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Taylor’s Take from week 3

Everyone knows about momentum in college football, but the biggest thing I noticed from Saturday’s games was how much a single play in a game affected the outcome and momentum of the game.

In the Ohio State game, Washington was dominating the game until the Buckeyes blocked a field goal. The next thing you know OSU scores two quick touchdowns and it is 17-7 OSU and the rout is on. I am not saying that Washington would have won the game if the field goal would have been good, but it would have made the score 10-3 and the Huskies would have had all the momentum. Plus, OSU hadn’t moved the ball the whole game and it might not have changed. I would say a 50-50 chance on Washington winning.

Granted the Tennessee game was a blowout, but things may have been much different had it not fumbled when the lead was down to eight. Florida returned it for a touchdown and the rout was on. I will admit that Tennessee could not stop Florida, but if the Vols had scored on that possession, a shoot-out may have ensued, leading to a fantastic ending.

Arkansas was trying to make a comeback on Alabama when a receiver fumbled a ball in the open field. Although Arkansas came back and took the lead anyway, that lead might have been bigger and could have held up.

In what turned out to be the ESPN instant classic game, a couple of calls by the coaches still baffled me in the Louisville game. I can’t believe that the Cardinals went for the touchdown with over nine minutes to go on fourth and goal from the six. However, the worst call of the week goes to Rich Brooks for not going for two at the end of the game to make it a potential seven-point lead. As much as I wanted UK to win, it would have been funny to see the Wildcats lose on such a stupid call.

Week three showed some overrated and underrated teams. Overrated: Louisville, UCLA, Auburn (again), Nebraska, Oklahoma State and Georgia Tech. Underrated teams were Florida, Kentucky, Alabama, Boston College and Purdue.

Top 5 games for week 4

5. Kentucky @ Arkansas: A Kentucky win will prove that it is a top 25 team. An Arkansas win will prove how dominant and balanced the SEC is. It will be the balanced attack of Kentucky with Rafael Little and Andre Woodson against the running game of Arkansas led by Darren McFadden and Felix Jones. With two bad defensive outings last week, it is hard to determine who will have the advantage. In what I think will be the most entertaining game, Arkansas will get it done at home 31-27.

4. Iowa @ Wisconsin: Last weeks egg that Iowa threw up makes this game less important, but it might be enough for Wisconsin to take another team lightly. The Badgers have been flirting with disaster all year, and their always solid defense has looked bad. However, Iowa hasn’t had a good offense since Brad Banks was at the helm. Iowa’s defense will keep it in the game, but P.J. Hill will wear out the defense in the end. Wisconsin 26-14.

3. Georgia @ Alabama: How big would this game have been if Georgia would have beaten South Carolina? Instead, it will be a must-win for Georgia if it wants to win the SEC East. An Alabama win would give it two solid wins against SEC opponents. Georgia has been very inconsistent the last year and a half with Matt Stafford at quarterback. Alabama’s defense got torn apart late in the game, but you can expect a better performance this week. Roll Tide 24-17.

2. Penn State @ Michigan: This game has lost much of its luster, but it is still a big game for both teams. Penn State has been creeping up the polls, but it hasn’t faced any kind of test. Both teams dominated Notre Dame, so there is no true comparison there. Michigan is playing its fourth straight game in the Big House, while PSU goes on the road for the first time. Paterno has had major heartbreakers his last two times there, and I expect to make it three. Michigan 23-21.

1. South Carolina @ LSU: Almost a battle of top 10 teams, although no one is giving the Gamecocks a chance. LSU has looked totally dominant, but SC has already won a big SEC road game. If this game was at SC, I would be smelling an upset. However, it isn’t and unfortunately for Steve Spurrier, Blake Mitchell is still his quarterback. LSU will force four picks and runaway with the game in the second half. 28-10.

Upset Alert: Michigan beats Penn State. Watch out for Oklahoma State bouncing back to beat Texas Tech.

Tags: college football preview, kentucky football, ohio state football