At the sports desk: college football bowl picks

Let's see if we can pick ALL of the winners! Here we go...

EAGLEBANK BOWL--Wake Forest vs Navy: the Middies beat Wake Forest earlier this year; my guess is they won't sneak up on them this time. PICK: WAKE FOREST.

NEW MEXICO BOWL--Colorado State vs Fresno State: FSU has a good program and good tradition. PICK: FRESNO STATE.

MAGICJACK ST. PETERSBURG BOWL--Memphis vs South Florida: I like the Bulls, with their experience and their relative success in a pretty tough conference. PICK: SOUTH FLORIDA.

PIONEER LAS VEGAS BOWL--BYU vs Arizona. The Cougars have lots of firepower. PICK: BYU.

R+L CARRIERS NEW ORLEANS BOWL--Southern Miss vs Troy. The Trojans have an up and coming program. PICK: TROY.

SAN DIEGO COUNTY CREDIT UNION POINSETTIA BOWL--TCU vs Boise State. The Horned Frogs have a terrific defense, and could have easily cracked into the BCS. PICK: TCU.

SHERATON HAWAII BOWL--Hawaii vs Notre Dame. The Irish have struggled late. But here's a chance at a tiny bit of redemption, which I think they'll take. Hawaii has struggled without departed coach June Jones.

MOTOR CITY BOWL--Florida Atlantic vs Central Michigan. The Chippewas tend to play well in this one, being so close to home. PICK: Central Michigan.

MEINEKE CAR CARE BOWL--West Virginia vs North Carolina. I like WVU's experience here, and the fact that Pat White at QB can make plays. North Carolina is coming on but is still young. PICK: WEST VIRGINIA.

CHAMPS SPORTS BOWL--Wisconsin vs Florida State. The Badgers have been wildly inconsistent this year, and FSU has played better as the season has gone on. It's been a down year for the Big 10. PICK: FLORIDA STATE.

EMERALD BOWL--Miami (FLA) vs California. Expect Jeff Teadford to have some new offensive wrinkles for this game. Remember that Cal gave USC a tough battle earlier this season. PICK: CALIFORNIA.

INDEPENDENCE BOWL--Northern Illinois vs Louisiana Tech. Tech to benefit from home cooking. PICK: LA TECH.

PAPAJOHNS.COM BOWL--North Carolina State vs Rutgers. Rutgers is one of the hottest teams around late this season; they hung over 60 points on Louisville in their last game. PICK: RUTGERS.

VALERO ALAMO BOWL--Missouri vs Northwestern. I doubt NU is going to be able to slow down Chase Daniel and that Mizzou attack, much less outscore them. PICK: MISSOURI.

ROADY'S HUMANITARIAN BOWL--Maryland vs Nevada. The Terrapins come from a stronger conference, and knocked off some good teams this year. PICK: MARYLAND.

TEXAS BOWL--Western Michigan vs Rice. The Owls throw the ball all over the lot, can move it well and score points, and will play close to home. PICK: RICE.

PACIFIC LIFE HOLIDAY BOWL--Oklahoma State vs Oregon. The Ducks were playing well towards the end of the year--did you see the 65 points they hung on Oregon State? Meanwhile, I have a hunch OSU will be feeling a post-Oklahoma hangover, and might lose focus. UPSET PICK: OREGON.

BELL HELICOPTER ARMED FORCES BOWL--Houston vs Air Force. Air Force, with its option attack, can be real hard to prepare for. PICK: AIR FORCE.

BRUT SUN BOWL--Oregon State vs Pittsburgh. The Beavers lost out on the Rose Bowl in their final game, a loss to their arch-rival. Meanwhile, Pitt seemed to gain strength as the year went on, and they have momentum. PICK: PITTSBURGH.

GAYLORD HOTELS MUSIC CITY BOWL--Boston College vs Vanderbilt. I know Vandy will be close to home, but I like that BC defense. PICK: BOSTON COLLEGE.

INSIGHT.COM BOWL--Kansas vs Minnesota. Kansas has an excellent quarterback in Todd Riesing, and an offense that can really move. Meanwhile it looked to me like the Golden Gophers faded towards the end of the season. PICK: KANSAS.

