Friday, October 13, 2006

Florida Faces Stiff Test Against Auburn

The Florida Gators have been flying through the Southeastern Conference and with last weeks victory over LSU, leap-frogged from No. 5 to No. 2 in the AP Top 25 poll.

Now the Gators must travel to Auburn and face the former No. 2 Tigers at Jordan-Hare Stadium, in what will be the toughest test yet for Urban Meyer and his Florida squad.

Auburn, upset victims to Arkansas last week, fell from No. 2 all the way to No. 11 after the loss. The Tigers have the advantage of playing at home and with something to prove after last week. It should be a very interesting game indeed.

Two top 25 teams played on Thursday night with No. 18 Clemson handing Temple its 19th straight loss with a 63-9 victory. James Davis ran for 139 yards and three touchdowns.

No. 22 Virginia Tech dropped a 22-3 decision to Boston College as Eagles QB Matt Ryan threw for 174 yards and two touchdowns.

Here's the Corners predictions for this weeks Top 25 battles:

Ohio State (1) at Michigan State
The Buckeyes have won four straight over the Spartans. Michigan State gives up points in bunches and Ohio State scores in even more bunches. Winner: Ohio State.

Florida (2) at Auburn (11)
It'll be a short stay for the Gators at number two. The Tigers are mad and loaded for bear. Playing at home in raucous Jordan-Hare is the tonic Auburn needs to get back on track. Winner: Auburn.

Arizona State at USC (3)
The Trojans have won six straight over the Sun Devils and even with the current spate of injury problems, USC should roll. Winner: USC.

Michigan (4) at Penn State
The Wolverines will be without leading receiver Mario Manningham, but still have guys named Henne, Hart and Breaston. The Nittany Lions always play tough at Beaver Stadium, especially under the lights. This game will be very close and Penn State has a chance to pull off the upset. Winner: Michigan.

West Virginia (5) at Syracuse
When are the pollsters going to give the Mountaineers some love and respect? Winner: West Virginia.

Baylor at Texas (6)
Amazingly, this is a battle between the top two teams in the Big 12 South. It won't be much of a fight. Longhorns roll. Winner: Texas.

Cincinnati at Louisville (7)
Cardinals QB Brian Brohm may be back for this game. Either way, it shouldn't matter too much in deciding the outcome. Winner: Louisville.

California (10) at Washington State
The Golden Bears have lost nine straight to the Cougars in Pullman dating back to 1979. That streak ends on Saturday. Winner: California.

Kentucky at LSU (14)
This game could get ugly in a hurry. Winner: LSU

Iowa (15) at Indiana
The Hawkeyes are favored by 17 over the Hoosiers. Take Iowa and the points. Winner: Iowa.

Vanderbilt at Georgia (16)
Want to know a great way to get back on track after suffering a loss in the SEC? Schedule the Commodores the following week. Winner; Georgia.

SE Missouri at Arkansas (17)
Mitch Mustain and company are feeling pretty good after last weeks win over Auburn. Playing a cupcake this week lets the good times continue to roll. Winner: Arkansas.

UCLA at Oregon (18)
The Bruins have won four of five in Eugene, but will be without starting QB Ben Olson for four to six weeks. The second-ranked Bruin defense gets their first test with the Ducks spread option attack. Winner: Oregon.

Missouri (19) at Texas A&M
The Tigers are the better team, but it's hard to beat the Aggies at home. Winner: Texas A&M.

Nebraska (21) at Kansas State
Hasn't the Big 12 become a mediocre conference in a short period of time? The Cornhuskers ground attack will wear down the Wildcats. Winner: Nebraska.

Iowa State at Oklahoma (23)
Sooner RB Adrian Peterson faces a Cyclone defense that's last in the conference in rush defense. What do you think is going to happen? Winner: Oklahoma.

Rutgers (24) at Navy
Should be a nice game between the unbeaten Scarlet Knights and the once-beaten Midshipmen. Both teams are in the top ten in rushing, but the Knights are bigger and faster. Winner: Rutgers.

Minnesota at Wisconsin (24)
The Battle for Paul Bunyan's Axe takes place once again. Look for the Badgers to hold serve at Camp Randall. Winner: Wisconsin.

Boise State (20) at New Mexico State
Look for the Broncos to cruise in this one. Winner: Boise State.

The Corner Lowdown:
Last week: 10-7 (Ugh!)
Overall: 59-14


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