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| Ohio State quarterback Braxton Miller will have to be at his best in East Lansing to knock off Michigan State. (AP Photo) |
5. #18 Oregon State @ Arizona - 10:00 PM EST, Pac-12 Network
While the Pac-12 conference has had its ups and downs, Oregon State has emerged as the surprise team. They began the season with two upsets of ranked opponents to become ranked themselves. The Beavers look to start the season 3-0 for the first time since 2002. Quarterback back Sean Mannion has led the offense to great success so far this season. His counterpart, Matt Scott, has been very important in order for Arizona to play well. The Wildcats were looking to pull an upset last week, but instead was throttled by Oregon 49-0. They will need to bounce back quickly at home.
Prediction: Arizona 34 Oregon State 27
4. Tennessee @ #5 Georgia - 3:30 PM EST, CBS
Upstart Tennessee has another shot at upsetting a ranked opponent this Saturday. Their first opportunity came up short against Florida. While the Volunteers passing game usually gets all the flashy news coverage, the team will need a huge game out of running back Rajion Neal as well. Georgia might be looking ahead to what is potentially ahead, but they must be careful not to lose sight of the task set before them. Bulldogs quarterback Aaron Murray will look to continue to lead his team to further success.
Prediction: Georgia 27 Tennessee 17
3. Wisconsin @ #22 Nebraska - 8:00 PM EST, ABC
Wisconsin has struggled greatly to begin the season. They were ranked until they got upset by Oregon State. Even the Badgers three wins over the likes of Northern Iowa, Utah State, and UTEP, were all much closer contests than expected. Nebraska was upset by a Pac-12 team as well in UCLA. Since then, the Cornhuskers have bounced back and their offense is running on all cylinders. Quarterback Taylor Martinez has a plethora of weapons at his disposal from which he can choose.
Prediction: Nebraska 31 Wisconsin 14
2. #25 Baylor @ #9 West Virginia - 12:00 PM EST, FX
West Virginia hosts Baylor in its first ever Big 12 game. This one has shootout written all over it. Both teams dominated decently difficult non-conference schedules to the tune of a combined 98 points per game. Bears quarterback Nick Florence and Mountaineers quarterback Geno Smith are the top two in the nation in total offense respectively. Neither team's defense has looked particularly impressive in any way. Whichever one is able to step up and make a stop, could prove to be the difference for their team.
Prediction: West Virginia 52 Baylor 48
1. #14 Ohio State @ #20 Michigan State - 3:30 PM EST, ABC
If you simply look at the rankings and records of these two teams, you would assume that they have dominated their competition. On the contrary, both are fortunate to be ranked that high and to have they record they do have. Ohio State quarterback Braxton Miller has helped to make the difference on offense, especially since the health of running back Carlos Hyde is still up in the air. Michigan State has been led by running back Le'Veon Bell, who has been an absolute workhorse for the Spartans.
Prediction: Michigan State 17 Ohio State 16
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