What I’m Watching this Weekend

Purdue at Notre Dame  The Irish won big last week over Navy, while Purdue blasted Eastern Kentucky. This will be a great game to

The Purdue Boilermakers visit Notre Dame

see where both teams really stand. Purdue has 15 returning starters back and with leadership at position could surprise this season. The Irish have beaten the Boilermakers four times in a row, but this could be the best Purdue team to hit the field since the last time they beat the Irish.  These two teams combined for 98 points last week, so expect a lot of offense, and Running Back Cierre Wood should return from suspension for the Irish. This is a huge game for Notre Dame with games against Michigan and Michigan State up next.

 Washington at LSU  To prepare for this game, the Huskies brought a live Bengal tiger to practice all week. I’m still shaking my head as to why.  Meanwhile  in the Bayou, the weather cleared and the Tigers got to work.  New starting Quarterback Zach Mettenberger looked good in his first start, even taking a shot to the mouth, only to return and throw a TD a few minutes later.  North Texas gave LSU a tougher game than many expected last week. The Huskies enter the game starting a with a third-string tailback making his first start.

Nebraska at UCLA This could be the game of the week!  Nebraska was my pick to win the Big 10, and the Huskers didn’t disappoint with a big victory 49-20 over Southern Miss last week. Quarterback Taylor Martinez showed off improved throwing mechanics after spending summer at the Manning Quarterback Camp.  I think that this week, we may find out that the Bruins are for real! They have nine returning starters on defense and a top notch freshman Quarterback in Brett Hundley, who looked like a veteran directing the offense in his first start last week. He is a dual threat QB leading the Bruin offense in a very big test.   Husker star Rex Burkhead dinged his knee last week and is expected to miss this one. That could be the difference here, as I think the Bruins get a 23-20 home win.

 Oklahoma St. at Arizona  Last week, Oklahoma State crushed Savannah State. 84-0.  I am wondering how good the Cowboys will be this year, and this game should be a good indicator as they travel to Tuscon. Last week, new Arizona Head Coach Rich Rodriguez’s offense struggled for most of the game.  The Wildcats actually got lucky in overtime to get a 24-17 win against Toledo. I think the Cowboys have a better class of athletes. Cowboys 33 Wildcats 24

 South Florida at Nevada This could be the game of the week that is flying underneath the radar. Last week, I was stunned when the Wolfpack marched in to Berkeley and took out the Bears! Quarterback Cody Fajardo was very effective directing the offense to a stunning 31-24 upset. The Wolfpack defense also did a nice job herding the Cal running game  The Bulls fly all the way from Tamp to Reno to take on the for this contest. South Florida is good and is my pick to win the Big East.  Quarterback B.J.Daniels can run and he can pass and he will be tough to stop.

A fan’s picks:  Your comments are welcome!

•  I Think the Irish have the advantage on defense and special teams and will pull out a 30-21 victory
•  I think this will just be another tune-up game for LSU. The Tigers pound the Dawgs 40-13
•  The Huskers miss an injured Rex Burkhead, and I think UCLA shocks the world.  The Bruins get a 23-20 home win.
•  I think the Cowboys have better athletes, and they round-up the Wildcats, 33-24.
•  It’s important to note that the Bulls open league play next Thursday night against Rutgers. With a short week ahead of them, I’m concerned the Bulls might be looking ahead. Not the thing to do when you’re playing 3,000 miles from home against a solid Wolfpack team. Nevada 27 – South Florida 20.

By Michael Leese