Things that we learned after week 3.  All of the top 5 teams look beatable.  The Huskers still haven’t figured out how to close the deal on the road.  The Sooners can still put a “half a hundred” on some hapless foe in Norman even with “The Stache” at QB.  After years of humiliation and the humility that comes with it, The U gets a couple wins and all of the thuggery comes back.  This is 2007 all over again and we might have a two loss national champion.  So here's what I'm watching...

Thursday night
6:30 #4 Ole Miss at South Carolina, ESPiN
It’s hard to believe in this college football season of survivor that Ole Miss made it into the top 5 with wins over Memphis and directional Louisiana but it goes to show you that the pollsters don’t pay attention.  After a couple tune up games, the Rebels get their first test of the season.  The Gamecocks have already been tested with a couple tough road games against NC State and Georgia and a recovery game against FAU.    Teams are pretty evenly matched.  This one comes down to QB play and I think Snead outplays the Spaniard. 

Pick: Rebels are favored by 3. While I’d love to pick the old ball coach as a sentimental favorite, I’m picking Ole Miss to cover. 

Saturday
11:00am #22 North Carolina at Georgia Tech 
The Tarheels are taking their show on the road to Bobby Dodd Stadium where they have a five game losing streak going.  It’s their 7th ranked rushing defense against Tech’s 16th ranked rushing attack that is worth watching.  NC hasn’t seemed to get their Offense untracked on the road but they have the advantage of a tough road win over UConn. 

Pick: Tech is favored by 2.  I think the Tarheel’s offense is a little better than Tech’s defense.  I’m taking the Tarheel’s and the points.

2:30 pm #9 Miami at #11 Virginia Tech, ABC
Can the U take their newly found thuggery on the road to Blacksburg?  The Hokies already have one loss under their belt and a 2nd loss would hurt their season for sure.  The Hokies have the 106th ranked passing offense and 107th ranked rushing defense and 93rd for pass efficiency.  Thug U will come out daring them to throw the ball or stop the run.  I hate going with the pick du jour, but I have to. 

Pick: .  The Hokies are favored by 2.  Thug U is just too balanced and the Hokies are trying to overcompensate for too many glaring inadequacies (sounds familiar).  My money is on Thug U and the points.

7:00 pm Iowa at #5 Penn State, ABC
At some point this looked like a good prime time game and Joe Pa looked like Elvis, but here we are.  For those of us with short memories, Penn State looked past Iowa last year on their way to a perfect season and the Hawkeyes spoiled it.  On top of that it’s white out night at Beaver stadium.  Iowa comes in 3-0 with a weak road win against Iowa State.  The Nittany lions are 3-0 against Temple, Syracuse and Akron from the Small Engine Repair College Subdivision.  The linebackers from Linebacker U are hurting, but their #2 scoring defense should get the job done.  On offense they will make the big plays that make the difference.

Pick: Penn state is giving 10 points.  I don’t think they are that much better.  I’m taking the Hawkeyes and the points.

Go! Linebacker U!!!