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| (Credit: C.B. Schmelter) |
After going an impressive 60-8 two weeks ago, I went 48-12 last week in my picks. Safe to say I've been pretty darn good as of late. This week is a pretty dry week in the NCAA landscape, with just two matchups pitting two Top 25 teams against each other, and no matchup sees a Top 10 team squaring off with another. Nonetheless, I think there can be some good matchups coming out of nothing this week and so with that said, here I go at taking another stab at NCAA Football picks.
Thursday
#8 Stanford Cardinal vs. Washington Huskies (ESPN, WatchESPN, 9:00 PM ET)
Having dethroned the USC Trojans two weeks ago, the Stanford Cardinal were rewarded with a bye week, and a strange rise in the polls. They'l do battle with the Washington Huskies in a Pac-12 North showdown. The Huskies, aside from the Oregon Ducks, are the only legitimate threat in my opinion to the Cardinal and Ducks in the North, aside from rising Oregon State. I think the Cardinal will start off slow, but they will grind out a win here in the Pacific Northwest.
Pick: Stanford
Friday
Hawaii Warriors vs. Brigham Young Cougars (ESPN, WatchESPN, 8:00 PM ET)
Pick: BYU
Saturday
#25 Baylor Bears vs. #9 West Virginia Mountaineers (FX, 12:00 PM ET)
This should be a fun Big 12 Conference matchup. The Bears and Mountaineers are two of the highest scoring offenses in the entire nation and even though they barely scratched by the Maryland Terrapins last week, Geno Smith and the Mountaineers have been one of the most impressive teams this season. I like them here at home in a shootout.
Pick: West Virginia
Buffalo Bulls vs. Connecticut Huskies (Big East Network, ESPN3, GamePlan, 12:00 PM ET)
Pick: Connecticut
Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders vs. Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (ESPN3, GamePlan, 12:00 PM ET)
Pick: Georgia Tech
Indiana Hoosiers vs. Northwestern Wildcats (Big Ten Network, 12:00 PM ET)
Northwestern moves to 5-0.
Pick: Northwestern
Arkansas Razorbacks vs. Texas A&M Aggies (SEC Network, ESPN3, GamePlan, 12:00 PM ET)
This matchup could have been a lot better going into the season. Arkansas however is in an absolute tailspin, and I do not think that will stop here at Kyle Field.
Pick: Texas A&M
Stony Brook Sea Wolves vs. Army Knights (CBS Sports Network, 12:00 PM ET)
Pick: Army
Penn State Nittany Lions vs. Illinois Fighting Illini (ESPN, ESPN3D, WatchESPN, 12:00 PM ET)
Pick: Illinois
Missouri Tigers vs. UCF Golden Knights (12:00 PM ET)
Missouri could be on the ropes here against a good UCF team. I won't pick against them, but this could turn out bad if things do not improve for the Tigers.
Pick: Missouri
Minnesota Golden Gophers vs. Iowa Hawkeyes (ESPN2, WatchESPN, 12:00 PM ET)
We're on a collision course for an undefeated matchup between Northwestern and Minnesota on the October 13. And I think the college football world continues to spin on that axis. Minnesota.
Pick: Minnesota
Ball State Cardinals vs. Kent State Flashes (ESPN3, ESPN+PLUS, GamePlan, 12:00 PM ET)
Pick: Ball State
North Carolina State Wolfpack vs. Miami (FL) Hurricanes (ESPNU, WatchESPN, 12:00 PM ET)
Pick: North Carolina State
Duke Blue Devils vs. Wake Forest Demon Deacons (ESPN3, GamePlan, 12:30 PM ET)
Pick: Wake Forest
Nevada Wolf Pack vs. Texas State Bobcats (Longhorn Network, 2:00 PM ET)
Pick: Nevada
Colorado State Rams vs. Air Force Falcons (2:00 PM ET)
Since beating in-state rival Colorado, the Rams are on a 3-game losing streak. I think that slide continues in Colorado Springs.
Pick: Air Force
Miami (OH) Red Hawks vs. Akron Zips (ESPN3, 2:00 PM ET)
Akron nearly came away with a W against Tennessee in Neyland last week. Don't think that comes easy against the Red Hawks. Love me some MACtion.
