Rev Picks 'Em: Week 13

WEST VIRGINIA (-7) at Louisville: Since joining the Big East just a few short years ago, this game has turned into one of the premier rivalries in the conference. Ok, I know it’s Big East football and you could probably care less. But seriously, even though both teams carry less than lackluster records into this matchup, you can bet that this will be a very hard-hitting game. If anything, the post-game shenanigans should be interesting:


By the way, Louisville needs a win against the ‘Eers to reach 6 on the season, and most likely will need a win against Rutgers next week to receive any bowl consideration. My guess? They’ll lose both to finish 5-7. He may be Satan incarnate, but things seemed a whole lot better just two short years ago when Bobby Petrino was at the helm for the ‘Cards …

Tennessee at VANDERBILT(-3): Consider this: It is entirely likely that Tennessee could close out the 2008 season with back-to-back losses to Vandy and Kentucky. In case you’re keeping score at home, that would leave the Vols at 3-9 for the year. Which, speaking of …

Michigan at OHIO STATE (-20 ½): Michigan is DEFINITELY going 3-9. Even Vegas has given the proverbial bitch-slap to Michigan - the Buckeyes are laying 20 ½ points to the Wolverines. By some accounts, that’s the largest spread ever in this rivalry. But hey, if you’re a Michigan fan, don’t dare complain about it: coach Rich Rodriguez thinks you should “get a life”.

NORTH CAROLINA STATE (+11) at North Carolina: Upset alert: I’m calling this game for the Wolfpack. Led by Russell Wilson, one of the best passers in the ACC, NCSU has gotten on a bit of a hot streak of late. Plus, the Wolfpack sport a stellar 3-0 record against in-state opponents, having beaten East Carolina, Duke and Wake Forest. A win vs. the rival Tarheels would do wonders for the folks in Raleigh, and leave them just one win short on the season from bowl eligibility.

Stanford at CALIFORNIA (-9): Stanford hung tough for a half last week vs. USC, but that may be because they are apparently kryptonite to the Trojans. Otherwise, Stanford is just another pedestrian team in the PAC-10. Cal really isn’t that much better, but I’m taking them here since the game’s in Berkeley. Really, this pick ‘em thing isn’t that scientific.

#17 Michigan State (+15 ½) at #7 Penn State: How dreadful can this game shake out for Penn State? Several weeks ago, they were looking at this matchup as their ticket to the national championship game – now they need a win just to keep their spot in the Rose Bowl. I think two touchdowns is too much to spot the Spartans, so I’m going to take the points here, but I still like the Lions to win the game. And for their sake, I hope they do – they’ve had a great season, even though the rest of the Big Ten is atrocious this year.

FLORIDA STATE at #22 Maryland (+1 ½) (as described with by Rusty): Trying to pick the winner of this game is like trying to pick the winner of a butt kicking fight between Rambo and Rocky. Maryland's been a solid football team in College Park this year, having amassed a 6-0 record, but the Terp's face quite the superior opponent this coming Saturday. Florida State has the best offense and defense in the ACC, statistically. Although, they've struggled at times with a two QB system behind a weak offensive line, they are a solid football team and improving. Maryland on the other hand has got one of the best running backs in the leauge with Da'rel Scott (that's not a typo). The Seminoles might look better on paper, but Maryland's on top of the ACC and a win tomorrow followed by a road win against BC next week would send the Terps to Tampa and help cool the embers under the big boy's seat. This all means, this game will come down to heart. Who wants it more. This may give Florida State a slight edge with it's off-the-field story this week. Safety Myron Rolle is being interviewed for a Rhodes scholarship Saturday afternoon before flying to join his team for the 2nd half of the game. The fact that FSU has a positive academic story could do wonders for the team's motivation, or the world could implode because the team known for 5 finger discounts at Dillard's has recruited smart kids. Regardless of the outcome, it'll be a hard fought game in the chilly DC suburbs, but look for a close Seminoles victory.

#16 Brigham Young at #8 UTAH (-7): Utah, the original BCS crashers, would be right back in the major bowl picture with a win against rival BYU. Interestingly, I like that these kinds of rivalry games have kitschy nicknames: For instance, this game is dubbed “the Holy War.” That would probably raise hackles for some reason or another in more politically correct corners of the country, but this is Utah. No one really knows – or for that matter, wants to know - what goes on in Utah, so I guess we can all collectively shrug it off.

#21 Oregon State (+2 ½) at ARIZONA: People are still dogging USC for losing to Oregon State, but consider this: OSU’s tied with the Trojans atop the PAC-10 standings. And if the Beavers win this week and next week against rival Oregon, Oregon State would be the team to get the conference’s spot in the BCS. Of course, you could just as easily consider that last sentence the kiss of death for Oregon State and watch them drop their last two to finish 7-5.

