Week #3 Predictions

Record to date: 21-3 (87.5 %)
Record last week: 10-2 (83.3%)

Week#3 Predictions
My straight up picks for Week #3.  In my opinion, this week is the hardest of the non-conference slate.  I'll be happy if I go 9-3 this week.  I could do as bad as 6-6. 

Winners
Eastern Michigan @ Michigan (Michigan)
Michigan is rolling.  If Eastern Michigan assistant and former Wolverine Mike Hart thought Michigan State was Michigan's little brother, than Eastern Michigan is the baby brother.  Denard smokes Eastern Michigan. 

Penn State @ Temple (Penn State)
Everyone thinks the sky is falling in Happy Valley after the loss to 'Bama, but then again, no one picked the Lions anyway!  Puzzling...  Anyway, I think PSU wins the ol' fashoned Paterno way: solid defense and a productive running attack.  I think the 'Bama loss did have a a positive effect on Penn State in that Rob Bolden has begun to separate himself at QB.  Temple is a good team, but PSU bounces back.

Pittsburgh at Iowa (Iowa)

I like the Hawkeyes in this one.  They had a tough road game last week in Ames, but I think Ferentz rights the ship.  Home game and better running attack leads Iowa to victory.

Southeast Missouri State @ Purdue (Purdue)

In the first 2 weeks, Purdue has matched up against equal competition and split the two games.  This week, the Boilermakers are the superior product on the field and win big.

South Carolina State @ Indiana (Indiana)

Finally, the Hoosiers match up well against an opponent.  Savor the victory Indiana... there aren't many more chances on that schedule. 

Michigan State @ Notre Dame (Michigan State)

Tough pick.  On one hand, I cannot see ND losing 3 straight, especially with a home game.  On the other hand, Michigan State improved greatly from week 1 to week 2, especially defensively holding Florida Atlantic to ONE first down.  In tight games I look closest at venue, running game, and defense.  MSU has ND on two of those three and Sparty wins a tight one. 

Washington @ Nebraska (Nebraska)

I knew Fresno would play Nebraska hard.  I think that Nebraska benefits from the competition they got last week and straightens themselves out.  Nebraska wins big.

Wisconsin vs Northern Illinois in Chicago (Wisconsin)
Wisconsin has gotten off to an outstanding start, but I expect them to hit a small roadblock in Chicago.  Against a tougher foe, the Badgers could be in trouble, but this NIU team is not good enough to knock the Badgers off.  Bucky wins, but not a blowout. 

Ohio State @ Miami, FL (Ohio State)

 Toughest pick so far this season.  Prior to the season, I liked the Hurricanes to knock off the Buckeyes.  However, the close game last week may help wake the Buckeyes up out of their funk.  They also get a few players back which will help.  Harris returns for the Hurricanes at QB.  Harris is talented, but is inconsistent and is going to have to shake off some rust.  The Buckeyes eek out a victory. 

Losers
Miami, OH @ Minnesota (Miami, OH)
Fool me once, shame on you.  Fool me twice shame on me.  Prior to the season, I thought Minnesota would be terrible, and in Week #1 they nearly knock off the Trojans on the road.  Then I drank Gopher Kool Aide and they get owned by New Mexico State at home.  Therefore, I return to my previous opinion that the Gophers are a lousy football team. 

Arizona State  @ Illinois (Arizona State)
Another toughie.  Illinois played great last week.  Arizona State also played great, but against a superior opponent.  I think Arizona State narrowly beats the Illini on the road. 

Northwestern @ Army (Army) U
I think that the Wildcats have overachieved without Dan Persa.  This week, Persa is questionable.  Even with Persa starting, he will not be 100 percent.  I just think the Wildcats' luck will run out. 

U - Upset Alert (Game of the week that most likely could result in an upset)