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Harmon Forecast CFB
Game of the Week
Florida State 24, *Florida 21
The Gators own a 28-19-2 record in this rivalry, but the Seminoles have won five of the past seven meetings. Florida State won 38-34 the last time the game was in Gainesville (2003).
Week of Nov. 26
Major Colleges - Div. I-A
*Akron 31 Kent State 17
*Arizona State 33 Arizona 19
Boise State 28 *Louisiana Tech 26
*Bowling Green 34 Toledo 31
*Colorado 27 Nebraska 20
Florida State 24 *Florida 21
*Florida Atlantic 23 Florida International 21
Fresno State 32 *Nevada 21
Georgia 23 *Georgia Tech 21
*Houston 34 Rice 10
Iowa State 26 *Kansas 20
*Louisville 44 Syracuse 14
*LSU 20 Arkansas 10
*Memphis 28 Marshall 17
*Miami (Fla.) 27 Virginia 17
*Mississippi State 23 Mississippi 20
*New Mexico State 24 Utah State 21
*North Carolina State 21 Maryland 20
*North Texas 17 Arkansas State 14
*Northern Illinois 30 Western Michigan 23
Notre Dame 37 *Stanford 20
*Oklahoma 29 Oklahoma State 24
*Rutgers 26 Cincinnati 17
*San Jose State 31 Idaho 30
South Florida 26 *Connecticut 14
Tennessee 23 *Kentucky 13
Texas 35 *Texas A&M 14
Texas-El Paso 31 *Southern Methodist 16
*Troy 19 Middle Tennessee 17
UAB 24 *East Carolina 23
*Virginia Tech 27 North Carolina 7
*West Virginia 24 Pittsburgh 17
Wisconsin 35 *Hawaii 31 -
mejia:
Week 13
Bowling Green 41 Toledo 38
Northern Illinois 23 Western Michigan 20
Akron 24 Kent State 17
West Virginia 24 Pittsburgh 6
Texas 31 Texas A&M 10
LSU 27 Arkansas 13
Arizona State 27 Arizona 17
Colorado 16 Nebraska 1-
Wisconsin 38 Hawaii 24
Maryland 20 North Carolina State 17
UAB 42 East Carolina 31
Tennessee 34 Kentucky 13
Iowa State 10 Kansas 9
Rutgers 33 Cincinnati 7
Memphis 34 Marshall 20
Boise State 52 Louisiana Tech 34
North Texas 17 Arkansas State 16
Mississippi State 17 Mississippi 13
Texas-El Paso 45 Southern Methodist 17
Southern Mississippi 33 Tulane 6
Florida 24 Florida State 20
Miami (Fla.) 24 Virginia 19
Louisville 41 Syracuse 10
Connecticut 28 South Florida 24
Oklahoma 31 Oklahoma State 10
Louisiana-Monroe 27 La.-Lafayette 14
Fresno State 45 Nevada 30
New Mexico State 28 Utah State 20
Houston 37 Rice 10
Idaho 34 San Jose State 31
Florida Atlantic 20 Florida International 10
Troy 16 Middle Tennessee 14
Virginia Tech 26 North Carolina 13
Georgia 23 Georgia Tech 13
Notre Dame 27 Stanford 17Comment
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Good Luck this Weekend! Happy Thanksgiving!Comment
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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
Friday's Games
No. 2 Texas at Texas A&M — Friday at Noon ET
Line:
Texas -27
2005 has been a major disappointment for Texas A&M with inconsistent play, horrible defense, and no clutch performances over the current three-game losing streak with blowouts to Iowa State and Texas Tech and a loss to Oklahoma. The Aggie nation has become grouchy over the overall fall from grace under head coach Dennis Franchione and are desperately looking for something to get excited about.
Beating Texas would surely do the trick.
Not only would a win over the Longhorns be a big-time rivalry win, it would make Texas A&M bowl eligible and all but screw up plans for the USC-Texas national title game. However, Texas has been unstoppable facing every challenge by simply steamrolling over it. This team is much, much better than you think it is.
Texas is simply playing too well. After the emotion of the first few minutes dies down, the explosive Longhorn offense will go on a run and end the drama in the first half.
Prediction: Texas 45 ... Texas A&M 23
Complete Fearless Prediction | GameTrax
Arkansas at No. 3 LSU
Friday at 2:30 p.m. ET
Line:
LSU
-17
LSU is off to the SEC title game with a win over Arkansas, but a Hog win would send Auburn off to play Georgia. Arkansas might be 4-6 and not going to a bowl, but a win this week would do wonders for this young team going into the off-season. It's playing its best ball of the year, sweeping the state of Mississippi with a 44-10 win over Mississippi State last week after beating the Rebels 28-17. LSU is on an eight-game winning streak, showing off the full arsenal against Ole Miss last week in a dominant 40-7 win. While the Rose Bowl is a distant dream, finishing number two in the final rankings isn't out of the question. LSU's offense will take a while to get on track, but the defense will make up for it.
