Today's Games Are Kind of Bad

I'll try and not go 1-4 this week.

1. Miami vs. Oklahoma

Jacory Harris couldn't handle the pressure in the rain last week against Virginia Tech. It's not going to get any easier for him this week as Oklahoma's defensive line features two future NFL starters in DeMarcus Granger and Gerald McCoy.

With Landry Jones getting the start on the road over injured Sam Bradford, Oklahoma will likely try to grind out points with the ground game. Virginia Tech was able to rack up 272 rushing yards on the Canes, who just a week prior were able to shutdown Georgia Tech's vaunted wishbone offense.

I expect a low scoring defensive battle, and unfortunately for the U their defense does not stack up to Oklahoma's.

Oklahoma 17
Miami 14

2. Cal vs. USC

In any other year I would have penciled in USC to win this game without thinking twice, but this USC team looks like it could be the weakest since Pete Carrol's first year. Jahvid Best will be looking to get revenge after being bottled up last year by the Trojans (30 yards on 13 carries), but you can bet Carrol will load the box and make Kevin Riley beat them.

Cal looked absolutely atrocious last week giving up 42 points and 524 yards to an Oregon offense that hadn't shown much life this year. This doesn't bode well when going up against that USC offensive line and Joe McKnight. USC always takes care of business when it comes to taking control of the Pac 10, and even though this years edition isn't as strong as years past, I think they'll still get it done.

USC 24
Cal 14

3. LSU vs. Georgia

I don't think LSU is very good, but neither is Georgia. The Georgia offense has woken up some since being beaten down by Oklahoma State on opening weekend, but the defense still gives up too many yards and doesn't create enough turnovers.

LSU's offense looks about as pedestrian as last year's, although QB Jordan Jefferson is much less turnover prone than his predecessor, pick six artist Jarrett Lee. The passing game may have improved a little but the ground game has regressed as neither Charles Scott nor Keiland Williams have been able to get on track.

This game could be a defensive slugfest or an offensive shootout, I really have no idea. I'll go with something in the middle.

Georgia 27
LSU 24

4. Auburn vs. Tennessee

Gus Malzahn's offense against Monte Kiffin's defense. It should be an epic battle and the elder Kiffin and Eric Berry will no doubt be able to slow down Auburn's second ranked offense.

Unfortunately for Tennessee, Auburn plays defense much better than Tennessee plays offense.

Auburn 28
Tennessee 14

5. Michigan vs. Michigan State

Tate Forcier has got RichRod's offense humming, but the Michigan defense needs work. Michigan State at 1-3 needs this game to turns its season around. Mark Dantonio is too good of a coach to start the season 1-4 and it's about time for Michigan to come back to Earth a little.

MSU 35
Michigan 31