Saturday - No. 24 Georgia Tech at No. 11 Virginia Tech - 3:30 p.m. - ABC
A battle of technical schools jockeying for position in the ACC Coastal division highlights Saturday's early college football action. The Yellow Jackets have impressed many this year by going the distance with then-No. 2 Notre Dame despite losing to the Irish, 14-10, in Week 1. Since then they have picked up a couple of easy wins against Samford and Troy as well as winning their first ACC game against Virginia, 24-7. Athletic quarterback Reggie Ball and running back Tashard Choice make for a speedy backfield that is a force to be reckoned with. An even speedier defense that has given well-established ACC powers fits over the last couple of year will be a tough obstacle for Virginia Tech to overcome.
The Hokies have cakewalked their way to 4-0 this season with wins over the likes of Duke, Northeastern and North Carolina, leading their fans to question if they really are that good. The Hokies have only allowed 23 points this year and the defense has recorded two shut-outs. This week, they face a much tougher challenge in the Yellow Jackets. Quarterback Sean Glennon has shined this season against inferior teams, throwing for six touchdowns already. Look for the Hokies' defense to be the difference in this one, as they are big and fast enough to contend with Georgia Tech's speedy backfield.
Winner - Virginia Tech
Saturday - Alabama at No. 5 Florida - 3:30 p.m. - CBS
One of the SEC's developing rivalries in recent years will add another chapter when Alabama heads down to the Swamp in Gainesville, Fla. to take on the Gators.
The Crimson Tide are reeling after losing their first conference game in double overtime to Arkansas last week, 24-23, when Alabama kicker Leigh Tiffin went 1-for-4 on field goals and missed a crucial extra point in overtime to give Arkansas the chance to win the game. Quarterback John Parker Wilson is putting up great numbers this season, throwing for 913 yards and seven touchdowns. The obstacles Alabama will face will be mental after that crushing loss to the Razorbacks. A solid effort from the outset could be huge in a game like this.
The Gators, behind the quarterback-running back tandem of Chris Leak and DeShawn Wynn, have rolled to a 4-0 start that included an impressive road win against No. 13 Tennessee, 21-20. Leak and Wynn have accounted for almost 1,400 all-purpose yards and make up one of the most dangerous offenses in the country. The Gators haven't beaten Alabama since 1998, but have also won 11 straight at home. Expect the Gators to extend their unbeaten streak at home.
Winner - Florida
Saturday - No. 1 Ohio State at No. 13
Iowa - 8 p.m. - ABC
Two of the best teams in the Big Ten will face off in a much-hyped match-up of efficient offenses and stellar coaching minds. Both teams are 4-0 and will be facing their biggest tests of the season in this game.
Iowa, one of the underdogs to challenge for the national title this year, looked good in their 24-7 win over Illinois in their conference opener. But they will face a much better defense this week against the Buckeyes. Quarterback Drew Tate has a 62.4 completion percentage so far and has only thrown two picks, showing why he is one of the Big Ten's most accurate and efficient quarterbacks. An offense that averages almost 380 yards per game will be a tough match for the Buckeyes' defense.
Ohio State has been battle tested this year, winning key matches against Texas and Penn State already, but will have to buckle down to face this Iowa team. Heisman hopeful Troy Smith has made some highlight reel plays already and will have to spread the ball around to contend with the Hawkeyes' defense. Even though Iowa is 0-7-1 when facing the No. 1 team in the country, a rollicking crowd in Iowa City will help the Hawkeyes dethrone the Buckeyes and finally show that they belong among the elite teams in the nation.
Winner - Iowa
Sunday - New England Patriots at Cincinnati Bengals - 4:15 p.m. - CBS
A horrible rushing performance by the Patriots doomed them in their Week 3 loss to Denver, 17-7. They rushed for a measly 50 yards compared to their counterparts' 144.
Quarterback Tom Brady tried his superstar best to win the game, throwing for 320 yards and seven different receivers but the depleted New England receiving core, devoid of stars, couldn't produce. Now the Patriots face a team whose defense has kept them in games while their offense has been red hot.
Bengals quarterback Carson Palmer has put up great numbers this season, throwing for 672 yards and six touchdowns. Receivers Chris Henry Chad Johnson, and T.J. Houshmandzadeh have been tearing up opposing defenses all year and will demand most of the attention of New England's defense. The Patriots' defense will need to step up this week and pressure the Bengals' receivers and not give up 80-yard touchdown passes like they did to Javon Walker last week.
In what will probably be a high-scoring game due to the offense-defense match-ups, the team with the better all-around offensive game will win.
Winner - Cincinnati
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