Week 9 Picks and Predictions (October 31, 2009)

LAST WEEK: Wins 9-Losses 5
Lock of the Week: 4-1

CURRENT BCS TOP 10 STANDINGS:

1.  Florida, 2.  Alabama, 3. Texas, 4. Iowa, 5. USC, 6. TCU, 7. Boise St., 8. Cincinnati, 9. LSU, 10. Oregon.

THE LINE
Michigan St...........3 1/2..........at MINNESOTA
EXTRA POINTS:  The Spartans have been competitive in every game and are coming off a last second loss to Iowa.  Minnesota loses all Big-10 receiver Eric Decker for the year.   Look for Spartan quarterback Cousins to have a big day.
PREDICTION:  Michigan St. 27-Minnesota 17

THE LINE
Miami..........7..........at WAKE FOREST
EXTRA POINTS:  The Cane's lost in overtime to Clemson last week.  This week QB Jacory Harris exploits a week Wake Forest secondary.  Riley Skinner is talented but Miami needs this one badly.   I like the Cane's by a couple of touchdowns.
PREDICTION:  Miami 30-Wake Forest 16

THE LINE
Missouri..........4..........at COLORADO
EXTRA POINTS:  The Tigers have stumbled badly and sophomore quarterback Blaine Gabbert has not been fully healthy battling ankle issues.   The Buffs since their QB switch have been tough and they get it done in the underdog role at home.
PREDICTION:  Colorado 33-Missouri 27

THE LINE
AT OKLAHOMA..........28..........Kansas St.
EXTRA POINTS:  Twenty Eight points is a ton !   Kansas St. is leading the Big-12 North Division (which isn't saying much).  The Sooners defense was fierce last week in crushing Kansas on the road.  I love the Sooners at home but by 28 ????   I say they win by 27 and the Wildcats cover.
PREDICTION:  Oklahoma 47-Kansas St. 20

THE LINE
AT TENNESSEE.........5 1/2..........South Carolina
EXTRA POINTS:  By all accounts, this should be a defensive battle.  Tennessee still reeling after last weeks loss to Alabama, a game in which they should have won.   The Gamecocks have just a little bit more offense than the Vols, close game but I like South Carolina to win this outright.
PREDICTION:  South Carolina 18-Tennessee 15

THE LINE
AT UTAH..........17..........Wyoming
EXTRA POINTS:  I keep picking against Utah and I keep winning.   The Utes have yet to totally dominate an opponent this season.   They will take care of business against Wyoming but closer than the experts think.
PREDICTION:  Utah 28-Wyoming 14

THE LINE
Notre Dame..........27..........Washington St.  (San Antonio-Neutral Site)
EXTRA POINTS:  Jimmy Clausen should light it up against a very undermanned Cougar secondary.  Look for at least 4 or 5 TD's and over 300 yards as the Notre Dame QB looks to climb the Heisman ladder.
PREDICTION:  Notre Dame 43-Washington St. 6

THE LINE
AT OREGON ST.........9..........U.C.L.A.
EXTRA POINTS:  The Bruins are in a tailspin and it doesnt' get any easier this week.  Oregon St. almost pulled off another upset over the USC last week but take care of the Trojans Los Angeles neighbor this week.
PREDICTION:  Oregon St. 34-UCLA 21

LOCK OF THE WEEK


THE LINE
Florida..........15..........Georgia  (Jacksonville, FL-Neutral Site)
EXTRA POINTS:  Tim Tebow and the Gators offense has looked less than impressive in the past two weeks.  Georgia has played below their talent level.  This is a huge rivalry game dubbed "The Worlds Largerst Cocktail Party" and played in Jacksonville, FL at the Gator Bowl.  I think Florida will win this game but take the Bulldogs and those 15 points.   Closer than the experts think.
PREDICTION:  Florida 23-Georgia 20

UPSET and MARQUEE MATCHUP OF THE WEEK (SAME GAME)

THE LINE
USC..........3..........AT OREGON
EXTRA POINTS:  Since losing their opening game against Boise St., the Ducks have been unbeatable and on Saturday they take control of the Pac-10 by upsetting the Trojans. Oregon coach Chip Kelly has done a remarkable job and next to Cincinnati's Brian Kelly has been the best coach this year in college football. USC has not won in Autzen Stadium since 2004 and this will not be a repeat.  Oregon quarterback Jeremiah Masoli is playing like the Heisman candidate I touted him to be.  Tight End Ed Dixon is dangerous and freshman running back LaMichael James is one of the best two freshman tailbacks in the nation (next to Pitt's Dion Lewis).  The crowd will be amped up for this one and USC will lose yet another Pac-10 game.  This is the game where Trojan QB Matt Barkley will play like the freshman he is.
PREDICTION:  Oregon 36-USC 24

THE LINE
Michigan........7.........AT ILLINOIS
EXTRA POINTS:  The Wolverines need to get well and soon.  Just what the doctor ordered, a trip to Illinois for a matchup with the Fightin' Illini.  Illinois has been downright HORRID this year (What happened to Juice Williams ???).  Michigan has too much offense for Illinois.
PREDICTION:  Michigan 34-Illinois 16

THE LINE
Cincinnati..........14 1/2..........AT SYRACUSE
EXTRA POINTS:  Bearcats quarterback Tony Pike is making progress in regards to his injured wrist so he might get some snaps in this game.  Doesn't matter, Cincinnati has been explosive on offense no matter who is taking snaps from center.  Cincinnati defense is underated and physical.  The Cuse' don't stand a chance.
PREDICTON:  Cincinnati 37-Syracuse 14

THE LINE
Texas..........9 1/2..........AT OKLAHOMA ST.
EXTRA POINTS:  This is the week the Longhorns finally put a full game together.  Colt McCoy has been plagued by nagging injuries and the flu this season.  He is fully heathy are ready to put up big numbers against the Cowboys.  With a huge performance, McCoy will jump to the head of the Heisman class and Texas could make up ground on SEC twins, Florida and Alabama.
PREDICTION:  Texas 35-Oklahoma St. 17

THE LINE
AT WISCONSIN..........6 1/2..........Purdue
EXTRA POINTS:  I like the Badgers to use their size up front and run the ball effectively against the smallish Purdue defensive front.   With John Clay running piling up yardage, look for a ten point Badgers victory.
PREDICTION:  Wisconsin 27-Purdue 17

Other games of note:
I like B.C. over Central Michigan, Georgia Tech over Vanderbilt, Nebraska over Baylor and Mississippi over Auburn.

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