For the second straight week, we saw a national No. 1 get dethroned in college football betting. We check in with Wisconsin, the team that cut Ohio State down to size, in our news and notes this week.
(10) Wisconsin (6-1) vs (13) Iowa (5-1)
The Badgers should be relatively healthy when they do battle with the Hawkeyes on the road this week. Linebacker Mike Taylor (ankle), tight end Lance Kendricks (cramps) and wideout Nick Toon (charley horse) all got hurt against Ohio State but all three are expected to play this weekend. Starting outside linebacker Chris Borland (shoulder) is out for the season.
Iowa’s defense is a bit banged up entering this matchup. Senior middle linebacker Jeff Tarpinian’s neck stinger could keep him shelved for a second straight game. Fullback Brett Morse had a streak of 18 straight starts snapped last week due to a leg injury but could return on Saturday. Defensive co-ordinator Norm Parker, who had his right foot amputated due to diabetes complications, has an outside chance of returning this week.
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(14) Nebraska (5-1) vs (17) Oklahoma State (6-0)
After having its perfect season ruined by Texas last week, is Nebraska a good betting pick to rebound and crush Oklahoma State’s dreams? Cornhuskers quarterback Taylor Martinez got benched in the second half last week; the last time that happened, he ran for 241 yards the next game.
The key to containing Martinez will be OSU linebacker Orie Lemon. He missed all of 2009 due to injury but is back healthy this season and playing like a man possessed. The Cowboys got a bunch of players back from injuries last week: linebacker Justin Gent (concussion), defensive tackle Shane Jarka (knee), and receiver Josh Cooper (concussion). Wideouts Michael Harrison and Hubert Anyian are questionable to play.
(6) LSU (7-0) vs (5) Auburn (7-0)
Jordan Jefferson’s mistakes have led to more playing time for LSU “backup” quarterback Jarrett Lee. He has two touchdown passes and one pick over the last three games and could see action versus Auburn in what will probably be the most bet-on game at every sportsbook.
Auburn and, more specifically, Cameron Newton put on a crazy show against Arkansas last week but the Tigers are a bit hobbled entering Week 8. Safety Aairon Savage broke his foot last week and is out for the season; cornerback T’Sharvan Bell is questionable with a hamstring injury; running back Michael Dyer is playing through a sore knee.
(3) Oklahoma (6-0) vs (18) Missouri (6-0)
Oklahoma looks healthy entering this matchup but Missouri has to sort through a few maladies. Linebacker Luke Lambert strained his knee against Texas A&M and will miss at least two games. Defensive end Aldon Smith (fractured fibula) has been medically cleared to return but Missouri’s coaching staff hasn’t decided if he’s fit to play. Defensive tackle Jimmy Burge is back from suspension and should play a fair amount.