5 for Saturday

2-3 Last Week makes me 20-19-1 for the season. This ends the record discussion as the pressure of blowing a huge lead (over .500) has gotten to me.

Florida State @ N.C. State (+3.5) 7:30 ESPN Thursday
N.C. State has been fairly good, but inconsistent this year.  They always get up for this game though and the environment in Raleigh will be the best of the season.

Missouri (+7) @ Nebraska 3:30 ESPN

The line seems to be saying take Nebraska but Idk.  Nebraska is capable of shutting down Missouri but can you rely on Nebraska's offense?  I'll admit I have no clue what is going to happen.  I can see a shootout, I can see Nebraska's offense stalling and relying on their defense.

Florida vs. Georgia (-3) (@Jacksonville) 3:30 CBS

Georgia can turn the corner this weekend after a brutal start to the season.  Florida has been awful on offense but gets back  Chris "Time to Die, Bitch" Rainey this weekend which instantly improves the options for the Gators.  Simply put, Georgia is playing better football right now, and needs this more.

Michigan State (+6.5) @ Iowa  3:30 ABC

The line is telling you to take Iowa because Vegas doesn't believe in Michigan State.  Why they like Iowa still is beyond me.  Neither of these teams belong in the elite, but this should be a good football game.  Will CB Chris L. Rucker play despite being in prison since the Michigan game?  He got out this week and I bet Dantonio picked him up from jail.  The game will be close so I'll take State with the points and Iowa to win on a late field goal.

Michigan (-2) @ Penn State 8 ESPN

The major storyline in the national media is whether Robert Bolden will play for Penn State.  Joe Pa, says he is doubtful.  Jay Pa, says he is probable.  Reading the PSU blogs I'm not sure they care.  Bolden, a true freshman was recruited but never offered by Michigan.  His backup Kevin Newsome, was a Michigan Decommit and is part of the reason Tate Foricer and Denard Robinson are at Michigan.  Allow me to thank Kevin Newsome again.  Point being is that Michigan knows each QB well, and should be more prepared to face them.  Finally, the man who saw the majority of the snaps when Bolden went out last week was former Walk-on Matt McGloin.  He was said to be impressive last week, but I'm guessing it was more in a way that fans didn't expect anything.

The biggest concerns for the Wolverines are the health of the two most important players on the team. Neither of them is Denard Robinson, although he says he's 100%.  NT Mike Martin was the victim of a cheap shot against Michigan State and only played a series against Iowa.  He is probable and if his ankle is 50% on Saturday Michigan should stick with him. C David Molk was limited last week as well not playing much more than Martin, and he is clearly Michigan's best offensive lineman.  He is also listed as probable with an ankle injury, but has a little more depth behind him. 

Penn State still has their defensive banged up but not nearly as bad as a couple weeks ago against Illinois.  They should field an average Big Ten defense this weekend. If Michigan can avoid a -2 turnover margin or worse they should win this football game. Penn State will have a hard time stopping the Wolverines from moving the football, but Michigan will need to put the ball in the end zone with their Special Ed kicking game.

Lou and I will be there Saturday night under the bright lights of Beaver Stadium listening to the awful piped in music that Penn State loves so much.  Here's to hoping it will be a great night to be a Michigan Wolverine.