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damn tired from work the past 3 weeks, so I'll try to get most of this done quickly;
CBS, Mejia
Projected Scores
Week 9
Georgia 24 Florida 23
LSU 38 North Texas 3
Middle Tennessee 31 Florida International 17
Troy 26 La.-Lafayette 13
Central Florida 27 East Carolina 24
Southern Mississippi 28 North Carolina State 20
Penn State 27 Purdue 20
Texas A&M 20 Iowa State 17
Wisconsin 48 Illinois 2
New Mexico 24 Colorado State 20
Miami (Ohio) 47 Temple 10
Western Michigan 30 Kent State 20
Toledo 51 Central Michigan 21
Ohio 19 Buffalo 13
Northern Illinois 38 Ball State 16
Bowling Green 47 Akron 24
Fresno State 31 Hawaii 20
Wake Forest 37 Duke 17
Kansas State 20 Colorado 17
Clemson 31 Georgia Tech 26
Southern California 41 Washington State 17
Tennessee 31 South Carolina 13
Louisiana Tech 31 San Jose State 20
San Diego State 37 TCU 34
Texas-El Paso 51 Rice 17
Texas 34 Oklahoma State 3
Syracuse 27 Cincinnati 17
Northwestern 30 Michigan 27
UCLA 41 Stanford 35
Virginia Tech 31 Boston College 10
New Mexico State 36 Idaho 20
Oklahoma 21 Nebraska 13
Rutgers 21 Navy 13
Boise State 40 Nevada 24
Kansas 24 Missouri 19
Texas Tech 41 Baylor 24
Kentucky 27 Mississippi State 19
Minnesota 24 Ohio State 20
Michigan State 45 Indiana 27
Miami (Fla.) 24 North Carolina 14
Auburn 24 Mississippi 9
Arizona State 48 Washington 20
Florida State 23 Maryland 10
Oregon State 27 Arizona 10
Marshall 24 Tulane 20
Alabama 37 Utah State 6
Air Force 31 Brigham Young 23 -
Harmon Forecast CFB
Game of the Week
*Nebraska 21, Oklahoma 17
The matchup doesn't have the excitement as it has in most seasons, but this will be the 82nd meeting in the great rivalry. Oklahoma leads 41-37-3, but Nebraska has won eight of the past 10 meetings.
Week of Oct. 29
Major Colleges - Div. I-A
*Alabama 31 Utah State 10
*Arizona State 35 Washington 21
*Auburn 28 Mississippi 10
*Boise State 32 Nevada 26
*Brigham Young 27 Air Force 20
*Bowling Green 30 Akron 17
Cincinnati 19 *Syracuse 10
*East Carolina 24 Central Florida 20
*Florida State 27 Maryland 15
*Georgia 24 Florida 20
*Georgia Tech 26 Clemson 21
*Hawaii 35 Fresno State 31
*Kansas State 34 Colorado 31
*La.-Lafayette 21 Troy 20
*Louisiana Tech 24 San Jose State 21
Marshall 26 *Tulane 20
*Miami (Fla.) 31 North Carolina 14
Miami (Ohio) 40 *Temple 7
Michigan 31 Northwestern 28
*Michigan State 34 Indiana 17
Middle Tennessee 24 *Florida International 17
*Minnesota 26 Ohio State 23
Mississippi State 19 *Kentucky 17
Missouri 31 *Kansas 21
*Nebraska 21 Oklahoma 17
*New Mexico 28 Colorado State 27
*New Mexico State 24 Idaho 21
*N.C. State 24 Southern Mississippi 21
*Northern Illinois 31 Ball State 10
*North Texas 23 Louisiana-Monroe 21
Ohio 24 *Buffalo 6
*Oregon State 29 Arizona 17
*Penn State 31 Purdue 21
*Rutgers 27 Navy 24
*San Diego State 24 TCU 21
*Southern California 34 Washington State 19
*Tennessee 20 South Carolina 17
Texas 38 *Oklahoma State 14
*Texas A&M 26 Iowa State 20
Texas-El Paso 31 *Rice 10
Texas Tech 41 *Baylor 24
Toledo 33 *Central Michigan 20
UCLA 31 *Stanford 14
*Virginia Tech 27 Boston College 13
Wake Forest 27 *Duke 17
Wisconsin 35 *Illinois 21
*Western Michigan 23 Kent State 16Comment
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College Football News: all picks
http://www.collegefootballnews.com/2...xpertPicks.htm
http://www.collegefootballnews.com/2...redictions.htmComment
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foxsports cfb
Game of the Week
No. 4 Georgia vs. No. 16 Florida — Saturday at 3:30 p.m. ET
Line:
Florida -4
The SEC East title is Georgia's with a win, while Florida is looking to save some face after a rocky few weeks. With Florida fans nervous that they were sold a bill of good with all the hype around Urban Meyer, this would be a sweet victory after losses to LSU and Alabama showed just how far the offense has to go to be among the elite of the elite.
