Crystal ball: Aggies over Cowboys
Here's a look at our crystal ball for this week:
SATURDAY
Portland State at TCU, 1 p.m.: The TCU defense had some issues in the first half against Louisiana-Monroe last week, but got things figured out in the second half to look more like the Frogs defense many expect. Portland State won't be afraid to air it out, so the TCU secondary needs to be ready. I'll bet Gary Patterson has reminded his defense of that first half last week. I don't think they'll have problems this week. TCU 48, Portland State 13
Oklahoma State at Texas A&M, ABC (Ch. 8), 2:30 p.m.: This should be a great one with two top-10 teams fighting it out in College Station. We know the Cowboys can score, but can they handle the Aggies' strong ground game? I think the Aggie defense will do enough to slow down Oklahoma State a bit, but expect a high-scoring game. Texas A&M 38, Oklahoma State 33
Rice at Baylor, 6 p.m.: The Bears are playing with a lot of confidence and they are at home. This shouldn't be a problem. Baylor 42, Rice 10
Indiana at North Texas, 6 p.m., ESPN3: In four key categories -- passing yards, rushing yards, points for, points against -- the Mean Green are 101st or worse. Despite that, something tells me they hang around with Indiana, who could be looking ahead to next week's game with Penn State. But the Hoosiers will get it done. Indiana 27, UNT 24
Nevada at Texas Tech, 6 p.m.: The Red Raiders are more than 2 touchdown favorites, but they better not look past Nevada. It will be about stopping the run for Texas Tech as the Wolf Pack are 7th in the country in rushing. Tech's offense, though, will be too much. Texas Tech 38, Nevada 28
LSU at West Virginia, 7 p.m., ABC (Ch. 8): The Mountaineers would love to make a statement against the Tigers at home in what should be a great atmosphere. But LSU will be the best defense West Virginia will see all season. LSU's offense isn't prolific, but it doesn't have to be with LSU's defense. LSU 24, WVU 17
Arkansas at Alabama, 2:30 p.m., CBS (Ch. 11): The top-2 teams in the SEC are Alabama and LSU. And both are terrific at home. Arkansas should make this interesting for a while, but Alabama is too dominant at the skill positions and they are too good at home. Alabama 34, Arkansas 20
Missouri at Oklahoma, 7 p.m., FX: Missouri can run the ball and if they can control the clock, they could stay in this game. But I can't figure out how they stop the Sooners. Oklahoma 42, Missouri 30
Florida State at Clemson, 2:30 p.m., ESPN: Auburn is not the same team that won the BCS Championship, but it's still a huge win for Clemson and one they can build off of heading into this week. FSU lost a tough game at home to Oklahoma. Clemson remains one of the toughest places to play in college football and the momentum gained from last week will carry over. Clemson 28, FSU 24
103.3 FM ESPN PODCASTS
Play Podcast Kirk Herbstreit joins Fitzsimmons & Durrett to discuss Bob Stoops' recent comments about the SEC and the pending college football playoff, what appears to be an unpredictable Big 12 in 2013, how the Aggies will handle expectations and more.
Play Podcast Texas A&M coach Kevin Sumlin talks about the improvements being made to Kyle Field, what those improvements will to for the program, the success of last year, Johnny Manziel's offseason and the expectations for the Aggies in 2013.
Play Podcast Scott Van Pelt and Ryen Russillo talk about Texas A&M's decision to expand its stadium and say although the Aggies had a fantastic year, the school must also be careful not to overextend its resources based on a single hot stretch.
Play Podcast Baylor head coach Art Briles joins Fitzsimmons & Durrett to discuss what kind of player the Cowboys are getting in Terrance Williams.
Play Podcast Arlington and Texas A&M product Luke Joeckel, the potential No. 1 overall pick in the NFL draft, joins Ian Fitzsimmons and Richard Durrett to discuss the draft, coaches and advice from his dad.
Play Podcast Florida Gulf Coast athletic director Ken Kavanagh joins Fitzsimmons & Durrett to discuss his school's Cinderella story and playing in the Sweet 16 at Cowboys Stadium.
Play Podcast Big 12 commissioner Bob Bowlsby joins Fizsimmons & Durrett to discuss Cowboys Stadium as a venue, the state of Big 12 basketball, the new 2014 college football format, why there's no hurry to have a Big 12 football championship and much more.
Play Podcast Jay Bilas joins Fitzsimmons and Durrett to discuss the remaining 16 teams in the NCAA tournament, the intrigue surrounding the Northwest Region and the excitement over FGCU, even though a similar story happens every year.




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