3:30 Kickoff: Iron Bowl, Penn State vs. Wisconsin, Commonwealth Cup
By Ty Duffy
Alabama blew a 24-point lead at home last season, losing 28-27 to Auburn, who went on to win the BCS Title. So, basically, the worst loss imaginable. Michigan State took the brunt of their frustration. Most of Alabama’s defense returns for this one. Cam Newton and Nick Fairley do not.
Auburn has a mess at quarterback going against what still may be the country’s best defense. Alabama has Trent Richardson running against the nation’s 83rd best run defense. They are 21-point favorites, with better players at virtually every position. The Young Tigers could give them fits eventually, but probably not this year.
Leaders of Leaders. Wisconsin vs. Penn State. The winner goes to the B1G Title Game. The Nittany Lions have own the last two meetings by a margin of 86-14, tough the teams last met in 2008. Wisconsin’s closest home game this year was a 48-17 win over Nebraska. Their run defense can be very average. Unfortunately, Penn State must pass to keep up. Barring a Herculean defensive effort against one of the nation’s best offenses, this looks like a comfortable Wisconsin win. For now, though, the PSU-UCLA Rose Bowl remains a possibility.
Commonwealth Cup. Virginia is the team of destiny, fueled by Mike London’s extraordinary grit. Virginia Tech is the more capable team at just about every aspect of playing football. The winner goes to the ACC Title Game. Expect this to be low-scoring and physical, Virginia’s type of game. The Cavaliers have never appeared in the title game and have lost 11/12 Commonwealth Cups, none since Tech joined the ACC.
[Photo via Getty]