With Vanderbilt and South Carolina to close out the SEC season, the Gators can go on a nice run with a win in the World's Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party. With Florida State still ahead, a loss to the 'Dawgs might mean a Ron Zook-like 7-4 regular season. Georgia is trying to generate a little bit of a buzz in the national title debate, but starting QB D.J. Shockley is out for at least this game with a knee injury, meaning the rest of the team has to come up with its best game of the season.
Despite all the criticism, Meyer can coach, and he has had two weeks to prepare for the 'Dawgs, while Georgia had to deal with a tougher-than-expected game against Arkansas. However, Florida hasn't been able to show much of anything away from the Swamp against a swarming defense. Joe Tereshinski won't be great, but he won't have to be.
Prediction: Georgia 20 ... Florida 17
Complete Fearless Prediction | GameTrax
More Top 25 Matchups
No. 15 Wisconsin at Illinois
Saturday at Noon ET
Line:
Wisconsin
-20.5
It hasn't always been pretty and it sure hasn't been dominant, but Wisconsin is 7-1 and controls its destiny in the Big Ten race. But before the showdown at Penn State next week, the Badgers can't fall for the trap against an Illinois team getting worse by the week coming off a 63-10 pounding by Penn State that could've been 103 to 10. Ron Zook's club has lost five straight by a combined score of 230 to 64, and things don't look much better after this week as they go on the road to face Ohio State, Purdue and Northwestern. This smells like one of those Wisconsin games dominated by the offensive line. The Illinois offense will come up with at least two big plays, but the defense will have too many problems getting steamrolled over.
Prediction: Wisconsin 38 ... Illinois 13
Complete Fearless Prediction | GameTrax
North Carolina at No. 6 Miami (FL)
Saturday at Noon ET
Line:
Miami
-20
Miami has had a lot to deal with thanks to Hurricane Wilma doing damage to the Miami area including the Orange Bowl. The game was originally slated for 3:30 p.m. ET, but with damage done to the Orange Bowl lights, things were moved up to a noon start. It's fine for the 'Canes, who might be anxious to get back on the field after having last week's Georgia Tech game postponed and after light scrimmages against Temple and Duke. They have to turn up the intensity with the showdown at Virginia Tech coming up next week and to make amends for last year's shocking 31-28 loss in Chapel Hill. North Carolina has done a great job navigating a brutal schedule, rebounding from a 69-14 loss to Louisville with a 7-5 defensive slugfest over Virginia.
Prediction: Miami 27 ... North Carolina 10
Complete Fearless Prediction | GameTrax
No. 12 Ohio State at Minnesota
Saturday at Noon ET
Line:
OSU
-3.5
It's the ultimate fire-baller vs. the ultimate fastball hitter. Ohio State leads the nation in run defense, allowing just 63 yards per game, while Minnesota leads the nation in rushing offense with a 299 ypg average. The Gophers have had to sit and stew on the 38-34 meltdown against Wisconsin two weeks ago, and they can get right back in the mix to try to earn a tie of the Big Ten title starting with a win this week. Head coach Glen Mason went to Ohio State and would love nothing more than to beat the program that spurned him for Jim Tressel. The Buckeyes dominated Indiana last week, allowing a mere 137 yards of total offense. With home dates against Illinois and Northwestern over the next two weeks, this is the toughest test they'll face before going to Ann Arbor.
Prediction: Ohio State 24 ... Minnesota 17
Complete Fearless Prediction | GameTrax
Ole Miss at No. 19 Auburn
Saturday at 12:30 p.m. ET
Line:
Auburn
-20
Auburn has to pick itself back up off the turf after an emotionally draining overtime loss to LSU last week. As disappointing as it was, it wasn't a death blow to the team's SEC title hopes with LSU still having to play Alabama, meaning Auburn can still be West champs by winning out and getting a little help. The run has to start this week against an Ole Miss team that's playing great on defense, but not doing much of anything offensively as it looks to keep its bowl hopes alive. Head coach Ed Orgeron was very close to pulling off a signature win over Alabama a few weeks ago before beating Kentucky 13-7 last week. With winnable games against Arkansas and Mississippi State still to play, an upset over LSU could go a long way to finishing with a winning record.