Prediction: LSU 31 ... Arkansas 10
Complete Fearless Prediction | GameTrax
No. 24 Wisconsin at Hawaii
Friday at 9 p.m. ET
Line:
Wisconsin
-6.5
Hawaii is traditionally a house of horrors for visiting teams late in the year. They're tired, they're beat up after a long season, and they make the long flight into the perfect 80 degree weather, see the beach and the babes, and football suddenly becomes unimportant. Just ask Northwestern and Michigan State last year and Alabama in 2003 how tough it is to come away from Honolulu with a win. After a lousy performance against Iowa in Barry Alvarez's final home game, and a two-game losing streak, Wisconsin looks to turn the ship around and position itself for the Outback or the Capital One bowl. Hawaii isn't going bowling, so a win over Wisconsin would almost be the same thing.
Prediction: Wisconsin 41 ... Hawaii 34
Complete Fearless Prediction | GameTrax
Saturday's Games
No. 23 Florida State at No. 19 Florida — Saturday at 3:30 p.m. ET
Line:
Florida -4.5
For most teams, being 7-3 and in the race for a conference title would be reason to jump for joy, but these aren't happy times around Tallahassee and Gainesville. Florida State has lost two straight with a rough home loss to NC State and a blowout against Clemson two weeks ago.
The defense has gone bye-bye, and the offense still can't generate anything on the ground leaving freshman QB Drew Weatherford to try to carry everything himself. However, the mood can quickly change if the 'Noles can beat Florida this week and (most likely) Virginia Tech in the ACC championship to get into a BCS game. Florida's preseason dreams of a return to national prominence went kablooey with a three-loss SEC season with the down point coming two weeks ago in a loss to Mr. Spurrier's Gamecocks. Now the Gators are talking about the Independence or Music City Bowl ... whoopee.
Florida will capitalize on three turnovers, while the defense will hold FSU to under 50 rushing yards.
Prediction: Florida 23 ... Florida State 17
Complete Fearless Prediction | GameTrax
Syracuse at No. 17 Louisville
Saturday at 3:30 p.m. ET
Line:
Louisville
-35.5
This game ought to be rated PG-13 because it could get gory very quickly. Louisville and Syracuse are on polar opposites in most categories, particularly with regard to offensive weapons and horsepower. The Cards can score anytime, anywhere and on anyone, and feature a gaggle of players that'll be on NFL rosters within the next three years. With two more wins, they'll finish the regular season 9-2, and likely create an interesting matchup with Miami in the Gator Bowl. The best part of the Syracuse season is that it'll soon be over. The Orange are about to conclude one of its most hideous campaigns in school history with a single win over lowly Buffalo and just five TD passes.
Prediction: Louisville 45 ... Syracuse 13
Complete Fearless Prediction | GameTrax
Virginia at No. 10 Miami (FL)
Saturday at 3:30 p.m. ET
Line:
Miami
-18
Talk about two teams needing to come back with a good performance. Miami blew its chance to stay in the national title hunt by not generating any meaningful offense in last week's stunning 14-10 loss to Georgia Tech, but playing for the ACC title is still a remote possibility with a win against Virginia and a Virginia Tech loss to North Carolina. The 'Canes want to position themselves as the league's second best team, and it needs a dominant win to get the national love back. Virginia got manhandled on both sides of the ball in last week's 52-14 loss to Virginia Tech. To avoid the possibility of being exiled to Boise, they need a win this week.
Prediction: Miami 34 ... Virginia 9
Complete Fearless Prediction | GameTrax
No. 16 Fresno State at Nevada
Saturday at 7:00 p.m. ET
Line:
Fresno
-16
The college football world was buzzing all week about Reggie Bush's performance against Fresno State, but it was also talking about how well Fresno State played USC. The Bulldogs stood toe-to-toe with the mighty national champions and almost pulled off the shocker. Now they're Liberty Bowl bound, but they'd still like to actually win the WAC for the first time under head coach Pat Hill. A win over a strong Nevada team would earn at least a share of the title with a chance to win it outright against Louisiana Tech. Nevada lost to Boise State a month ago, but can still earn part of the title by winning this week, and still has an outside chance to win it outright. Just as important to the bottom line, the Wolf Pack need a win to generate more buzz for a bowl bid.