#20 Pittsburgh at #19 CINCINNATI (-6): Needless to say, this is the biggest game in the history of UC Bearcat football. Of course, they don’t have much of a history aside from a crumbling relic of a stadium, but that’s beside the point. A win against Pitt would clinch the Big East conference championship for the Bearcats, not to mention a spot in the school’s first ever BCS bowl game. Cincy’s really no joke – they have 6 starters on D that likely will get drafted, and it doesn’t really matter who they put in at QB (they’ve played 5 QBs on the season), they always get the job done.

Interestingly enough, if you were ever wondering what a “bearcat” is, try this on for size:

"A Bearcat resembles somewhat to a bear in physical appearance, though on closer observation it looks like a small bushy dog. Its average length is about 60-96 cm and weighs around 9-14 kg. It has small round ears and black round eyes. The body of the animal is covered with thick black fur. Its most attractive feature is its long bushy tail, ranging as long as 55-90 cm."

One of life’s great mysteries solved. I’m glad I looked that up.

#2 Texas Tech (+7) at #5 OKLAHOMA: (courtesy of Big XII expert Greg in St. Louis) This week’s Big 12 “Game of the Year” will directly affect the outcome of the Big 12 South, The Heisman Race, and who claims the Big 12’s slot in the National Championship game. Tech has put the points on the board this year, they have a solid O-line, major skill at QB and WR, and their “bend, not break” defense has done the job when called upon. The Sooners are trying to buck their trend of bad play in big games over the past few years and even in the Red River Shootout this year. However, since that loss to Texas they have destroyed their opponents to the tune of 63.3 points per game. One more stat in the Sooners favor, 60-2 at home under Bob Stoops – simply put, you don’t go into Norman and come out victorious. In the case of two hot teams that are evenly matched, go with the home team for sure. Boomer Sooner!

Rev Picks 'Em: Week 12

Too bad Texas Tech and Oklahoma aren't playing this weekend, because there is NOTHING of consequence being contested this weekend. Sure, we could all keep an eye out for the huge upset: Alabama plays Mississippi State on Saturday, and the Bulldogs have beaten the Tide two straight; also South Carolina plays at Florida, and you know coach Spurrier will pull out all the stops to try and beat the Gators. Otherwise, I'm going to be left doing my best to put a good face on what looks to be a very ugly slate of games.

Looking first at the Big Ten: Since Penn State lost last week, count me among those who are thrilled to (finally) write the conference off this year. Let's all send Iowa a big "thank you" for exposing Penn State before an SEC or Big XII team could do so in the national championship game.

That said, the Big Ten intramural season continues on this weekend, so I'll throw out a couple lines just in case you're craving a taste.

NORTHWESTERN (+3 1/2) vs Michigan
MINNESOTA (+ 13 1/2) vs Wisconsin
#10 Ohio State vs. ILLINOIS (+9 1/2)

In case you’re looking for winless teams playing at home this weekend, you’re in luck because we’ve got two on the slate this week. It’s doesn’t say much that both Washington and Syracuse are getting bunches of points at home and I couldn’t come close to considering them.

UCLA (-7) at Washington
UCONN (-10) vs. Syracuse

Now on to some not so terrible games (but I still can’t convince you that I’ll be watching this weekend):

NOTRE DAME (-4) vs. Navy: After last year’s upset of Notre Dame in South Bend, the Midshipmen are looking to make it two straight against the Irish. Charlie Weis will be back on the headset calling plays for the Irish this weekend, and I don’t understand why he ever stopped in the first place – he’s a better coordinator than he is a head coach to begin with. This game is on the road and the Irish are terrible away from South Bend, so the Middies definitely have a chance. I don’t see the Irish completely folding up, but I guess anything’s possible.

California vs. # 23 OREGON STATE: After Oregon State shocked USC early this season, the Trojans got slammed for losing to a supposedly god-awful team and were punished by dropping 9,000,000 spots in the polls. That loss doesn’t look so bad now, with OSU sitting at 6-3 and ranked in the top 25. Let’s remember that when USC gets snubbed out of the national championship game.

#17 NORTH CAROLINA (-3) vs. Maryland: Forget about going to Tennessee – UNC coach Butch Davis has got a very good thing going in just year two of his coaching tenure at North Carolina. UNC needs a win to keep pace with Miami atop the ACC Coastal division, and I think they get the win on the road against the Terps this weekend.

BOSTON COLLEGE (+6 1/2) vs. Florida State: Can you call a team “plucky” and not make it sound like an insult? I like BC, even if they are down a bit vs. the standard they set last year. Outside of a bad loss at North Carolina, BC has been close in the other two games they lost – 19-16 to Georgia Tech, and 27-21 to Clemson. I don’t think they’ll beat the ‘Noles in Tallahassee, but the 6 ½ points they’re getting on the road is enticing enough for me to pick them this week.

Vanderbilt vs. KENTUCKY (-3 1/2): Both Vandy and UK got off to fast starts this season, but predictably both stumbled a bit once SEC conference play began. Kentucky is bowl eligible for the third year in a row at 6-4, and a win here would go a long way to preventing a return trip to the Music City Bowl in Nashville. Vandy is close behind at 5-4 and looking for that elusive sixth win – since 1984, however, a five-win Vandy team has played the Cats four times and come up empty each time out. UK looked impressive in last week’s last second 42-38 loss to Georgia, and I’m looking for some of that same offensive success to carry over here.