Prediction: Auburn 27 ... Ole Miss 10
Complete Fearless Prediction | GameTrax
No. 17 Texas Tech at Baylor
Saturday at 12:30 p.m. ET
Line:
Tech
-11.5
Yeah, Baylor is that good. It might not be a Big 12 title contender, but it showed it could be competitive with two overtime losses and a good battle with Nebraska along with the win over Iowa State. Now comes the team's biggest test against a Texas Tech team trying to get up off the mat after a disappointing 52-17 loss to Texas. A 10-1 finish is very possible for the Red Raiders, but there can't be a road slip against the pesky Bears and their solid pass defense. Baylor will give the Red Raiders a much tougher game than expected, but it simply doesn't have enough offense to pull off the upset.
Prediction: Texas Tech 34 ... Baylor 17
Complete Fearless Prediction | GameTrax
Utah State at No. 5 Alabama
Saturday at 3:00 p.m. ET
Line:
Alabama
-34
Alabama gets a week off from the national title chase, looking to find its offense against Utah State from the WAC. The Aggies' offense hasn't been bad over the last few weeks, putting up 21 points on both Fresno State and Boise State, but it's going to deal with its toughest test yet. Bama's offense has gone bye-bye ever since the season ending injury to WR Tyrone Prothro, and it needs to get rolling again with showdowns with Auburn and LSU still ahead. Alabama's defense will put the clamps on Utah State QB Leon Jackson, and the Aggie offense won't be able to get anything else going.
Prediction: Alabama 45 ... Utah State 7
Complete Fearless Prediction | GameTrax
Purdue at No. 11 Penn State
Saturday at 3:30 p.m. ET
Line:
PSU
-15
Purdue has seen its season go from disappointing to disastrous with five straight losses including last week's 31-20 defeat at Wisconsin. An upset win in Happy Valley would keep bowl hopes alive with three very winnable games to finish out the year, facing Michigan State and Illinois before going to Indiana. On the flip side, Penn State has its Big Ten title destiny in its own hands just needing to win out to earn at least a share of the championship and a spot in a BCS game. JoePa's bunch overcame a heartbreaking 27-25 loss to Michigan by destroying Illinois 63-10 in a game that wasn't as close as the final score.
Prediction: Penn State 34 ... Purdue 16
Complete Fearless Prediction | GameTrax
Washington St. at No. 1 USC
Saturday at 3:30 p.m. ET
Line:
USC
-29
Oh great, now you've made them mad. As if USC wasn't good enough, now it has a little extra motivation as it looks to show the BCS computers who the real No. 1 team is after Texas moved into the top spot in the latest rakings. Yes, USC will win and yes, it'll put on a great display of offensive firepower, but Washington State will get some haymakers in of its own. The Cougars are sixth in the nation in total offense, averaging 519 yards per game, but they can't come up with a key stop in the fourth quarter, losing their last four games in late collapses. If nothing else, this will be a fun shootout.
Prediction: USC 52 ... Washington State 27
Complete Fearless Prediction | GameTrax
No. 8 UCLA at Stanford
Saturday at 6:30 p.m. ET
Line:
UCLA
-7.5
It's a matchup of the Pac-10's two hottest teams not named USC as UCLA has won seven straight and playing as well offensively as anyone in the country, while Stanford has shockingly won three in a row after beating ASU. A win over UCLA wouldn't just put Stanford in a perfect position to go to a bowl, but it would also mean the Pac 10 title is there for the taking, just needing to beat the Trojans at USC next week (along with another Oregon loss at some point). The Bruins ripped up Oregon State last week 51-28 and has the national title in its sights. This is supposed to be the easy part of the schedule facing the Cardinal this week and Arizona the week after that before dealing with Arizona State and USC, but Stanford is hardly a pushover anymore.
