10228 <p>This Saturday (couple of games Thursday) kicks off week 3 of the college football season. Here are my picks and predictions</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><u>GAME OF THE WEEK</u>: <strong>Virginia Tech (13)</strong> vs <strong>Nebraska (19)</strong></p> <p>Why VT will win: VT has one of the nation's best dual-threat quarterbacks in Tyrod Taylor, and he should play a big part in Virginia Tech's offense this weekend. Against Nebraska's so far unproven defense, will put up quite a fight. Also, Nebraska has started 2-0, but with those wins coming against Florida Atlantic and Arkansas State, you have to belive that Nebraska may not be completely in their expected Top 25 form.</p> <p>Why Nebraska will win: Nebraska has offense. Period. They're 10th in the nation in points scored, and 18th in passing yards respectively. Virginia Tech hasn't seen an offense that it incredible with the pass all year, and one of Nebraska's keys, is that they can balance it out with the rushing game too.</p> <p>RESULT: VT is not happy with the way they have started, and have one of the best dual-threat QBs in the nation, whom Nebraska will have to create a scheme directed entirely towards him. Not to mention the Huskers have the difficult task of playing VT in Lane Stadium, arguably one of the best home-field advantages in all of college football. FINAL SCORE: VT- 31&nbsp; Nebraska- 21</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><u>UPSET ALERT:</u></p> <p><strong>(7) BYU</strong> vs <strong>Florida State</strong>: Florida State lost a heart-breaker to Miami in week one, and let their guard down in week 2, almost being defeated by Jacksonville State. Look for Bobby Bowden to fire up his squad and defeat one of the more overrated teams this year.</p> <p><strong>(17) Cincinatti</strong> vs <strong>Oregon State</strong>: The Bearcats have yet to play a good defense this year, and will be in for a rude awakening by the Beaver defense. Also, the playmaking ability of the Rodgers brothers, James and Jaquizz, doesn't hurt the Beavers.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><u>TEAMS ON THE RISE</u></p> <p><strong>Michigan</strong>: The rise of true freshman QB Tate Forcier has this team moving in the right direction for the first time since Rich Rodriguez has taken over the job. Like they say, practice makes perfect.</p> <p><strong>UCLA</strong>: Neuheisel and Norm Chow have this team moving in the right direction. But with the injury of QB Kevin Prince, the emergence of backup QB Richard Brehaut will be essential. Not to mention S Rahim Moore leads the nation in interceptions (5), and would of had 6 if an offsides wasn't called in the final minutes of the Tennessee game.</p> <p><strong>Houston</strong>: With a key win over Oklahoma State, and the rise of QB Case Keenum, look for this team to make headlines as their season progresses.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> true 2009-09-16T18:24:24Z 94434 8 2009-09-20T18:46:15Z