David Just,7-3

Sports Editor

Illinois at Syracuse

I think the over/under on fans at the stadium would make for a more exciting wager. But anyway, I’ll take Illinois for the block, Tom.

Winner: Illinois 28, Syracuse 6

#1 USC at #14 Nebraska

I almost made this my upset special of the week, but decided USC is just too powerful on both sides of the football.

Winner: USC 28, Nebraska 10

#22 Tennessee at #5 Florida

Hmm. Still no upset in this week’s picks. This game will be close and the winner will run away with the SEC.

Winner: Florida 20,Tennessee 12

#21 Boston College at #15 Georgia Tech

I hate picking a visiting underdog, but I don’t think my colleagues here have the guts to make this pick. Therefore, my choice was obvious.

Winner: BC 24, Georgia Tech 21

Notre Dame at Michigan

The win has to go to one of the two, so I’ll take the Big Ten team. But Michigan will miss the extra point after Hart’s TD run just to make sure we know that they’re not very good.

Winner: Michigan 6, Notre Dame 0

Steve Contorno

Deputy Sports Editor, 10-0

Illinois at Syracuse

Illinois needs to prove this week that they can beat a Division I opponent on the road. They will. The Illini defense is too much for the Orange.

Winner: Illinois 27, Syracuse 6

#1 USC at #14 Nebraska

I’m not convinced Nebraska has made a comeback under Callahan. John David Booty has too many weapons, but will be rusty off the bye.

Winner: USC 31, Nebraska 17

#22 Tennesse at #5 Florida

Tebow loses a big target in Andre Caldwell and there’s no chance Tennessee will rush for negative yards like they did versus the Gators in ’06.

Winner: Tennesse 36,Florida 33

#21 Boston College at #15 Georgia Tech

Georgia Tech will go under the radar all season in the lowly ACC but they’re much better than advertised.

Winner: Georgia Tech 37, BC 24

Notre Dame at Michigan

I want to think Michigan at home means something, but it sure doesn’t. Too bad Notre Dame on the road means even less.

Winner: Michigan 3, Notre Dame 2

Jason Grodsky

Football Writer

Illinois at Syracuse

Syracuse loses by default for wearing the ugliest uniforms in college football.

Winner: Illinois 28, Syracuse 10

#1 USC at #14 Nebraska

Nebraska almost got caught looking ahead to the Trojans last week, but the Cornhuskers squeaked out of Tobacco Road with a win. They won’t be as lucky this week when the Trojans come calling.

Winner: USC 35, Nebraska 21

#22 Tennessee at #5 Florida

Tim Tebow and the Gators will get their first real test of the season and will pass with flying colors.

Winner: Florida 31, Tennessee 17

#21 Boston College at #15 Georgia Tech

Tech’s offense has put up 102 points in just two games. Oh and in those games they’ve combined to give up only 17. Tech wins in a shoot out.

Winner: Georgia Tech 42, BC 38

Notre Dame at Michigan

In a perfect world this game would end in a tie and both teams would end the season winless, but since that can’t happen I’ll go with Michigan since they don’t have to face a spread offense.

Winner: Michigan 28, Notre Dame 14

Mike Theodore

Football writer

Illinois at Syracuse

Juice silences his critics this week against an Orange defense that is allowing 38.5 points per game.

Winner: Illinois 31, Syracuse 17

#1 USC at #14 Nebraska

Sam Keller faced the Trojans twice when he was at Arizona State, throwing five interceptions and blowing an 18 point half time lead. I’ll take USC’s John David Booty to lead the Trojans to 2-0.

Winner: USC 28, Nebraska 24

#22 Tennessee at #5 Florida

Tim Tebow takes a 73.8 completion percentage into this weekend. He’s thrown for six touchdowns and has yet to throw an interception. The Volunteer defense has allowed an average of 32 points this season.

Winner: Florida 28, Tennessee 17

#21 Boston College at #15 Georgia Tech

Tech is averaging 327 rushing yards per game. The Eagles are allowing 58. Something’s got to give.

Winner: Georgia Tech 21, BC 20

Notre Dame at Michigan

If only there was a way for both teams to go 0-3. I’m picking the Wolverines, but it’s more like I’m not picking the Domers.

Winner: Michigan 6, Notre Dame 3

Daniel Johnson

Football columnist

Illinois at Syracuse

When is the last time the Illini were 13-point favorites? The Orange were able to best Illinois last year, but I think that the Illini can get the win at the Carrier Dome.

Winner: Illinois 24, Syracuse 14

#1 USC at #14 Nebraska

As much as I hate USC, Pete Carroll and Steve Sarkisian have a monopoly in the Pac-10 with their offense. John David Booty should lead the offense to a win.

Winner: USC 35, Nebraska 24

#22 Tennessee at #5 Florida

Phil Fulmer’s Vol’s didn’t look too impressive against Cal and will face another high powered offense this weekend in Gainesville. Tim Tebow can lead the Gators over an off Tennessee team.

Winner: Florida 35, Tennessee 24

#21 Boston College at #15 Georgia Tech

Sure, Boston College is on the road, and they haven’t played a tough opponent yet. I think quarterback Matt Ryan can squeak one out on the road though. Walk-on Steve Aponavicius hits one as time expires for the win.

Winner: BC 24, Georgia Tech 21

Notre Dame at Michigan

Who saw this coming? One of these teams will start their season 0-3. Lloyd Carr’s time might be short in Ann Arbor if he can’t beat the new-look Irish. I think Michigan can win just because Notre Dame’s offense is still nowhere near respectable.

Winner: Michigan 24, Notre Dame 14