Bryan Albin’s College Football Games of the Week

2.          #24 Oregon State (+13.5,-110) @ TCU (-13.5,-110)

September 4th  7:45 PM ET

This game will be the best game of Saturday night, as it’s our first chance to see whether or not TCU has what it takes to possibly surpass Boise State and make it into the BCS National title game. Oregon State comes into the year a contender to win the Pac-10, as the offensive duo of WR James Rodgers and RB Jacquizz Rodgers is as electric as any in the Country. However, Oregon State is notoriously known for starting off slow at the beginning of the season, only to put it all together once the non-conference schedule comes around. If the Beavers don’t come out ready to play this upcoming Saturday, they will get smacked by the Horned Frogs, who are looking to make a statement on a national stage.

NOT AFRAID

Oregon State hasn’t gotten off to great starts in recent years, but much of that has to do with the difficult scheduling that Oregon State has done in the non-conference schedule. Last year it was a tough game against eventual Big East champion Cincinnati that derailed Oregon State early in the season. Two seasons ago it was a road game at eventual Big Ten champion Penn State. This year, Oregon State has non conference games against TCU, Louisville and Boise State! Therefore, Oregon State may need to win this game just so it doesn’t end up falling apart before the Pac-10 season even gets started.

KEYS TO THE GAME

• Jacquizz Rodgers is a Heisman candidate in many peoples’ eyes, but will he be able to get loose against a strong TCU defense? If he doesn’t, the Horned Frogs win easily.
• The last game TCU QB Andy Dalton played, his untimely Interceptions cost TCU the game. Will there be any after affects, or has the sting of the loss to TCU worn off after 8 months off.

Pick:         Oregon State 30                     TCU   40              Oregon State Covers