The Crystal Ball thanks you, constant readers...

Before The Crystal Ball jumps into predictions for the week, here's a quick shout out to all the readers we've accumulated over the last three-plus months. This blog was started by three fans that had a jonesing to chat sports (and, mostly, college football). Along the way, though, we've carved out some good features. So kudos to the bloggers, and thanks for reading.

First off, some baseball predictions...

I like the Dodgers over the Phillies in the National League. L.A. is playing typical Joe-Torre playoff baseball: They harass the opponents' starting pitching early and then wreak havoc on the bullpen. The acquisition of Manny Ramirez also has given the Dodgers' lineup and fanbase a major jolt.

In the American League, I'll, of course, be rooting for the Red Sox. But my Spidey sense tells me the Rays are too hungry and talented to be denied. Tampa Bay did not back down at all in their trips to Boston this year. In fact, they seemed to relish the challenge of playing against the World Champion Sox in hostile Fenway Park.

Okay, now for the college gridiron...

Colorado at Kansas. On paper, these teams are evenly matched. But consider the fine print. Colorado has so far struggled on the road. And Jayhawk QB Todd Reesing, a junior, is seasoned enough to bring Kansas back should they fall behind early. Colorado does not have that luxury. Kansas wins by at least a touchdown.

South Carolina at Kentucky. There must be something in the water in The Palmetto State. South Carolina and Clemson are the most inconsistent teams in college football. Which South Carolina team will show up? The one that beat Ole Miss on the road last week? Or the team that struggled against Wofford? The Gamecocks have won three in a row, which makes me skittish about picking them to win a fourth. Moreover, Kentucky is a team brimming with confidence after its almost-upset against Alabama. Kentucky pulls out a low-scoring win.

Vanderbilt at Mississippi State. Vandy's magic carpet ride continues for one more week, but it will be a hard-hitting affair against a solid Bulldog defense. The Commodores eke out a close one.

Nebraska at Texas Tech. The Huskers are reeling following a 52-17 annihilation at the hands of Missouri. The pain gets worse against Tech. In Lubbock, the Red Raiders win in one of those defense-free, 63-35-ish games.

Notre Dame at North Carolina. We'll find out which of these up-and-coming teams has progressed more. I think QB Jimmy Clausen is becoming a star, but I also think the UNC pass rush will get to him. What's more, Tar Heel WR Brandon Tate is too quick for the Irish defense. Notre Dame will play hard, but the eager Tar Heels want to make a statement. They will by beating the Irish.

Arizona State at USC. How does ASU pick up the pieces of an excruciatingly disappointing season? Beating USC would help, but it ain't going to happen. ASU's offense is struggling. And even if the Sun Devils catch the Trojans on an off day, USC has the talent to compensate. Trojans win big.

Big Game:

Oklahoma State at Missouri. Exactly how good are the 5-0 Cowboys? They've been dropping 50-spots on inferior competition at home. My feeling? You can't score if you don't have the ball. And, I can assure you, Missouri's offense will move the ball with buttery ease against Okie State's soft defense. The Cowboys might score a few touchdowns, but don't be surprised to see Missouri put up 50, maybe even 60, points this week in an ol' fashioned rout.

Bigger games:

Penn State at Wisconsin. We'll see how good the Nittany Lions' Spread HD offense really is against the Badgers' stout defense. Wisconsin will have the home crowd on its side, but I think the difference will be Penn State's defense, which will shut down the Badger O. Penn State wins a tough-fought affair.

LSU at Florida. The time has come for another UFC-like smackdown in the SEC. Both teams are loaded, of course, especially on defense. The key, I think, will be quarterback play. I remain unconvinced that Gator QB Tim Tebow can direct passing drives in the crunch. What makes him so dangerous is his ability to move the chains with his legs, particularly in short yardage situations. LSU has bigger QB problems of its own. Bolstered by the home crowd and Tebow's running prowess, Florida pulls out a close one.

Biggest game:

Oklahoma vs. Texas (in Dallas). This is a fantastic matchup with all kinds of conference title and national championship ramifications. (And, just think, the game will be played just a few miles from my house...)

Showdowns like this are all about matchups. Both teams are stacked from head to toe. A closer look at the offenses, however, yield some important differences. Oklahoma has won with a balanced attack. Texas has won on the arm, and legs, of QB Colt McCoy. In fact, the boyish-faced McCoy is Texas's leading rusher with 317 yards.

The lack of a reliable running game will cause problems against a stout OU defense that will undoubtedly unleash blitz after blitz upon McCoy. Without a running game to fend off the dogs, I don't like Texas's chances. The Sooners will try to go for the jugular early with some deep passes. The Longhorns are far too talented to be daunted. Yet, in the end, I think Oklahoma's offensive balance will prove the difference. Sooners win.