this is the biggest game of Mark Dantonio’s head coaching career and the Spartans win a shootout.

MSU 31, U-M 28

No. 8 Oklahoma vs. No 17 Miami (Fla.)

8 p.m., ABC

JN I picked the ‘U’ correctly to lose last week to the Hokies. This week will be different. Oklahoma is not the same team without Sam Bradford. The Sooners will have their hands full with Jacory Harris and the ’Canes will continue their BCS push in a shootout.

Miami (FL) 42, Oklahoma 38

MB Even without Sam Bradford, Oklahoma should have more than enough in the tank to beat Miami. The Hurricanes have been a nice story and all so far this season, but they’re still way ahead of the curve. Oklahoma will join Virginia Tech in bringing them back to reality.

Oklahoma 49, Miami (FL) 28

CV Miami’s loss to Virginia Tech dampened this game a little bit, but the ‘U’ is back and there is no better time for Sooner quarterback Sam Bradford to return. Playing at home, I expect the Hurricanes to come out flying and Jacory Harris will have a big game for Miami.

Miami 38, Oklahoma, 31

HC To see the Miami program under such a great guy as Randy Shannon is a good thing. They are loaded with talent, albeit young. With great quarterback play they should stay in the game. If Bradford plays for OU, pick the Sooners. If not, take the ’Canes.

Oklahoma 23, Miami (FL) 20