CHICK-FIL-A BOWL--LSU vs Georgia Tech. Again, an option offense is tough to prepare for, and that's what the Rambling Wreck run. Meanwhile, LSU lost its last game at Arkansas, and this is not the bowl in which they expected to be when the season began. Will they be focused? PICK: GEORGIA TECH.

OUTBACK BOWL--South Carolina vs Iowa. Iowa really made strides--see for example their late-season win over Penn State. I didn't sense the same improvement in the Gamecocks. PICK: IOWA.

CAPITAL ONE BOWL--Georgia vs Michigan State. UGA has an impressive QB in Matthew Stafford. But that defense has holes, and I can see Javon Ringer having a day in a high-scoring affair. PICK: MICHIGAN STATE.

KONICA MINOLTA GATOR BOWL--Nebraska vs Clemson. Kudos to Bo Pelini for bringing the Cornhuskers along to an 8-4 year in a tough league. Their QB Ganz has come on strong. PICK: NEBRASKA.

ROSE BOWL--Penn State vs USC. This will be a tough, defensive battle. But...Pete Carroll's bunch has an awfully good bowl record over the years, and there's just so much talent on this USC roster. PICK: USC.

FEDEX ORANGE BOWL--Cincinnati vs Virginia Tech. I think the Bearcats will be sky-high for this game, and very focused. PICK: CINCINNATI.

AT&T COTTON BOWL--Ole Miss vs Texas Tech. Tech and that offense will put up a lot of points. PICK: TEXAS TECH.

AUTO ZONE LIBERTY BOWL--Kentucky vs East Carolina. UK has a solid defense, and gave teams such as Alabama and Georgia a real tough time earlier this year. PICK: KENTUCKY.

ALLSTATE SUGAR BOWL--Utah vs Alabama. Question here: will Alabama be focused and ready to play, having lost out on a national championship? My guess is yes, though Utah will give them a battle. PICK: ALABAMA.

INTERNATIONAL BOWL--Buffalo vs Connecticut. Buffalo is on a roll, and will be playing not far from home in this one. PICK: BUFFALO.

TOSTITOS FIESTA BOWL--Ohio State vs Texas. Colt McCoy to get the job done in this one, generating enough offense to keep the Horns in the lead vs Terrelle Pryor (who is young, and will make at least one big mistake in this game). PICK: TEXAS.

GMAC BOWL--Ball State vs Tulsa. Ball State has lost their coach, Brady Hoke (he's off to San Diego State). They lost out on a perfect season in the MAC Championship game. Tulsa meanwhile can really score. PICK: TULSA.

FED EX BCS NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP GAME--Florida vs Oklahoma. It's simple--both teams can score. And will. But I see Oklahoma playing at just a tinier higher level right now offensively than is Florida; Sam Bradford will just barely outgun Tim Tebow. PICK: OKLAHOMA.

At the sports desk: college football picks

We'll just pick upset specials this week. Here goes:

West Virginia vs PITTSBURGH: Pitt is at home, ranked, and beat WVU last year. Great situation for the Panthers, right? And they're favored to win. But I see West Virginia pulling the upset here--they want to avenge last year, there's not the pressure on them this time, and they have Pat White, who might just run wild. UPSET PICK: MOUNTAINEERS.

Georgia Tech vs GEORGIA: well, the Bulldogs are at home and have been highly ranked all season. But Tech is 8-3, they run Paul Johnson's offense, which can be hard to defend, and Georgia hasn't seen it before and has a defense anyway that has...er, holes. Go with the Jackets for the big upset. UPSET PICK: YELLOW JACKETS.

OREGON STATE vs Oregon: if OSU wins, they go to the Rose Bowl. But they might not have their freshman star RB, Jacquizz Green. Know what? This has been a magical season for the Beavers, and with their toughness and poise, I think they'll find a way to get it done no matter what. PICK: OREGON STATE.

At the sports desk: college football picks

I was 1-2 last week in my upset specials. Let's see if I can do better this week:
(home team in CAPS)

ARIZONA vs Oregon State--The Beavers need this one to stay on track for the Rose Bowl. But hmmm...on the road; young team; pressure...I have a feeling they may stumble vs a capable Arizona club. UPSET SPECIAL PICK: WILDCATS.

