1 Alabama vs. Arkansas
Talk about historical. Arkansas came into a match up with Louisiana-Monroe, a school who had never made a bowl and got upset. That was pretty crazy in itself. Then, the Razorbacks fell all the way from number eight in the land to out of the polls all together. Now, John L. Smith hopes to lead the squad against the best team in the land. Arkansas reminds me a lot of Michigan, a fast-paced squad who loves to score. And, I hope you remember what happened to the Wolverines when they played 'Bama. They were outplayed, plain and simple. With the talented stable of backs running against the Razorbacks weak rush defense the Crimson Tide should win easily.
Alabama, 31 Arkansas, 17
20 Notre Dame vs. 10 Michigan State
Notre Dame enters their first test of the season against a tough Michigan State team that has already handled Boise State. Michigan State unveils Le'Veon Bell who had dominated this season. Bell could struggle against the Fighting Irish though as their rush defense has been stellar. That could push Andrew Maxwell to pass the ball more than he has in his career so far. Player to watch in this one: end William Gholston who could surely do damage against an okay Notre Dame offensive line. The Spartans shouldn't win easily but Notre Dame just isn't good enough to become 3-0.
Michigan State, 27 Notre Dame, 21
18 Florida vs. 23 Tennessee
Finally, both of these teams are relevant. It seemed to take forever, but this matchup seems pretty even. The Volunteers reveal a lethal passing attack headed by quarterback Tyler Bray. The Gators haven't dominated Bowling Green or Texas A&M but they did win. They have Jeff Driskel, a mobile QB and a balanced rushing attack if Mike Gillislee will play. Bray is helped out by Justin Hunter and Cordarelle Patterson who have been dominant this season. The Gators have a fast and effective front seven but the back is an issue. That isn't a good thing when you're going up against the Volunteers. Bray and Hunter have a big day as Vols continue surprising season.
Tennessee, 35 Florida, 24
2 USC vs. 21 Stanford
Matt Barkley has had 10 touchdowns this season in two games. That is what the Stanford Cardinal must shut down in order to take down the number two team in the nation, the Trojans. Along with Barkley, the offense includes Silas Redd, Curtis McNeal, Robert Woods and Marqise Lee. But, the defense looked decent against Syracuse. The Cardinal are headed by Stepfan Taylor and a lethal front seven that includes Chase Thomas and Shayne Skov. Thomas and Ben Gardner will try to provide pressure on Barkley against a weakened offensive line. We know the Trojans will put up amazing numbers on offense so the Cardinal only chance is too score more than they do. That could work as even stars like T.J. McDonald have struggled for the Trojans this season. Stanford is without Luck, and USC is with Matt Barkley. That isn't fair.
USC, 42 Stanford, 30
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