Sep 24, 2011

Week 4 Preview - Top 25


Jordan Kuehne
Week 4 College Football Picks

September 23rd, 2011 – My undefeated reign came crashing back to earth last weekend after I missed out on a pair of upset picks and saw Pittsburgh somehow blow a 17 point fourth quarter advantage against Iowa (thinking ACC much?). After a week full of controversy and conference realignment chatter, I’m ready to get back into action with another batch of picks. This weekend once again brings us another slate chock full of exciting matchups led off by an SEC power against a possible future SEC power in Morgantown, WV. Enjoy the games everybody!

Last Week: 25-4
Season: 42-4

#2 LSU @ #16 West Virginia -- #2 LSU: 20, #16 West Virginia: 17
LSU’s got a dynamic defense. West Virginia features a mobile dual threat QB and a rugged environment that welcomes College Gameday. This battle of two powers may come down to who can hold onto the ball longest. Look for the Tigers to win there and grab the W.

KEY MATCHUP: LSU Defensive Line vs. QB Geno Smith – This matchup centers around LSU’s beastly D-Line against Geno Smith’s mobility. If the Tigers can stop Smith’s legs, they’ll stop his game.

#14 Arkansas @ #3 Alabama -- #3 Alabama: 31, #14 Arkansas: 20
A classic SEC showdown in Tuscaloosa, this will be a huge test for Arkansas QB Tyler Wilson. While he has one of the best WR corp. in the nation, Wilson goes against the top D in the nation in their own backyard. Behind Trent Richardson and solid ball control, the Tide should roll to a big conference win.

KEY MATCHUP: Alabama Defense vs. QB Tyler Wilson – A swarming D with serious speed will look to knock down Wilson on every play. Whether or not he can handle the pressure will determine what slim chances the ‘Hogs have to win this matchup.

#7 Oklahoma State @ #8 Texas A&M -- #7 Oklahoma State: 38, #8 Texas A&M: 35
This game has all the fixings to be a shootout. Whether it’s the top pass offense in the nation (Cowboys) or a duel threat rushing attack (Aggies), both teams have little regard for defense. Oklahoma State Heisman candidate Justin Blackmon will open up the field for the visitors and grab a late touchdown to snag the final Big 12 victory for Oklahoma State in College Station.

KEY MATCHUP: Oklahoma State WR Justin Blackmon vs. Anybody – Can anyone stop Blackmon? Highly unlikely. While his streak of 14 straight games with over 100 yards receiving came to a halt last weekend, look for the dynamic future top-5 pick to start a new one in style today.

#11 Florida State @ #21 Clemson -- #11 Florida State: 21, #21 Clemson: 20
Florida State’s got a strong defense, as evidenced in limiting Oklahoma’s potent offense to just 23 points last weekend. Clemson is coming off a huge win for Dabo Swinney against Auburn, ending the Tigers’ losing streak to their SEC foes. Quite simply, this matchup likely comes down to who plays QB for the Seminoles – EJ Manuel is hurting and may not go. If that’s the case, look for Clemson to bring the heat and hurry the visitor’s signal caller. 

KEY MATCHUP: Florida State QB vs. Clemson D – With the question of who plays the role of starting QB for the ‘Noles in the air, it will be crucial that the eventual starter avoids turnovers and controls possession in Death Valley. The swarming Clemson D ate up Auburn last weekend after a slow start and will look to do the same in a big ACC matchup.

Missouri @ #1 Oklahoma -- #1 Oklahoma: 42, Missouri: 24

Tulsa @ #4 Boise State -- #4 Boise State: 52, Tulsa: 21

South Dakota @ #6 Wisconsin -- #6 Wisconsin: 70, South Dakota: 0

#9 Nebraska @ Wyoming -- #9 Nebraska: 45, Wyoming: 27

#10 Oregon @ Arizona -- #10 Oregon: 38, Arizona: 21

Vanderbilt @ #12 South Carolina -- #12 South Carolina: 34, Vanderbilt: 16

#13 Virginia Tech @ Marshall -- #13 Virginia Tech: 33, Marshall: 20

#15 Florida @ Kentucky -- #15 Florida: 31, Kentucky: 10

Rice @ #17 Baylor -- #17 Baylor: 49, Rice: 7

UTEP @ #18 South Florida -- #18 South Florida: 45, UTEP: 13

Portland State @ #20 TCU -- #20 TCU: 59, Portland State: 3

San Diego State @ #22 Michigan -- #22 Michigan: 37, San Diego State: 28

UPSET SPECIAL: #23 USC @ Arizona State – Arizona State: 34, #23 USC: 30

Western Michigan @ #24 Illinois -- #24 Illinois: 45, Western Michigan: 17

North Carolina @ #25 Georgia Tech -- #25 Georgia Tech: 42, UNC: 27



Notre Dame @ Pittsburgh – Notre Dame: 31, Pittsburgh: 23

Georgia @ Ole Miss – Georgia: 34, Ole Miss: 17

Temple @ Maryland – Maryland: 24, Temple: 23

Colorado @ Ohio State – Ohio State: 27, Colorado: 13

Southern Miss @ Virginia – Southern Miss: 35, Virginia: 31

Cal @ Washington – Cal: 28, Washington: 20

Kansas State @ Miami (FL) – Miami (FL): 34, Kansas State: 21

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