CINCINNATI vs Pittsburgh--both teams can score. Both have had decent seasons. Did you even know Cincy is in the top 25? They are. I think they'll keep it going at home. PICK: BEARCATS.

Illinois vs NORTHWESTERN--A win here would cap off what really has been a pretty special season for Northwestern and Coach Pat Fitzgerald (did anyone before the season expect them to have a chance to win 9 games?). I have a hunch NU will find a way to win against a demoralized Illini team, although the oddsmakers favor Illinois. UPSET SPECIAL PICK: WILDCATS.

LSU vs Ole Miss--the Tigers barely escaped a big upset last week; I suspect Les Miles will make sure they don't have two letdowns in a row. PICK: TIGERS.

NOTRE DAME vs Syracuse--the Orangemen just aren't very good. The Greg Robinson Farewell Tour has only one more stop after this, mercifully. PICK: FIGHTING IRISH.

OHIO STATE vs Michigan--the Maize and Blue will show some fight in this game; they'll play hard (remember, earlier this season they led Penn State 17-7 at one point on the road). But they have no consistency and no QB, and Ohio State still has a lot to play for. PICK: BUCKEYES.

OKLAHOMA vs Texas Tech--the oddsmakers favor the Sooners by 7. Wow--that's a lot, given what Tech has accomplished. OU is very, very good. But I think Tech is up to something real special, and they have a QB, a wide receiver, and an offense on the whole playing at a very high level. I gotta stay with Tech. UPSET SPECIAL PICK: RED RAIDERS.

PENN STATE vs Michigan State--this game is for all the marbles--a trip to the Rose Bowl. Michigan State has pluck; they'll fight. But I think Penn State, at home, just has too much, especially at the QB position, where MSU's Brian Hoyer has just been too inconsistent. PICK: NITTANY LIONS.

TCU vs Air Force--the Horned Frogs defense will get it done at home. This is a good TCU, which will miss being a BCS-buster just by an eyelash. PICK: HORNED FROGS.

UTAH vs BYU--Utah has escaped, narrowly, more than once this season. Meanwhile they'll face a BYU team which has an experienced quarterback who can move the chains, get first downs, and get touchdowns. I smell an upset. UPSET SPECIAL PICK: COUGARS.

At the sports desk: college football weekly picks

Let's not discuss my pick last week of Northwestern to upset Ohio State. (Hey, OSU managed to squeak out a 45-10 win, just barely...). Let's see how I do this week:

ALABAMA vs Mississippi State. 'Bama barely survived last week; but, they find ways to win. It should be easier this week against an undermanned Mississippi State team. PICK: CRIMSON TIDE.

Boise State at IDAHO. Boise continues on its BCS-busting ways. PICK: BOISE STATE.

BYU at AIR FORCE. Just a gut feeling: Air Force's triple-option will give the Cougars fits. UPSET SPECIAL PICK: FALCONS.

FLORIDA vs South Carolina. Tim Tebow and Florida are playing well right now; and they shouldn't lack for motivation, what with the ol' Ball Coach coming into the Swamp. PICK: GATORS.

Georgia at AUBURN. I suspect this will be a close game; Georgia seems to play to the level of their competition. But I suspect Marc Richt's team will find a way to pull it out. PICK: BULLDOGS.

Missouri at IOWA STATE. Mizzou and Chase Daniel have too much firepower. PICK: TIGERS.

North Carolina at MARYLAND. Maryland is a young but improving team, with some nice wins lately. North Carolina is much better this year; but still young, and they seem vulnerable on the road. UPSET PICK: TERRAPINS.

Notre Dame vs Navy. Navy now has the winning streak in this series. I don't expect this to be a blowout, even though ND has revenge on its mind. Notre Dame always has trouble defending the Navy option, and they're not in the best frame of mind right now, coming off two straight losses. But I think ND will find a way to win a close game; their offensive line and running game should overpower the Middies. PICK: FIGHTING IRISH.

Ohio State at ILLINOIS. OSU is favored in this one, and it's not hard to see why, what with Terrelle Pryor's brilliance last week at Northwestern. But: Illinois, when Juice Williams is on, has a dynamic offense. They'll be at home. They beat Ohio State on the road last year; they'll have some confidence. I like Juice Williams to break out again. UPSET SPECIAL PICK: FIGHTING ILLINI.