Last Week: 6-4

Rev Picks Em: Week 10

WEST VIRGINIA (-3 1/2) at Connecticut: What gives with these two? West Virginia started the year ranked highly, then lost to ECU and Colorado, and now seem to be rolling again after trouncing a faltering Auburn team last week in Morgantown. UConn is much the same way – after climbing into the top 25, they dropped some clunkers against Rutgers and UNC. I think WV QB Pat White is the best player on both teams and he has proven time and again to be a game breaker - I’ll be a front-runner here and stick by the Mountaineers.

MIAMI (+2) at Virginia: Both teams are 5-3 and angling for position in a suddenly crowded ACC Coastal Division. Virginia is scoring just 17.8 points per game and they’re giving up 22.3 points to their opponents, yet somehow they have won 4 in a row. As Dubya would say, that’s fuzzy math that can’t possibly hold up. I like Miami’s ability to score (39 ppg) and I like the fact their getting points here. I’m going with the ‘Canes.

AIRFORCE (-8) at Army: Army football hasn’t been good in a long, long time. Go with Air Force and lay the points.

Pittsburgh at NOTRE DAME (-4 1/2): This game is tailor made for the ‘Stache to lose. Outside of playing spoiler against West Virginia last year, Pittsburgh has a tendency to lose big games like this. It’s not that I’m so impressed with Notre Dame, it’s just that I would be scared to death to actually wager that Dave Wannstedt could win a game that matters.


#23 OREGON (+3) at California: Cal has had their share of problems with high-powered offenses (see their 42-27 loss at Arizona). That’s not so great for the Bears considering the Ducks are scoring 41.5 points per game. Give me the Ducks and the points.

Iowa at ILLINOIS (-2 1/2): The Big Ten season ended last week with Penn State winning at Ohio State. If you’re betting this game you either a) attended one of these schools, b) have been a lifelong fan for one team or the other, or c) you are a hard-core gambling addict that needs help.

Tennessee at SOUTH CAROLINA (-5 1/2): The orange apocalypse is soon to come for UT coach Phil Fulmer. Things are real bad right now in Knoxville – they played competitively in spurts last week against Alabama, but overall the Vols just looked to be outclassed and outcoached. It doesn’t get any better for the Vols considering that South Carolina still boasts a great D. UT only scored 9 points last week; I can’t see them exceeding that total by much, if at all, this week. I’m going with So. Carolina.

#16 FLORIDA STATE (+2 ½) at Georgia Tech: If you haven’t been paying much attention to the ACC this year (and let’s be honest, who outside the mid-Atlantic really has been watching?), Florida State has played well enough to this point to sit tied with Maryland atop the Atlantic division. Although Florida State isn’t blowing teams out and running up the score like they once did, the ‘Noles are winning close games that in recent years they always seemed to lose. Plus, I read that Bobby Bowden has never lost to Georgia Tech. Considering he’s been coaching for 200 years, that’s not very good for the Yellow Jackets. I’m taking Grandpa Bobby and the ‘Noles.

#1 TEXAS (-3 1/2) at #6 Texas Tech: Texas Tech has played very impressively to this point, and their 63-21 beatdown of Kansas last week was an exclamation point heading into their matchup with the Longhorns. Texas is certainly a little more battle tested that the Red Raiders, having knocked off Oklahoma, Mizzou, and Oklahoma State (all top 10 teams) in consecutive weeks. The common denominator in all of those Longhorn wins was their defensive performance, and they will be – by far – the best defense Tech faces all year. These two could very well trade scores all day long, but I really think the Texas D will force a couple of costly turnovers that decide this game.

#5 Florida vs. #8 GEORGIA (+6 1/2) (at Jacksonville, FL): What was more embarrassing for Florida last year: watching the ‘Dawgs jump around like crazy in the endzone or watching the scoreboard at the end of the game? Georgia ultimately won this game in a walk, cruising past the Gators 42-30. Emotions obviously always run high in this rivalry game, but last year’s pasting really seems to have gotten under the Gators’ skin. Georgia has been on notice since the SEC football media days this summer that Florida was gunning for them, so I highly doubt they’ll be caught off guard or fail to match the Gators’ intensity. Florida may well win the game, and I expect that they will. However, I think this game will be much closer than last year, and 6 ½ points is just a tad too much to give away. Take the ‘Dawgs and the points.

Last week: 4-6

Rev Picks 'Em: Week Nine

In these tough economic times, it’s encouraging to know that if you invested in HHR’s pick ‘em recommendations last week, you would not have lost any money. Can the S&P 500 say that? Of course not! So stick with us, and we’ll get you through the rough waters in the weeks ahead.