Prediction: UCLA 34 ... Stanford 24
Complete Fearless Prediction | GameTrax
No. 25 Michigan at No. 21 Northwestern
Saturday at 7:00 p.m. ET
Line:
Michigan
-3
The winner will be alive and well in the Big Ten title hunt, while the loser will still have some work to do to become bowl eligible. Michigan has the easier road ahead getting Indiana next week before finishing with Ohio State in the Big House, but it can't afford to slip up against the red hot Wildcats. For the first time since 1959, Northwestern is the higher ranked team going into the Michigan game and for good reason after thrilling wins over Wisconsin and Purdue, along with the stunning blowout at Michigan State. The offense is humming on all cylinders, while Michigan is starting to roll with great wins over Penn State and Iowa. These two have played some classics over the years, and this has all the makings of another one.
Prediction: Northwestern 38 ... Michigan 34
Complete Fearless Prediction | GameTrax
Maryland at No. 10 Florida State
Saturday at 3:30 p.m. ET
Line:
FSU
-17
Maryland is in a dangerous spot at 4-3 coming off a 28-9 loss to Virginia Tech. With three road games in the final four, and the home game against a nasty Boston College team, a winning season and a bowl game are hardly assured. The Terps only has one impressive win this year, beating Virginia 45-33, but a win over Florida State would quickly give them national respect. The 'Noles have been a bit shaky over the last few weeks with less-than-impressive (for them) performances against Wake Forest and Duke wrapped around a loss to Virginia. The ACC Atlantic title is there for the taking with only three ACC games to go, but they can't afford a slip up like last year, losing 20-17 in College Park.
Prediction: Florida State 34 ... Maryland 24
Complete Fearless Prediction | GameTrax
No. 2 Texas at Oklahoma State
Saturday at 7 p.m. ET
Line:
Texas
-37
No. 1 ranked Texas (at least in the rankings that really matter) gets to see what it's like as the nation's top team against an Oklahoma State team dying for something positive after a rough four-game slide. Last year, the 6-2 Cowboys were up 35-7 in the first half against Texas in what appeared to be a statement game. After getting their doors blown off by Vince Young and Cedric Benson in the second half in the epic 56-35 loss, the program has never been the same, losing seven of its last 11 games and failing to beat a team with a pulse. Ruining Texas' national title run would be a very nice form of payback. The only possible hope OSU has is to slow down the momentum when the inevitable 'Horns run kicks in.
Prediction: Texas 52 ... Oklahoma State 10
Complete Fearless Prediction | GameTrax
North Texas at No. 7 LSU
Saturday at 8 p.m. ET
Line:
LSU
-44
This was supposed to be played on September 3 as the opener for both teams, but Hurricane Katrina forced the postponement to this week, and it couldn't come at a better time for LSU. The Tigers are coming off a thrilling 20-17 overtime win over Auburn and are just now starting to jell into the team many thought it'd be. A glorified scrimmage like this is needed to keep tuning up for the big showdown in two weeks against Alabama. Of course, no one can look past the big game with Appalachian State next week. UNT has been one of the year's most bizarre flops with the running game not doing anywhere near what it was expected to, while dreams of another Sun Belt title will be gone with another conference loss. That said, Texas can call its shot. Oklahoma St. is having way too many problems on both sides of the ball.
Prediction: LSU 52 ... North Texas 0
Complete Fearless Prediction | GameTrax
South Carolina at No. 23 Tennessee
Saturday at 7:45 p.m. ET
Line:
Tennessee
-13.5
It might come as a bit of a shock, but Tennessee's struggling to survive with a 2-3 conference record and a two-game losing streak. Things went from bad to worse this week with the news that star RB Gerald Riggs Jr. is out for the year with a leg injury, which is the last thing the struggling offense needed. South Carolina might be plodding along, but Steve Spurrier's bunch is 4-3 and tied in the SEC East with the Vols. A win in Tennessee would be, by far, the biggest in the new ball coach's young era and would pave the way to a winning season. Tennessee wants to pull out of the tailspin after losing to Georgia and Alabama, with a trip to South Bend ahead next week. This isn't going to be pretty. South Carolina's offense will sputter 'n' cough, but the Tennessee attack won't do enough to make it a blowout until late.
Prediction: Tennessee 27 ... South Car. 13
Complete Fearless Prediction | GameTraxComment
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GL this weekend BB!Comment
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Glad to see ya Beard. Hope you get to relax this weekend and win some money.
Remember The TitansComment
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Thanks Blackbeard
Hope you'll have a great weekend!! Thanks for all of your efforts.Comment
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Si.com
Week 8
Noon ET (ABC) No. 12 Ohio St. (5-2) at Minnesota (5-2)
Laurence Ma-roney, the San Francisco Treat Williams Sonoma Catalog.