Oklahoma State at COLORADO. The Cowboys ran into the Red Raider buzz saw last week, but I think they'll come back strong--their running game should overpower the Buffaloes. PICK: COWBOYS.

PENN STATE vs Indiana. Wow, who saw last week's shocking loss at Iowa coming. But PSU still has a lot to play for, and lucky for them they play IU, which has a defense that just can't stop anybody. PICK: NITTANY LIONS.

Southern Cal at STANFORD. You think USC wants some revenge in this game? The way their defense is playing (holding the dynamic Cal offense last week, under Jeff Teadford, to only 3 pts), they'll get it. PICK: TROJANS.

Texas vs KANSAS. KU can score. But, again, Texas will face a defense that's like tissue paper. In a high-scoring affair, look for Colt McCoy to have his way. PICK: LONGHORNS.

Utah at SAN DIEGO STATE. Utah is just too solid and efficient for the Aztecs. PICK: UTES.

At the sports desk: college football weekly picks

Remember--I picked Texas Tech to beat Texas last week...

Alabama vs LSU: I just think 'Bama has too much talent; especially significant is that LSU struggles to score. Not a good thing against this club. PICK: CRIMSON TIDE.

BOSTON COLLEGE vs Notre Dame: My sense is that many expect the Irish to win this one. But ND has struggled on the road on the whole this season, and BC has had their number lately. UPSET PICK: EAGLES.

Florida vs VANDERBILT: Florida and Urban Meyer have gotten it going. I don't see how Vandy can stop them. PICK: GATORS.

MICHIGAN STATE vs Purdue: I heard someone say on the radio today that Penn State faces their last "tough" opponent tomorrow, in Iowa. Not true--they close with the Spartans, who I see beating the Boilers comfortably, going to 9-2, and then having two weeks to prepare for JoePa's squad. Hmmm....PICK: SPARTANS.

MINNESOTA vs Michigan: it's just a tough season for the Maize and Blue; it can't be over soon enough. Look for the Minnesota defense to win this one by forcing turnovers. PICK: GOLDEN GOPHERS.

NORTH CAROLINA vs Georgia Tech: The Tar Heels are improved, but so is the Rambling Wreck under new coach Paul Johnson. Did you see their big win last week over Florida State? I look for Johnson's club to keep it going. PICK: YELLOW JACKETS.

Ohio State vs NORTHWESTERN: the Buckeyes are a pretty big favorite in this one. But I see an NU team on a high, coming off that big win last week at Minnesota and with some good athletes on both sides of the ball; and OSU coming off a tough loss to Penn State. I smell an upset. UPSET PICK: WILDCATS.

Oklahoma vs TEXAS A&M: Oklahoma with just too much firepower, especially on offense; though an improving Aggie squad might stay in this one for a half. PICK: SOONERS.

Penn State vs IOWA: the Hawkeyes have some athletes and a decent ground game. They too will stay in it for a half. But I see Penn State's athletes, poise, and efficiency winning out again.
PICK: NITTANY LIONS.

SOUTHERN CAL vs California: again, USC has gotten it going big time since that loss to Oregon State. Watch out, Bears. PICK: TROJANS.

TEXAS TECH vs Oklahoma State: this will be a tough game; OSU has talent--see for example the battle they gave Texas. But I saw a lot of strength and poise on that Tech team last week during that classic of a game vs the Longhorns. They'll find a way to prevail again. PICK: RED RAIDERS.

At the sports desk: college football weekly picks

I was unbeaten last week, and my upset special was meant to be Georgia over LSU--got it right.
Let's see how I do this week:

ALABAMA vs Arkansas St. Big shock--I like the Tide to continue to roll in this breather game.
PICK: 'BAMA.

BYU vs COLORADO STATE. The Cougars escaped last week's upset bid by UNLV; I think they'll right themselves even further vs the Rams, who just don't seem to have the firepower to win a game like this. PICK: COUGARS.

Florida vs. Georgia. Ah, the annual world's-largest-outdoor-cocktail-party game, in Jacksonville. I see Florida is favored. But I really liked what I saw from Georgia last week, on the road at LSU, a hard place to win. I suspect Richt has the Gators' number. UPSET PICK: BULLDOGS.