Prediction: Fresno State 34 ... Nevada 30
Complete Fearless Prediction | GameTrax
North Carolina at No. 5 Virginia Tech
Saturday at 7:45 p.m. ET
Line:
Va Tech
-23.5
The Orange Bowl isn't a done deal quite yet for Va Tech. First there's the matter of dispensing with a North Carolina team that has played just well enough under John Bunting to have a little bit of hope to pull off the shocking upset and become bowl eligible. Of course, there's the ACC title game to deal with if the Hokies can get past the 'Heels, and if they play like they did last week in the dominant 52-14 win over Virginia, that shouldn't be a problem. North Carolina struggled to get by Duke and likely saw its bowl hopes go out the window two weeks ago in an overtime loss to Maryland, but the team plays hard and isn't going to simply roll over for the Hokies. UNC will hang around for about a half, and then the Hokies will open it up with a big run sparked by a defensive TD.
Prediction: Va Tech 45 ... North Carolina 13
Complete Fearless Prediction | GameTrax
No. 13 Georgia at No. 20 Georgia Tech
Saturday at 8 p.m. ET
Line:
Georgia
-3.5
Well this just got a lot more interesting. An afterthought in the ACC race after a 27-17 loss to Virginia, Georgia Tech came up with a brilliant defensive performance to shock Miami 14-10 to position itself for a solid ACC bowl bid, and it can really get a nice postseason game with a win over Georgia. While this might be a rivalry game and big for the Bulldog fans, it's relatively meaningless considering Georgia has bigger fish to fry next week in the SEC title game. The bowl situation is pretty much set; either Georgia wins the SEC title and goes to the Sugar Bowl, or loses the SEC title and goes, most likely, to the Outback Bowl. However, a loss to Georgia Tech wouldn't do much for the 'Dawgs' confidence.
Prediction: Georgia 17 ... Georgia Tech 13
Complete Fearless Prediction | GameTrax
No. 6 Notre Dame at Stanford
Saturday at 8 p.m. ET
Line:
ND
-17.5
Don't book those plane tickets to the Fiesta Bowl just yet Notre Dame fans. Stanford might have just gotten pasted 27-3 by Cal, but this is a dangerous team with enough weapons and enough potential on offense to hang punch for punch with the hot Irish. You have to like the attitude of the new Notre Dame. It blows out Syracuse 34-10 and is all ticked off that it didn't play well enough; that's why the team is going to the BCS. Or is it? Under first year head coach Walt Harris, Stanford showed it's good enough to hang around with almost everyone in the Pac-10, but beating the business-like Irish is a whole other story. A Cardinal win would crush Notre Dame's big pay day.
Prediction: Notre Dame 45 ... Stanford 20
Complete Fearless Prediction | GameTraxComment
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usatoday:
No. 2 Texas at Texas A&M, Noon (Friday)
This used to be one of college football's great Thanksgiving traditions. Now the tradition is simply the Longhorns rolling to an easy win against the overmatched Aggies. Texas 50, Texas A&M 17.
No. 3 LSU vs. Arkansas, 2:30 p.m. (Friday)
Freshmen Casey Dick and Darren McFadden have given life to the Razorbacks, who have won three straight. Their streak ends this week with the Tigers playing to win the SEC West and stay in contention for the national championship. LSU 33, Arkansas 14.
No. 22 Wisconsin at Hawaii, 9 p.m. (Friday)
Athletics director Barry Alvarez certainly helped out football coach Barry Alvarez with the scheduling for his final regular-season game. Wisconsin 38, Hawaii 30.
No. 5 Virginia Tech vs. North Carolina, 7:45 p.m.
After routing Virginia and watching Miami fall to Georgia Tech last Saturday, Frank Beamer caught the least few minutes of Pride of the Yankees just to be able to hear "Today, I consider myself the luckiest man on earth." He'll make sure the Hokies don't spoil their chance to lock up the ACC title. Virginia Tech 31, North Carolina 10.
No. 6 Notre Dame at Stanford, 8 p.m.
Not to put any pressure on the Irish players. This game is only worth about $15 million for the school. Don't blow it. Notre Dame 40, Stanford 21.
No. 10 Miami (Fla.) vs. Virginia, 3:30 p.m.
You can't blame Miami or Virginia for being flat this week. If the Hurricanes are angry, look out, Cavaliers. Miami (Fla.) 35, Virginia 16.
No. 12 West Virginia vs. Pittsburgh, 8 p.m. (Thursday)
Stakes are always high for the Backyard Brawl. This year is no different. Dave Wannstedt is trying to overcome his 1-4 start with the Panthers to become bowl-eligible. The Mountaineers have their sights set on the BCS and a possible top-10 finish in the polls. West Virginia 26, Pittsburgh 14.
