College Gameday Predictions:

By Guest Blogger Geoff Newolet:

(13) Penn State at Michigan:

 Michigan has won nine straight meetings versus Penn State, and Saturday’s contest should be another rivalry-inducing game. Penn State is 6-1 on the season, and Michigan is 5-2. Michigan won last season’s contest by the score of 14-9, and Penn State is probably a better all around team this season, but they were a much better team last season, and they still continued their losing streak to the Wolverines.

Michigan has made huge strides this season after a dismal 3-9 campaign a year ago. Michigan is led by a freshman sensation at quarterback in Tate Forcier. Forcier has led a formidable offense attack that has averaged just over 38 points a game this season. The Penn State defense will have a large task in front of them.

Penn State’s defense, though, is one of the best in the nation. They have two of the best defensive tackles in the country in Jared Odrick and Ollie Ogbu. Penn State has the personnel to hold Michigan under 38 points, and they will do so.

Preseason Heisman Tropy candidate Daryll Clark runs Penn State’s offense, and he will play a great role in keeping Michigan’s offense off the field. Running back Evan Royster averages 5.8 yards per carry this season, which is actually down from 6.5 a year ago. Penn State runs one of the most balanced attacks in the country, which is what makes them effective.

After starting the season undefeated, Michigan has lost two straight. They will right the ship this weekend against a strong Penn State team. It is going to be a tight game, and home field advantage will go a long way. Final score: Michigan 28 Penn State 24

South Florida at (20) Pittsburgh:

South Florida will head into Pittsburgh after being handed their first loss of the season from Big East rival Cincinnati. South Florida is 5-1 on the season, and this weekend’s match up against 6-1 Pittsburgh will not be any easier. Pittsburgh’s lone loss on the season came against NC State by the score of 38-31, and they have defeated three straight Big East opponents.

Pittsburgh has one of the most potent offensive attacks in the country, and they are led by freshman Dion Lewis who is third in the nation in rushing yards per game (131.1).  The Panthers run a balanced attack, and senior Quarterback Bill Stull has played the best football of his career. He has thrown 14 touchdowns this season to only 3 interceptions.

South Florida is led by redshirt freshman B.J. Daniels. Daniels had a poor performance a week ago, but he has been consistent otherwise. Daniels had led his team in both rushing and passing. South Florida’s defense is their strength, though, with two-time All-American defensive end George Selvie. South Florida has shut down their opponents this season, and most notably, they held Florida State to seven points.

In this match up, a top-tier offense is facing off against a top-tier defense, which makes it an intriguing game. A week ago, Cincinnati proved that an elite offense can move the ball against South Florida. B.J. Daniels does not command the fire power to keep up with a potent Panther attack. South Florida will keep it close, but Pittsburgh will win. Final score: Pittsburgh 27 South Florida 17