LSU vs Tulane. A chance for the Tigers to get well for a week against their undermanned in-state foe. PICK: LSU.

MICHIGAN STATE vs Wisconsin. MSU got well last week against the down-on-their-luck-this-year Wolverines; I have a hard time seeing the wildly-inconsistent Badgers winning this one on the road. PICK: SPARTANS.

MINNESOTA vs Northwestern. Wow, what a story are the Gophers; they won only one game all last year; this year, so far, they've lost only one, while winning 7. A tough, opportunistic defense that causes turnovers is the key for them. I like them to keep winning at home vs the Wildcats, in what should though be a close one. PICK: GOLDEN GOPHERS.

Missouri vs BAYLOR. The Bears love to throw the ball, and they do it fairly well; Coach Art Briles is developing this team. But Mizzou loves to throw the ball too, and they do it better. PICK: TIGERS.

NOTRE DAME vs Pittsburgh. I know, I know, Pitt got bumped off last week. But I think it was because they were looking ahead to this game. Now it's here, and I suspect they'll have enough focus and firepower on offense to pull off an upset agains tthe improved, but still a bit erratic Irish. UPSET PICK: PANTHERS.

OKLAHOMA vs Nebraska. Just too many weapons on the Sooner offense for the Huskers to keep up with them. PICK: OKLAHOMA.

OKLAHOMA STATE vs Iowa State. The Cowboys fell to Texas, but no disgrace there; they competed well. This is a good OSU team. Iowa State meanwhile got blasted at home last week by A&M. PICK: COWBOYS.

SOUTHERN CAL vs Washington. The only question is how bad the Trojans will maul the Huskies; it will be bad, but I don't think they'll put up 69 again. PICK: SOUTHERN CAL.

TCU vs UNLV. This is a tricky game for the Frogs, still harboring BCS ambitions, but on the road against a team that almost upset BYU last week. The key, though--the Horned Frogs have a tough, tough defense, and that will pull you through in "trap" games. PICK: TCU.

Texas vs TEXAS TECH. I know, I know, Texas has done very well, Colt McCoy is outstanding, the Longhorns have navigated a very tough schedule so far masterfully. And I know, Tech hasn't been here before, they've in the past lost games against teams like this, etc. But did you see the machine-like precision with which Tech played last week vs Kansas? OU only beat Kansas by 14, at home. Tech blasted them by 42, on the road. This Tech team is different. They're fast, but they're bigger, and tougher, and more mature. UPSET PICK: RED RAIDERS.

Utah vs NEW MEXICO. The Utes are unbeaten, and another possible BCS-buster. This game could be tough--New Mexico has a tough defense, and will be at home. But I think the Utes will find a way. PICK: UTAH.

At the sports desk: college football weekly picks

I didn't do too well on my upset specials last week. Let's try to do better:

WEST VIRGINIA vs Auburn. I like WVU at home. PICK: MOUNTAINEERS.

Alabama vs TENNESSEE. The Vols just can't score. They're rebuilding. PICK: CRIMSON TIDE.

FLORIDA vs Kentucky. Looks like the Gators have righted themselves, judging by their blowout of LSU. PICK: GATORS.

KANSAS vs Texas Tech. Believe it or not, oddsmakers have installed KU as a slight favorite. I don't buy it--I think Tech's combo of a great passing game and run game will help them outscore the Jayhawks, maybe by two touchdowns. UPSET SPECIAL PICK: RED RAIDERS.

LSU vs Georgia. Again, oddsmakers have the Tigers as a slight favorite. But they don't impress me that much, and I see

At the sports desk: college football weekly picks

Last week's record: 10-3.

ALABAMA vs Ole Miss. Hard to see the powerful Tide blowing this one; they ain't Florida. PICK: CRIMSON TIDE.

BOSTON COLLEGE vs Virginia Tech. I think BC is coming on. PICK: EAGLES.

GEORGIA vs Vanderbilt. Vandy's gotta be down after last week; and when was the last time they won between the hedges? Won't be tomorrow. PICK: BULLDOGS.

