Weekend Kickoff (Week 10)

Games of the Week

Season Record (31-14)

#7 Miami Hurricanes at #3 Florida State Seminoles
This could be a preview of what the ACC Championship Game is going to look like. At a quick glance this looks like it should be a close game with two top ten ranked teams.  But I'm not buying that.  Even with Miami's undefeated record they are a flawed team whose offense is one dimensional.  While on the other hand Florida State is playing like a well oiled machine.  I really don't think this game is going to be close.  Look  for another Clemson type of score.
Prediction:  Miami 17 Florida State 38

#18 Oklahoma State Cowboys at #20 Texas Tech Red Raiders
This game pits two teams that have a ton in common. Both teams got off to great starts with only one loss.  Both teams haven't beaten a quality team yet and need to validate their early success.  Both teams are known for the high flying offenses.  However that's not necessary true for Oklahoma State who has just been average this year having to rely on their defense.  They'll need that defense to step up to slow down Texas Tech's third rated passing attack.  The big question is did that passing numbers get inflated against poor competition.  This game could really be a toss up, but I like Tech's chances.
Prediction:  Oklahoma State 34 Texas Tech 36

#24 Michigan Wolverines at #19 Michigan State Spartans
The battle for Michigan could also help decide the Big 10 Legends Division.  Michigan State is the only Legends team without a loss, while Michigan has only one.  Michigan relies on thier offense to carry the team, but going against an elite unit like the Spartans could really spell some troubles for the Wolverines.  QB Devin Gardner has been widely inconsistent and that does bode well, especially with the secondary that Michigan State has.
Prediction:  Michigan 17 Michigan State 20

Florida Gators vs Georgia Bulldogs
It's the World's Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party, but it doesn't have the same feels as normal. Whether it's Florida's nonexistent offense costing them two wins or Georgia's injuries that they haven't been able to recover from, there isn't a whole lot of hype surrounding this game. We'll get to see strength on strength here as Georgia relies on their explosive offense, while the Gators have a very talented defense. Florida's defense should allow them to stay in this game, but Georgia will still score points. And I don't see the Gators having enough to match them.
Prediction:  Florida 13 Georgia 21

Rice Owls at North Texas Mean Green
You know it's a bad week of games when a Conference USA game makes the list. However this game does have some importance as both teams are in a battle for West Division Title. North Texas has really turned their program around under former Iowa State coach Dan McCarney while Rice has made their hay running the ball. The Mean Green have the advantage since they're home and weekday games tend to favor the home team, but Rice's running game and experience I think will be too much to overcome.
Prediction:  Rice 23 North Texas 20

---

Match up to Watch



Florida State LB Christian Jones vs Miami RB Duke Johnson

Profiles

 Once Chrstian Jones (our #1 OLB) was moved over to the weak side linebacker spot, he really flourished.  Jones is a great athlete and it shows as he can effortlessly move around the field .  He has good speed and quickness and is at his best when in the open field.  He is very good at attacking the ball and despite his size (6'4 232) he is very good in coverage.  This will make him very attractive come the NFL Draft because he has the ability to match up with tight ends in the passing game.  He is a prototypical 4-3 weak side linebacker, but with Florida State running more 3-4 under new defensive coordinator Jeremy Pruitt, he has the experience within the scheme.

If you haven't had a chance to see Duke Johnson (5'9 196) play this year, that's probably because he's so fast you missed him.  Johnson is a burner and has elite speed (est 4.3 40 yard dash) that allows him to hit the home run each time he gets the ball.  Unlike a lot of pure speed backs, Johnson has the ability to run between the tackles and get the tough yards when needed.  He'll use his speed and powerful running to go through arm tackles and make defenders miss.  I would like to see Miami try to use him more in the passing game, but the lack of effort sends the message that he doesn't have good hands.  Johnson is still only a sophomore (and thus not ranked) but he's sure to be considered to be the top running back in the 2015 NFL Draft.

Outlook
It's cliche to say that this match up will the decide the game, but it's hard to ignore the significance of this battle.  Miami's offense is built around their running game.  They want the ball in Johnson's hands.  A big part of that is getting Johnson on the edge and hoping his speed will break off big runs.  That's where Jones comes into play as he'll be there to stop Johnson in the open field.  Jones is a good tackler and that will be needed.  I see Johnson still getting yards, but Jone's ability to tackle in the open field and the talent that surrounds him could slow Johnson down.