1)  UCONN +6 1/2 vs. West Virginia

JUSTIFICATION: UCONN has had two weeks to prepare for this game. It means an awful lot to them as they try to establish a winning tradition in the Nutmeg State. They have done well, toward that end so far by winning 17 of their last 21 games. They lead the Big East in total offense and total defense. West Virginia is no slouch though as they lead the Big East with 35.60 points per game and an awesome rushing attack that gains over 240 yards per game. However, UCONN has only allowed a mere 96.4 yards rushing per game. This game will come down to which team can force their will on the other. If UCONN can keep the West Virginia rushing attack in check, they will win this game straight up. If not, it will fall on QB Orlavsky to keep the game close. History favors UCONN in this game. West Virginia has only played one other team from Connecticut and that was a loss to Yale 34-0 (in 1920) but, hey, history says UCONN wins this game straight up so I'm going to go with them.


2) Louisville +9 @ Miami

JUSTIFICATION:  Louisville is #3 in the nation in scoring defense giving up a paltry 7.0 points per game. Additionally, they have averaged over 42 points per game on offense and over 500 total yards. However, the level of their competition has been very weak to date. They will get their stiffest test this week versus Miami. Brock Berlin managed three TD's last week against Georgia Tech but was only able to complete 10 of 20 passes which just confirms my belief that he is not a legitimate Division 1 starting QB.  He will face a tough defense this week and Louisville should be able to get a couple of picks. Those miscues alone should be enough to keep Louisville close enough to cover a nine point spread.


3)   Texas -13 1/2 vs. Missouri

JUSTIFICATION:  Texas has a pretty good record of bouncing back after their annual thrashing by the Oklahoma Sooners. In three of the last four years they have managed to win their next game by at least 14 points. Missouri has an impressive 4-1 record but their toughest test to date is arguably against Colorado. Not exactly the same level of competition they will face this week. Mack Brown will want to make amends to all the Texas good ol' boys and lay waste to the Tigers in front of the home fans.

 
4)   Florida -28 vs. Middle Tennessee State

JUSTIFICATION: This is a makeup game that was postponed due to one of the hurricanes that hit Florida this summer. I forget exactly which one in particular but it really doesn't matter. This was intended to be a warm-up type of game for the Gators to get their timing down, take some hits etc. Unfortunately, for Middle Tennessee State, they now have to face the Gators following a game in which they dominated LSU for three quarters. They they decided to turtle the rest of the game and ended up losing the game. A huge embarrassment to the whole program losing, at home, after such a big lead.  They will not make the same mistake this week. Middle Tennessee will have to play a team that will pour it on early and often. This could be a forty point victory by Florida.


5)  Boston College -10 @ Pittsburgh

JUSTIFICATION: This game opened with BC being a 6 1/2 point favorite. It quickly moved up to 10 points. That is a huge change in the point spread. Somebody with a lot of money has a lot of confidence in the BC Eagles.  Boston College lost to Pitt last year so their might be a small revenge angle in play here as well. Pitt is 3-2 but only won against Furman, Ohio, and Temple. Two of those games (Furman and Temple) were decided by five points or less. If they can only manage to beat powerhouse teams like Furman and Temple by less than a TD they are going to have a real tough time against BC. If you like to compare matchups look no further than UCONN absolutely blowing out Pitt but earlier they lost 27-7 versus Boston College. If this matchup is any indicator, this is going to be a very long game for the Pitt Panthers.




Don Pinchin
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