John Tamanaha

SATURDAY
No. 9 Ohio St. at Michigan
Noon ET, ABC

A week after beating its second consecutive Top 15 opponent to secure its first trip to the Rose Bowl in 13 years, Ohio State hits the road to face a Big Ten cellar dweller.

On the surface it seems like an afterthought of a game, but it’s the Buckeyes vs. the Wolverines, so emotions will be high and anything is possible.

Michigan (5-6) is fighting for bowl eligibility and possibly Rich Rodriguez’s job. We’re not sure how much the Wolverines really like their coach, but we do know that they hate Ohio State and would love nothing better than beating their arch rivals for the first time since 2003.

However, the gap between these two teams on the defensive side of the football is gigantic.

Opening point spread: Ohio State by 13

Pick: Ohio State 31-13

Minnesota at No. 15 Iowa
Noon ET, ESPN

Despite its starting offensive backfield being sidelined due to injury, Iowa fought valiantly before succumbing to Ohio State in overtime last Saturday in Columbus.

If they’re not careful, the Hawkeyes and their bad habit of playing down to the competition could result in a third consecutive loss, which would be devastating since Iowa is in good position to earn an at-large spot in the BCS.

The Golden Gophers earned bowl eligibility by sleepwalking through a 16-13 victory over South Dakota State last weekend as QB Adam Weber threw for just 94 yards, continuing his struggles without the services of star WR Eric Decker.

We don’t see a repeat of last year’s 55-0 drubbing by the Hawkeyes, but we also can’t picture Minnesota, which ranks 112th in the nation in total offense, leaving Kinnick Stadium with the Floyd of Rosedale trophy.

Opening point spread: Iowa by 9.5

Pick: Iowa 21-13

Fla. International at No. 1 Florida
Noon ET

This blowout will be on par with what Golden Panthers men’s basketball coach Isaiah Thomas complained about in the second half of FIU’s 81-49 loss at Tulsa on Sunday.

But at least Mario Cristobal won’t try to tell Urban Meyer when to take his starters out.

Opening point spread: Florida by 43.5

Pick: Florida 59-6

Chattanooga at No. 2 Alabama
12:20 p.m. ET

In their last three road games, the Mocs have lost to Appalachian State, Elon and Georgia Southern by a total of 60 points.

The Crimson Tide could easily do that all by themselves, but it’s far more important to be rested and ready for next Friday’s Iron Bowl at Auburn.

Opening point spread: N/A

Pick: Alabama 42-0

Memphis at No. 24 Houston
1 p.m. ET

After two heart-stopping victories and last week’s tough loss at UCF, the white-towel waving Tigers will be a welcome sight for a Cougar squad that has won 13 consecutive games at Robertson Stadium.

Under lame duck coach Tommy West, Memphis has just one victory over an FBS team this season and played uninspired football while dropping its home finale to UAB, 31-21, last Saturday.

Houston QB Case Keenum is averaging 429.7 yards of total offense per game, which is 108 yards more than his nearest competitor. The Heisman Trophy candidate will have a field day against a Tiger defense that has allowed 805 yards through the air in the past two weeks.

Opening point spread: Houston by 22.5

Pick: Houston 52-20

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