Pick: Miami (OH)
Tulsa Golden Hurricanes vs. UAB Blazers (3:00 PM ET)
Pick: Tulsa
Marshall Thundering Herd vs. Purdue Boilermakers (Big Ten Network, 3:15 PM ET)
Pick: Purdue
Tennessee Volunteers vs. #5 Georgia Bulldogs (CBS, 3:30 PM ET)
Now this is a game with boom-or-bust material. This is arguably Georgia's toughest test yet this season and they have the luxury of playing this one "Between the Hedges." I think the Vols, after getting thumped by Florida and nearly being upset by Akron the last two weeks at Neyland are reeling right now and this game could make or break their season. With that said I expect a high-energy Volunteer club for about 56 minutes, but I think Georgia puts a dagger in Tennessee late. Closer than the experts think.
Pick: Georgia
#14 Ohio State Buckeyes vs. #20 Michigan State Spartans (ABC, 3:30 PM ET)
A Michigan fan's delight, I am sure. Sparty has looked less than stellar this season despite their opening week victory against Boise. Ohio State has been a pleasant surprise for Buckeye Nation but they too have looked inconsistent in spots. The Big Ten has looked dreadful this season, and with that said, I think this game has unwatchable potential. On a real note however, I expect a close game with both of these defenses shining brightly but the Buckeyes will rip the hearts out of the Spartans with a late TD.
Pick: Ohio State
#17 Clemson Tigers vs. Boston College Eagles (ESPN2, Watch ESPN, 3:30 PM ET)
Pick: Clemson
Troy Trojans vs. South Alabama Jaguars (ESPN3, GamePlan, 3:30 PM ET)
Pick: Troy
Ohio Bobcats vs. Massachusetts Minutemen (ESPN3, 3:30 PM ET)
Pick: Ohio
Idaho Vandals vs. North Carolina Tar Heels (ESPN3, GamePlan, 3:30 PM ET)
Pick: North Carolina
Rhode Island Rams vs. Bowling Green Falcons (ESPN3, GamePlan, 3:30 PM ET)
Pick: Bowling Green
Houston Cougars vs. Rice Owls (3:30 PM ET)
Pick: Rice
Louisiana Tech Bulldogs vs. Virginia Cavaliers (ESPN3, 3:30 PM ET)
Look out for the Bulldogs. A win against Virginia might put them on the inside track to become a BCS buster this season. Yes, I am totally serious with that remark.
Pick: Louisiana Tech
Virginia Tech Hokies vs. Cincinnati Bearcats (ESPNU, WatchESPN, 3:30 PM ET)
Pick: Virginia Tech
San Jose State Spartans vs. Navy Midshipemen (CBS Sports Network, 3:30 PM ET)
I've picked against SJSU for too long. Now watch next week as I pick against them after they lose this.
Pick: San Jose State
Central Michigan Chippewas vs. Northern Illinois Huskies (ESPN3, 3:30 PM ET)
Pick: Northern Illinois
Louisiana-Monroe War Hawks vs. Tulane Green Wave
Pick: Louisiana-Monroe
Arizona State Sun Devils vs. California Golden Bears (FX, 4:00 PM ET)
Pick: Arizona State
North Texas Mean Green vs. Florida Atlantic Owls (ESPN3, 5:00 PM ET)
Pick: Florida Atlantic
#4 Florida State Seminoles vs. South Florida Bulls (ESPN, WatchESPN, 6:00 PM ET)
Pick: Florida State
#24 Boise State Broncos vs. New Mexico Lobos (6:00 PM ET)
Pick: Boise State
UCLA Bruins vs. Colorado Buffaloes (Pac-12 Network, 6:00 PM ET)
Pick: UCLA
Towson Tigers vs. #3 LSU Tigers (ESPNU, WatchESPN, 7:00 PM ET)
Pick: LSU
#6 South Carolina Gamecocks vs. Kentucky Wildcats (ESPN2, WatchESPN, 7:00 PM ET)
Pick: South Carolina
#15 TCU Horned Frogs vs. Southern Methodist Mustangs (7:00 PM ET)
This would've been fun in the old SWC.
Pick: TCU
Texas Tech Red Raiders vs. Iowa State Cyclones (7:00 PM ET)
Pick: Iowa State
UTEP Miners vs. East Carolina Pirates (7:00 PM ET)
Pick: UTEP
Florida International Panthers vs. Louisiana-Lafayette Ragin' Cajuns (ESPN3, 7:00 PM ET)
Pick: Louisiana-Lafyette
Western Kentucky Hilltoppers vs. Arkansas State Red Wolves (ESPN3, 7:00 PM ET)
Pick: Western Kentucky
Toledo Rockets vs. Western Michigan Broncos (ESPN3, 7:00 PM ET)
Pick: Western Michigan
#12 Texas Longhorns vs. Oklahoma State Cowboys (FOX, 7:50 PM ET)
The Longhorns invade Stillwater, and will Bevo their way to a victory here. I think their defense makes a statement and locks down the Air Raid as Texas will shoot up the Top 10 after this one.
