Here are the CU Independent sport section staff’s picks for the week:
Amanda Walck – Sports Editor – Overall: 7-1, Last Week: 7-1
(13) Kansas 35, (19) South Florida 28 – Kansas looks pretty much the same as they did last season, but Todd Reesing has his work cut out for him against the Bulls’ defense. This should be a good one.
Nevada 17, (6) Missouri 38 – Missouri is definitely the real deal. If Chase Daniel can play a clean game, this one will be an easy win for the Tigers.
(14) East Carolina 28, Tulane 13 – Beating Virginia Tech and West Virginia is quite an accomplishment for the Pirates. Besides, Tulane has lost 33 consecutive games against ranked opponents. Yeah.
UCLA 24, (18) BYU 31 – Even though they looked a bit shaky last week against Washington, the Cougars will be ready to take on the Bruins. It’s starting to feel like a rivalry between these two with all the meetings they’ve had recently.
(2) Georgia 31, South Carolina 21 – This SEC matchup should give the Bulldogs the No. 1 spot they deserve. Not to mention the fact that South Carolina has just disappointed me so far.
(5) Ohio State 21, (1) USC 31 – The Trojans should be able to pull out a win in this highly-anticipated home game in sunny California. This battle of the champions should be an interesting one, though, especially if both teams can find a rhythm on offense.
(10) Wisconsin 28, (21) Fresno State 24 – The Badgers may have a ranking that is higher than they deserve, but they are still a solid team. Fresno State won’t go away without a fight though, and they will give Wisconsin their first real challenge of the season.
(25) West Virginia 31, Colorado 28 – As much as I love my Buffs, I just have a feeling that West Virginia will be out for blood. Nothing makes for an angry team out for revenge like the embarrassment the Mountaineers experienced after last week’s game. Colorado has to improve from what they put out last week if they want to have a chance.
Brad Cochi – Assistant Sports Editor – Overall: 7-1, Last Week: 7-1
(13) Kansas 28, (19) South Florida 31- South Florida really showed what they were made of last week, earning a tough overtime win over a Central Florida team that is better than most people think. I think they learned a lot about themselves as a team and what they are capable of. This will be a close game but I’m taking South Florida.
Nevada 10, (6) Missouri 42- Chase Daniel will put some big numbers up on the scoreboard for Missouri and lead the Tigers past Nevada this weekend to stay unbeaten. In fact, I don’t think they have a chance of losing until the play Texas in week seven. I wonder if they even know who they are playing this week.
(14) East Carolina 27, Tulane 13 – If the same East Carolina team that beat Virginia Tech and then shocked the nation against West Virginia shows up, this game will barely be a struggle.
UCLA 21, (18) BYU 17- Norm Chow will simplify things for his inexperienced quarterback and play-calling will prevail in this tight game. UCLA will be back in the top 25 after this weekend’s games are through.
(2) Georgia 41, South Carolina 13 – Georgia is going to steamroll the Gamecocks. This rivalry is hardly a rivalry these days.
(5) Ohio State 17, (1) USC 24 – I’m not buying into all the hype surrounding this game. This is a No. 1 team playing a No. 5 team that doesn’t deserve to be ranked that high. I understand that over the past couple years this has become quite the college football rivalry and a matchup between two teams who have seemed to be playing in a league of their own, but last week Ohio State made a not so great Ohio team look like USC. What will the actual Trojans look like on the field this weekend? Ohio? I think not.
(10) Wisconsin 38, (21) Fresno State 31- Two teams who, so far this season, have played average opponents. Two teams who will be tested by one another this week. Two- the number of games Wisconsin has played this season. One- the number of games Fresno State has played. Two is better than one. That makes sense right?
(25) West Virginia 38, Colorado 27 – The Buffs will prove once again that they are a solid team that can put points on the scoreboard and play physically on defense. However, they are not ready for the national spotlight just yet. Darrell Scott will have a breakout game this week, but Pat White will come to Boulder this week looking to make up for the let down he had last week. He is due for about five touchdowns or so. He’ll get them.
Brent New – Sports Writer – Overall: 7-1, Last Week: 7-1
(13) Kansas 28, (19) South Florida 17 – The South Florida Bulls’ secondary is as soft as left-out butter. Look for the Jayhawks’ experienced receiver-corps to go deep early, and often.