No. 13 Georgia at No. 24 Georgia Tech, 8 p.m.
Hard not to like a rivalry that inspired a book titled Clean, Old-fashioned Hate. After Georgia Tech knocked Miami out of the ACC title game, the Bulldogs have to feel good that their spot in the SEC championship is secured. Georgia 21, Georgia Tech 14.
No. 16 Fresno State at Nevada, 7:15 p.m.
Pat Hill might not want to hear about moral victories after his team's close loss at USC. But that game did more for his program than beating almost any other team in the country. Fresno State 34, Nevada 13.
No. 18 Louisville vs. Syracuse, 3:30 p.m.
The Cardinals are two wins away from a berth in the Gator Bowl. Greg Robinson is one game away from mercifully ending his first year with the Orange at 1-10. Louisville 49, Syracuse 10.
No. 19 Florida vs. No. 21 Florida State, 3:30 p.m.
Fans may be unhappy with Urban Meyer, but the coach can add to his earlier defeats of rivals Tennessee and Georgia by beating the Seminoles, who have been decimated by injuries. Florida 27, Florida State 17.
No. 25 Iowa State at Kansas, 12:30 p.m.
The Jayhawks need this win for their second bowl trip in three years. Unfortunately, the Cyclones quietly are playing some of the best ball in the Big 12. Iowa State 24, Kansas 20.
Last week's record: 11-3 (7-7)
This season's record: 177-41 (111-95-6)Comment
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miami herald/jeff shain cfb
• Miami 33, Virginia 10: Cavaliers can dust off defensive plan that led to their upset of FSU -- confuse the young QB and make him beat you in long yardage. Contending with UM's defense, though, is another matter. Hurricanes still lead the nation in total D and figure to come out very, very angry. (Favorite: UM by 18.)
• Florida 24, Florida St. 13: Big edge for Gators in the trenches. Injuries to FSU O-line will make it tough holding back UF defense, which ranks ninth nationally and 14th in stopping the run. Footage of FSU's recent run defense ought to leave DeShawn Wynn and Markus Manson salivating. (Favorite: UF by 4.)
• Georgia 16, Georgia Tech 10: With two hot-and-cold QBs and hard-hitting defenses, don't expect a lot of points. Dawgs have held every foe but Auburn to 20 points or less, and Jackets QB Reggie Ball is still a 47 percent passer. D.J. Shockley can be erratic, too, but he'll do enough to win. (Favorite: Georgia by 3 ½.)
• Colorado 35, Nebraska 16 (Friday): Never thought I'd say this, but Huskers can't run. Nebraska's 89.6 rushing mark is worse than all but seven I-A teams. And the aerial attack ranks just 72nd. Buffs know how to crank it up at home, scoring no fewer than 31 all year. (Favorite: Colorado by 14 ½.)
• West Virginia 38, Pittsburgh 20 (tonight): Improved Pitt defense has risen to fifth against the pass -- but why throw? Not if you're West Virginia, rolling up 236.7 yards on the ground behind mobile QB Pat White and a RB committee headed by Steve Slaton. (Favorite: WVU by 13 ½.)
• Florida International 20, Florida Atlantic 17: Question will be whether Owls get any pressure on FIU QB Josh Padrick, who leads Sun Belt in passing and threw for 324 yards last week. FAU has just six sacks all year. Avoid the fumble problem, and FIU notches its first Shula Bowl win. (Favorite: FIU by 1.)
• Last week: 5-2. Looked like a sweet Saturday standing 4-0 at sundown, but UM and Steve Spurrier turned it into an antacid evening. Against spread: 4-3.
• Season: 49-30 (41-36-1 vs. spread).Comment
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miami herald/greg cote nfl
DOLPHINS (3-6) AT BROWNS (3-6)
• When: 1 p.m. Sunday • TV: 4, 12
• Line: CLE by 2 ½ • Cote: MIA 20-13
This should be our Dog of the Week, or Dawg, given the venue, but we feel charitable. Homer-ish, too. Miami wins duel of Bill Belichick-protégé coaches in mini-upset because its defense (led by Pro Bowl fan-vote leader Zach Thomas) will leash-up Brownies' tepid O. On other side, Dolphs figure to get a psychological goose if Sage Rosenfels starts. Gus Frerotte seemed unlikely to go because his hurt finger is aggravated by a 68.1 passer rating. Miami's first trip to The Mistake by the Lake in 13 years finds Fins on six-game series win streak, including '04. So why stop now?
