Jamal Anderson's Blog – Jam's World

There are some big games today, especially in the Pac 10, Big 12 & SEC. Here are the games I will be watching or at the least keeping and eye on today. As usual, I will start with my Utes. The rankings are based on each teams BCS standing right now.

Wyoming v #16 Utah

Wyoming is an improved team, and Utah has to be more consistent on offense, especially with TCU is on the horizon. The Utes have to be focused, and try to put together a few solid games in a row on both sides of the ball. My Pick: Utah

#5 USC v #10 Oregon

The Trojans always have a time time playing in Oregon, and today will surely be the toughest test for USC so far. The Ducks are on fire right now, and USC’s defense has to play better than they have the past few weeks if they expect to win. If the Trojans can’t contain Oregon’s QB, Jeremiah Masoli, they are in for a long day. This game will be decided by the team with the least turnovers, and Matt Barkley will need to come up big for USC. The Trojans need to use their full arsenal of running backs today, and keep the ball away from Masoli.  My Pick: USC

#3 Texas v #14 Oklahoma State

Texas finally put if all together last week, especially Colt McCoy. Dez Bryant is done for the season, but the Cowboys will get Kendall Hunter back so that will help. Zac Robinson will give the Texas defense all they can handle, and a big day will surely spell defeat for the Longhorns today. I think Texas will be ready to stop the Cowboys offense, but playing in Stillwater can be treacherous. My Pick: Texas

#1 Florida v Georgia

Florida is not the explosive offensive group that we have come to know, but they still have Tim Tebow. Because this a huge rivalry game, and based on the overall talent, Georgia certainly has a chance. The Dogs have been up and down all season, but they know a win today can easily erase any of that disappointment. I think Florida is too strong, and expect them to be prepared today. My Pick: Florida

#22 South Carolina v Tennessee

The Gamecocks head to Knoxville today against a determined Volunteer team. Lane Kiffin has already tuned this program around as Tennessee is a very difficult team to beat. If the Vols continue today, to play the way they have the past few weeks, I expect them to be able to beat Spurrier & Co. My Pick: Tennessee

Southern Miss v #18 Houston

Houston has rebounded well from the their lone lost at the hands of UTEP a few weeks ago. Winners of the last three, today the Cougars defense must contain the Golden Eagles ground attack to stay atop the Conference USA standings. Houston’s Casey Keenum leads the nation in passing yards and total offense, Keenum’s outstanding play should continue today. My Pick: Houston

Indiana v #4 Iowa

Winners of two of the last three of these games, Indiana is coming off of a big let down against Northwestern as they head to Iowa to take on the lone undefeated team in the Big Ten. Conversely, QB Ricky Stanzi of Iowa engineered a last second drive a week ago against Michigan State to keep Iowa atop the Big Ten. Iowa will not forget homecoming two years ago when Indiana showed up and beat them. My Pick: Iowa

#25 Ole Miss v Auburn

Auburn has owned Ole Miss in this series history, but Houston Nutt has thus far really put the Rebels back on the map. After all of the preseason hype, Jevan Snead has settled down and put together the best string of games he’s had in the past three weeks. Auburn has to force Snead into bad throws with constant pressure, and they must contain the always dangerous Dexter McCluster.
The Rebels will have their hands full trying to slow down Auburn’s RB Ben Tate. Any failure to do so will lead to an Auburn victory. I like the Rebels in this game, but it is very difficult to pick against Auburn at home, especially when these teams match up very well. My Pick: Auburn

#11 Georgia Tech v Vanderbilt

Tech is focused, prepared and simply too physical for Vandy to really stand a chance outside of a complete and total let down.
I cannot say enough about the Job that Paul Johnson has done at Tech, in only two years, without a full recruiting call of his own.
Jackets will roll today, again. My Pick: Georgia Tech

#18 Miami v Wake Forrest

After suffering last weeks defeat to CJ Spiller and Clemson, I doubt the Hurricanes will be as lack luster against Wake Forrest. Miami just did not looked prepared a week ago, I suspect Randy Shannon will make sure that will be different today. Wake’s QB Riley Skinner is streaky, but still ranks among the ACC’s top passers. If Riley shines today, it could be another long day for the Hurricanes. Expect Jacory Harris and the Hurricanes to get back on track today. My Pick: Miama

Well, there you go, at least how I see some of these games playing out. Happy Halloween to all, and for the record, we are 19-3 in our college football picks.

J*A*M