FOOTBALL FRIDAY!

Each Friday during football season, I would like to take a look at the weekend ahead and breakdown the action.

My beloved Buckeyes look to rebound against a Minnesota team that has been struggling. I have been very disappointed in the offense this season, but if there is a game they are capable of breaking out it is this one. Even if the offense continues to stall, the Buckeyes D has been flying around all year making plays, no way the Buckeyes lose this game.

ESPN's College Gameday is going to Provo, UT to highlight #8 TCU vs #16 BYU. BYU has had a good season, beating Oklahoma in the 1st game of the season, but they have proven they are vulnerable at home by losing to Florida State. TCU is not a paper tiger. They have gone on the road and beaten BCS schools Virginia and Clemson. I think TCU edges out BYU.

I expect Bama to roll right over Tennessee. Mark Ingram is an animal and I believe the Crimson Tide's defense will be too much for Lane Kiffin's Volunteers.

Iowa is starting to gain believers with each win. They have a feel of a team of destiny to me, because it seems like they are winning games they shouldn't. Iowa has another tough test this week traveling to Michigan St. The Spartans seem to have righted its ship since losing 3 straight early in the season. I like Michigan St, but I like Iowa a little bit more as the dream continues.

Upset Alert:

I am putting 2 SEC teams on upset alert this week. First, I am putting #9 LSU on upset alert because I believe their offense is pathetic. Auburn has stumbled the past 2 weeks, but this Auburn team is different than Tommy Tubberville's put you to sleep offense. They have some explosive plays in them and if they can get to the end zone a few times, LSU is in trouble.

#1 Florida, does not have the look or feel of the Gator teams that won National Championships the past few seasons. They lack the explosiveness in their offense. Do you realize that the Gators have not won in Starkville, MS since 1985??? Mississippi St's head coach is Dan Mullen, the Gators former Offensive Coordinator. One of the signature upsets of this season is Washington beating USC, which featured Washington head coach Steve Sarkisian (former USC offensive coordinator) beating his old boss Pete Carroll. I think Florida will survive, but I think it will be closer than the 23 point spread indicates.

A look at the NFL this season reveals more teams that have been uncompetitive than I can ever remember. One of the teams competing for the "worst team" distinction is my hometown Cleveland Browns. After a horrendous start, they have covered in the last 3 games. The Green Bay Packers come to town and I like to think that the Browns are done. They put D'Qwell Jackson on IR this week, and Shaun Rogers has not practiced as he has been quarantined with 11 other teammates with the flu. After seeing Pittsburgh throw for over 400 yards on this Browns team, I look for Aaron Rogers to light it up against the Browns.

Another good game is taking place in the state of Ohio as the Bears come to Cincinnati. After Houston's offense had a field day against the Bengals, I expect there defense to bounce back and cause a few turnovers against a very turnover prone team. Cedric Benson has had big days when the Bengals have needed it, and I expect this game to be no different.

Looking at the other big games on Sunday, Minnesota travels to Pittsburgh. I do not know whether to call it a Super Bowl hangover, but the Steelers have started 1-5 against the spread. The Steelers are struggling to find an identity and I believe the Vikings, who are humming right along, will win this game.

For my Stone Cold Lead Pipe Lock of the week, I like the GMen in the Sunday night game against Arizona. Arizona capable of making big plays and embarrassing the Giants defense like New Orleans did last week, but what makes New Orleans so dangerous is they have a balanced attack. Arizona is not trying to fool anybody, they are going throw the ball all over the field. I think the Giants defense will get to Kurt Warner, force a few turnovers and Eli Manning and will spread the ball around as the Giants win by more than 7.

Enjoy the Action!