Game of the week
COLTS (9-0) AT BENGALS (7-2)
• When: 4:15 p.m. Sunday • TV: 4, 12
• Line: IND by 5 ½ • Cote: IND 28-17
Battle of I-74 has busted out from regional to national, with Colts the NFL's lone unbeaten and Bengals headed for first playoffs since Boomer Esiason pitched. Peyton Manning vs. Carson Palmer tops a crowded marquee. A few factors favor Cincy (coming off a bye, weather, Indy having Steelers on deck), but I like Horseshoes. 'Nati receiver Chad Johnson vomited a lame guarantee -- ''I'll not be stopped'' -- but Indy's D and overall balance are the differenceColts are 22-7 on road under Tony Dungy, and overrated Cincy has feasted on a soft schedule and is due a comeuppance.
Upset of the week
PANTHERS (7-2) AT BEARS (6-3)
• When: 1 p.m. Sunday • TV: None
• Line: CAR by 3 • Cote: CHI 17-14
``AAWWK!'' megaphones the Upset Bird. ``Chicaaawwwk!'' Make this a new prognosticatory rule of thumb: Any home dog that has won five straight and has the NFL's top-rated defense -- take that team. Granted, Panthers have won six in a row. I'm not overly impressed by either of these streakers, but I'll make it a venue call and trust Brian Urlacher's D to continue to make Kyle Orton's job easy. ``Just to make sure, Chicago has ordered more gale-force wind,'' reports U-Bird, a meteorologist. ``It'll be blowing so hard, the referee will be from FEMA. Aawwk!''
Dog of the week
CARDINALS (2-7) AT RAMS (4-5)
• When: 1 p.m. Sunday • TV: None
• Line: STL by 9 ½ • Cote: STL 31-17
It's the Relocation Bowl, with Arizona having inherited the St. Louis Cardinals in 1988 and St. Louis in turn inheriting the L.A. Rams in '95. Now the adopted teams come together to form a bad game -- one of seven with point spreads of a TD-plus in a disparity-drenched week. Inspired Kurt Warner faces his ex-Rams for the first time, but it's all St. Lou here. Rams aren't playoff-dead in the weak NFC but must have this one. StL has won six of past seven in series, including this September, and Rams have won 42 of past 52 overall at home, where Marc Bulger is 20-3 as a starter.
JAGUARS (6-3) AT TITANS (2-7)
• When: 1 p.m. Sunday • TV: None
• Line: JAX by 4 • Cote: JAX 24-10
This would be a fashionable home-dog upset pick, because Tenners are coming off a bye and have won six of seven and 11 of past 14 over Jags. Careful, though. J-ville is fighting to stay playoff-viable, and Titans' below-average defense and turnover-prone offense have put the droop in Jeff Fisher's mustache.
STEELERS (7-2) AT RAVENS (2-7)
• When: 1 p.m. Sunday • TV: None
• Line: Off board • Cote: PIT 17-13
Game stayed off bet-board (Pitt would have been favored by 6) because Ben Roethlisberger remained iffy and likely to be saved for Indy next week. With Charlie Batch also injured, that would mean awful Tommy (Maalox) Maddox at QB. Oy! Still like Thieves to abscond with a 12th straight road win.
JETS (2-7) AT BRONCOS (7-2)
• When: 4:15 p.m. Sunday • TV: None
• Line: DEN by 13 • Cote: DEN 41-14
Denver is a strong home team (seven straight W's at Mile High) with the offensive balance to overwhelm the battered Planes. Broncs have proven susceptible on pass defense, but that would require NYJ having a remotely credible air attack. Not many teams down to their fourth-string QB manage that.
BILLS (4-5) AT CHARGERS (5-4)
• When: 4:15 p.m. Sunday • TV: None
• Line: SD by 10 ½ • Cote: SD 31-16
It's the Money Bowl. (Bills. Chargers. Get it? Sorry). Diego will score a bunch at home (Bolts on 9-2 roll there), and Williams don't bring enough offense to hang in a shootout. By the way, SD retires Lance Alworth's No. 19 at halftime. He had a great career, particularly for a guy nicknamed ``Bambi.''
CHIEFS (5-4) AT TEXANS (1-8)
• When: 8:30 p.m. Sunday • TV: ESPN
• Line: KC by 6 ½ • Cote: KC 34-13
Houston, though angling for April's No. 1 draft pick, makes a fairly tempting home dog in this prime-timer; Texans beat KC 24-21 in '04. Take Indians, though. Texans OL can't protect David Carr worth a lick, and the Weepin' Vermeils are due a big bounceback on offense vs. a very disappointing Houston D.
BUCCANEERS (6-3) AT FALCONS (6-3)
• When: 1 p.m. Sunday • TV: None
• Line: ATL by 6 • Cote: ATL 20-17
Big division game is rare duel of lefty QBs in Chris Simms and Michael Vick. Tampa has won four of past five in Atlanta, but I'll stick with homies, and Vick's 21-6 record indoors. Still, TB's stout run-D will be enough of a test for ex-Buc Warrick Dunn and crew to fashion a tight game inside the betting number.
