Week 6

 All right.. ya know what.. we're now in week 6, so it's time to spice stuff up.  Less statistics, more getting right to why each game is worth your time.  So let's get to some more college football talk.

Oklahoma vs Texas (10/8 at 12:00 pm ET, on ABC) - Game of the Week

It's the Red River Rivalry, and both teams are ranked.  What more reason do you need.  The winner will be the heands-on favorite to win the Big 12 and play in the BCS national championship.  Everything will be on the line in Dallas this Saturday.  Texas' off-season coaching changes have paid off big time, and now it's safe to say that they're going in the right direction.  Problem is, Oklahoma is already there.  And outside of LSU and Alabama, I don't see anybody standing in their way.  But you can be assured that those Longhorns are coming in with that high-energy defense with a point to prove.  It's gonna be a fun one in Dallas.

Prediction: But damn, Oklahoma is the real deal and they win by 14.

Missouri @ Kansas State (10/8 at 3:30 pm ET, on ABC/ESPN3)

Don't be fooled by Mizzou's 2-2 record.  Those losses were by 10 points @ Oklahoma, and in OT @ Arizona State.   And they managed 58 points in those 2 games combined, against phenomenal defenses.  They're exciting, and they can put up some points.  K-State on the other hand, is undefeated, coming off two emotional victories @ Miami and at home against that high-powered Baylor offense.  This is the best Wildcat team since they blew out Oklahoma in the 2003 Big 12 Championship Game.  And this time, it looks like they've got an offense to go along with that always-testy defense.  And this will one hell of a sleeper game this week.

Prediction: Kansas State does it again, winning by 2.

Iowa @ Penn State (10/8 at 3:30 pm ET, on ABC or ESPN/ESPN3)

When somebody mentions utter ownage on one consistently competitive program over another, the series you'll think of depends on where you live.  If you live in the Southeast, then you think Florida over Georgia.  If you live in the Midwest, then you think Iowa over Penn State.  Iowa is 8-1 in their last nine games against Penn State despite Penn State having arguably been the better program in recent years.  Iowa has already lost a tough one to in-state rival Iowa State in OT, but followed it up with an impressive win over Pitt.  PSU's only loss is to powerhouse Alabama.  But you can throw all of that out the window for this one.  Both teams are having their struggles, but one thing's certain: both defenses like to deal big hits.  So if you want a defensive battle this is it.  And after a PSU player's comments about Iowa being just "a wrestling school," well, there's gonna be some licks thrown around.  Expect an all-out brawl in Happy Valley.

Prediction: Iowa continues to own their Big Ten foe and wins by 5.

Auburn @ Arkansas (10/8 at 7:00 pm ET, on ESPN/ESPN3)

Down year my ass.  Auburn shocked the SEC last week with their upset win against South Carolina, throwing the SEC East into chaos.  They'll look continue their upward trend in Fayetteville against an Arkansas squad coming off a big comeback win against Texas A&M.  Auburn isn't down, and Arkansas is still at the top of their game; this is gonna be a good ole fashion SEC backyard brawl.  The Hogs are gonna be welcoming this game with open arms after last week, and if they win, they'll still have a puncher's chance in the SEC West.  Auburn's gotta be feeling good about their chances, but we'll see how long that lasts after a few well-timed combos from that Razorback offense.  If the War Eagle can withstand the early flurry of jabs and work inside the Razorback reach advantage, then this fight will go to the bell.  I think a late score decides it.

Prediction: I'll take the home team here, Arkansas by 6.


Georgia @ Tennessee (10/8 at 7:00 pm ET, on ESPN2/ESPN3)

Ok, I'm letting UGA back in here for the third time this season, and they better not let me down again.  When you're constantly picked in my games on the week, you better come through.  Or it'll be your last time.  They'll have their work cut out for them though, as this series has been recently dominated by the home team, and this game will be in Neyland.  UGA's young talent is really starting to shine through, but let's see how they do in a stadium holding 100 thousand hostile fans.  Of course, the Vols were rattled last year by their blow-out loss at UGA, so I'm going to say that if one team jumps up a couple of TDs early, then this game will be over then.  But ultimately, turnovers will be the deciding factor here.  If UGA doesn't spot UT 28 points like they did with South Carolina, then they win.  If not, then it'll be another long day for Mark Richt and Bulldawg Nation.

Prediction: Early turnovers will decide this one, though it'll still be close.  Tennessee by 7.