We know that for you betting fanatics, a 5-5 record is not real encouraging. We’ll consider last week a lesson learned – but we’re back now with a vengeance ready to improve on that .500 mark. Here we go:

#23 BOSTON COLLEGE (+ 3 1/2) at North Carolina (5-2): At 5-1, Boston College seems to be enjoying life just fine in the post-Matt Ryan era. After spotting Virginia Tech 10 early points last week, BC came back to beat the Hokies 28-23. Meanwhile, North Carolina inexplicably lost in overtime last week at Virginia, a game I was sure they were going to win. I’m still mad about the UNC game, so my vengeance pick this week is Boston College on the road and getting the points.

CINCINNATI (-1 ½) at Connecticut: Acutally, I have two vengeance picks this week: UConn let me down last week with a pitiful performance at Rutgers. In fact, every time I’ve picked UConn this year I’ve been let down. So I’m going the other way now - I’m convinced that the Huskies have peaked and will finish no better than fourth in the Big East. Meanwhile, there’s at least one football team in Cincinnati that is playing halfway decent this year, and I’m definitely not talking about the Bengals. In the latest AP rankings, the Bearcats stood just outside the top 25. The Bearcats only loss this season came at Oklahoma, which isn’t too shabby. Take Cincy and give the points.

NOTRE DAME (-11 ½) at Washington: What’s to like about the 0-6 Huskies? That’s a rhetorical question – don’t answer. Plus, how sadly ironic is it that Notre Dame will be hammering one of the final nails in Ty Willingham’s coffin this weekend?

#8 TEXAS TECH (+ 1 ½) at #19 Kansas: Texas Tech is undefeated and averaging close to 46 points a game. This will be the first time the Red Raiders will have faced a top 25 opponent this year, but offensively this matchup may work in their favor. You see, the Kansas D got exposed quite a bit by Oklahoma’s passing attack last week; bad thing for the Jayhawks, then, because Texas Tech slings the ball on just about every play from scrimmage (343 pass attempts vs. 174 rushing attempts, nearly a 2:1 ratio). Guns Up! I like TTU and the points.

MICHIGAN STATE (-4 ½) at Michigan: I’m calling for a mercy killing for Michigan’s 2008 football season. Somebody end this now.

#7 Oklahoma State at #1 TEXAS (-12 ½): Has anyone played a more brutal stretch of games over the past couple of weeks than Texas? Having defeated previously unbeaten Oklahoma and Missouri in back-to-back weeks, does Oklahoma State really stand a chance? 12 ½ is a ton of points to give to the Cowboys, but considering how well the Texas D is playing, the line sounds reasonable.

VIRGINIA TECH (+5 ½) at #24 Florida State: Quietly, Florida State has enjoyed a bit of a resurgence this year – the ‘Noles are 5-1 and are tied with Boston College atop the ACC’s Atlantic Division. Virginia Tech won this game last year in Blacksburg, coach Bobby Bowden’s first loss to the Hokies, so you can bet that FSU will be out for some revenge. However, VA Tech is a decent defensive team, and I just don’t think FSU is offensively powerful enough to put the Hokies away. I’m looking for a close defensive struggle – FSU should win, but I don’t think they’ll cover.

#9 Georgia at #11 LSU (-1 ½): Georgia and LSU are two pretty evenly matched teams – both are probably about 2nd best in their respective SEC divisions. Death Valley is an awfully tough place to play on a Saturday night (what, with 90,000 well-lubricated Tiger fans screaming for blood), and outside of Knowshown Moreno, I don’t think Georgia’s really got the offensive firepower to challenge LSU’s D. If they were getting a few more points, I might be tempted to take the Dawgs, but since they’re only getting 1 ½, I’m taking LSU at home.

#2 Alabama at TENNESSEE (+ 6 ½): Tennessee coach Phil Fulmer made a career out of beating rival Alabama, and he might need to do it again Saturday in Knoxville in order to keep the critics calling for his head at bay. Their coach notwithstanding, the Vols have the size and girth to avoid being pushed around by ‘Bama’s offensive and defensive lines, giving me reason to believe Tennessee will keep this close. I still like ‘Bama to win the game outright, but I think Tennessee covers here.

“Is this over yet?”

#3 PENN STATE (-2 ½) at #10 Ohio State: Ohio State enters this game fresh off a 38 point thrashing of Michigan State, proving yet again that Ohio State is remarkably good at shutting down one dimensional offenses. What to do, then, for the Buckeyes when Penn State goes 3 or 4 wide? The Lions have the speed necessary to seriously challenge – and damage – the Ohio State D. I’m sold on Penn State, and I think they dethrone the reigning Big Ten champs in this one.

Last week’s record: 5-5

Rev Picks 'Em: Week Eight

For all you sports betting fiends out there, Rev switches up the pick ems this week, now offering picks based on weekly college football odds.