The Golden Gophers ground-gainer is ranked third nationally in rushing (161.9 yards per game) and the impetus behind the No. 1 rushing attack. The Buckeyes defense is No. 1 in the nation against the run, holding opponents to 62.7 yards per game. No. 1 versus No. 1. Ground hogs versus ground grinches. I like the hogs ... barely.
Minnesota 24, Ohio State 22
Noon (ESPN2) North Carolina (3-3) at No. 6 Miami (Fla.) (5-1)
Devin Hester Prynne Tin Tin Man-churian Candidate.
Like his namesake from The Scarlet Letter, the Hurricanes' punt returner finds himself a shunned figure. Opposing punters won't kick to him, which is why Hester's first punt return for a TD this season did not happen until Miami's most recent win, against Temple. Miami, itching to play after a Wilma-imposed bye week and still smarting from last year's upset in Chapel Hill, will play as if possessed by Angela Lansbury.
Miami 41, North Carolina 16
3:30 p.m. ET (CBS) No. 4 Georgia (7-0) at No. 16 Florida (5-2)
Going retro-Gator on this one: Lance Kerwin Bell Epoque-alypse Now That's What I Call Music, Vol. 12.
A four-year starter (1984-87) at quarterback for the Gators, Bell led the SEC in passing his first two years before regressing his last two. Present-day Gators quarterback Chris Leak, who led the SEC in passing last season, is the currently conference's sixth-rated passer. Can Leak change that tune against the nation's No. 5 scoring defense?
Georgia 13, Florida 10
6:30 p.m. ET (FSN) No. 8 UCLA (7-0) at Stanford (4-2)
Some-people-call-me-Maurice Drew Olson Twin Cities.
The Bruins' Maurice Drew has more total yards (rushing/receiving/punt returns) than his Trojans counterpart, Reggie Bush. And Bruins quarterback Drew Olson has a higher passer efficiency rating than Matt Leinart. Plus, according to the school's website, the internet was invented at UCLA ... and then Stanford alums (e.g., the Google founders) figured out how to become bazillionaires off it.
UCLA 43, Stanford 35
7 p.m. ET (ESPN) No. 25 Michigan (5-3) at No. 21 Northwestern (5-2)
Hanging Chad Henne Youngman-there's-a-place-you-can-go fish outta Watership Down.
Q: Why is a game in Evanston being shown in primetime? A: The World Series did not need to return to Chicago for Game 6; and neither the Wildcats or the Wolverines play a dull game. Keep your eyes on Wildcats linebacker Tim McGarigle (41), who led the nation in tackles last season and has twice as many as any teammate this year.
Northwestern 34, Michigan 33
7:45 p.m. ET (ESPN2) South Carolina (4-3) at No. 23 Tennessee (3-3)
Jesse Mahelona-gain, naturally.
A shout-out to Gilbert O'Sullivan on the Pickoff?!? You betcha. The Irish pop star also charted with Why, Oh Why, Oh Why, which is exactly what Vols coach Phillip Fulmer is asking himself as he endures a lingering quarterback controversy and season-ending injuries to leading rusher Gerald Riggs Jr., and defensive back Jason Allen, both seniors. Oh, and now his old pal Steve Spurrier comes a' callin'.
Tennessee 14, South Carolina 11
3:30 p.m. ET (No television) Navy (4-2) at Rutgers (5-2)
Hedy ('That's Hedley!') Lamar Owens Corning Insulation.
Navy's senior QB missed parts of the Midshipmen's first two games -- both losses -- because of poor hydration, as opposed to insulation. Specifically, cramping. But once Owens, the team's leading rusher and passer, overcame his lactic acid woes, the Middies embarked on a four-game win streak. Meanwhile, if Rutgers had held on to a 27-7, third-quarter lead during the season-opener in Champaign, the Scarlet Knights would be 6-1 right now.
Rutgers 30, Navy 21
Noon ET (ABC) Oklahoma (4-3) at Nebraska (5-2)
Yo, Adrian Peterson-tory Times Square Peg-it-will-come-back-to-you.
Remember Adrian Peterson? A.D.? Ran for 1,925 yards as a freshman last season, breaking the NCAA freshman record (Ron Dayne, Wisconsin) while finishing as the runner-up for the Heisman? Those were relaxing times, Suntory times. Now? He has 16 carries -- and 57 yards -- in his past four games. A.D.'s been hampered by an ankle sprain, but he's also become a father and been disciplined for missing class.
