Separation Saturday

This Saturday is far and away the biggest weekend of the young season...so far anyway. Seven games are between ranked opponents Saturday which is the most on one weekend since 1995. So I'm going to get out of my 'norm a little bit here and instead of previewing and predicting three games, I will preview and predict all seven of these matchups.

#17 Miami (FL) at #12 Louisville 2:30 - ABC

Louisville has been on the verge of turning into a national powerhouse the last few seasons. They lack a win against a big time opponent is their only problem and here is their chance to overcome that. Miami brings in one of the top defenses in the nation while the Cardinals pride themselves on putting points on the board. The Cardinals haven't had a real test this year, beating up on the likes of Kentucky and Temple. Miami fell to Florida State the first weekend of the season after leading most of the game. Without Michael Bush it will be difficult for Louisville to get a ground game going. I expect the 'Canes defense to stand tall in this one, and put just enough points on the board to sneak by.

Miami 24 Louisville 21

Oklahoma at Oregon 3:30 - ABC

Oklahoma looked awful at times against Washington last weekend. Ask the likes of highly rated Wisconsin and Michigan teams what its like to open on the road against Oregon. Not usually good news for teams from the midwest. I don't know a whole lot about the Ducks this year, besides the fact that their uniforms somehow managed to get even uglier this offseason. With that said though I like Oregon to pull out a nail-bitter in Autzen.

Oregon 27 Oklahoma 23

#24 Texas Tech at #20 TCU

TCU currently holds the longest winning streak in D-1 college football. They host in-state rival Texas Tech this weekend. The Horned Frogs are looking to make a BCS bowl this year, but they have to get by the Red Raiders if they want to do that. TCU's pass defense has been suspect at times this season, something they can't afford to have against TTech.

Texas Tech 34 TCU 28

#19 Nebraska at #4 USC 7:00 ABC

Nebraska wants to make their return to the top official by knocking off the Trojans on Saturday night in LA. Cornerback Andre Jones for the Huskers all but guaranteed victory this Saturday for his team. Good look with that, buddy. Nebraska travels to a place where victories are hard to come by. USC will probably play down to Nebraska's level for most of the game but Booty-call and the Trojans will walk out on top, proving the Huskers are still (at least) another year away.

USC 38 Nebraska 21

#7 Florida at #13 Tennessee - 7:00 CBS

The lower ranked team seems to own this series as of lately, winning four out of the last five and six of the last eight. Tennessee has shown promise this season and looks like they could be a threat in the SEC East. This game will most likely determine who represents the east in the SEC title game. Florida has blown out two insuperior foes this year while the Vols blew a highly touted Cal team out of the water in week one, and nearly fell victims to Air Force last week. Erik Ainge out duels Chris Leak and the Vols win at home in this one...

Tennessee 21 Florida 13

#6 LSU at #3 Auburn 2:30 - CBS

The game of missed kicks the last few years as missed field goals or extra points have come back to bite the losing team in the ass each of the last two seasons. As the other big SEC game tonight will determine the East, this will determine who represents the West. Kenny Irons is too much of a grinding back and will emerge as a Heisman candidate after a huge day.

Auburn 24 LSU 14

#11 Michigan at #2 Notre Dame 2:30 - NBC

Michigan hasn't won its road opener since 1999. The Wolverines haven't won with Touchdown Jesus watching over them since 1994. Also though, the Irish haven't been favored in this matchup since 1994. Can Notre Dame's defense slow down Mike Hart and Kevin Grady? Can the Notre Dame offense put up enough points to win? Last week the two teams finished with the same final score of 41-17 over their opponents. Notre Dame did it to Penn State, Michigan did it to Central Michigan. Notre Dame avoids a derailment against a formidable foe and wins this one in South Bend with Rhema McKnight having a huge day. It's just too bad Bo isn't around to make sure they "Kick it to Rocket" again. Charlie Weis outcoaches Lloyd "They'll never expect this reverse" Carr and the Irish remain unbeaten.

Notre Dame 34 Michigan 17

There's my picks. So far on the young season I'm 4-2, which is not good enough, but percentage will improve this weekend. Speaking of not being good enough, those towels that were handed out last week at the Notre Dame/Penn State game are going through the roof on Ebay.