LSU vs SOUTH CAROLINA. The Tigers too gotta be down after that pasting by Florida last week; and I don't think LSU is at the high level they were last year. Meanwhile, the ol' ball coach has a decent team, is at home, and will throw some new stuff at LSU. UPSET SPECIAL PICK: GAMECOCKS.

North Carolina vs VIRGINIA. Did you see Virginia get blown away by USC way back in week 1? I don't think they've improved enough to beat the young but talented UNC bunch. PICK: TAR HEELS.

Ohio State vs MICHIGAN STATE. I sense a new toughness in the Spartans. Plus they're at home; and don't forget, Terrell Pryor is talented, but a freshman, too. UPSET SPECIAL PICK: SPARTANS.

OKLAHOMA vs Kansas. This could be a bit of a trap game for the Sooners; Kansas can really move the ball. But I don't think KU can slow down the Sooner offense much. PICK: SOONERS.

OKLAHOMA STATE vs Baylor. I badly underestimated OSU last week. I won't this week; and Baylor can't stop anybody. PICK: COWBOYS.

Michigan vs PENN STATE. A down year for Michigan. Meanwhile, Penn State is tough and efficient. PICK: NITTANY LIONS.

Pittsburgh vs NAVY. It will be a tough game; and remember that Navy won at Pitt last year. But I think Pitt and LeSean Jackson will be a bit too powerful for the Middies this time. PICK: PANTHERS.

SOUTH FLORIDA vs Syracuse. The farewell tour for Syracuse coach Greg Robinson continues.
PICK: BULLS.

TEXAS vs Missouri. This has all the makings of a shootout. But as we saw last week, Mizzou's defense has issues, and Chase Daniel just can't outscore everybody. Certainly not Texas. A close game, but...PICK: LONGHORNS.

Texas Tech vs TEXAS A&M. The Aggies gave up 44 last week to K-State. Imagine how much Graham Harrell and the high-powered Red Raiders can put up on them. PICK: RED RAIDERS.

UTAH vs Colorado State. BYU fell Thursday night, but there's still one undefeated team left in Utah; I look for the Utes to stay that way at home. PICK: UTES.

Southern Cal vs WASHINGTON STATE. I know, USC was a big favorite vs Oregon State, too. I think they've learned their lesson (despite being no less than a 43 point favorite in this one). PICK: TROJANS.

At the sports desk: college football weekly picks

I was 8-2 last week. HOME TEAMS IN CAPS.

AUBURN vs Arkansas. Pick: TIGERS. Arkansas is having a down year; Auburn's defense will dominate.

Boise State vs SOUTHERN MISSISSIPPI. Pick: BOISE. They could be a BCS-buster again.

BYU vs New Mexico. Pick: COUGARS. They could be a BCS-buster, too; and they've been very consistent, blowing everyone out so far.

FLORIDA vs LSU. Pick: GATORS. Florida's at home; and I haven't seen the same power and explosiveness from LSU this year that I saw last year.

GEORGIA vs Tennessee. Pick: BULLDOGS. Georgia needs to bounce back from that pasting they got from Alabama. Fortunately for them, the punchless Vols are the perfect opponent.

Michigan State vs NORTHWESTERN. Pick: SPARTANS. Did you know Northwestern was undefeated right now, at 5-0? Neither does a lot of the nation. Their schedule hasn't been the toughest. This will be a tight game, but look for Javon Ringer to be the difference in a Spartan win.

MISSOURI vs Oklahoma State. Pick: TIGERS. Mizzou put up 52 on Nebraska; think what they'll do at home to the Cowboys.

Notre Dame vs NORTH CAROLINA. Pick: TAR HEELS. Notre Dame, behind Jimmy Clausen, has improved. But so has UNC under Butch Davis. ND still struggles away from South Bend; look for Carolina to win a close one.

OHIO STATE vs Purdue. Pick: BUCKEYES. OSU got kind of fortunate last week, as they benefited from Wisconsin blowing another one. They're fortunate again this week in playing the Boilers, a team which hasn't won a big game in forever and is awash in negativity.

Oklahoma vs Texas. Pick: SOONERS. A great game between two top 10 teams. Sam Bradford will be the difference. He's good.

Penn State vs WISCONSIN. Pick: NITTANY LIONS. The Badgers have issues--they've lost two in a row and haven't held leads. Meanwhile Penn State plays consistent, largely mistake-free, solid football. Hard to pick against that.

