Last week, I went 3-2, for explanations check out the results article from earlier in the week. Also, I have been trying to pick the games that matter, anybody can pick the powerhouse vs. cupcake games correctly. So here we go:
1. #6 Arizona State vs. #4 Oregon
This is a battle for first place in the Pac 10. Arizona State brings its undefeated record, and stifling defense (15.6 pts per game allowed) in to Eugene, OR where the Ducks high flying offense (43.8 pts per game) knocked Pac 10 power USC out of the race last week. ASU found themselves down 20-7 last week to Cal before staging a 2nd half comeback win. Arizona State's QB Rudy Carpenter has led the 2nd ranked offense in the Pac 10 this season (36.9 ppg) but he will be hampered by a sprained thumb on his throwing hand suffered last week on a botched handoff. This is a Heisman showcase game for QB Dennis Dixon and despite the Sun Devils winning the last two matchups in Eugene, Oregon's offense will find the holes in ASU's Defense. PICK: Oregon
2. #3 LSU vs. #18 Alabama
Nick Saban against his old team from Baton Rouge. Both teams were off last week and come into this one (4-1) in the SEC West. LSU has its sights on getting to the BCS championship game and Alabama is their last major obstacle before the SEC title game. LSU will be without one half of their QB tandem with Ryan Perrilloux suspended for his involvement in a night club altercation. The Tide are coming off a nice win over Tennessee 2 weeks ago but, Alabama has lost 4 straight to the Tigers including the last 3 at home. Alabama also lost this year to a weak Florida St. team. LSU rolls the Tide, and continues toward the BCS title game. PICK: LSU
3. Florida State vs. #2 Boston College
This year's Seminoles are a sloppy bunch and they will travel to cold sloppy conditions at BC, the weather forecast is set for the high 30's after a day of rain and wind courtesy of Hurricane Noel. Florida St. will start mistake prone Drew Weatherford at QB against a BC Defense only allowing 16.8 ppg. In their last game BC ran the 2 minute drill to perfection as they scored 2 TDs in the final 2:11 to beat Virgina Tech 14-10 and remain #2 in the polls. This Florida St. team is not one of the Bowden teams of old and while FSU is usually built on speed, the expected cold and muddy conditions will favor BC who beat Virginia Tech in a heavy rain 9 days ago. PICK: BC
4. #19 Wisconsin vs. #1 Ohio State
Wisconsin has won the last 3 matchups in Columbus, but Ohio State's defense (8.9 ppg) will be the difference, as they will look to knock off their 2nd ranked opponent in as many weeks. Ohio State seems to be peaking as the season heads down the stretch and the possible Big Ten showdown with Michigan looms. Wisconsin was blown out earlier in the year by the same Penn St. team OSU controlled last week. PICK: Ohio State
5. #14 Michigan vs. Michigan State
After dropping their first 2 games (App. St, Oregon) Michigan has reeled off 7 straight victories and find themselves in a tie for first and a possible end of the season showdown with the rival Buckeyes. But first they need to get by another rival, Michigan State in the annual game for the Paul Bunyan trophy. Michigan's QB Chad Henne and RB Mike Hart are both dealing with injuries and could be replaced by QB Ryan Mallett and RB Carlos Brown both who have started games this year. Michigan State lost close games to both Wisconsin and Ohio State this year, but Michigan is determined to prove that their early season struggles were a fluke.
PICK: Michigan
Check back later in the week to see how the picks turned out. Rankings used are from the USA Today Poll.
Check back later in the week to see how the picks turned out. Rankings used are from the USA Today Poll.
