Week 4

Week four will offer some answers for college football fans. There are teams that still haven't really been tested, and there are other teams that will be on the brink of breaking through with a win this week. As the college football season continues, the concept of survive and advance reigns supreme.

Here is a look at some of the games that will get some attention this weekend.

North Carolina v. Georgia Tech 12pm (CW)
After a very disappointing loss to Miami 10 days ago in South Florida, Georgia Tech returns home and tries to right the ship. Odds are that no one is going to go undefeated in the ACC, so the loss to Miami shouldn't completely spoil Tech's season. However, a loss on Saturday to North Carolina would probably put a nail in the coffin of the Jackets ACC title hopes. I believe the Tech fateful will leave Bobby Dodd Stadium very disappointed Saturday. North Carolina's defense has been spectacular so far this year. Georgia Tech's offense has not been consistent, and the passing game for Tech has been worse than terrible. A one dimensional offense against a very strong defense will spell big trouble for Tech. Tech's defense will keep the Jackets in the game, but in the end, nothing Tech has done this year could give you confidence that this is even close to the same team that played so well last season. The only chance Tech has will be a break out game from 2008 ACC player of the year Jonathan Dwyer. Don't bet on it.
Prediction: North Carolina 16 Georgia Tech 12

Arkansas v. #3 Alabama 3:30 pm CBS
After last weeks loss to Georgia, it will be very interesting to see how Arkansas starts out against a very good Alabama team. Obviously Ryan Mallet can play quarterback in the SEC. The question will be, can Arkansas repeat their performance against Alabama. Bama hasn't really been tested since the opening night win over Virginia Tech. I think this game will be closer than many people think, and don't be surprised if Arkansas is leading sometime in the 2nd quarter. But just like last week against Georgia, Arkansas just doesn't have the depth in talent yet to play 4 quarters with the elite teams in the SEC.
Prediction: Arkansas 20 Alabama 31

#9 Miami v. #11 Virginia Tech 3:30 pm ABC
This is the biggest game for Miami since the National Championship game against Ohio State a few years back. The Canes have been off of the national stage for the past 4 years, but this year, the Canes have won their first two games, and are in position to open up a big league in their division in the ACC. After beating Georgia Tech, a win over Virginia Tech would mean a defacto 2 game lead in the division. Virginia Tech might be the most tested team in the country so far this year. A loss to Alabama in the Georgia Dome was a wake up call for Tech. Last week's last minute win against Nebraska had to give the Hokies a ton of confidence. I think this will be the best game of the day, and maybe the best game of the season so far. I expect it to come down to the fourth quarter, with a field goal being the difference.
Prediction: Miami 20 Virginia Tech 23

Arizona State v. #21 Georgia 7:00 pm ESPN U
First thing is first. Why in the world is this game being broadcast on ESPN U? They couldn't find a channel that some people actually get?

Now on to the game itself. Arizona State is not a very good team. They have played two games so far this year, and beat no bodies in both of those games. Georgia is tried and tested and playing at home. After the losing to Oklahoma State, Georgia has won 2 big games to get their season on the right track. I truly believe this game could set up the rest of the season for Georgia.

Georgia will win this game. The issue at hand is how Georgia wins the game. Georgia needs to come out and bust this Pac-10 softie in the mouth. Be physical on offense by running the ball with King and Samuel. Wear down a defense that hasn't seen anything close to the athletes Georgia will put on the field Saturday. Be physical on defense by shutting down the run again, and making ASU one dimensional, then get after the quarterback early and often.

Play a strong, complete game and get your starters off the field by the end of the third quarter. Everything Georgia wants is still with in their grasp. LSU comes to Athens a week from Saturday and a win in that game will set Georgia up for a showdown with the Gators in Jacksonville.

The biggest problem for Georgia over the past 10 years has been their inability to crush lesser opponents. They have played close games with the likes of Vanderbilt, Kentucky, Colorado, Ole Miss, Georgia Southern, and Georgia Tech (when Tech was no where close to Georgia's talent). Georgia has to be dominant on Saturday.

I think this team, with the leadership of Joe Cox will be evident as Georgia comes out sharp and focused against Arizona State.
Prediction: Arizona State 10 Georgia 45