Friday, September 19, 2008

At the sports desk: college football picks

I was unbeaten last week. Let's see how I do this week, picking the week's biggest games.
(home team in ALL CAPS)

Notre Dame at MICHIGAN STATE--pick: SPARTANS. Yes, the Irish are 2-0, and no doubt improved. But remember that they barely beat a weak San Diego State team; and might have been in trouble last week too if Mchigan hadn't handed them 3 touchdowns via turnovers. MSU beat this team handily last year in South Bend; I think they'll win again.

Georgia at ARIZONA STATE--pick: BULLDOGS. UGA struggled last week vs South Carolina on the road. But they got it out of their system, and all indications are they have a lot of talent. I think it'll win out again this week vs a Sun Devil team that just got done losing to UNLV.

Florida at TENNESSEE--pick: GATORS. Just too much Tim Tebow; the Vols are in a bit of a rebuilding mode.

LSU at AUBURN--pick: TIGERS. Auburn scored a grand total of 3 points last week--but won. That kind of offense won't get it done against an elite team like LSU, though this will be a battle.

TEXAS vs Rice--pick: LONGHORNS. Look for Rice to put up some points; they have a nice QB and a passing offense that can move the ball. But they won't be able to stop Colt McCoy and Texas.

Alabama at ARKANSAS--pick: CRIMSON TIDE. Arkansas barely survived the past two weeks against a couple of patsies. Meanwhile, the Tide has a quality win already vs Clemson. It'll be a battle, but Alabama should prevail.

East Carolina at NORTH CAROLINA STATE--pick: PIRATES. East Carolina has made a believer out of me, with wins vs Virginia Tech and West Virginia.

PENN STATE vs Temple--pick: NITTANY LIONS. This is Penn State's final stop on their cupcake schedule victory tour. After this, it'll get tougher.

Wake Forest at FLORIDA STATE--pick: SEMINOLES. Wake is ranked 18th; FSU, 24th. When was the last time these two teams met and BOTH were ranked? In this case, go with Florida State--they're at home, and historically they've had Wake's number.

Utah at AIR FORCE--pick: UTES. Air Force can move the ball, but can they stop people? Often, no. Meanwhile Utah looked impressive last week vs their in-state rival, and they have a quality road win already vs Michigan. Go with the Utes.