Blair Kerkhoff’s around the nation: Game of the week, upset of the week
Game of the weekOhio State at Wisconsin
In his first game back since suffering a foot injury against Ohio, Beanie Wells rushed for 106 yards against Minnesota last week. Despite missing two games, he’s still thinking Heisman. “I honestly think I can be the best player in college football,” he said. “When it comes down to it, it’s (about) who is the best player in college football.” Big numbers in a victory over a hurting Wisconsin team would help the cause. The Badgers are out to prove a loss won’t beat them twice, but it had to be difficult to put Michigan in the rearview mirror after blowing a 19-point halftime lead.
Upset of the week
Illinois over Michigan
The Illini defense was suppose to be a strength; instead it’s surrendering 32 points per game. Coach Ron Zook promises some changes this week, not in the starting lineup but in the rotation. It will get better against a Wolverines bunch coming off a terrific victory over Wisconsin but still trying to get its legs on offense.
Others to watch
Auburn at Vanderbilt
A Vandy victory would make the Commodores 5-0 for the first time since 1941. They’re already 2-0 in SEC play with triumphs over South Carolina and Mississippi. The Commodores are getting it done with defense — they lead the nation in turnover margin — and special teams. But they haven’t seen anything like this Tigers’ defense, which will be the difference.
Kentucky at Alabama
The Bear Bryant Bowl. A letdown is possible for the Crimson Tide, coming off their resounding victory at Georgia. But a better reason for this game to stay close is Kentucky’s defense, which has allowed three or fewer points in three of its four games. The Wildcats have a better chance of getting to Bama quarterback John Parker Wilson than any team the Tide has faced.
Navy at Air Force
A salute to two programs off to good starts. The Midshipmen stunned Wake Forest in Winston-Salem last weekend, while the Falcons played Utah tough before falling two weeks ago for their first loss. There may be a total of 12 passes in this game between ground-based teams.
Rice at Tulsa
Really? Yes, if you like offense. The Owls are coming off a 77-20 victory over North Texas, and the Golden Hurricane leads the nation in total offense at 601 yards per game.
On the horizon
Games on Oct. 11
Texas vs. Oklahoma at Dallas. If the teams hold serve in Big 12 road games this weekend, this will be between top-five programs.
LSU at Florida. Preview of the SEC title game? The Tigers will have had two weeks to prepare.
Oklahoma State at Missouri. Two of the nation’s top offenses do battle. Three of their six meetings as Big 12 members have gone into OT.
Notre Dame at North Carolina. Looked like a sure “W” for the Irish before the season, but the Tar Heels have buckled down.