Pick: Texas
#19 Louisville Cardinals vs. Southern Miss Golden Eagles (CBS Sports Network, 8:00 PM ET)
Pick: Louisville
Wisconsin Badgers vs. #22 Nebraska Cornhuskers (ABC, 8:00 PM ET)
I don't know why I think the Badgers will win this game, but I've got a sinking feeling that they will. Nebraska gave up a lot of yards on the ground to UCLA and with the QB change that Wisconsin is seemingly going under I think they shift back to the run game and Montee Ball and James White have a field day in Lincoln. The Big Ten will get a big win here in primetime.
Pick: Wisconsin
UTSA Roadrunners vs. New Mexico State (ESPN3, GamePlan, 8:00 PM ET)
The Roadrunners move to 5-0. Can I get a *Meep Meep*
Pick: UTSA
UNLV Runnin' Rebels vs. Utah State Aggies (ESPN3, 8:00 PM ET)
Honestly, I don't see how it gets much worse for UNLV. Well, another loss might do the trick.
Pick: Utah State
Ole Miss Rebels vs. #1 Alabama Crimson Tide (ESPN, WatchESPN, 9:15 PM ET)
Alabama rolls, but it still seems funny to me that they haven't played a legitimate team, what with Michigan being exposed and Arkansas being a complete dumpster fire. Looking forward to November 3rd, to say the very least.
Pick: Alabama
#18 Oregon State Beavers vs. Arizona Wildcats (Pac-12 Network, 10:00 PM ET)
The Beavers have been good yes, but I think Rich Rod and the Wildcats pick up a victory here in Tucson. They were able to hang with Oregon for a half, and I think that they will make good this time against the team from Corvallis.
Pick: Arizona
San Diego State Aztecs vs. Fresno State Bulldogs (10:00 PM ET)
Pick: Fresno State
#2 Oregon Ducks vs. Washington State Cougars (ESPN2, WatchESPN)
This is going to get ugly folks.
Pick: Oregon
Thursday
#8 Stanford Cardinal vs. Washington Huskies (ESPN, WatchESPN, 9:00 PM ET)
Having dethroned the USC Trojans two weeks ago, the Stanford Cardinal were rewarded with a bye week, and a strange rise in the polls. They'l do battle with the Washington Huskies in a Pac-12 North showdown. The Huskies, aside from the Oregon Ducks, are the only legitimate threat in my opinion to the Cardinal and Ducks in the North, aside from rising Oregon State. I think the Cardinal will start off slow, but they will grind out a win here in the Pacific Northwest.
Pick: Stanford
Friday
Hawaii Warriors vs. Brigham Young Cougars (ESPN, WatchESPN, 8:00 PM ET)
Pick: BYU
Saturday
#25 Baylor Bears vs. #9 West Virginia Mountaineers (FX, 12:00 PM ET)
This should be a fun Big 12 Conference matchup. The Bears and Mountaineers are two of the highest scoring offenses in the entire nation and even though they barely scratched by the Maryland Terrapins last week, Geno Smith and the Mountaineers have been one of the most impressive teams this season. I like them here at home in a shootout.
Pick: West Virginia
Buffalo Bulls vs. Connecticut Huskies (Big East Network, ESPN3, GamePlan, 12:00 PM ET)
Pick: Connecticut
Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders vs. Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (ESPN3, GamePlan, 12:00 PM ET)
Pick: Georgia Tech
Indiana Hoosiers vs. Northwestern Wildcats (Big Ten Network, 12:00 PM ET)
Northwestern moves to 5-0.
Pick: Northwestern
Arkansas Razorbacks vs. Texas A&M Aggies (SEC Network, ESPN3, GamePlan, 12:00 PM ET)
This matchup could have been a lot better going into the season. Arkansas however is in an absolute tailspin, and I do not think that will stop here at Kyle Field.