LIONS (4-5) AT COWBOYS (6-3)
• When: 1 p.m. Sunday • TV: None
• Line: DAL by 8 • Cote: DAL 23-17
Both teams will turn it around fast and host Thanksgiving Day games. Could be a trap game for Dallas, an emotional lull between miracle at Philly and holiday stage vs. Denver. Like Cows anyway. Dallas has won past two in series, and Tunas will run on Motown's banged-up LBs. But Lions stay close.
EAGLES (4-5) AT GIANTS (6-3)
• When: 1 p.m. Sunday • TV: None
• Line: NYG by 7 ½ • Cote: NYG 21-16
Hard not to like a Biggies D that hasn't allowed a TD in 13-plus quarters over a Philly offense down to Mike McMahon at QB, with Donovan McNabb likely out for the season. Birds have won four straight in series, but times have changed. Still, hunch-bet that desperate Philly somehow keeps it close.
SEAHAWKS (7-2) AT 49ERS (2-7)
• When: 4:05 p.m. Sunday • TV: 7, 29
• Line: SEA by 12 ½ • Cote: SEA 45-10
TD machine Shaun Alexander has led 'Hawks to five straight wins, and team has beaten Niners four straight. Frans dump Cody Pickett and try ex-Cane Ken Dorsey again but . . . is that a good thing? Bettor better beware, though. As with Indy-Houston last week, will Seattle win on auto-pilot?
VIKINGS (4-5) AT PACKERS (2-7)
• When: 9 p.m. Monday • TV: 10, 25
• Line: GB by 3 ½ • Cote: GB 27-23
Both teams coming off hugely needed, major upset wins: Vikes over NYG, Pack over ATL. Minny has won three of its past four, but like Cheesers at Lambeau to avenge 23-20 loss to 'Sota last month. Gee Bees boast offensive magic you can easily sum up in two words. Brett Favre? Nah. Samkon Gado!
SAINTS (2-7) AT PATRIOTS (5-4)
• When: 1 p.m. Sunday • TV: None
• Line: NE by 9 ½ • Cote: NE 27-17
Saints have won three of past four in N-England, but it's been ages. Pats are 40-6 since 2001 in November and later, but that was before injuries took over. Bet here is champs covering a big number, not because Patriots are that good anymore -- but because Saints (as Miami happily discovered) are that bad.
RAIDERS (3-6) AT REDSKINS (5-4)
• When: 1 p.m. Sunday • TV: None
• Line: WAS by 6 • Cote: WAS 27-17
Teams' first meeting since 1998 finds Oaks all but playoff-done and Skins struggling to stay in NFC contention. Norv Turner's return to Washingville (where he coached from 1994-00) won't be joyous. See a nice bounceback win by homies after last-second heartbreaker loss last week to gamblin' Bucs.
HOW THE DARTS LANDED
Had the Eagles covering three Monday night. Somebody hand me a gun. Philly is way up, late. Dandy Don is singing. I'm dancing. Wait! What!? Cowboys, 21-20. I threw can of Chunky soup at my TV. Can't whine too much, though. Another can-you-believe-it finish worked for me, when Tampa's late gamble kindly dropped an upset pick in my lap. A chaotic week all around. Good picks (Pack with points at Atlanta), bad picks (Rams winning in Seattle? What was I smokin'?). We're gonna get back up on the right side of .500 against the spread, though, you watch. We'd better, because our season so far has been merely ''decent.'' Unlike a certain Dolphins receiver, we can handle the truth.
OVERALL VS. SPREAD
Last week 8-6 .571 5-9 .357
Season 91-53 .632 68-70-6 .493Comment
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Si.com:
Week 12
Thursday, 8 p.m. ET (ESPN) Pittsburgh (5-5) at No. 12 West Virginia (8-1)
Following a 1-4 start (remember that loss at Ohio?), the Panthers have rebounded nicely and put themselves in a position to become bowl-eligible. The problem is, Pitt's weakness (rush defense, where they rank 73rd) is the Mountaineers' strength. WVU averages 237 yards on the ground (No. 8 in the nation), so you'll be watching a Morgantown turkey trot as you attempt to fend off the soporific effects of tryptophan.
West Virginia 31, Pittsburgh 13
Friday, Noon ET (ABC) No. 2 Texas (10-0) at Texas A&M (5-5)
Can Vince Young convince young and old voters alike that he's more worthy of the Heisman than Reggie Bush? On a nationally televised stage, Young, the nation's No. 2 quarterback in terms of passing efficiency (UCLA's Drew Olson is No. 1), will face the country's worst -- WORST! -- pass defense, so conditions could not be more favorable. The Aggies will need a 13th or even 14th man to keep this close against an offense averaging 50 points per outing.
