College Football Week 4 Bold Predictions

1. Texas Tech outguns TCU in Lubbock

You can bet the Red Raiders haven't forgotten about last year's 82 - 27 demolition in Fort Worth.  If Texas Tech can start fast, and get and keep the home crowd involved, I think they have a chance to hang with the Horned Frogs.  And if it's close in the fourth quarter, anything can happen.  Not to mention, TCU has lost four straight games at Texas Tech.  On Saturday, I think it becomes five straight, with a 41 - 38 upset of Gary Patterson's squad.

2. Virginia Tech falls to East Carolina for second straight year

Last year, the Hokies came into this game riding high after knocking off Ohio State on their home turf.  Beamer Ball (TM) was back and Virginia Tech was primed for a great year.  Then, East Carolina came along and gave the Hokies a taste of their own medicine with a 28 - 21 upset in Blacksburg.  The loss sent Virginia Tech spiraling into a season full of mediocrity, as they went on to finish 7 - 6.  This is a pivotal moment again for VT this year.  I think the Pirates come out loose and get the job done again, 27 - 24.

3. Ohio State's defense keeps the Broncos out of the end zone

All the focus recently has been on the Buckeyes' offensive problems and who should be starting at quarterback.  Meanwhile, the Silver Bullets have been outright nasty, and have proven that they will find ways to win games no matter how the offense plays and who is taking snaps at QB.  While I think Jones and the rest of the OSU offense makes major strides against Western Michigan, it will be the defense that really shines again.  They might give up a couple of field goals, but that's it, as the Buckeyes move to 4 - 0 with a much more satisfying 38 - 6 win.

4. Bobcats notch surprise win over Gophers

Minnesota's defense is good enough to keep them in the game against some of the best teams in the country, as evident by their narrow 23 - 17 loss to TCU in the season opener.  But their offensive struggles make them susceptible to lose to just about anyone, as they barely survived contests against Colorado State and Kent State.  Unless the Gophers can find a way to move the ball more consistently, this match-up with a good Ohio team will be another close one.  Look for the Bobcats to come away victorious in this game, 17 - 13.

5. Arizona State changes their fight song to Florence + The Machine's "Shake It Out"

Tempe councilman David Schapira, who had back surgery in July, had an unfortunate encounter with ASU mascot Sparky during halftime of the Sun Devils' game against New Mexico.  Schapira's recovery has been reportedly delayed by 4-6 weeks as a result of the shenanigans.  I think Arizona State has no choice now but to change their official fight song to Florence + The Machine's "Shake It Out", because it's hard to dance with a devil on your back.