Pick: Texas A&M
Stony Brook Sea Wolves vs. Army Knights (CBS Sports Network, 12:00 PM ET)
Pick: Army
Penn State Nittany Lions vs. Illinois Fighting Illini (ESPN, ESPN3D, WatchESPN, 12:00 PM ET)
Pick: Illinois
Missouri Tigers vs. UCF Golden Knights (12:00 PM ET)
Missouri could be on the ropes here against a good UCF team. I won't pick against them, but this could turn out bad if things do not improve for the Tigers.
Pick: Missouri
Minnesota Golden Gophers vs. Iowa Hawkeyes (ESPN2, WatchESPN, 12:00 PM ET)
We're on a collision course for an undefeated matchup between Northwestern and Minnesota on the October 13. And I think the college football world continues to spin on that axis. Minnesota.
Pick: Minnesota
Ball State Cardinals vs. Kent State Flashes (ESPN3, ESPN+PLUS, GamePlan, 12:00 PM ET)
Pick: Ball State
North Carolina State Wolfpack vs. Miami (FL) Hurricanes (ESPNU, WatchESPN, 12:00 PM ET)
Pick: North Carolina State
Duke Blue Devils vs. Wake Forest Demon Deacons (ESPN3, GamePlan, 12:30 PM ET)
Pick: Wake Forest
Nevada Wolf Pack vs. Texas State Bobcats (Longhorn Network, 2:00 PM ET)
Pick: Nevada
Colorado State Rams vs. Air Force Falcons (2:00 PM ET)
Since beating in-state rival Colorado, the Rams are on a 3-game losing streak. I think that slide continues in Colorado Springs.
Pick: Air Force
Miami (OH) Red Hawks vs. Akron Zips (ESPN3, 2:00 PM ET)
Akron nearly came away with a W against Tennessee in Neyland last week. Don't think that comes easy against the Red Hawks. Love me some MACtion.
Pick: Miami (OH)
Tulsa Golden Hurricanes vs. UAB Blazers (3:00 PM ET)
Pick: Tulsa
Marshall Thundering Herd vs. Purdue Boilermakers (Big Ten Network, 3:15 PM ET)
Pick: Purdue
Tennessee Volunteers vs. #5 Georgia Bulldogs (CBS, 3:30 PM ET)
Now this is a game with boom-or-bust material. This is arguably Georgia's toughest test yet this season and they have the luxury of playing this one "Between the Hedges." I think the Vols, after getting thumped by Florida and nearly being upset by Akron the last two weeks at Neyland are reeling right now and this game could make or break their season. With that said I expect a high-energy Volunteer club for about 56 minutes, but I think Georgia puts a dagger in Tennessee late. Closer than the experts think.
Pick: Georgia
#14 Ohio State Buckeyes vs. #20 Michigan State Spartans (ABC, 3:30 PM ET)
A Michigan fan's delight, I am sure. Sparty has looked less than stellar this season despite their opening week victory against Boise. Ohio State has been a pleasant surprise for Buckeye Nation but they too have looked inconsistent in spots. The Big Ten has looked dreadful this season, and with that said, I think this game has unwatchable potential. On a real note however, I expect a close game with both of these defenses shining brightly but the Buckeyes will rip the hearts out of the Spartans with a late TD.
Pick: Ohio State
#17 Clemson Tigers vs. Boston College Eagles (ESPN2, Watch ESPN, 3:30 PM ET)
Pick: Clemson
Troy Trojans vs. South Alabama Jaguars (ESPN3, GamePlan, 3:30 PM ET)
Pick: Troy
Ohio Bobcats vs. Massachusetts Minutemen (ESPN3, 3:30 PM ET)
Pick: Ohio
Idaho Vandals vs. North Carolina Tar Heels (ESPN3, GamePlan, 3:30 PM ET)
Pick: North Carolina
Rhode Island Rams vs. Bowling Green Falcons (ESPN3, GamePlan, 3:30 PM ET)
Pick: Bowling Green
Houston Cougars vs. Rice Owls (3:30 PM ET)
Pick: Rice
Louisiana Tech Bulldogs vs. Virginia Cavaliers (ESPN3, 3:30 PM ET)
Look out for the Bulldogs. A win against Virginia might put them on the inside track to become a BCS buster this season. Yes, I am totally serious with that remark.
Pick: Louisiana Tech
Virginia Tech Hokies vs. Cincinnati Bearcats (ESPNU, WatchESPN, 3:30 PM ET)
Pick: Virginia Tech
San Jose State Spartans vs. Navy Midshipemen (CBS Sports Network, 3:30 PM ET)
I've picked against SJSU for too long. Now watch next week as I pick against them after they lose this.