Texas 55, Texas 28
Friday, 2:30 p.m. ET (CBS) Arkansas (4-6) at No. 3 LSU (9-1)
The Razorbacks, who will have faced five teams -- USC, LSU, Auburn, Georgia and Alabama -- currently in the AP's top 14, can only be thankful that the season's over. Freshman tailback Felix Jones does lead the nation in kickoff returns, though (33.7 yards per). Since the Tigers are intent on passing Penn State in the BCS rankings (from 4 to 3, and thus, should USC or Texas slip up, to No. 2), Jones will have more than a few chances to field kickoffs.
LSU 49, Arkansas 16
Friday, 3 p.m. ET (FSN) Arizona (3-7) at Arizona St. (5-5)
Happy Misgivings. The annual Duel in the Desert is actually a rivalry filled with mutual mistrust and apprehension. These two teams -- heck, these two towns (Tucson and the Phoenix metropolitan area) -- just don't like one another. Sun Devil quarterback Rudy Carpenter has completed no less than 27 passes in each of his three starts since taking over for the injured Sam Keller. Take cover, because this one will be a shootout.
Arizona State 52, Arizona 44
Friday, 3:30 p.m. ET (ABC) Nebraska (6-4) at Colorado (7-3)
If I were a smartass ("If!?!" you say), I'd design a red-and-white T-shirt bearing the erstwhile patriotic logo that reads "THESE COLORS DON'T RUN." The Cornhuskers are 110th in the nation in rushing, and in Boulder they'll line up against the nation's No. 2 rushing defense. OK, so Zac Taylor will come out throwing. Will that be enough? A Buff win lands them in the Big 12 championship game.
Colorado 33, Nebraska 20
Saturday, 2:30 p.m. ET (ABC) Virginia (6-4) at No. 10 Miami (Fla.) (8-2)
Whatever happened to all those Sunshine State playmakers? The state's big three schools are all average on offense, and the Hurricanes are the most average of them all. Miami will bounce back from last week's stunning home loss to Georgia Tech, but that will be due to the studliest defensive line in the nation. The Canes will score at least one defensive TD and the Cavaliers, who packed it in early a week ago against Virginia Tech, will do the same at the Orange Bowl.
Miami 31, Virginia 6
Saturday, 3:30 p.m. ET (CBS) No. 23 Florida St. (7-3) at No. 19 Florida (7-3)
Odd. Two schools having disappointing seasons despite both having taken care of business in their biggest games of the year thus far. The Seminoles beat Miami and won at Boston College, while Urban Meyer has assuaged Gator growlers with victories against Georgia and Tennessee. This game, always entertaining, has been especially so the past two years, with the visitors winning both times. That little streak ends this weekend. It won't be a romp in the Swamp, but the Gators, behind the rushing of Markus Manson, will win.
Florida 21, Florida State 16
Saturday, 7 p.m. ET (ESPN) No. 16 Fresno St. (8-2) at Nevada (7-3)
The question is simple: Where are the Bulldogs' heads? If they're still having nightmares about Reggie Bush -- and it's almost cruel that the return route from Los Angeles to Fresno includes a good hour's drive on I-5 -- then the Wolfpack will give them a game. However, Pat Hill's squad is loaded with leadership from seniors such as quarterback Paul Pinegar, tailback Wendell Mathis and defensive lineman Garrett McIntyre. The Bulldogs will own this dogfight.
Fresno State 45, Nevada 24
Saturday, 8 p.m. ET (ABC) No. 13 Georgia (8-2) at No. 20 Georgia Tech (7-3)
Maybe the "GT" on the helmet stands for "Good Travelers." The Yellow Jackets, winners of this season's Willie Nelson memorial "I-can't-wait-to-get-back-on-the-road-again" award for their victories at Auburn and Miami, might actually fare better if this one were played between the hedges. If Tech QB Reggie Ball can throw an accurate ball and locate wideouts Calvin Johnson and his Tolkienesque teammate, Damarius Bilbo, the Yellow Jackets have a chance for their third impressive upset of 2005.
Georgia Tech 19, Georgia 17
Saturday, 8 p.m. ET (ABC) No. 6 Notre Dame (8-2) at Stanford (5-5)
Remember, the Fighting Irish are not in a conference. A loss Saturday night in Palo Alto would eliminate them from a BCS bowl and cost the school oh, about (pinky to edge of lip for this), $12 million. That's more money than Charlie Weis makes in one year ... in years in which he does not extend his contract. The Cardinal lost QB Trent Edwards last week at Cal (I mean, they know where he is, he's just injured). Expect Irish wideout Maurice Stovall to be good for at least one ridiculous leaping end zone grab as the leprechaun dons a sombrero.