CONNECTICUT (-1 ½) at Rutgers: The Scarlet Knights have to be considered the poster children for the ineptitude of the Big East conference this year in college football. Since knocking off then #3 Louisville in 2006, Rutgers has stumbled badly to an 11-12 overall record. With no Ray Rice to lean on, senior QB Mike Teel has played poorly, completing only 55% of his passes and has a paltry 3-7 TD to INT ratio. Connecticut was exposed in their 38-12 loss at North Carolina, but after a bye last week they should bounce back strong against one of the weakest teams (outside of Syracuse) in the Big East.

Michigan at # 3 PENN STATE (-23 ½): This pains me to write, but I have very little faith in this Michigan squad – so little hope, that I’m not even tempted by the 23 ½ points they’ll be getting at Happy Valley. Penn State has speed everywhere on offense and are scoring way too often (317 points on the season thus far) for Michigan’s beleaguered defense to handle. In losses to Notre Dame and Illinois, Michigan gave up 35 and 45 points, respectively. After Penn State’s rout of Wisconsin last week (48-7), I don’t think Penn State will have too much trouble scoring.

Western Michigan Broncos at CENTRAL MICHIGAN (+1 ½): With both teams entering this contest undefeated in conference play, the outcome of this game will go a long way toward determining the MAC champion this year. QB Tim Hiller leads Western Michigan with over 2,000 yards passing and 23 TDs this far into the season. Central Michigan on the other hand, doesn’t score a ton of points or put up gaudy numbers, but they do just enough to hang around and win games late. In the four games since their 56-17 blowout loss at then #2 Georgia, the Chippewas have gone 3-1 with an average margin of victory of 5.0 points. Considering their games are usually close, I’m going to take the underdog at home and run with the points.

#18 NORTH CAROLINA (-4 ½) at Virginia: I love UNC here. In just year two under Butch Davis, the Tarheels will challenge for top-dog status in the ACC as the season goes on. They face a Virginia team that has won two straight after early season struggles, but I just don’t think the Cavaliers stand much of a chance. Virginia’s averaging just 17.0 points a game vs. UNC’s 31.8. Did I mention I love UNC?
#11 Ohio State at #17 MICHIGAN STATE (+3 ½) So far, no team has been able to hold down the Spartans’ super running back Javon Ringer – but then again, the Spartans haven’t played a team that is as good against the run as Ohio State. With the loss of DE Lawrence Wilson, the Buckeyes may be tempted to bring 8 men into the box to stop Ringer, and that may open things up just enough for MSU QB Brian Hoyer to hit some quick, intermediate routes downfield. Of course, Michigan State will likely be forced to do the same to stop OSU RB Beanie Wells, so much of the Buckeyes’ success will depend on how freshman QB handles his first true test against a top-flight opponent on the road. This one should be close, so I’m taking the Spartans and the points at home.

MIAMI (-4 ½) at Duke: Duke is one of the feel-good stories of the season in year one of coach David Cutcliffe’s stewardship. Cutcliffe is a fantastic offensive schemer and play caller – for proof, look at what his absence has meant to the Tennessee Volunteers this year. However, I expect Miami’s raw athletic ability will far outclass that of Duke; plus, the ‘Canes are 0-2 thus far in ACC conference play, so they should be out hungry for a win in this one.

ARKANSAS (+7 ½) at Kentucky: Arkansas coach Bobby Petrino returns to Lexington sporting a spotless record against the ‘Cats, having gone 4-0 vs. UK during his days at the helm of Louisville. Kentucky has an outstanding defense, but their offense is almost non-existent – they had 4 take-aways last week and still lost to South Carolina, 24-17. Compounding problems for UK is the loss of senior WR Dicky Lyons to a season-ending knee injury - without their top WR target available, the Cats seemingly will be very one dimensional from here on out. If Arkansas stops the run this weekend, they have a very real chance to win this game outright. That, and you know Petrino will have something devious cooked up for his former in-state rival.

#13 LSU at SOUTH CAROLINA (+2 ½): LSU was flat embarrassed last week against Florida, losing by 30 in the Swamp. Taking cues from that game, South Carolina’s superb defense will look to put a ton of pressure on LSU’s inexperienced QB tandem of Jarrett Lee and Andrew Hatch and force them into multiple turnovers. Plus, now that the ol’ Ball Coach has (for the time being) settled around the talented Stephen Garcia as his starting QB, the reins may be loosened a bit on the Gamecocks’ here-to-now bottled-up offense. I think they have a real shot at springing the upset outright in this one.

#25 CALIFORNIA (-2 ½) at Arizona: Outside of a no-show performance in their loss at Maryland, Cal is quietly enjoying a solid start to their season out West. The only remaining unbeaten in the PAC-10, Cal is ringing up 39.4 points per game. The numbers, meanwhile, say Arizona tops that with an average of 40.1 points a game – but if you throw out their 70-0 blowout of Idaho to open the season, Arizona’s scoring per game average drops to 34.2. Cal looks to be a little more balanced offensively than the pass happy Wildcats, and the Bears running game should grind them out a win this weekend in the desert.