Nevada 13, (6) Missouri 41 – The only thing the Tigers will be anxious about is when to pull Chase Daniel- 30 points? 40? 50? Empathy for Nevada might save Mizzou a kneecap or two. Don’t expect Daniel to play long after intermission.
(14) East Carolina 21, Tulane 17 – This game should be a breeze for East Carolina after beating two top-dog Virginia schools- but it won’t be. That’s the problem for this overachieving program. How long can they keep their head above water?
UCLA 21, (18) BYU 20 – 0:00 left on the clock and all BYU has to do is hit the extra point to send the game into overtime. Wouldn’t it be nice if Karma were on your side?
(2) Georgia 20, South Carolina 7 – Georgia was thrown from the No. 1 rank without even losing a game. That plus a generally faster and more talented team will prove to be the difference over South Carolina. Eh, you wouldn’t want to be a fan rushing the field in the state of Carolina anyways.
(5) Ohio State 10, (1) USC 31 – Without starting running back Chris Wells and the recent news that freshman quarterback Terrelle Pryor has the starting role under center, just lowered the probability of an upset from slim to none.
(10) Wisconsin 28, (21) Fresno State 7 – Over-hyped with the upset over an underachieving Rutgers, don’t expect for Fresno State to play any better than a WAC team on an emotional high.
(25) West Virginia 20, Colorado 24 – West Virginia is not as good as they seem on paper. Expect the “Rodriguez wouldn’t have gone 1-2” talks to surface as soon as the game is over. After the Eastern Washington win, a real win will be nice for Boulder fans.
Ryan Atherton – Sports Writer – Overall: 7-1, Last Week: 7-1
(13) Kansas 28, (19) South Florida 31 – The Jayhawks keep proving they are for real, but I think that changes tonight with a big win by the Bulls.
Nevada 10, (6) Missouri 56 – The Tigers are really good and Nevada doesn’t stand a chance.
(14) East Carolina 24, Tulane 10 – East Carolina proved they were legit these past two weeks. There is no way they have a let-down.
UCLA 16, (18) BYU 27 – Kevin Craft threw four interceptions in one half. This was at home. BYU is better than Tennessee so expect a rough day for the Bruin quarterback.
(2) Georgia 24, South Carolina 17 – Big win for the Bulldogs as they go to this hostile territory. Matthew Stafford has looked exceptionally good this year so look for a solid game from him.
(5) Ohio State 17, (1) USC 34 – The Buckeyes get killed every time they play someone good. I mean look at the last two championships.
(10) Wisconsin 14, (21) Fresno State 31 – The Bulldogs smash this Big 10 opponent as once again you will see the Big 10 is weak and that there are real good non BCS schools.
(25) West Virginia 31, Colorado 35 – The Buffs are the underdogs, but they don’t play like it. J Fly takes one to the house in this upset.
Constance Ray – Sports Writer – Overall: 6-2, Last Week: 6-2
(13) Kansas 24, (19) South Florida 17 – Jayhawks still looking good, anything new?
Nevada 17, (6) Missouri 34 – As long as Missouri does not get too confident they will get the W.
(14) East Carolina 21, Tulane 10 – East Carolina is on a roll, having beat West Virginia and Virginia Tech the past two weeks.
UCLA 10, (18) BYU 17 – This will be a good close game but BYU wins by a touchdown late in the second half.
(2) Georgia 21, South Carolina 14 – Even with a close score the bulldogs dominate on defense and offense.
(5) Ohio State 21, (1) USC 17 – Ohio State taking out the number one team with a powerful and anxious offensive team.
(10) Wisconsin 28, (21) Fresno State 34 – Fresno State takes full advantage of playing on their home field and improve their ranking.
(25) West Virginia 28, Colorado 21 – Buffs put up an impressive fight but West Virginia is hungry for a win.
Connor Fleming – Sports Writer – Overall: 6-2, Last Week: 6-2
(13) Kansas 31, (19) South Florida 28 – Reesing outshines Grothe in this battle featuring two of the nations’ top quarterbacks.
Nevada 10, (6) Missouri 42 – Chase Daniel uses this game to do little more than pad his Heisman resume as the Tigers roll over Nevada.
(14) East Carolina 24, Tulane 14 – ECU takes a bit of a breather after their stunning upsets over Virginia Tech and West Virginia and does the predictable thing by beating Tulane.
UCLA 17, (18) BYU 31 – The gap between Los Angeles football teams will be revealed this week when UCLA struggles and loses to BYU while USC defeats Ohio State.