Nebraska 21, Oklahoma 17
3:30 p.m. ET (ABC) Washington St. (3-4) at No. 1 USC (7-0)
John David Booty Call of the Wild, the Innocent and the E Street Shuffle up and Deal.
Booty, a redshirt sophomore QB, is an understudy in patience. He began playing varsity high school football in the seventh grade. He threw 88 TD passes in his last two prep seasons, then graduated a year early and moved to L.A. For all that precociousness, he's been at USC for three years and, as Leinart's backup, attempted 37 passes. He'll likely augment that figure Saturday once the Trojans go up by 28.
USC 56, Washington State 20
7 p.m. ET (TBS) No. 2 Texas (7-0) at Oklahoma St. (3-4)
Vince Young Guns & Ammo-right, don't nobody worry 'bout me.
Last year a scary good, second-ranked Oklahoma bunch with the Heisman runner-up invaded Stillwater (well, not with live ammunition; it's a figure of speech) and barely escaped with a win. This year? Different school, same circumstances -- No. 2 Longhorns with likely Heisman runner-up Young -- and a much easier victory.
Texas 51, Oklahoma State 10Comment
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miami herald/jeff shain cfb
• Miami 33, North Carolina 10: Hurricane woes have always been a bigger problem for opponents than for UM, which has done a nice job over the years of taking it out on others. Mix in the revenge factor for last year's upset in Chapel Hill, and this shouldn't be close. (Favorite: UM by 20.)
• Florida 16, Georgia 14: Loss of UGa QB D.J. Shockley (knee) changes the dynamic, as Dawgs need a big rushing output to take heat off backup Joe Tereshinski. But it won't come easy against a UF defense that's 12th in nation vs. the run. Chris Leak stays upright enough to win. (Favorite: UF by 4.)
• Florida State 34, Maryland 13: Questionable status of Terps QB Sam Hollenbach could put job back in hands of Joel Statham, who threw for 333 yards to beat FSU last year. But Statham couldn't hold job after last year's win, and Noles have desire to extract some payback. (Favorite: FSU by 17.)
• Virginia Tech 24, Boston College 17 (tonight): Hokies are 6-1 in past seven meetings, but Eagles never have been easy prey. BC's power running game can control chunks of clock, and its rush defense should hold its own. Marcus Vick might need to put this one on his shoulders. (Favorite: Tech by 13 ½.)
• Northwestern 44, Michigan 41: Suddenly, Northwestern is the spoiler in the Big Ten race, with QB Brent Basanez averaging 428 yards and 45 points in three-game win streak. With RB Michael Hart banged up, Wolverines might not have the goods to match Wildcats in a shootout. (Favorite: Michigan by 3.)
• Ohio St. 30, Minnesota 21: Clash of run-game titans, pitting Gophers' unstoppable Laurence Maroney vs. OSU's immovable run defense (62.7 yards). That's likely to be a wash, but Gophers' defense has not shown much vs. mobile QBs such as Buckeyes' Troy Smith. (Favorite: OSU by 4.)
• Tennessee 21, South Carolina 10: Think Steve Spurrier has as much fun needling the Vols from Columbia? Not with the talent at his disposal, and especially with the loss of QB/RB Syvelle Newton. UT hasn't been lighting it up, either, but its defense can shoulder the load. (Favorite: Tennessee by 14.)
• Last week: 5-2. Shameless gloating alert II -- hit the LSU-Auburn score on the nose, even if it did take OT to do it. Against spread: 5-2.
• Season: 31-20 (27-23 vs. spread).Comment
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USA Today.com/Eric Smith
No. 1 Southern California vs. Washington State, 3:30 p.m.
The Cougars were good enough to play with UCLA and California before blowing leads late in the fourth quarter. No worries about that this week. Southern California 49, Washington State 21.
No. 2 Texas at Oklahoma State, 7 p.m.
The Cowboys actually led last year's game by 28 in Austin before the Longhorns responded with 49 unanswered points. Mack Brown's team should pick up where it left off. Texas 52, Oklahoma State 14.
No. 3 Virginia Tech vs. No. 11 Boston College, 7:30 p.m. (Thursday)
No stranger to Thursday nights, the Hokies have 10 in a row under the ESPN lights, mostly in dominating fashion. This will be no exception, even though the Eagles have found success in recent years at Blacksburg. Virginia Tech 35, Boston College 16.