Notre Dame 45, Stanford 30Comment
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Si.com:
Week 12 Matchups
1 p.m. ET
Preview | Matchup Carolina (7-3) at Buffalo (4-6)
I don't mean to kill Jake Delhomme or anything, because he's my type of player and my type of person. But if he throws a couple more flutterballs up there, like he did at Soldier Field, even a team in the tank, like the Bills, will beat him.
Carolina 23, Buffalo 17
1 p.m. ET
Preview | Matchup Cleveland (4-6) at Minnesota (4-5)
I understand a man has pride, but come on, Trent Dilfer. You're complaining that Charlie Frye got a few snaps last week? Trent, you're in there to pave the way for the future, fella, not to be the long-term answer. And in case you haven't noticed, the Browns are going nowhere this year.
Minnesota 20, Cleveland 10
1 p.m. ET
Preview | Matchup Chicago (7-3) at Tampa Bay (7-3)
It's been lost in all the glee surrounding the Bucs' re-entry into the NFC South race, but has anyone noticed that Tampa Bay isn't playing any defense?
Chicago 14, Tampa Bay 9
1 p.m. ET
Preview | Matchup San Diego (6-4) at Washington (5-5)
Dan Snyder just can't take it. One week it's Norv Turner giving his team's playoff hopes a body blow. Now Marty Schottenheimer knocks the Redskins out of contention. Snyder turns to someone in his FedEx box late in this one and says: "Robiskie's not coaching against us next week, is he?"
San Diego 26, Washington 16
1 p.m. ET
Preview | Matchup New England (6-4) at Kansas City (6-4)
The emotional story of conquering adversity and all the injuries and the funeral anguish of the head coach is a good one. But Trent Green and Larry Johnson don't care.
Kansas City 31, New England 20
1 p.m. ET
Preview | Matchup San Francisco (2-8) at Tennessee (2-8)
I'm really not sure who's going to watch this game on TV. Maybe Al Gore. Maybe Reese Witherspoon. They're Titans types. I can't really think of anyone else.
Tennessee 14, San Francisco 10
1 p.m. ET
Preview | Matchup Baltimore (3-7) at Cincinnati (7-3)
Odd that a team will enter December saying: We're 8-3 and we haven't proved anything yet. But that's the 2005 Bengals.
Cincinnati 21, Baltimore 10
1 p.m. ET
Preview | Matchup St. Louis (4-6) at Houston (1-9)
No Bulger. No defense. David, you can drive their Carr.
Houston 20, St. Louis 13
4:05 p.m. ET
Preview | Matchup Miami (3-7) at Oakland (4-6)
One thing Nick Saban has to learn about harmless early-week press conferences: It's not a very good idea to say, "The record doesn't matter." In fact, it's downright stupid. All you do is give your team, which really doesn't care about wins and losses at this point, a reason NOT to care about wins and losses.
Oakland 24, Miami 10
4:05 p.m. ET
Preview | Matchup Jacksonville (7-3) at Arizona (3-7)
Is it just me, or do the Jags keep every game interesting til long past the two-minute warning?
Jacksonville 20, Arizona 17
4:15 p.m. ET
Preview | Matchup New York (7-3) at Seattle (8-2)
Finally a test for Shaun Alexander. We give him a C. Twenty-one carries, 71 yards, one touchdown. Matt Hasselbeck saves the day with a late touchdown pass as the Seahawks improve to 9-2 and brand themselves as the clear fave for home-field edge in the NFC.
Seattle 19, New York Giants 17
4:15 p.m. ET
Preview | Matchup Green Bay (2-7) at Philadelphia (4-6)
After the game, I feel quite sure Mike McMahon is going to think: Can you believe I just beat Brett Favre? Ridiculous!
Philadelphia 24, Green Bay 21
8:30 p.m. ET
Preview | Matchup New Orleans (2-8) at New York (2-8)
"Hey Mabel! Throw me that remote! I hear there's a good Ina Garten rerun on the Food Network. I just love how she prepares that romaine and rosemary salmon."
New Orleans 37, New York Jets 6
9 p.m. ET
Preview | Matchup Pittsburgh (7-3) at Indianapolis (10-0)
Admit it. You really want to see the Colts get to 19-0, just to see the look on all those old Dolphins' faces when they're standing there with those champagne bottles and they can't pop the corks.
Indianapolis 30, Pittsburgh 17Comment
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