Sausages,
Its that time of week. Let's take a break from the MLB postseason and watch a little football. A few undefeateds will get their first test this weekend and we have two huge games that will make the title picture a lot clearer. Also, the rankings I'm using are the BCS ones since, you know, they actually matter.
Last Week: 6-4 Season: 20-10
#7 Michigan State at Northwestern
The Spartans survived a horrible first half at home against a pesky Illinois team last week. Trailing 6-3 at the half, MSU rattled off 23 straight in the second half and put the Illini away. Northwestern comes in at a surprising 5-1. Granted, their schedule hasn't been the toughest, and they lost to Purdue 2 weeks ago, but they're coming off a bye week and their at home. Pick: The Spartans stay unbeaten and handle their business. Expect them to play more like they did against Michigan than they did against Illinois.
#16 Nebraska at #14 Oklahoma State
T. Boone Pickens must be loving life right now. His Pokes come into this one undefeated after picking up a road W in Lubbock. Per usual, the Pokes can put points up with the best of them (except maybe Oregon). RB Kendall Hunter has 10 rushing TDs and QB Brandon Weeden already has 19 TDs. Big Red comes into this one after losing to Texas. Instead of avenging the robbery that took place in the Big 12 Championship last year, T-Magic was held in check and only accounted for 84 total yards. Pick: I had Nebraska as one of the best teams in the nation heading into the year, just behind Oklahoma in the Big 12. Expect a bounce back from Martinez since the Pokes dont and never have played any D. Bo Pelini will have the Blackshirts (Nebraska's D for those who don't know) ready to go and I think they win relatively easy.
#13 Wisconsin at #15 Iowa
The Badgers come in after a huge win over the previously top ranked Buckeyes. Unofortunately I was hammered by that point and only saw parts of the game. In fact, the only time I watched the Badgers, they barely beat Arizona State at home. Iowa is halfway through a 4 week gauntlet featuring Penn State, Michigan, Wisconsin, and MSU. Add in Arizona and Ohio State and Iowa has one of the more difficult schedules. Pick: Since losing to Arizona Iowa has looked good. I orginally picked them to make the title game, but that's probably not happening anymore. I'll take the Hawkeyes in this game. Nothing against Wisconsin, I just don't know much about them besides Clay. Plus, Bret Bielema has a Hawkeye tatooed on his leg: http://rivals.yahoo.com/ncaa/football/blog/dr_saturday/post/Uncovering-Bret-Bielema-s-not-so-hidden-Hawkeye-?urn=ncaaf-278898
Georgia Tech at Clemson, North Carolina at #25 Miami
Georgia Tech has lost to Kansas and NC State. Clemson has competitive losses Auburn, Miami, and North Carolina. Most of you know I'm an ACC fan but let's face it: they are beyond awful this year and just thinking about these games makes me depressed. BC could have easily won the conference with their defense this year but their offense is straight up embarassing (although not as embarassing as UNC's compliance). Picks: Clemson and the U. Now lets move back to real football...on second thought...
Hawaii at Utah State
Let's get this WAC game out of the way while we're at it. Hawaii just beat a pretty decent Nevada team. Utah State's claim to fame is that they almost beat Oklahoma week 1. Pick: Hawaii.
#8 Alabama at Tennessee
Finally, we're back in business. Alabama is coming off against Ole Miss after losing to the ole ball coach the week before. While they didn't woodshed Ole Miss like I thought they would, they still won by 13. Tennessee is 2-4 but they've played an absolutely brutal schedule. Oregon and LSU are title contenders; and although they're down this year, Florida and Georgia are still Florida and Georgia. The road isn't getting any easier for the Vols either as they visit South Carolina next weekend. Pick: Bama.
#1 Oklahoma at #11 Mizzou
One of two huge games on the day that will shape the title picture. The Sooners have taken their share of criticism for not beating Utah State, Cincy, and Air Force convincingly. However, they've blasted FSU and Iowa State. Mizzou comes in undefeated after thrashing Texas A&M last weekend. The Tigers have had their share of close calls too, most notably aginast San Diego St. We will know a lot more about Mizzou after next weekend because they get the Sooners and Cornhuskers back to back. Pick: I picked Oklahoma at the beginning of the year to win it all. I'm not gonna stop now.
Washington at #18 Arizona
I can't figure Washington out. They have wins over USC, Oregon St, and a surprisingly decent Syracuse team, but they've lost to ASU, BYU, and got rolled by Nebraska at home. Arizona followed up a loss to Oregon St with a win over Washington St. Arizona has played a few close games, but their win over Iowa still impresses me. They will be without the Pac 10's leading passer in Nick Foles. Pick: Tough one. Arizona's at home, but I'm leaning towards Washington since Foles is out. They didn't miss him much last week after he went down, but that was WSU. I'll take Washington and hopefully this time I can actually pick them correctly.
Game of the Week: #6 LSU at #4 Auburn
Battle of the Tigers. LSU is still undefeated despite many close calls. They have miracle wins against Tennessee and Florida, but they are wins none the less. Les Miles may be crazy (or crazy like a fox?) but he usually finds ways to win. Auburn is looking like arguably the best team in the country. TSR is completely on board the Cam Newton for Heisman bandwagon after watching him lead Auburn to 65 points last week. Pick: Take Auburn. I know you should never count LSU out, but their luck has to run out soon. Personally, I think Auburn is probably the best team in the country right now, right there with Oregon. This doesn't mean I'm abandoning the Sooners, its just what I think. Auburn wins.
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