(2) Georgia 35, South Carolina 7 – The Bulldogs remain in the national championship picture with a key victory on the road at South Carolina.
(5) Ohio State 14, (1) USC 28 – USC reveals the Ohio State university to be nothing more than a BCS pretender and themselves to be the national favorite.
(10) Wisconsin 17, (21) Fresno State 14 – Wisconsin is quietly mounting a Big Ten and Rose Bowl challenge. They continue on that path with a victory over Fresno State.
(25) West Virginia 21, Colorado 24 – West Virginia is overwhelmed by the amount of black shirts in Folsom and is defeated.Hopefully.
Kelly Kirksey – Sports Writer – Overall: 5-3, Last Week: 5-3
(13) Kansas 35, (19) South Florida 21 – After the Jayhawks’ success in the Orange Bowl and their amazing start I think they will be able to stay on top of their rank, especially with the magic of their young quarterback.
Nevada 17, (6) Missouri 38 – Puh-lease, I think the Heisman Trophy finalist will be able to prove himself for another time against Nevada but the defense is going to need to work hard too.
(14) East Carolina 27, Tulane 21 – I think Tulane will put up a good fight because they do have a nice winning streak against the Pirates in New Orleans but East Carolina has been excellent so far and I don’t think they will give it up to the Green Wave.
UCLA 31, (18) BYU 21 – I think BYU has gotten lucky in their first two games and the Bruins are about to end their good luck.
(2) Georgia 24, South Carolina 3 – The Bulldogs have one talented team this year, and while the Gamecocks have a few standout players they will not enough be to stop Georgia.
(5) Ohio State 31, (1) USC 27 – With Wells back in the game this week I think his running and the Buckeye offense can wear down the Trojans and pull the top ranking crown off their heads.
(10) Wisconsin 28, (21) Fresno State 31 – The Badgers are entering Bulldog territory and I think Fresno State will be able to pull off a win in their own territory.
(25) West Virginia 27, Colorado 24 – I think the Buffs will be able to keep it a close game but in the end West Virginia will pull away.
Ron Knabenbauer – Sports Writer – Overall: 5-3, Last Week: 5-3
(13) Kansas 17, (19) South Florida 27 – Kansas may have had a good season last year, but there is only one way to go after a season like that, down. The Bulls of South Florida were a really good team last year, and I think it will be more of the same this season beginning with Kansas on Friday night.
Nevada 13, (6) Missouri 41 – I would love to see Nevada beat Missouri, but unlike Kansas, Missouri can back up the season they had last year. Daniel is a future MVP in the NFL, if he keeps his head straight.
(14) East Carolina 24, Tulane 14 – After beating Virginia Tech and West Virginia, East Carolina is on the border of being a Top 5 team this season. They should have no problem against Tulane.
UCLA 21, (18) BYU 27 – It wouldn’t have mattered from what distance Washington kicked the extra point last week, they were going to lose anyways to BYU. The Cougars are a really good team, and even though they face a revamped Bruin squad, I think those boys from Provo will get a win at home.
(2) Georgia 38, South Carolina 21 – The Bulldogs get their first look at an SEC opponent in the Gamecocks, but I think they’ll prove to the pollsters why they were the number one team to start the year.
(5) Ohio State 29, (1) USC 32 – It’s been called the game of the year, when the Buckeyes head to sunny So Cal to face Pete Carroll’s Trojans. This game will live up to expectations and might be better than the National Championship game later this year. Home field advantage is going to be the key that will help the Trojans beat Ohio State. Also, USC has this guy named Sanchez who is looking like he’ll become a future Carson Palmer or Matt Leinart.
(10) Wisconsin 38, (21) Fresno State 21 – Fresno State is looking to reclaim their spot on top of the WAC, but it isn’t going to happen this week with Big Ten power Wisconsin coming into Fresno’s dog house.
(25) West Virginia 27, Colorado 21 – I would love to see the Buffs beat the Mountaineers in front of a primetime audience, but unfortunately, I don’t think it will happen. West Virginia has a possible Heisman candidate in quarterback Pat White, who looks very similar to Donovan McNabb when he played in the Big East. However, West Virginia might not be the team we all thought they were with their loss to ECU last week (or ECU might just be crazy good). I’ll say the Buffs will keep it close but lose in the end. I hope I’m wrong.