TEXAS TECH vs Nebraska. Pick: RED RAIDERS. Texas Tech's offense really looked to come together last week at Kansas State; it was almost unstoppable. So they're fortunate, since Nebraska's defense hasn't exactly stopped too many people lately. Watch out for Tech.

Arizona State vs SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA. Pick: TROJANS. USC probably learned its lesson from the unfathomable loss to Oregon State; but it may be too late to help them re: the national championship hunt.

At the sports desk: college football weekly picks

I was 6-1 last week.
(home team in CAPS)

AIR FORCE vs Navy. Pick: FALCONS. Largely because they're at home. But expect a close game--the Middies upset Wake Forest last week.

ALABAMA vs Kentucky. Pick: CRIMSON TIDE. Okay, Nick Saban, you've convinced us--you've got a powerhouse already--didn't take long.

AUBURN vs Vanderbilt. Pick: TIGERS. Auburn has talent; historically, they've had the edge over Vanderbilt. I think that gives them a mental edge here.

Florida vs ARKANSAS. Pick: GATORS. Urban Meyer's team needs to rebound after last week's astounding loss; luckily for them, the hapless Razorbacks are a perfect team by which to get well.

MIAMI vs Florida State. PICK: HURRICANES. Miami should have won last week. They will this time, at home and facing a Seminole team that just flat-out struggles to score.

MICHIGAN vs Illinois. Pick: FIGHTING ILLINI. UPSET PICK--Michigan is favored. I struggle over this one; Michigan's comeback win last week vs Wisconsin was really something. But the Maize and Blue have been horribly inconsistent; and they're facing an Illinois team that has experience and that can score, something Michigan has struggled to do.

MICHIGAN STATE vs Iowa. Pick: SPARTANS. Look for them to continue the momentum they gained with the Notre Dame win. Plus, they have Javon Ringer; Iowa doesn't.

Missouri vs NEBRASKA. Pick: TIGERS. Mizzou has too many weapons, especially Chase Daniel.

NOTRE DAME vs Stanford. Pick: FIGHTING IRISH. ND continues to improve; Stanford struggles away from home.

Ohio State vs WISCONSIN. Pick: BADGERS. UPSET PICK--Ohio State is favored. But Wisconsin should have won last week; they know it. Here's their chance, at home, to stay in the Big 10 race and to beat a talented but inexperienced freshman QB in Terrell Pryor. I don't think they'll miss this chance.

Oklahoma vs BAYLOR. Pick: SOONERS. OU is a powerhouse, it appears.

Penn State vs PURDUE. Pick: NITTANY LIONS. Penn State appears to be a strong, explosive club--see their win last week vs Illinois. Purdue meanwhile just can't win big games.

SOUTHERN CAL vs Oregon. Pick: TROJANS. They've got to be furious after last week. USC is at home, and they face an Oregon team that's got injuries.

Texas vs COLORADO. Pick: LONGHORNS. Texas, with Colt McCoy and company, is experienced and has too many weapons.

Texas Tech at KANSAS STATE. Pick: RED RAIDERS. I love Graham Harrell and the Red Raiders offense; they struggled a bit early, but managed to win, and now their offense, both passing and running, is coming on. Their defense isn't bad either.

College football weekly picks

I was 8-2 last week, remember.

Auburn vs TENNESSEE. Pick: TIGERS. This is a rebuilding year for the Vols; Auburn should have knocked off LSU last week.

GEORGIA vs Alabama. Pick: BULLDOGS. Alabama has shown great improvement over last year; but I like Georgia at home. They were very efficient last week at Arizona State.

Michigan State vs INDIANA. Pick: SPARTANS. They can run the ball with Javon Ringer. And IU has problems in stopping the run.

NOTRE DAME vs Purdue. PICK: IRISH. Yes, I know they lost last week, and that they lost their tight end due to off-field problems. But Charlie Weis knows how to circle the wagons; ND is at home; and Purdue historically has had trouble winning there. Don't forget Purdue's intangibles problems--they blow a game at home to Oregon they should have had won, they barely beat Central Michigan last week.

