This Week in College Town

This upcoming week there are a few huge matchups on the college gridiron:


#19 Wisconsin vs. #25 Minnesota: Saturday at 3:30 PM

 While this match up won't receive as much national attention as others this week, the game could potentially be very intriguing. Minnesota comes off a bye week after previously beating Penn State 24-10 at home. Minnesota proved in that win that their rushing offense is a force to be reckoned with as they piled up 195 rushing yards and managed to hold the ball for eleven more minutes than Penn State.  Wisconsin on the other hand comes into the game on a five game winning streak. In their last game, they dominated Indiana 51-3 proving they are a true threat. They hope that they can jump spots in the BCS rankings and play in a BCS bowl game. Their rushing attack is very potent similar to Minnesota's's, as they currently have the sixth best rushing attack in the country.

Prediction: This game will come down to who can find ways to make big plays. In a matchup of two great rushing attacks, the quarterback play for both teams is key. In the end, I believe Wisconsin's defense will prevail.

Wisconsin: 31
Minnesota: 14


#12 Texas A&M vs #22 LSU Saturday at 3:30

This game features two flashy SEC teams with great track records. While LSU has big wins vs Florida, TCU and Auburn, they are coming off a loss to Alabama (38-17 loss). A big win at home could bolster their resume and bump them into a higher bowl. Their 38th ranked defense will have their hands full against Texas A&M's fantastic offense. The Aggies have averaged 49.2 points per game and have the fifth best pass offense thanks to their Heisman winning quarterback Johnny Manziel. The Tigers must contain him if they hope to win out home.

Prediction: This an intriguing matchup and it should be exciting watching Mike Evans battle a tough LSU secondary. LSU and A&M have both lost games against legitimate contenders in high scoring games, but I believe A&M's potent offense will overpower LSU's.

Texas A&M: 43
LSU: 39

#4 Baylor vs #10 Oklahoma State Saturday at  8:00

Similar to the game above, this game has two potent offenses. Oklahoma State has a good balance between the run and pass. Also, their defense come up big when necessary (13 points allowed vs Texas, 34 points vs top-ranked pass offense Texas Tech). On the other hand, Baylor has blown past everyone they have played, by averaging a margin of victory of 43 points. Quarterback Bryce Petty has led Baylor to and undefeated season thus far. The Bears have the 3rd best passing attack, ninth best running game, most points per game and seventh best points against per game.

Prediction: Oklahoma State has played well against good teams, but Baylor is a whole new class. Containing Bryce Petty and his weapons will be difficult. The cowboys will have success on the offensive side, but the defense will wear out over time.

Baylor: 51
Oklahoma State: 37

The Boys Are Back

This week we will see the return of two talented, versatile players. Percy Harvin of the Seattle Seahawks, and Shane Vereen of the New England Patriots. Both of these players are huge weapons that improve bot offenses substantially.
Harvin, a five year player out of Florida, showed the league that he is a big play machine. Minnesota did everything they could to get the ball in his hands, whether it be through the running game, passing game or special teams. Last year, in just nine games, Harvin accumulated 62 receptions for 677 yards (10.91 yards per catch). He also rushed for 96 yards and took one kickoff to the house. fans all around the league are waiting to see how he will be integrated into a powerhouse of an offense. I have seen Russel Wilson become a great game manager over the past two seasons, but I can't wait to see how he performs with a deep threat like Harvin.
The Patriots lost Danny Woodhead to the Chargers, but istantly found a replacement, Shane Vereen. it is a true asset when you have a running back with speed and agility who can also make an impact in the passing game like Vereen can. Last year,Vereen totaled 251 rushing yards on 62 carries for three touchdowns. Also, as previously noted, Vereen was a huge weapon in the passing game. he caught eight passes for 149 yards, which averages out to a whopping 18.6 yards per catch! With the Patriots passing game being as weak as it is this year due to injuries and departures from many of Bradys key targets, Shane Vereen should see plenty of balls coming his way. Look for both him and Percy Harvin to take the league by storm from here on out and most likely into the post season.