Mid Major Game of the Week:
Fresno State vs. Idaho
This should be an interesting one for Idaho, losing their last 6 against Fresno State with their last victory against the Bulldogs in 1967. The key matchup in this game is going to be the Idaho run defense agasint the Fresno State run offense. Fresno State relies heavily on it's run offense, averaging 259.6 yards per game. Junior RB Ryan Mathews leads the nation in rushing as well posting an average of 164.5 yards per game. Idaho has allowed 706 rushing yards in the past two games, and although 484 of those yards were against Nevada, the Vandals still allowed 222 yards against Louisiana Tech. If Fresno has success on the ground this weekend, (meaning over 200 yards) they will win.
Best Mid Major vs. BCS Game:
Notre Dame vs. Navy
The Irish offense has been booming, but they may lack the talent on defense to keep up with the Midshipmen. The Irish defense has struggled this season, especially against the pass, and their run defense is just OK, although they haven't played a team like Navy, who is an awful passing team, and will make a concerted effort to push the ball on the ground. Navy expects QB Ricky Dobbs to be back on Saturday as well as FB Vince Murray. These two will be the key to Navy's rush attack. The Irish will spend a lot of time moving laterally against the Midshipmen, so strong safety Kyle McCarthy will almost serve as an extra linebacker. Watch out for Notre Dame WR Michael Floyd as well, whose return could be nightmarish for Navy.
Here's your chance, now show us what you can do:
Despite suffering a concussion in last week's loss to SMU, Tulsa QB G.J. Kinne is expected to start Saturday against Houston. Any chance the Golden Hurricanes have to win this game will depend on Kinne and the offense. Tulsa has averaged 41 points and 450.5 total yards on offense in its four victories. In their four losses, 14.5 points per game and 328.5 total yards. Kinne, a first year starter, has good mobility, but must be effective this weekend for the Golden Hurricanes to have a shot.
Mid Major Picks of the Week:
Houston 35 Tulsa 28
Boise State 41 Louisiana Tech 20
Navy 17 Notre Dame 28
Army 21 Air Force 27
BYU 38 Wyoming 24