Mid Major Game of the Week:
Utah vs. Oregon
Utah is 'itching for a big win" starting center Zake Taylor told the Salt Lake Tribune. "I know everyone else is too. The last two wins have been ugly, but they've been wins. But this team is really hungry for a big win against a good team." Utah owns the nation's longest winning streak at 18 games despite rocky performances in the first two games this season. The memory of those two games can quickly be erased as Utah hits the road on Saturday night, where this will be the second road game in a five game stretch where the Utes are playing on the road four times. The biggest question remains is Oregon actually a "good" team this season? The Ducks offense was invisible against their first game vs. Boise State, and their defense was abused against their two-point win against Purdue. With that said, a win on the road against a Pac-10 team will embellish Utah's resume and get them some national exposure. Tune in Saturday night as the Utes, since the beginning of 2003 have won six of eight games against Pac-10 opponents.
Best Mid Major vs. BCS Game:
After a disappointing finish in the USC game last week, Ohio State can not afford to look past Toledo. Ohio State is favored by 21 points, but Toledo is capable of putting points on the board. Last week the Rockets beat Colorado 54-38. They are ranked 8th in the country in total offense with 558.5 yards per game. Good news for the Buckeyes is that the Rockets let up 493 yards per game and 45 points per game. Ohio State will need to take advantage of this as they fight to get back into the top ten in the BCS ranks. If Ohio state mistakenly makes this a low scoring game, look for them to drop out of the top 15. Watch for a lot of yards and a lot of scoring, but in the end look for Ohio State to take the win by 30+.
Here's your chance, now show us what you can do:
Nevada Quarterback Colin Kaepernick is in the hot seat this week. The Wolf Pack opened with a 35-0 loss two weeks ago against Notre Dame, and were last week. If Nevada wants to redeem itself with its first win of the season against Colorado State, Kaepernick needs to step up with a big performance. Kaepernick threw for 149 and ran for 39 against Notre Dame, and the rushing yards will be the more important factor in the game during one of the three Mountain West-WAC games this week. Colorado state has only allowed 87 rushing yards in 2 games, but Nevada needs to make an effort to run the ball, and Kaepernick is the key factor.
Mid Major Madness Picks of the Week:
Army 30 Ball State 21
North Carolina 21 East Carolina 16
Maryland 27 Middle Tennessee 17
Oregon 24 Utah 21
Troy 31 UAB 27
Iowa State 24 Kent State 20
Ohio State 35 Toledo 17