Week 4: Games of the Week

This week is another one of those weeks that isn't great, but on the other hand it isn't that bad either. There are some great games on the slate, but the potential upsets are here and far between. So this week we're choosing games that may not be upsets, but at the same time should still be entertaining.

The Red River Rivalry

Texas vs. Oklahoma

While it isn't the same game that we've become accustomed to watching this year...it should still be a good game regardless. The Longhorns come into this game needing a win bad after their loss to UCLA last week. The Sooners on the other hand do not want to lose to their rival the week after that "shocker" took place. Both teams are not without their problems, and who ever can correct those problems the soonest should prevail in this one.

Boynton's Badgers Prediction:

This year we're going with the Sooners. While Oklahoma does not have an impressive pass defense, they do have a solid enough defense to keeep the Longhorns down. The Texas running game has been abismal this season, and not being able to run the football in this game will come back to haunt the Longhorns. Texas will try to go to the air for the most part, but without a solid ground game this one should be easier for the Sooner defense than in years past.

Put Up of Shut Up!

Virginia Tech @ NC State

Who would have thought that coming into this game it would be the Wolf Pack that would be the ranked team, and the favorite to win. Well the answer is probably not a lot of people. Since their tough loss to Boise State, and even more devastating loss to James Madison the Hokies have been looking for a stztement game, and this may be it. But don't let the titles fool you...NC State can play. The win on the road at Georgia Tech last week was a huge one, and they have the momentum before this one even starts.

Boynton's Badgers Prediction:

While NC State's win last week at Georgia Tech was huge...this win will be bigger for the Hokies. After the loss to James Madison, Virginia Tech has been searching for that big win, and this week may be it. Expect the Hokies to come out strong and hungry in this one, and as we've seen so many times in college football; the team that wants it the most will come out with the win. Not to mention the talent on Virginia Tech should be enough to put them over the edge, but this will be another close one for the Hokies.

Top Ten Throwdown!

Stanford @ Oregon

If you looked at the schedule for this season last year you'd probably think that Florida-Alabama would be the best game of the weekend. Nope...not at all. The best game this week should be between Stanford and Oregon. Both teams feature solid offenses, and Stanford brings a potential Heisman Trophy candidate to the party. While there are mixed opinoins about whether Stanford is a top ten team, there is not much argument to them being a good team. Oregon on the other hand is starting to look like a BCS darkhorse, and a Stanford win could make them that darkhorse as well.

Boynton's Badgers Prediction:

This game comes down to defenses. Stanford's defense on paper looks like the better of the two, but in reality it's Oregon in this matchup. So far this season Stanford has not played a team quite like Oregon, but when their opponents ran plays similar to the Ducks' playbook the Cardinal got burned. And the best defense against a quarterback like Andrew Luck is to keep him off the field, and that is exactly what the Ducks will do. Not to mention playing in Autzen Stadium doesn't hurt either.

Big Ten Battle!

Wisconsin @ Michigan State

An interesting game to say the least. The home team has won the last five matchups between the Badgers and Spartans, and these games tend to be close (with the exception of last season). This game also features the tenth best rushing offense (Wisconsin) versus the tenth best rushing defense (Michigan State). So something has to give.

Boynton's Badgers Prediction:

Now this isn't a "homer" pick but it is a Wisconsin victory. The key in this game is the rushing defense of Michigan State, which one paper looks solid, but in reality isn't as good as it seems. So far this season the Spartans have played the 99th, 112th, and 114th rushing offenses in the country. Not by any means solid rushing attacks by any stretch of the imagination. This game should still be close, but expect Wisconsin to pound the football and keep their defense fresh.