#11 Mizzou at #1 TEXAS (-5 ½): Mizzou is coming off a crushing and unexpected loss at the hands of Oklahoma State last week. With this weekend’s matchup with #1 Texas next on the slate, it’s fair to say that it’s panic time in Columbia right now. Two losses in conference doesn’t necessarily kill their season, but it just may end any talk that the Tigers could play for the national championship. The number #1 ranking hasn’t been kind to those who’ve worn it this year, and Texas will have a big target on their backs this week against a desperate Mizzou squad. That aside … did you watch the Texas-Oklahoma game? Texas is pretty good – better than Mizzou, in my opinion. I’m taking the ‘Horns and giving 5 ½ here.

Rev picks 'Em: Week Six

Despite all the turmoil in the Top Ten, the Rev’ managed a steady 7-3 record picking last week’s games. This week’s slate again features a bunch of good teams on the road...and like the sucker I am, I’m picking seven road winners. Here are the picks:

10 points: #6 PENN STATE (5-0) at Purdue (2-2): Penn State has looked pretty impressive offensively thus far in the season. On the flip side, you could say Purdue has looked just as bad on the defensive side of the ball. After letting Notre Dame march up and down the field, I’m not too impressed with the Boilermakers. There’s a reason Penn State’s laying 12. I say take PSU and give the points.

9 points: #8 TEXAS TECH (4-0) at Kansas State (3-1): Want to take a guess how many total points could be scored in this game? 180 seems possible.


8 points: #14 AUBURN (4-1) at #19 Vanderbilt (4-0): And this game? The over/under is 37 for this game. DEFINITELY take the under. Auburn is positively awful on offense.

On a side note: congratulations to Vandy for becoming a relevant football opponent in the SEC this year.


7 points: #23 CONNECTICUT (5-0) at North Carolina (3-1): Having seen UCONN running back Donald Brown in person last week, you can color me impressed. He reminds me of a Ray Rice clone – runs hard inside, quick around the corner outside. This game will be in the 20’s, but I give the Huskies the edge late in the game because of the wrecking ball they have carrying the load for them in the backfield.

6 points: ILLINOIS (2-2) at Michigan (2-2): Michigan played a great second half to knock off Wisconsin last week, a game I figured they were destined to lose. However, keep in mind that they did spot the Badgers 19 points and did let Wisconsin drive on them at the end of the game with a chance to tie, so I’m not sold that this was a tide-turning win for the Wolverines. That was an emotional win last week, and I’m counting on the old let-down game this week – take Illinois and the points (+2).

5 points: Florida State (3-1) at MIAMI (2-2): This used to be the best game of the year. Now it’s just another midlevel conference matchup between two so-so teams. Hooray for ACC football!

4 points: Arizona State (2-2) at CALIFORNIA (3-1): Remember when visiting UC-Berkeley: dodge the falling bags of poop.



3 points: #12 Ohio State (4-1) at #17 WISCONSIN (3-1): Since making the move to QB Tyrell Pryor, the Buckeyes have actually looked halfway decent. However, all that improvement has come in the friendly confines of the Horseshoe in Columbus. The Bucks take their show on the road to Madison this week, and I expect the Badgers will be out for blood after absolutely blowing an open road to the Big Ten championship last week at Michigan.

2 points: #5 TEXAS (4-0) at Colorado (3-1): Colorado got fat early in the season beating up on Colorado State, Eastern Washington, and a not-so-good West Virginia team. Then they took their show on the road to Florida State last week and got absolutely shellacked. Texas is the real deal and they score points in bunches (they’ve beaten three different opponents by the score of 52-10). I like the Longhorns in the Big XII conference opener for both teams.

1 point: #3 MIZZOU (4-0) at Nebraska (3-1): Nebraska has won 30 straight conference home openers. I’m guessing, however, that the vast majority of those wins did not come against offenses as potent as what Mizzou possesses. The Tigers score nearly at will – they are averaging nearly 54 points a game. The big key for Nebraska if they are to have a change will be to play ball control by running the ball and keep Mizzou’s offense off the field. Mizzou’s going to face a hostile environment in Lincoln to be sure, but they are by far a more talented team than what Nebraska will field.

SEASON RECORD: 36-14

Rev Picks 'Em: Week Four

Ol' Rev' went 7-3 last week, running the season record to a respectable 22-8 mark. Key among the wins last week were a pair of SEC matchups when we took both Georgia (at So. Carolina) and Auburn (at Miss. State) to win on the road. Road wins definitely do not come easy in the SEC - Auburn's brutal 3-2 win in Starkville is evidence of that.

There are some great matchups this week between ranked teams, so the top 25 will see some upheaval after all the games are done. Normally I would be locked in for hours watching football this weekend, but this weekend is unlike any other. I'm probably a bigger golf fan than football, and with the Ryder Cup going on in my backyard, football stands no chance. In fact, I'm watching the Ryder Cup right now, and don't plan to move from the couch until this thing is settled.

I do have some picks for this weekend, which I will be checking on in between holes at Valhalla.

