Predictions for Saturday’s college games

By Jeff Shain | The Miami Herald • Published November 28, 2008

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Florida 38, Florida State 20: Though improved Seminoles should be able to keep it within two touchdowns, Gators have bloodied that thinking for weeks. LSU, Kentucky, Georgia, Vanderbilt, South Carolina — wrong, wrong, wrong, wrong and wrong. Gators somehow manage to create a couple of early turnovers, push the snowball downhill and clear the bench in the fourth quarter. OK, you win. FSU played turnover-free to beat Maryland but can’t do it two weeks in a row. (Favorite: UF by 16-½.)

North Carolina State 20, Miami 17: State has won three games in a row and enters off its best outing, a 41-10 blowout of North Carolina. Though UM’s defense won’t get torched as it did last week, QB Russell Wilson’s efficiency gives Wolfpack edge. (Favorite: UM by 2.)

Oklahoma 41, Oklahoma State 38: Stillwater has been a fright house for Sooners during Bob Stoops era, losing twice and with no victory greater than six points. Cowpokes had two weeks to prepare and will battle OU to the limit. (Favorite: OU by 7.)

Alabama 36, Auburn 14: Iron Bowl hasn’t been decided by more than 10 points since Auburn began its run, but it would surprise no one to see Tide vent six years of frustration here. Bama simply wears down toothless Tigers. (Favorite: Bama by 14-½.)

Boston College 26, Maryland 16: Eagles grabbed control of ACC Atlantic chase with huge road wins at FSU and Wake Forest. Now they return home to face a Terps unit freshly dismantled by FSU and far weaker on road. (Favorite: BC by 6-½.)

Oregon State 34, Oregon 28: Dicey pick, with OSU RB Jacquizz Rodgers and QB Lyle Moevao out with injuries. But miracle at Arizona suggests special destiny, and home crowd should spur Beavers into the Rose Bowl. (Favorite: OSU by 3.)

Texas Tech 48, Baylor 20: If Red Raiders want to get back in voting public’s good graces, they need to prove OU trip was an aberration. Consider this a don’t-forget-about-us outing for Harrell & Crabtree. (Favorite: Tech by 22.)

FAU, 30, FIU 21: Despite last week’s hiccup, Owls QB Rusty Smith is back to being the triggerman folks expected to start. FIU still has defensive holes, though this should be the closest match in years. (Favorite: FAU by 4.)

Last week: 6-2. Blew only FSU’s romp over Maryland and Wazzu winning the low-fiber Apple Cup. That’s the good news. Then again ... against spread: 2-6.

Season: 68-36 (45-55-3 vs. spread).