The College View 2006 Week 7

No. 1 Ohio State is a 15 point favorite against Michigan State this Saturday. You can watch the 3:30 game on ABC.

The History
Ohio State has won the last three games against Michigan State by a combined score of 100-58. In 1912, Michigan State won the first game played in this series. Ohio State leads the all-time series 24-12.

The Players
Troy Smith continues to impress everyone with his passing ability. Last week Smith completed 17 of 20 pass attempts to go along with three touchdowns. Although Ted Ginn had a big game last week look for Anthony Gonzalez, Roy Hall, and Ray Small to get more touches against the Spartans. Senior defensive tackle Joel Penton will replace the injured David Patterson on Saturday.

Quarterback Drew Stanton is averaging 248 yards of total offense a game this season. Half back Jehuu Caulcrick is taking the majority of the hand-offs due to Javon Ringer’s season ending knee injury. Coach John L. Smith has suspended two tight ends for Saturday’s game and go-to wide receiver Matt Trannon might be sidelined for the Ohio State game because of injury. Free safety Otis Wiley leads the team in tackles and defensive tackle Clifton Wiley has three sacks.

The Stats
Each game Ohio State is averaging 235 yards passing, 151 yards rushing and scoring just under 33 points. The defense is allowing opponents to rush for 118 yards and throw for 182 yards. However, the Buckeyes lead the country in points allowed (9.33) and rank third in the country in turnover margin (plus 1.67). Also, in six games the defense has collected 20 sacks.

Michigan State’s defense is unlike Ohio State’s. The Spartans are allowing their opponents over 334 yards of total offense and 25 points a game. The defense ranks 104th in sacks (7) and 108th in tackles for loss. The offense is racking up 413 yards and scoring 31 points a contest.

The View
This was a game that had many Buckeye fans worried at the beginning of the season. Today some of those worries have been subsided because of the injuries to Javon Ringer and Matt Trannon. The fact that Michigan State is in meltdown mode relieves those fears even further. The Spartans have lost their last three games since the second half debacle against Notre Dame. John L. Smith, as a head coach, has not lost four straight games since his last year at Utah State in 1997.

The weather could have a bigger influence on the outcome of this game than the Spartans. Can Air Troy still fly the friendly skies in cold weather?

Ohio State- 30, Michigan State- 17



No. 4 Michigan at Penn State
Kickoff: 8:00
TV: ABC

The History
The first game between Michigan (6-0) and Penn State (4-2) was in 1993. Michigan won 21-13. Michigan leads the series 8-3. Penn State won three straight games between 1994 and 1996. Lloyd Carr is 7-2 against Joe Paterno.

The Players
Michael Hart, Chad Henne, and Steve Breaston are the big names for Michigan's offense. Wide receiver Adrian Arrington will have to step up for the injured Mario Manningham, the same Manningham that leads the team in receiving yards (527 yards) and touchdowns (9).

Penn State's offense relies on the play of running back Tony Hunt. With the inconsistent play of Anthony Morelli wide receivers Deon Butler, Jordan Norwood, and Derrick Williams are being under utilized.

The Stats
Michigan has the best rush defense in the country and is ranked tenth in total defense. The Wolverines are plus 1.33 in turnover margin and the offense is scoring just over 33 points a game.

Penn State also has a stingy rush defense allowing under 80 yards a game. The Nittany Lions are averaging three sacks a game. Penn State's offense is gaining at least 190 rushing yards each week.

The View
Last year Michigan played spoiler to Penn State's undefeated season by defeating the Nittany Lions on the last play of the game in Ann Arbor. This year Penn State is looking to return the favor in front of 100,000 plus fans wearing white. To do so, Tony Hunt will have to have a career day against the strength of the Wolverine defense.

Michigan- 23, Penn State- 20


No. 2 Florida at No. 11 Auburn
Kickoff: 7:45
TV: ESPN

The History
Saturday will be the 81st time Florida (6-0) and Auburn (5-1) have played each other. Auburn leads the series 40-38-2. The series resumes after going on a three year hiatus starting in 2003. 2003 was the first time since 1943 (WWII) that the teams didn't play each other. Florida won the game in 2002 and holds a 10-3 edge since 1990.


The Players
Heisman hopeful Chris Leak and freshman sensation Tim Tebow split time behind center for the Gators. Last week Tebow showed that he can do more than just run the ball. Kestahn Moore replaces the injured DeShawn Wynn at tailback. Dallas Baker is the leading receiver and Tony Joiner leads the defense in tackles.

Kenny Irons has been the one bright spot for Auburn's offense. Quarterback Brandon Cox (if healthy) likes to throw the ball to Courtney Taylor and Rodgeriqus Smith. Defensive linemen Sen'Derrick Marks, Marquies Gunn, and Quentin Groves have combined for 9.5 sacks.

The Stats
Florida's offense has been getting all of the press, but the defense has been putting up the numbers. The Gators rank second in scoring defense (9.5 ppg), fourth in rush defense, and fifth in pass efficiency defense.

Auburn has a talented defense as well. The Tigers are ranked sixth in scoring defense, 17th in pass defense, and 22nd in total defense.

The View
The game at Auburn is Florida's second away game this season. Tennessee was the first away game and the Gators barely won 21-20. Auburn is coming off of an embarrassing home loss to Arkansas last week. 1999 was the last time the Tigers lost back-to-back home games. The first team Auburn lost to in 1999 was Mississippi State. The second loss was to, you guessed it, Florida.

Florida- 17, Auburn- 14


Ohio at Illinois
Kickoff: 7:00
TV: ESPN 360

The History
This will be the fifth time Ohio (3-3) and Illinois (2-4) have played each other. The series is tied 2-2. Ohio won the first game 6-0 in 1935. Illinois won the last game, played in 1950, 28-2.

The Players
Last week's performance against Western Michigan earned three Bobcats MAC East Player of the Week honors. Running back Kalvin McRae won the offensive award, linebacker Tyler Russ won the defensive award, and Chris Garrett won the special team award.

Illinois' offense is being directed by freshman Isiah “Juice” Williams. Halfback Pierre Thomas is gaining 79 yards a game and linebacker J Leman leads the team in tackles.

The Stats
Ohio's offense is ranked 110th in total offense, 95th rushing, 93rd passing, and is 91st in scoring offense (18.83 ppg).

Illinois is ranked 49th in total offense, 22nd rushing, 81st passing, and 85th in scoring offense (20.83 ppg).

The View
The Bobcats are hard to figure out this year. They defeat upper-tier MAC teams Northern Illinois and Western Michigan, but they lose to Bowling Green. Illinois is a lower-tier team and wears orange and white. The same colors that have given the green and white trouble this year. Juice Williams may have a break-out game against the Bobcats.

Illinois- 24, Ohio- 17

The View's Record
Last Week: 3-2, 2-3 against the spread
Season: 19-9, 16-12 against the spread
(Matt Gutridge is a freelance writer for the Eagle-Gazette. Contact him by e-mail at TheCollegeView@hotmail.com. )