No. 4 Georgia vs. No. 18 Florida, 3:30 p.m.
The first impulse is to assume that the loss of D.J. Shockley will doom the Bulldogs. Granted, Joe Tereshinski will be making his first start in Georgia's biggest game of the year. But it is not like the Gators offense is going to force Tereshinski to put up a ton of points. The Bulldogs have enough running game and defense to escape the Gator Bowl unbeaten. Georgia 20, Florida 17.
No. 5 Alabama vs. Utah State, 3 p.m.
After two wins on late field goals, the Crimson Tide will take advantage of a break from conference play and get their offense back into a groove. Alabama 37, Utah State 6.
No. 6 Miami vs. North Carolina, 3:30 p.m.
Defense continues to carry the Hurricanes, who are still waiting for the offense to explode. This could be the week as the up-and-down Tar Heels seek back-to-back Top 25 upsets. Miami (Fla.) 40, North Carolina 16.
No. 7 LSU vs. North Texas, 8 p.m.
This would have been a bye week for the Tigers before Hurricane Katrina moved the game. On second thought, it may just as well be a bye week. LSU 48, North Texas 3.
No. 8 UCLA at Stanford, 6:30 p.m.
Stanford's loss to UC Davis seems like a long time ago. The Cardinals have won three straight in the Pac-10. The Bruins better be paying attention. UCLA 31, Stanford 27.
No. 9 Florida State vs. Maryland, 3:30 p.m.
Last week, Duke had to deal with being the next team to play the Seminoles after their first loss. Now the Terrapins must be ready for FSU to pay them back for winning last year's game in College Park. Florida State 45, Maryland 14.
No. 12 Penn State vs. Purdue, 3:30 p.m.
Illinois proved to be the cure for Penn State's hangover. The Nittany Lions rolled up 63 points and didn't throw one pass in the second half against Illinois. Joe Paterno is now just three wins away from his first Big Ten championship since 1994. Meanwhile, the disappointing Boilermakers have lost five straight and must win out to be in bowl contention. Penn State 34, Purdue 16.
No. 13 Ohio State at No. 22 Minnesota, noon
An excellent opportunity for Laurence Maroney to improve his stock in the Heisman race against the nation's top run defense. He will be helped by the return of injured quarterback Bryan Cupito. Ohio State 24, Minnesota 21.
No. 15 Wisconsin at Illinois, noon
Maybe Ron Zook is thinking he should have taken a year off instead of jumping on the Illinois job. Wisconsin 30, Illinois 9.
No. 16 Texas Tech at Baylor, 12:30 p.m.
Another heartbreaker for Baylor as it lost in overtime on the road for the second time this season. A winning record and bowl game are still possible, but this may be the best opportunity to keep hope alive with Texas and Missouri up next. Texas Tech 35, Baylor 28.
No. 19 Auburn vs. Mississippi, 12:30 p.m.
The Tigers proved more in their loss to LSU than all of their five wins. They are still in good position to capture the SEC West as Tommy Tuberville has his team improving each week. Auburn 33, Mississippi 7.
No. 20 TCU at San Diego State, 8 p.m.
The charmed Horned Frogs are making their third road trip in four weeks. Fatigue and a weak secondary could keep the Mountain West leaders from staying spotless in league play. TCU 31, San Diego State 27.
No. 23 Northwestern vs. Michigan, 7 p.m.
What is wrong with this picture? Northwestern is ranked and Michigan has three losses. Oddsmakers and the public are backing the Wolverines. But the Wildcats have proved to be the more explosive team and have the advantage of playing in Evanston. Northwestern 35, Michigan 31.
No. 24 Fresno State at Hawaii, 7 p.m.
Nobody is mentioning the Bulldogs as a possible threat to USC next month. Pat Hill has to like that his team is quietly under the radar. Fresno State 41, Hawaii 30.
No. 25 Tennessee vs. South Carolina, 7:45 p.m.
Take away a meaningless touchdown on the final play against Georgia and the Volunteers have scored just 17 points in their three losses. Phil Fulmer is getting heat for his team's poor performances. No better opponent than Steve Spurrier on which to take out some frustrations. Tennessee 28, South Carolina 12.
Last week's record: 14-3 (8-8-1)
This season's record: 121-25 (75-61-4)Comment
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NY Daily News/The Sports Network CFB
http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/sp...ats/cfootball/
look for TSN Picks link on the leftComment
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It's always noon somewhere! 
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