Here you go:

10 points: #13 ALABAMA (3-0) v. Arkansas (2-0): Maybe Bama is this good. Bobby Petrino's Razorbacks have squeaked by in their first two wins, but this will be a major test for them. I like the Tide by about 9 or so.

9 points: Central Florida (1-1) v. BOSTON COLLEGE (1-1): Central Florida played a good game vs. South Florida, but I'm throwing that one out since they were obviously amped up because of the rivalry factor. I'm taking the Eagles at home.

8 points: IOWA (3-0) v. Pittsburgh (1-1): Before this season started, you could easily say this was a matchup of two head coaches battling to keep their jobs. After a 3-0 start, Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz is on marginally better ground than when the season started. Pittsburgh coach Dave Wannstedt, however, still has a ton of critics after letting his Panthers slip out of the top 25. I'll take Iowa in a pinch.

7 points: Notre Dame (2-0) v. MICHIGAN STATE (2-1): Michigan State seems to have had the Irish's number as of late, and I'm not too impressed by ND's win last week vs. a defenseless Michigan at South Bend. Take the Spartans in this one.

6 points: VIRGINIA TECH (2-1) v. North Carolina (2-0): I think the decision to play QB Tyrod Taylor was the right one for Hokies' coach Frank Beamer - his running/improvisational style fits VT style much better than the drop-back play of backup QB Sean Glennon. Butch Davis has the Tarheels looking good, but I think they drop this one in a very close game.

5 points: #4 Florida (2-0) v. TENNESSEE (1-1): Upset special of the week. I have no justification for picking the Vols here because the Gators are clearly the more talented team. However, strange things always seem to happen in this game. Vols win this game late on a long field goal. At least that's what I'm hoping for, or else I'm going to look like an idiot.

4 points: MIAMI (1-1) v. Texas A&M (1-1): This is a toss-up. I keep hoping the 'Canes will reestablish themselves on the national scene, because college football was great when they were the villians everyone tried in vain to beat. Taking the 'Canes in this one.

3 points: #18 Wake Forest (2-0) v. #25 FLORIDA STATE (2-0): Wake announced their arrival as a player in the ACC a couple years back by winning this game convincingly in Tallahassee. However, I sense that FSU is starting to make somewhat of a revival, and I like them in this game at home.

2 points: #6 LSU (2-0) v. #9 Auburn (3-0): It's awfully tough to take Auburn after their game last week. Their defense looked great, no doubt - but as good as the defense was, the offense was equally anemic. They're going to need more than 3 points to compete against LSU this week, and I'm just not convinced they can score enough to keep pace. Taking the Cajun Tigers here.

1 point: #3 GEORGIA (3-0) v. #24 Arizona State (2-1): A lot of pundits have looked to this game as the early season hiccup that trips up Georgia's quest for a national title. Judging by how Georgia played last week against South Carolina, it seemed as if they were looking ahead to this game, so I definitely don't think they'll be caught off guard. I don't like that they have to travel all the way to Arizona, but I think the Dawgs have the firepower to prevail in this matchup.

Season Record: 22-8

The Rev Picks 'Em: Week 2

The Rev's picks are back for week two after posting a good but not great record of 7-3 last week.

A few observations from last week: How surprising/disappointing was Va. Tech's no-show at ECU? It's probably been mentioned over and over, but it's strangely ironic that the Hokies were done in by their special teams unit.

Also, the SEC looked really good, as usual. Alabama absolutely crushed Clemson in one of the marquee games of the weekend. Florida, LSU, South Carolina all opened with week one wins (although the Gamecocks dropped a game last night in conference to Vanderbilt, who is now 2-0). The Big East and ACC? Those guys have got a lot of work to do.

On to the picks:

10 points: Miami (FL) (1-0) at #5 FLORIDA (1-0) - Did any team, save USC, look more impressive in week one than Florida? The Gators absolutely ripped Hawaii in every conceivable way last week. I know because I'm on location in Florida this week and I've seen the replay of the game no less than six times on TV. I'm not picking against them inThe Swamp.

9 points: Miami (OH) (0-1) at MICHIGAN (0-1) - Sooner or later, if I just keep taking Michigan, I know they will win. It's just a matter of time.

8 points: Mississippi (1-0) at #20 WAKE FOREST (1-0) - The Deacons saved some face for the whole ACC by dismantling Baylor at Waco last week. It's tough to take the ACC over the SEC, but considering this is at Wake, I'll give them a slight edge in this tilt.

7 points: Oregon State (0-1) at #19 PENN STATE (1-0) - How many players are left for the Nittany Lions? Imitation is said to be the most sincere form of flattery, but when you're team is trying to imitate the Bengals, things are not so good. Penn State will beat Oregon State because the Beavers are not good - however, the off-field issues will catch up to PSU soon.

6 points: AIR FORCE (1-0) at Wyoming (1-0) - These West Coast games give me fits. Take the service academy - it's the patriotic thing to do.

