Tuesday Afternoon Linebacker

Introducing a new feature on TALB, college and pro breakdowns and predictions. I won’t engage in the folly of trying to predict exact final scores. Instead we’ll go with “close” (1-6 points), “average” (7-13 points), “big” (14-24 points), “huge” (more than 25 points). For college teams, the AP rank going into the game will be used. And as always, check local listing for the games available in your area.

Around Florida
(22) Tennessee at (5) Florida, Saturday 3:30 PM CBS
In their first two games the Gators faced over-matched opponents, which doesn’t give us much to work on. Except that we know the Gators have some trouble on defense as evidenced by Troy’s 3 touchdown second half. This is balanced by UT’s allowing of Cal to score 45 and Southern Miss to lead at the half last week. My gut tells me that UF’s offense and special teams will cover for the defense in this game. However, the rivalry factor cannot be ignored. It just looks like Tennessee’s defense is porous enough to allow Tebow and the Gators to blow by them. Add in that one of the Vols’ starting corners is out for the season with a torn ACL. But if the Vols can get their running game going, it could go either way.

TALB pick: Florida average over Tennessee

Florida International at Miami (FL), Saturday 3:30 PM ESPNU
FIU is unlikely to pull an Appalachian this weekend.

TALB pick: Miami (FL) huge over FIU

Florida State at Colorado, Saturday 10:00 PM ESPN
Unless FSU can find their offense they aren’t likely to leave Boulder with a win. But then again the Buffs haven’t done much defensively. So maybe this is the tonic that Jimbo Fisher’s squad needs.

TALB pick: FSU close over Colorado.

(6) Texas at UCF, Saturday 3:30 ESPN2
Texas travels to Mouse-land to face the Golden Knights. Hopefully UCF can avoid being steamrolled. I don’t think so.

TALB pick: Texas big over UCF

USF
Off this week.
Will face North Carolina next Saturday at 12: on either ESPN or ESPN2.

New Orleans at Tampa Bay, Sunday 1:00 PM FOX
Both teams are 0-1. The Saints having suffered humiliation on opening night against the defending champs. The Bucs suffering humiliation in front of just their own fans and those of Seattle. Like I said Tuesday, the Bucs don’t look like much right now. A win and they might gain some confidence. A loss probably dooms this season… already. And the Saints are just too good to let a struggling team like the Bucs win.

TALB pick: Saints average over Bucs

Dallas at Miami, Sunday 4:05 PM FOX
Honestly, I don’t know. The Cowboys handle themselves pretty well against the Giants. And Miami couldn’t get untracked against the ‘Skins.

TALB pick: Cowboys average over Dolphins.

Atlanta at Jacksonville, Sunday 1:00 PM FOX
The Jags’ defense bounces back and gets a W against the reeling Falcons.

TALB pick: Jaguars big over Falcons

Compelling College Collision
USC at Nebraska, Saturday 8:00 PM ABC
“On Paper” USC should win this game by a touch or two. But That’s. Why. They. Play. The Games.
USC was sluggish in their opener TWO WEEKS ago. Meanwhile #2 LSU has been the talk of the college football world. And number three Oklahoma was impressive in their dismantling of Miami (FL) this past weekend. If the Trojans manage a close victory the could actually tumble all the way to the third spot. While Nebraska recently defeated 2006 ACC Champion Wake Forest. For whatever that’s worth a Huskers victory this week, and they could be in the thick of the title hunt themselves. The pressure, though, is much more on USC at this point. And the game is in Lincoln.

TALB pick: Nebraska close over USC

Profound Pro Pick
San Diego at New England, Sunday 8:15 PM NBC
Well, you have to wonder if New England will be as effective with out their cinematographer. Both teams looked pretty good during the opening weekend. The Chargers faced the better opponent and ground out a win. While the Pats rolled a lesser team. But it’s at Gillette.

TALB pick: Patriots close over Chargers