Ten (4 1/2) Questions I Can’t Wait to be Answered this Weekend

Pretty bland weekend with the exception of Florida/Georgia and Texas/Texas Tech. Next weekend isn’t that good either so we’ll have to take what we can get. Here’s what I’m looking forward to:

1.) Time to see if Texas Tech really can play big boy football this year. They looked great blowing out a 5-3 Kansas team last weekend, but # 1 Texas is coming to town. There are multiple story lines here and most favor the Red Raiders. This is the 4th game in a row against top 11 opponents for Texas- can they continue to stay mentally and physically sharp for another 4 quarters? They started to break down in the second half against Oklahoma State last week and can’t afford to do that against a quick strike Texas Tech team. This is also the first real road test for Texas, and it comes in the form of a night game (8pm eastern kick).

Neither team has played well against the pass this season. Texas Tech is giving up 245 yards per game through the air while Texas is giving up 265. The Longhorn secondary is banged up and several freshmen will be on the field on Saturday. Considering the teams are # 1 (TT) and # 11 (UT) in passing offense, this points to the key to the game which is….

Pressure. Texas has to get pressure on Texas Tech QB Graham Harrell. Tech has only given up 3 sacks this year (# 1 in the nation), mostly because of the quick passes utilized in the Red Raider offense. Texas has 29 sacks this year and has gotten many of those from only rushing the front four. Texas is going to need to get pressure from the front and affect Harrell’s throwing lanes with the linebackers.

The Longhorns will also need to do a better job of tackling in space than they did (12 missed tackles last week). Red Raider WR Michael Crabtree is a premier receiver and will score off of only one missed tackle. Texas Tech’s 29 aerial touchdowns have gone to nine different receivers, but Crabtree has 14 of the 29.

On offense, Texas will need Jordan Shipley and Quan Cosby to keep making clutch catches; drops won’t get it done today

I like Texas to win and keep their national championship hopes alive.

2.) Who’s the boss of the SEC East? Only one team will be left standing after this game, and I think it will be Florida. Florida is significantly better on defense this year than they were last, especially in the secondary where they will be under fire today from future All-Pro QB Matt Stafford.

I like Florida to win because of quick hitters like Percy Harvin and Jeff Demps and their stingy turnover margin- the Gators are 3rd in the country at + 10 on the season. I also like Florida because of the revenge factor- Urban Meyer will have a couple special treats for Georgia after the Gators were shown up last year. The Kobra Kai dojo always gets even. Always.

3.) Will Utah survive their first road test? It’s time to start weeding out the non-BCS challengers. Utah will need to beat an average but scrappy New Mexico team on the road today. They’re favored by 7.5.

4.) What is Wisconsin made of? 4a.) Is this Michigan State team going to break the annual late-season Spartan crash and burn?

Wisconsin stands second from the bottom in the Big Ten standings with a 1-4 conference record. Plus at 4-4 overall, the Badgers are at risk of not making a bowl game. After Michigan State, the Baaaaadgers have Indiana, Minnesota, and Cal Poly. That’s a slate they should win out but who knows what a loss to the Spartans would do to that.

After losing four games in a row, Wisconsin showed signs of life by beating Illinois last week at Camp Randall. Do they have the leadership to keep it going for a second week after what has been a disappointing season by any definition.

Michigan State is coming off their landmark win over big brother Wolverine. Also, Sparty is 7-2 overall and tied for second with Ohio State for the conference race. MSU has downward spiraling Purdue plus a road game at Penn State after this one, so it’s not unreasonable to think the Spartans could finish 9-3 should they win this game.

The Spartans will attempt to ride Javon Ringer to the win, but ultimately it’s going to fall on QB Brian Hoyer to make some plays. Hoyer has performed at a below average level this year but is coming off his best performance- a 282-yard, 3 touchdown game (albeit against the Michigan secondary). Hoyer won’t need to play that well but pretty close to beat the Badgers.

You’re welcome.