Pick: San Jose State
Central Michigan Chippewas vs. Northern Illinois Huskies (ESPN3, 3:30 PM ET)
Pick: Northern Illinois
Louisiana-Monroe War Hawks vs. Tulane Green Wave
Pick: Louisiana-Monroe
Arizona State Sun Devils vs. California Golden Bears (FX, 4:00 PM ET)
Pick: Arizona State
North Texas Mean Green vs. Florida Atlantic Owls (ESPN3, 5:00 PM ET)
Pick: Florida Atlantic
#4 Florida State Seminoles vs. South Florida Bulls (ESPN, WatchESPN, 6:00 PM ET)
Pick: Florida State
#24 Boise State Broncos vs. New Mexico Lobos (6:00 PM ET)
Pick: Boise State
UCLA Bruins vs. Colorado Buffaloes (Pac-12 Network, 6:00 PM ET)
Pick: UCLA
Towson Tigers vs. #3 LSU Tigers (ESPNU, WatchESPN, 7:00 PM ET)
Pick: LSU
#6 South Carolina Gamecocks vs. Kentucky Wildcats (ESPN2, WatchESPN, 7:00 PM ET)
Pick: South Carolina
#15 TCU Horned Frogs vs. Southern Methodist Mustangs (7:00 PM ET)
This would've been fun in the old SWC.
Pick: TCU
Texas Tech Red Raiders vs. Iowa State Cyclones (7:00 PM ET)
Pick: Iowa State
UTEP Miners vs. East Carolina Pirates (7:00 PM ET)
Pick: UTEP
Florida International Panthers vs. Louisiana-Lafayette Ragin' Cajuns (ESPN3, 7:00 PM ET)
Pick: Louisiana-Lafyette
Western Kentucky Hilltoppers vs. Arkansas State Red Wolves (ESPN3, 7:00 PM ET)
Pick: Western Kentucky
Toledo Rockets vs. Western Michigan Broncos (ESPN3, 7:00 PM ET)
Pick: Western Michigan
#12 Texas Longhorns vs. Oklahoma State Cowboys (FOX, 7:50 PM ET)
The Longhorns invade Stillwater, and will Bevo their way to a victory here. I think their defense makes a statement and locks down the Air Raid as Texas will shoot up the Top 10 after this one.
Pick: Texas
#19 Louisville Cardinals vs. Southern Miss Golden Eagles (CBS Sports Network, 8:00 PM ET)
Pick: Louisville
Wisconsin Badgers vs. #22 Nebraska Cornhuskers (ABC, 8:00 PM ET)
I don't know why I think the Badgers will win this game, but I've got a sinking feeling that they will. Nebraska gave up a lot of yards on the ground to UCLA and with the QB change that Wisconsin is seemingly going under I think they shift back to the run game and Montee Ball and James White have a field day in Lincoln. The Big Ten will get a big win here in primetime.
Pick: Wisconsin
UTSA Roadrunners vs. New Mexico State (ESPN3, GamePlan, 8:00 PM ET)
The Roadrunners move to 5-0. Can I get a *Meep Meep*
Pick: UTSA
UNLV Runnin' Rebels vs. Utah State Aggies (ESPN3, 8:00 PM ET)
Honestly, I don't see how it gets much worse for UNLV. Well, another loss might do the trick.
Pick: Utah State
Ole Miss Rebels vs. #1 Alabama Crimson Tide (ESPN, WatchESPN, 9:15 PM ET)
Alabama rolls, but it still seems funny to me that they haven't played a legitimate team, what with Michigan being exposed and Arkansas being a complete dumpster fire. Looking forward to November 3rd, to say the very least.
Pick: Alabama
#18 Oregon State Beavers vs. Arizona Wildcats (Pac-12 Network, 10:00 PM ET)
The Beavers have been good yes, but I think Rich Rod and the Wildcats pick up a victory here in Tucson. They were able to hang with Oregon for a half, and I think that they will make good this time against the team from Corvallis.
Pick: Arizona
San Diego State Aztecs vs. Fresno State Bulldogs (10:00 PM ET)
Pick: Fresno State
#2 Oregon Ducks vs. Washington State Cougars (ESPN2, WatchESPN)
This is going to get ugly folks.
Pick: Oregon
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