Week 3: Games of the Week

Last weekend was packed with games that to the untrained eye appeared to be solid, but that didn't turn out to be the case. Penn State and Alabama turned into a route. Ohio State and Miami was a closer game but it never looked like the Buckeyes lost control.

The only major upset from the week was Virginia Tech losing to James Madison at home. Georgia Tech losing to Kansas was a minor surprise but not that much in the grand scheme of things.

This week should be just as good if not better in terms of entertaining football.

Best Top 25 Battle!

Iowa @ Arizona

Talk about a game that has the best of both worlds. Arizona has be dominating on offense this season. While it may have been against inferior competition, the Wildcats have been impressive to say the least. The Hawkeyes on the other had have looked solid on all sides of the football, but it's the defense that will be put to the test.

This should be an exciting game because of the contrasting styles of both teams. The power running game against the spread. A stout run defense versus a solid defensive secondary. Both teams play a completely different styles of football, and whoever plays their style the best wins this one.

Boynton's Badgers Prediction:

You've heard that defense wins championships. Well in this one defense wins football games. The front seven of Iowa should get pressure on Nick Folls and force him to make quick decisions. When those decisions aren't the right ones the Hawkeyes will either take over the field position game or create turnovers. Once that happens Ricky Stanzi and the Iowa offense will take advantage.

Best Rivalry Game!

Florida @ Tennessee

Another game of teams in two totally different situations and whoever can correct their mistakes the best will win this one. Florida has started out slow in each of their first two games this season, but this isn't Miami (OH) or South Florida, this is Tennessee. Not only does Florida have to get of the gate faster; they have to do it on the road in Knoxville.

The Volunteers on the other hand need to finish what they've started. Last week it looked like Tennessee was on the verge of upsetting Oregon in Knoxville after jumping out to a 13-3 lead in the second quarter. The Ducks then ran off 45 unanswered points, and the Vols went from upset to embarrassment.

Boynton's Badgers Prediction

While the Florida defense have kept the Gators in games early so far this season; they have yet to try to do that on the road. Knoxville is not exactly the best place to make peace with your sins. If the Gators' offense comes out flat like they have in the first two games...it will be a long trip back to Gainseville. Unfortunately the Vols have already learned from their sins. Tennesse should come out with the attitude needed to finish the game off and start of fast. Not to mention playing in front of 100,000 of your own fans against a rival will help Tennessee.

Upset Special!

Nebraska @ Washington

Another game with a stout defense against a solid offense. This is an outside pick for the upset of the week, but Washington does have perhaps the best quarterback in the country. Jake Locker has already put up 555 yards this season with five touchdowns; all while not throwing a single interception in the first two weeks.

The Cornhuskers on the other hand feature one of the best defenses in the country, but the offense leaves much to be desired in reality. So far this season the offense has been very impressive for Nebraska, but that comes against Western Kentucky, and Idaho. The defense will be the major play maker for Nebraska in this game, but the offense will need to be able to make plays late.

Boynton's Badgers Prediction

It's a rather bold pick, but we are going with the upset for this one. The Cornhuskers defense is solid, but if Locker can comes up with a big drive to start the game, that could give the Huskies the confidence they need. While Washington struggled against a strong defense in the season opening loss to BYU, they did have to do it at home. Now it's Nebraska's turn to go on the road for the first time this season, and it should be intresting to see how their freshman quarterback Taylor Martinez responds in a hostile environment. And if you don't think Washington can pull an upset at home...just ask USC about their trip to the "Apple State" last season.