Shane Dale assistant sports editor

Oregon @ Arizona

To all the Louisiana State scholars who responded to Tuesday's column, "Entering the stat spin zone": Are the terms "sarcasm" and "tongue-in-cheek" completely foreign to the Bayou?

Anyway, Oregon's beaten a couple of sub-par teams at home their first two games, and neither by much. As poor an effort as the Wildcats put forth last week, they ought to keep this one close for three quarters or so.

Oregon 30, Arizona 17

Washington State @ Colorado

Notre Dame had to make a furious fourth-quarter comeback just to edge the Cougars in overtime last Saturday ÷ and in South Bend, no less. Are the Fighting Irish that overrated or the Cougars that underrated? Regardless, you have to like Wazzu's chances against a Colorado team that had to make its own late rally to upend unranked UCLA in Boulder last week.

Washington State 17, Colorado 16

Notre Dame @ Michigan

Speaking of last week's luck of the Irish, Notre Dame heads to Ann Arbor against a Wolverines team that actually took care of their first two opponents by a combined score of 95-10. Michigan RBs Chris Perry and David Underwood combined for 292 yards and three touchdowns last week against Houston. If UM doesn't pass the entire game, they'll still win.

Michigan 48, Notre Dame 10

South Carolina @ Georgia

Virginia was ranked 15th entering its matchup against South Carolina last Saturday. The Cavaliers are ranked no longer following their 31-7 embarrassment at the Gamecocks' hands. Expect Georgia QB David Greene's 73 percent completion percentage during the Bulldogs' 2-0 start to be a little closer to 50 percent against SC's defense. Nonetheless, this one's in Georgia's backyard. Let's hear it for a wild Southeastern Conference finish.

South Carolina 51, Georgia 48 (4OT)

James Kelley staff writer

Oregon @ Arizona

Sure, LSU had its way with the UA like it was a drunk sorority girl, but the Ducks will fall. And no, this isn't a witty column that LSU and ASU fans will not get and show they're a few yards short of a first down. Oregon will overlook Arizona after watching the LSU film and with Michigan next. If the Cats can use Bell and Farmer well, they have a chance.

Arizona 35, Oregon 31

Washington State @ Colorado

The Buffs host hungry Wazzu, but don't expect another good fight like the Cougars put up against the Irish. Every year after WSU goes to the Rose Bowl, they fall back a bit because you can't routinely get much talent to head to Pullman. Washington State lost almost everyone from last year like they'll lose this one.

Colorado 28, Washington State 10

Notre Dame @ Michigan

Notre Dame comes to the Big House in the battle of two of the best fight songs in the land. I'd watch this game even if the two teams were as good as the Tempe Cardinals. Good thing they're not. The Irish will do better than most people think, but the Wolverines will have no trouble here.

Michigan 27, Notre Dame 13

South Carolina @ Georgia

When it comes to Southern football, the writers and fans like to exaggerate like they're Maurice Clarrett. Sure, Georgia won the SEC last year, but they lost their whole O-line. Georgia will go the way of Auburn, who went from No. 1 (in the minds of some) to being behind Arizona in votes in the AP poll. Look for the ÎCocks to shock again like last week.

South Carolina 24, Georgia 10

Christopher Wuensch staff writer

Oregon @ Arizona

Nike ÷ I mean Mike Bellotti ÷ has a solid team up there in Eugene. Eight-point victories over Mississippi State and Nevada are not enough to convince me, however, that Arizona can't play them tough. The Wildcats stay with the Ducks for three quarters before running out of gas. The goal posts stay up for one more week.

Oregon 42, Arizona 21

Washington State @ Colorado

It will be interesting to see how the Cougars respond after blowing a 19-point lead to Notre Dame. The Buffaloes are in the opposite boat, coming from behind late to defeat UCLA last week. In my upset special of the week, the Cougars keep their penalties in check, right the ship and drop the Buffaloes on their own turf.

Washington State 16, Colorado 15

Notre Dame @ Michigan

Picking Michigan goes against every moral fiber in my body. However, a very wise gambler once told me "Never bet with your heart, only your mind." I think his name was Vinny, from Queens. This pick becomes easier if the Irish start trusting their defense more and realize their ÎWest Coast' offense might not be the best fit. I hope I'm wrong.

Michigan 35, Notre Dame 21

South Carolina @ Georgia

Can the Gamecocks keep the upset train rolling this week against the Bulldogs? Sure, Lou Holtz's team shocked No. 15 Virginia last week by drubbing the Cavaliers, 31-7, but what did that get the Gamecocks? A two-touchdown point spread to overcome against the Bulldogs. However, point spreads are as important to these SEC rivals as missing class is to Maurice Clarett.

Georgia 38, South Carolina 28