Impressive showing from the nation's top two teams last weekend as Alabama and Ohio State went on the road to defeat top 10 opponents. The Crimson Tide thumped the Volunteers, while J.T. Barrett led the Buckeyes to an overtime win against the Badgers in Camp Randell. Both teams solidified their 1 and 2 rankings, while Clemson escaped disaster in Death Valley against an underrated N.C. State Wolf Pack squad dropping them back to No. 4 ranking. Alright enough of that... Here are my predictions for the top games in week eight.
Last Week: 4-1 Overall Record: 9-5
5. Memphis vs #24 Navy
This is an intriguing match up between American Conference powers and I'm excited to watch this Navy option attack for the first time this year. Yes, I was not able to witness the Navy upset of Houston, but I was surprised to see Navy win a football game without Keenan Reynolds. These teams have similar results against the same opponents this year so expect a close fought, high scoring game between these two in Annapolis. I'm banking on the Navy option attack to wear down the Memphis defense over the course of four quarters and sneak out a important conference win.
Final Prediction: Memphis 42, Navy 48
4. TCU vs. West Virginia
To be honest I really have no idea what West Virginia is about this year. I know they are undefeated and have a good quarterback in Skyler Howard, but other than that I'm stuck. On the other hand I've watched TCU a couple of times this year and have not been impressed at all. This too will be a high scoring game, with Kenny Hill turning the ball over in the final minutes to secure a West Virginia win and keep the mountaineers undefeated until they travel to Oklahoma State next weekend.
Final Prediction: TCU 35, West Virginia 38
3. #23 Ole Miss vs. #25 LSU
Ole Miss travels to Baton Rouge where their National Championship hopes are officially over, while LSU still has something to play for. I'm interested to see how this game turns out, because of the outside factors on both sides of the ball. Ole Miss is clearly the better team, and probably has the most talent on a team to start 3-3 in the history of college football, but like I stated their SEC and National Championship hopes are squashed so I'm curious to see how much motivation they have. LSU, on the other hand can still win out and with some help win the SEC West and get to Atlanta. LSU will come out with a lot of fire, especially playing at home, but ultimately the skill of Ole Miss will show and the Rebels will come out of Death Valley with a rare road win.
Final Prediction: Ole Miss 28, LSU 17
2. #17 Arkansas vs. #21 Auburn
As you guys know, I love this Razorback's team, especially when they are playing the dreadful Auburn Tigers. I'll give credit to Gus though... He has turned the Tiger's season around and has them playing quality football. He's realized it is easier to win football games when you're not rotating three quarterbacks in during a game. Vegas has Auburn listed as a nine-point favorite and I ask, "In what freaking world?" Auburn has one of the best defensive lines in the country, so I expect Dan Enos to dial up some play action pass to counter the strong run defense from Auburn. Allen and his recievers will have a nice day as the Hogs get the dub.
Final Prediction: Arkansas 28, Auburn 21
1. #6 Texas A&M vs #1 Alabama
Alabama is good. Real good. People are saying this is Saban's best team, but I still think his 2012 team was his best. Regardless, this team is undoubtedly the number one team in the nation after their throttling of Tennessee last weekend. Texas A&M is a good football team, but I just don't see how they can win this ball game. If Trevor Knight is able to use his legs to move the chains, they will be able to make this a game, but Alabama's defense is a whole different animal than the teams the Aggies have faced so far. Hurts and his strong core of receivers should be able to move it through the air, and Alabama should have no problem establishing their inside run game. I expect A&M to keep it close for the first quarter and maybe into the second quarter, but the Tide will roll.
Final Prediction: Texas A&M 21, Alabama 38
