Another Saturday, another test

Penn State goes to the Big House today for, what I think, is the last big hurdle on their schedule. Yes, Michigan State is another road game, but I think Michigan, today, is the more difficult game.

Folks tend to forget that Michigan was a top-10 team at the start of the season. They lost a tough game to Notre Dame early, and I think that kind of upset the balance. However, I still think they're among the most talented teams in the country...and they're going to be pissed. Not a good combo.

Some of my key points to the game:
--PSU secondary vs. Michigan WRs: Steve Breston and Jason Avant are two of the fastest WRs in the conferenece...right behind Ginn and Holmes. I'm not sure that the D can get the kind of pressure they did on Smith last week, so the cover guys are going to have to be solid today.
--RB Michael Hart: This guy is scary good. If he's on today, this game could be ugly. If the running game is effective, Penn State won't be able to put 8 in the box like last week. Could lead to some long drives, and the defense could tire like they did at Northwestern and earlier.
--Turnovers: 13 in the first 4 games, 0 in the last 2. If we don't turn it over, we will be ok.
--3rd Down conversions (both offensive and defensive)...on 2 of the three scoring drives vs OSU, the Lions picked up key 1st downs via the air. Drive continuing plays will be big to keep the D off the field. Defensively, well, get off the field. No long 3rd down pickups...that means that the D must be effective on 1st and 2nd downs.
--Michigan's Injuries--2 starting safeties and a DE are out. We need points. Get the lead early, and make Michigan one dimensional.

So, with that...today's predictions:

OSU 30, Mich St. 21
LSU 24, Florida 14
USC 47, Notre Dame 21
Wisconsin 34, Minnesota 28
Texas 29, Colorado 14
FSU 38, UVa 17

and,

PENN STATE 27, MGOBLUE 20

For the Glory....