Random thoughts on Saturday’s results and Sunday’s upcoming games:

Saturday’s college results

• North Dakota State hung with Southern Illinois throughout the game, but they just couldn’t muster enough consistent offense as the Bison lost 24-14. Pat Paschall ran all over the Salukis just as he has done all season, but the passing game was unimpressive. Defense managed to contain Southern Illinois’ formidable rushing attack.
• As expected, the University of Minnesota got locked into a shootout with Northwestern. But this time around, the Gophers prevailed. Minnesota had suffered crushing defeats to the Wildcats in the previous couple of seasons, but not on Saturday. Duane Bennett had a nice game for the previously dormant Gophers’ rushing attack. And Eric Decker continues to be ridiculous. He got absolutely ROBBED of a highlight reel catch in that game.
• I was happy to see my alma mater, Minnesota State Moorhead, pulled out a victory on homecoming. Coming into the week, I saw a quote from Dragons running back Enol Gilles acknowledging that Minnesota-Crookston always gets geared up for the Dragons. But MSUM managed to pull out the victory thanks to a nice game from freshman quarterback Zach Fry.

Sunday’s NFL outlook

• The world will find out on Sunday if the San Francisco 49ers are for real. The undefeated Niners face the undefeated Minnesota Vikings at noon today. The 49ers have been led by a strong rushing attack – thanks to Frank Gore – and a strong run defense. This game should be a battle, as the Vikings boast the same attributes. My guess is Adrian Peterson will get the best of the Niners and Minnesota wins. I’ll say a score of 27-14.
• Of course, I’ll be keeping an eye on the Chicago Bears’ game against the Seattle Seahawks. I like the Bears chances, especially with Matt Hasselbeck listed as doubtful to play. I’ll say Bears 20-9 in a field-goal fest.
• The best game on the slate has got to be the Atlanta Falcons vs. the New England Patriots. This is new school vs. old school. The Patriots are the NFL’s old guard right now, while the Falcons are the up-and-comers. Tom Brady or Matt Ryan? Coming off a loss to the New York Jets, I’m going to take the Patriots. They can’t lose two in a row, can they? Plus, they’re at home. I usually give the nod to the home team in great matchups like this. I’ll go Pats 31, Falcons 21.