Week 3 Predictions, Cont.

Oklahoma @ Oregon
In the early going, Oregon looks like the second best team in the Pac-10. Oklahoma, meanwhile, hasn’t gotten off to the start I had anticipated. But judging by the Fresno State game, look for Adrian Peterson to have a field day.

While Paul Thompson may have no business beating a ranked opponent in an environment as hostile as Eugene, I think the defense carries him to one, as the Peterson Heisman train picks up a head of steam. Honestly, I'm more concerned with finding out which of the 48 uniform combinations the Ducks decide on.

Oklahoma - 20, Oregon - 17


I'm partial to #37.

Texas Tech @ Texas Christian
Both teams have had trouble with in-state rivals (Baylor and UTEP) in early going. And Texas Tech head coach Mike Leach is unbeaten against non-conference opponents from the Lone Star State.

That all changes on Saturday, when the Horned Frogs, who have been looking ahead to this game for a year, avenge the 70-35 pasting they suffered at the hands of the Red Raiders in 2004.

TCU - 45, Texas Tech - 42


No, not those Red Raiders.

Clemson @ Florida State
The Tigers try to rebound after completely blowing one at Boston College, while the Seminoles try to prove that they do, indeed, have an offense.

I don’t think either of these teams is capable of pulling away from the other (coaching may have something to do with it), so it should stay close all the way through. When in doubt, I’ll take the better defense, so Florida State wins, but they fail to cover.

Florida State - 17, Clemson - 15


Terry thinks "Diddy" beats Tommy.

Nebraska @ Southern California
I was all set to take Nebraska plus the 19, but then cornerback Andre Jones proceeded to give the Trojans a little bit of extra motivation.

“When we beat USC, this is going to slingshot our whole season,” said the junior college transfer from Naples, Fla. “We’re ready to go in there and show the world that Nebraska’s back on top - that the order is restored.”

So, needless to say, the most talented team in the nation will send the Huskers back to Lincoln with their collective tails between their legs.

USC - 38, Nebraska - 17


Things may be a lot less homoerotic in Troy these days, but they've still got some pretty good players.

Florida @ Tennessee

If I were a Vol fan, I wouldn’t be too concerned about the Air Force game. We all remember when Georgia Southern came into Athens two years ago and put up 28 points. Unless you spend a lot of time preparing for it, the option is really hard to stop. And with the Gators looming the following weekend, Tennessee no doubt felt like they could out-talent the Falcons, which they did. But just barely.

But if I were a Tennessee fan, I would be very worried about losing Justin Harrell and Inky Johnson just before Florida comes to town. And if the Vols struggled against Air Force because they have trouble keeping their assignments, it’ll be a long night facing Urban Meyer’s offensive scheme.

The Gators have had two virtual bye weeks leading up to this, and they should come away with a nice cover on the road in Knoxville.

Florida - 27, Tennessee 20



Meyer will point, stare his way to 2-0 against UT.