Too bad we are not talking hoops where this matchup would have been greatly anticipated. The Owls are back in the Big East but with a team a notch below the one that competed hard in the MAC the last couple of seasons.
The expectations might have been a little unrealistic coming into this season for BIg Blue. Right now they have three losses to Alabama, Notre Dame and last week @ Nebraska and there is no shame in any of those.
After a mediocre start the Packers (5-3) are looking like the Packers on the last few seasons and they have won 3 straight, but still trail the 6-1 Bears in the NFC North.
Nobody is really talking about the Bears (6-1) as being legit Super Bowl contenders, but their defense has been solid and they have won 5 straight. The Titans (3-5) are coming off a tough loss and if they lose this game they may be out of the playoff picture already.
The Oklahoma State Cowboys will try to do what no one else has been able to do so far this year, take down the Kansas State Wildcats.
If you have been smart you have been on the Rebels bandwagon all season long as they are sporting a 7-1 ATS record coming into this weekend. No major upsets included just playing it a little closer than expected.
The Ravens (5-2) are coming off their worst loss in 5 years, but they have had the Browns’ number in the last few seasons. However, the Browns (2-6) have won 2 of their last 2 games and in their last couple of games they have really stepped up on defense.
The Dolphins (3-3) and Jets (3-4) have some bad blood between them after their week 3 game where All-Pro cornerback Darrelle Revis was lost for the season with a knee injury and Reggie Bush was taken off the field after a vicious hit.
The Los Angeles Lakers have started their season in underwhelming fashion following the incredible offseason that brought Dwight Howard and Steve Nash to town. Winless through two games, the Lakers are now set to host the team that shares the same building, the Los Angeles Clippers. This rivalry hasn’t always been headline-worthy on the national stage, but with both teams fighting for contention this year, their contest Friday night will be the primetime matchup on ESPN.
Headline: Cowboys Try to Knock Falcons from the Unbeaten Ranks in Week 9
The Dallas Cowboys face their second straight elite NFL team Sunday when they travel to Atlanta to take on the unbeaten Falcons. Atlanta was impressive yet again last week in defeating the Eagles 30-17 while the Cowboys were impressive minus the first quarter in a thrilling Week 9 loss to the Giants. Sunday will be a statement game for both teams – who wants it more?
Ohio State (9-0) will not be going to any bowls this season with their suspension, but they are still undefeated and the 6th ranked team in the nation. Illinois (2-6) can play in a bowl this season, but to do so they will have to win their last 4 games.
Texas Tech (6-2) has lost 4 straight to Texas (6-2), but Texas has lost 9 straight games facing ranked opponents. So, something has got to give in this game and the loser of this Big 12 match up is definitely out of the BCS picture while the winner keeps their slight BCS hopes alive.
After a solid 4-0 start TCU (5-3) has lost 3 of their last 4 games including their last 2 and they will be facing a WVU (5-2) team that has also lost their last 2 games.
Ohio State (9-0) will not be going to any bowls this season with their suspension, but they are still undefeated and the 6th ranked team in the nation. Illinois (2-6) can play in a bowl this season, but to do so they will have to win their last 4 games.
With Nebraska’s (6-2) win over Michigan last week they are in the driver’s seat in the Big 12 Leaders Division and while they do not face a ranked tam the rest of the season facing Michigan State (4-4) at home will be a tough test.
Headline: Post Bye-Week Battle – Buffalo Travels to Houston in Week 9
The top team in the AFC the Houston Texans return to action this week after an uber-impressive beat down of the Baltimore Ravens and a bye week to take on a thus far underwhelming Buffalo team also coming off a much needed bye. The oddsmakers aren’t giving the Bills a whole lot of love in this one – a double digit spread will likely be a reality ahead of this game.
