We're going to do things a little differently this weekend as college football begins to consume the Saturdays of sports fans around the country. I'm going to highlight a few intriguing games and provide you with a preview as well as my own personal prediction.
↵#1 Oklahoma Sooners at #5 Florida State Seminoles - 7:00 PM
Landry Jones and the Sooners are traveling to one of college football's most intimidating venues (Doak Campbell Stadium) to take on the Noles tonight on ABC. This game has been talked about for a while, and the winner of this game has a great chance to be playing in the National Championship game. Jimbo Fisher's Florida State squad will certainly be looking to shed any memories from last year's 47-17 defeat in Norman, and I think they have a very good chance of pulling the upset this evening. I envision a big game from Ryan Broyles and Landry Jones, but will the Seminoles' offense will be able to keep up? Almost, but not quite...
Prediction: Oklahoma 38, Florida State 35
#15 Michigan State Spartans at Notre Dame Fighting Irish - 2:30 PM
Brian Kelly's second year with the Irish is not exactly going as planned, and he needs a win today to avoid opening this season 0-3. While many fans like to see Notre Dame struggle (much like the Cowboys, Lakers, and Yankees), I actually feel that Kelly is going to turn this program around very quickly. They suffered a heartbreaking defeat last weekend against Michigan at the Big House, but I think they will rebound in a big way against the Spartans. Michigan State capitalized on a late fake-field goal to defeat the Irish last season, but that won't be the case this afternoon.
Prediction: Notre Dame 31, Michigan State 21
#17 Ohio State Buckeyes at Miami Hurricanes - 6:30 PM
While both of these programs are surrounded by scandal and controversy, they still have some talented players to keep an eye on. Miami QB Jacory Harris has been terribly inconsistent in his career with the 'Canes, but he's still fun to watch. I think the absence of WR DeVier Posey and RB Dan Herron finally catches up to Ohio State, and Miami takes advantage with a strong defensive performance. The Buckeyes' pedestrian offense had trouble with a good Toledo squad last weekend, but Miami is much better than that.
Prediction: Miami 24, Ohio State 17