Another 8-7 week for me, which I suppose I’ll accept. At one point Saturday afternoon I was sitting at 0-4 with several other games looking bleak, staring 5-10 in the face. But I tend to do well with the night games and managed to get above .500. In 7 weeks I’ve discovered that .600 is my Mendoza line (as opposed to the .800 I so flagrantly set as my goal). Sad but true.
I’m out of town this week with limited internet access and time, so this week’s post and picks will be a bit abbreviated. And probably just as mediocre.
Before I get to pickin’ I have one comment: what’s the deal with the incessant cries of “shocker” every time we see a marginal upset? Texas shocks Oklahoma! Oklahoma State shocks Missouri! Toledo shocks Michigan! The way college football is today, only a few upsets are worthy of the term “shocker”. Upsets on the magnitude of last season’s Appalachian State over Michigan or Pitt over West Virginia qualify. It’s hard to call any of the upsets from this past weekend shocking, let alone to call them upsets. Florida probably was the favorite over LSU, Texas beating Oklahoma was a mild upset, and even Oklahoma State’s win wasn’t overly surprising – the Cowboys were undefeated and in the top 20. We might as well get used to the unpredictability of college football. After the last 2 seasons it certainly appears here to stay, and with it plenty of upsets. Let’s not be so shocked by them anymore.
1. Michigan at Penn State
Penn State is very good (a phrase to be read with lots of glee), and Michigan is pretty bad. That means this one could get out of hand. It’s homecoming at Penn State and the Nittany Lions will be looking to take out 12 years of frustration on the hapless Wolverines. True PSU fans will understand the poetic significance of my score prediction.
Penn State 40, Michigan 7
2. Missouri at Texas
Last week I boldly and stupidly predicted that either Oklahoma or Missouri would almost certainly make the BCS championship game. Whoops. I’ve underestimated Texas all season, and they’re worthy of the #1 spot right now, but I have a feeling that no one will make it out of the Big 12 alive. Expect some carnage to build up over the next few weeks.
Missouri 38, Texas 31
3. Kansas at Oklahoma
The Sooners bounce back in a big way – Kansas isn’t as good as their ranking might lead you to believe.
Oklahoma 45, Kansas 24
4. Florida State at N.C. State
I don’t like Thursday night games. I think my record is something like 2-5 in picking Thursday contests, so it’s with no confidence that I take Florida State here.
Florida State 23, N.C. State 17
5. Ohio State at Michigan State
Michigan State has a great opportunity here to assert itself as the solid #2 in the Big Ten. But Ohio State is still a talented bunch and won’t roll over for the Spartans. They won’t be looking past them either.
Ohio State 20, Michigan State 17
6. Vanderbilt at Georgia
The Commodores continue their fall back to earth. It was a fun ride while it lasted!
Georgia 27, Vanderbilt 13
7. LSU at South Carolina
LSU was exposed by the Florida Gators last week, and South Carolina has been an improving side all season. Charles Scott, prepare to meet Jasper Brinkley. About a dozen times.
South Carolina 21, LSU 13
8. Wisconsin at Iowa
Wisconsin is a better team than they showed on Saturday night, and they’ll be desperate to get a win to get their season back on track, especially with Michigan State and Illinois on tap.
Wisconsin 24, Iowa 21
9. Georgia Tech at Clemson
After reading the score “Georgia Tech 10, Gardner-Webb 7”, I’m quite hesitant to take the Yellow Jackets, even against headless Clemson. Tommy Bowden got lopped off the top of the coaching tree this week, a decision made about six months too late. Often teams are galvanized by these sorts of off-field incidents and hoopla, and I think Clemson will show up ready to play on Saturday.
Clemson 31, Georgia Tech 24
10. BYU at TCU
Another Thursday nighter, which means anything could happen. Upsets tend to be the norm on these midweek made-for-TV specials, and the folks in Ft. Worth will be ready to rudely welcome the Mountain West big boys. The unbeaten list is shrinking rapidly, and BYU could be next to fall.
TCU 28, BYU 27
11. Mississippi at Alabama
Mississippi won’t go on the road and knock off another top 5 team, but this one will be closer than expected. Ole Miss can play.
Alabama 27, Mississippi 23
12. California at Arizona
Arizona shouldn’t have lost to Stanford last week, and California shouldn’t be ranked in the top 25. This week should straighten things up.
Arizona 30, California 20
13. North Carolina at Virginia
Virginia is suddenly surging after their pathetic start. Where did that come from? I’m guessing their last 2 opponents (schizophrenic Maryland and an East Carolina team who apparently thought their season lasted 2 games) have a lot to do with it. The Tar Heels will put an end to the Cavalier streak – I’m still high on this North Carolina team.
North Carolina 28, Virginia 17
14. Virginia Tech at Boston College
I’m tempted to take BC here because I don’t think the Hokies have a whole lot behind their 5-1 record, but the Eagles don’t have much to offer either. One of last year’s games of the year becomes a snoozer this time around.
Virginia Tech 25, Boston College 16
15. Pittsburgh at Navy
The Big East schedule makers forgot to include any appetizing conference matchups on the second 2 Saturdays of October, so I’m left picking this game just to get a Big East team on the 15. Navy already knocked off a top 25 team, and this time they’re at home, but I don’t see them taking out another ranked foe.
Pittsburgh 23, Navy 13
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