OKLAHOMA vs Texas Christian. PICK: SOONERS. But it will be a closer game than people think. TCU has a good defense, and a good coach in Gary Patterson.

PENN STATE vs Illinois. PICK: NITTANY LIONS. Joe Pa seems to have a powerful club; Illinois hasn't impressed thus far.

Wisconsin vs MICHIGAN. PICK: WOLVERINES. My upset special. Michigan's offense looked to have grown; it rolled up 388 yards vs Notre Dame two weeks ago. They've had two weeks to prepare. Wisconsin might have trouble handling Michigan's spread, and they're on the road. Go with the Maize and Blue in an upset.

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.

College football picks

I'm only around .500 for the season so far. Time to do better:

Southern Cal vs Ohio State: the Trojans looked like a machine vs Virginia the other week; the Buckeyes without Beanie Wells, or with a questionable Beanie Wells...well, they looked not-so-awesome. And USC is at home. I look for a competitive game, but Pete Carroll will win another one. PICK: SOUTHERN CAL.

Georgia at South Carolina: I've seen no reason to downgrade the Bulldogs high ranking; meanwhile the Gamecocks under the ol' ball coach still have a ways to go, as their loss to Vandy demonstrated. PICK: GEORGIA.

Oklahoma at Washington: the Huskies are improving, and that official's call at the end of the BYU game was a joke. But again, last week suggested to me that the Sooners are the real deal. PICK: OKLAHOMA.

Wisconsin at Fresno State: Fresno is the trendy, sexy pick here. But Wisconsin has good coaching, they put up 51 points last week vs Marshall, and I think their size will wear down the Bulldogs, even on the road. PICK: WISCONSIN.

Kansas at South Florida: the Bulls barely survived last week vs Central Florida, but I bet it's because they were looking ahead to this game. Kansas lost a lot of guys off of last year's team. PICK: SOUTH FLORIDA.

Oregon at Purdue: so far, the Big 10 hasn't done as well in these inter-conference battles as they'd like; I fear Purdue will continue that trend--with Curtis Painter at QB, the Boilers have struggled in big games. PICK: OREGON.

Penn State at Syracuse: the Nittany Lions look like the real deal; Syracuse got blown out the other week at Northwestern, for goodness sake. PICK: PENN STATE.

BYU at UCLA: the Cougars won a tough road game last week; and while one had to be impressed with UCLA's gutty, improbable win 10 days ago against Tennessee, I'm betting their young QB and luck won't hold up this time. PICK: BYU.

At the sports desk: this week's college football picks

i didn't do well at all last week. But try, try again!

OKLAHOMA over Cincinnati--Cincy has upgraded its program in recent years. But with no veteran QB and facing the Sooners on the road, well...they'll see there's still work to do.

FLORIDA over Miami--Miami's on the way back; but the Gators have too much talent, not to mention Tim Tebow.

WEST VIRGINIA over East Carolina--give the Pirates credit for their upset last week over Virginia Tech. I think this will be a close game, but the Mountaineers' Pat White will be the difference.

ARIZONA STATE over Stanford--the Cardinal can move the ball; did you see their win last week vs Oregon State? This will be a closer game than people expect, but ASU will prevail.

WASHINGTON over BYU--the Huskies stayed in the game for a good while last week on the road at Oregon; Jake Locker is coming on. I think this week they'll pull off the upset at home.

PENN STATE over Oregon State--the Nittany Lions to get the job done at home; Oregon State's defense couldn't stop Stanford last week...I doubt they'll do much better here.

At the sports desk: today's college football picks

Just picking winners of some key games today. We'll see how I do:

Illinois to upset Missouri--Mizzou to be burdened by high expectations; Juice Williams to run wild for the Illini.

USC over Virginia--so much talent on Southern Cal; Mark Sanchez will play.

Clemson over Alabama--Tigers to be strong at home; Nick Saban still rebuilding.

Washington to upset Oregon--watch out for Jake Locker of UW.

Tennessee over UCLA--the Vols always have lots of talent; I think it will take the Bruins a while to get settled under new coach Rick Neuheisel.

Michigan over Utah--Michigan's defense, the one part of the team that has a lot of returning starters, will get it done today for the Maize and Blue and new coach Rich Rodriguez; look for a low scoring game.