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| Florida quarterback Jeff Driskel will look to continue his success in Saturday's game against South Carolina. (Frederick Breedon) |
At 6-0, Rutgers is off to their best start in six years. With two other Big East teams ranked and undefeated as well, the Scarlett Knights know that they need to keep winning if they hope to win the conference title and BCS bid. A big reason for their success has been their rock solid defense. The unit is anchored by senior linebacker Khaseem Greene. In last week's win over Syracuse, Greene had 14 tackles, three forced fumbles, one interception, and 1 1/2 sacks. Offensively, junior running back Jawan Jamison leads the Big East in rushing yards with 665 yards on 158 carries.
Temple is actually a very similar team to Rutgers with a strong defense and rushing attack. Freshman linebacker Tyler Matakevich has burst on the scene with 27.5 tackles the past two weeks. On the other side of the football, senior running back Montel Harris is looking like his old self. In his last two games, he has rushed for 275 yards and three touchdowns.
Prediction: Rutgers 23 Temple 13
4. #17 Texas Tech (5-1) @ #23 TCU (5-1) - 3:30 PM EST, ABC/ESPN2
Heading into last week, neither of these teams would have been on anyone radar for best games. However, Texas Tech destroyed West Virginia 49-14 and TCU routed Baylor 49-21. Suddenly, both teams are ranked and in the hunt for the Big 12 title. For the Red Raiders, it was quarterback Seth Doege who outshined Heisman frontrunner Geno Smith. Doege threw for 504 yards and six touchdowns in the game. It is important to note that one of his favorite targets, sophomore tight end Jace Amaro, is questionable. He will have an impact in the game one way or the other.
TCU has had to move forward after starting quarterback Casey Pachall withdrew from the school following his arrest for drinking and driving. His replacement, Trevone Boykin, played very well last week. He threw for 261 yards and four touchdowns. On the defensive side of the football, look for freshman defensive tackle Devonte Fields to have an impact on the game. He already has 6.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, and a fumble recovery on the season.
Prediction: Texas Tech 31 TCU 27
3. #6 LSU (6-1) @ #18 Texas A&M (5-1) - 12:00 PM EST, ESPN/ESPN 3D
LSU's staple continues to be its stellar defenses. This season is no exception. While there are many standouts from the unit, junior linebacker Kevin Minter has a combined 29 tackles the past two weeks. Offensively, the Tigers rely on their deep running back core. Last week, their main man was freshman Jeremy Hill, who rushed for 124 yards and two touchdowns.
Texas A&M is having a great season, but is still looking for that signature SEC win to make a statement that they are in the conference to compete. They have great opportunity on Saturday when they host LSU. When talking about the Aggies success this season, it is impossible to overlook the play of freshman quarterback Johnny Manziel. He is a true dual threat quarterback with the talent to take over any game. One of his favorite targets is fellow freshman Mike Evans. Evans has broken on to the scene in a big way as well.
Prediction: Texas A&M 20 LSU 16
2. #4 Kansas State (6-0) @ #13 West Virginia (5-1) - 7:00 PM EST, FOX
Kansas State keeps winning and moving up the rankings. When all is said and done though, the Wildcats go as senior quarterback Collin Klein goes. So far this season, he has been very good. Klein is a very balanced dual threat quarterback. He has over 1,500 yards and 17 touchdowns on the season thus far. In a close game, special teams could play a significant role. Kansas State sophomore kick returner Tyler Lockett is one of the best in college football. He averages over 30 yards a return and has one touchdown.
West Virginia's offense looked unstoppable. That is until last week when they looked just plain ugly in a blowout loss to Texas Tech. However, even when he struggles, senior quarterback Geno Smith plays quite well and doesn't make many mistakes. He still hasn't thrown an interception all season. Tavon Austin and Stedman Bailey are playmakers. They are going to have to play like it for the Mountaineers to have success. Being at home, does give WVU a huge advantage.
Prediction: West Virginia 52 Kansas State 48
1. #7 South Carolina (6-1) @ #2 Florida (6-0) - 3:30 PM EST, CBS
South Carolina's schedule doesn't get an easier Saturday. Coming off a win over Georgia and their first loss of the season to LSU, the Gamecocks will look to keep their high level of play going against Florida on Saturday. However, they might have to do it without one of their best players. Running back Marcus Lattimore is questionable for the game with a bruised hip. That means that even more of the pressure might fall on quarterback Connor Shaw. He must be willing to step up as he is needed to in order for the Gamecocks to find success.
Florida has to be on an emotional high after the BCS rankings came out with them ranked #2 in the polls. The Gators have a very balanced offense. Senior running back Mike Gillieslee is as consistent a back as they come and is very good in the redzone. Sophomore quarterback Jeff Driskel is coming off a record-setting game against Vanderbilt. He is a dual threat danger at any time.
Prediction: Florida 20 South Carolina 17
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