Week 8 Games of the Week

Here is a look at my games of the week for FBS and FCS football for week 8!

Kansas State at Oklahoma
The Wildcats will come in with a stout defensive unit looking to model their game after what TCU did to Trevor Knight. The reality may be that in Norman, OU will have too much firepower for K State to stop.
My Pick: Oklahoma

Iowa at Maryland
Maryland is trying to prove they belong in the Big 10, and Iowa has improved greatly since their loss to Iowa State. The Hawkeyes going on the road makes me nervous, and the winner could play dark horse in the conference race.
I Pick: Maryland (Upset Alert!)

Virginia at Duke
Virginia is the surprise of the ACC early, and sits at 2-0 in conference play. Duke bounced back nicely from their loss to Miami by taking out previously unbeaten Georgia Tech last week. Look for the Blue Devil offense to find ways to overcome a staunch UVA D.
My Pick: Duke

Texas A&M at Alabama
If the Aggies can get out and score early, Alabama could be in trouble. The Tide has been a bit stagnant on offense lately, but the defense is still there. They will need everything they have t stop Kenny Hill and company, but A&M isn't what they were early either.
My Pick: Alabama

Clemson at Boston College
The Tigers have had off and on issues playing BC in the last decade, and BC is the other surprise of the ACC next to Virginia. Look for the vaunted BC run game to chew up clock and make the Tigers struggle to stop them all day.
I Pick: Boston College (Upset Alert!)

Oklahoma State at Baylor
Everyone knew how good the Bears would be, but the Cowboys are a bit of a surprise, despite struggles here and there (last week was ugly against Kansas). Two of the craftiest coaches in America square off here in Mike Gundy and Art Briles. We should see a high scoring chess match here.
My Pick: Baylor

Georgia at Arkansas
Missing Todd Gurley last week wasn't an issue for a deep UGA RB corps. Arkansas also boasts a deep run game, and almost knocked off Alabama. If UGA doesn't have an A game this week, they could be in line to get knocked off.
My Pick: Arkansas (Upset Alert!)

Utah State at Colorado State
This is by far the game of the week in the MWC. Colorado State could very well find their way to the MWC title game, but must hold off a surprising USU squad minus Chuckie Keeton. Utah State has not slowed down without Keeton, and so an upset bid is in play.
My Pick: Colorado State

Kentucky at LSU
Who is for real here? The streaking, almost bowl eligible Kentucky Wildcats, or the slumping, bumbling LSU Tigers that will still go bowling despite maybe being the worst overall team in the SEC West?
My Pick: LSU

Washington at Oregon
Huskies/Ducks is always an intriguing contest, and both are 5-1. I expect the closeness to end there. Oregon should roll with far superior talent.
My Pick: Oregon

Notre Dame at Florida State
Both teams are in line for a shot at the national title right now. Only one will be legit when it is over. All of this Jameis Winston crap has to have an effect eventually, right?
My Pick: Notre Dame

Stanford at Arizona State
Taylor Kelly could be back for ASU this week, and that would be great news, and could give the Devils the edge they need at home, especially with Stanford QB Kevin Hogan playing on a bum leg.
My Pick: Arizona State

FCS

Sacred Heart at Duquesne
The Pioneers are trying to steal one on the road in a battle for the top of the NEC. The Dukes a tough out at home and drove Buffalo to the brink in their only loss.
My Pick: Duquesne

Colgate at Yale
Yale is off to a strong 3-1 start, and a win over the visiting Red Raiders would cement their place as a front runner in the Ivy League down the line. Colgate is 0-2 on the road. They need this win for national positioning.
My Pick: Yale

Texas Southern at Alcorn State
Both are 3-1 in SWAC play. The loser may be out of the conference race for the year. This is a huge game.
My Pick: Alcorn State

Villanova at William & Mary
The Wildcats are in control in CAA play, but the Tribe is tough at home, and is hungry for the win to stay alive in the conference race.
My Pick: William & Mary (Upset Alert!)

Indiana State at North Dakota State
Two time defending champ NDSU has been pushed lately. Indiana State is playing some of their best football in years, and has a win over Ball State, while NDSU knocked off Iowa State by 20. This could be the game of the year in MVC play.
My Pick: North Dakota State

Southern Illinois at Youngstown State
A playoff bid may be on the line in another solid MVC matchup for week 8. A loss could push the loser to the far side of the bubble come selection time.
My Pick: Youngstown State

Western Carolina at Mercer
Mercer got a fast start this season but has been struggling to a 1-2 start in SoCon play. Western Carolina is better than most expected they would be, and has not lost in conference play. That being said, I feel a trap this week.
My Pick: Mercer (Upset Alert!)

Central Arkansas at SE Louisiana
Both teams are 3-0 in SLC play heading into the week. The winner is in the driver's seat for the SLC title and a playoff bid.
My Pick: SE Louisiana