5 points: #8 WEST VIRGINIA (1-0) at East Carolina (1-0) - How in the world does ECU get two games at home to open the season, against ranked non-conference opponents no less? I liked that WVU QB Pat White threw for 5 TDs last week - how in the world do you defend this guy now?

4 points: NORTHWESTERN (1-0) at Duke (1-0) - Smart people of the world unite! It's tough to pick against Duke considering last week they won their first game in about 30 years ... no, wait, it's still Duke football. Wildcats are winners on the road.

3 points: #18 SOUTH FLORIDA (1-0) at Central Florida (1-0) - The rivalry factor will keep this game close, but I expect the Bulls to pull away late.

2 points: Georgia Tech (1-0) at BOSTON COLLEGE (1-0) - I was tempted to take the Yellow Jackets on the road, but with two starting linebackers out for GT, I just can't see them winning in Chestnut Hill. However, the Ramblin' Wreck surely lived up to their name last week - their sick new option attack is going to cause fits for opponents in the ACC. BC in a squeaker.

1 point: Stanford (1-0) at #14 ARIZONA STATE (1-0) - Coach Dennis Erickson has a good thing going at ASU - they played surprisingly well in a tough PAC-10 last year, and might be establishing themselves as the 2nd best team in the conference behind USC.

Season Record: 7-3

---Posted by the Rev. Shaw Moore

Rev' Picks 'Em: Week One

After a long, hard slog in the desert, college football is back. And with it, the Rev’s weekly picks are back.

Thus kicks off the best time of year. Find a TV, a comfortable chair, lots of refreshing beverages, and sit down and take in all the beauty this weekend. Here we go:

10 points: #15 VIRGINIA TECH (0-0) at East Carolina (0-0): Last year’s ACC champion Virginia Tech will field another strong team this year, led by a strong defensive unit and stellar special teams play. You could probably write that about every Frank Beamer coached team, and it’s a prime reason VT has won 10 or more games four years running – a feat matched only by USC.

9 points: #2 USC (0-0) at Virginia (0-0): The Men of Troy make their way east to beat up on what should be a game but ultimately outmatched Cavaliers squad. Get past this game and all eyes turn to their September 13th match-up with Ohio State in Los Angeles.

8 points: Utah (0-0) at # 24 MICHIGAN (0-0): For Michigan fans’ sake, let’s all hope this one doesn’t end up the way last year’s home opener went.



That’s painful to watch and to listen to.

7 points: Washington (0-0) at # 20 OREGON (0-0): Despite losing QB Dennis Dixon and dynamo RB Jonathan Stewart, Oregon’s a 14 point favorite at home against the Huskies. Part of that is because nobody really expects a lot of great things out of this up-and-down team Ty Willingham has cobbled together at U-Dub. The other part of it is the fact that Autzen Stadium is damn near impossible for visiting teams. When the crowd noise gets around 125 db, as Ducks fans have been known to do, I think your ears start to bleed.

6 points: OKLAHOMA STATE (0-0) at Washington State (0-0): OK State coach Mike Gundy is one year older, so he’s that much more of a man as the 2008 season rolls around. Plus it helps that OK State has a pretty potent offense and WSU is projected to finish at the bottom of the Pac-10. Pokes prevail on the road vs. the Cougars.


5 points: TCU (0-0) at New Mexico (0-0): The Horned Frogs are a 6.5 point favorite on the road and have won three in a row dating back to 2005 vs. the Lobos. Good enough for me.

4 points: Syracuse (0-0) at NORTHWESTERN (0-0): It’s quite an understatement, but coach Greg Robinson’s tenure at Syracuse has been a disaster – he’s 7-28 at three years at the helm. A loss to Northwestern this weekend would make an already bleak season outlook that much worse for the Orange.

3 points: Alabama (0-0) at # 9 CLEMSON (0-0): Clemson enters 2008 with sky-high expectations of capturing an elusive ACC title and berth in the BCS bowl bonanza. Which probably means they will go 8-4. ‘Bama will be better in their second year under Nick Saban (incidentally, if you want to see how your salary stacks up to his, check out this depressing link courtesy of the Birmingham News), but it’s tough to see them really reestablishing themselves as the class of the SEC West just yet. Clemson’s version of Death Valley is a tough place for visitors to play, so I expect the Tigers to prevail in a squeaker.

2 points: Michigan State (0-0) at CAL (0-0): I’m taking Cal because I just don’t know what to make of Michigan State. I think the Spartans will get better as the season rolls along, but this is quite a reach to travel cross country and beat the Bears on their home field. Cal beat up on Tennessee last year when the Vols traveled west; I expect they’ll eke out a close one against MSU this weekend.

1 point: #19 Illinois (0-0) at # 7 MIZZOU (0-0): The Illini and the Tigers renew their cross-river rivalry in the annual edition of the “Bragging Rights” game at the Edwards Jones Dome in St. Louis. This isn’t quite Michigan – Ohio State, but this still a big-time rivalry - loyal reader Greg in St. Louis tells us that this game sold out in about five minutes.

The Illini have high expectations heading in to 2008 and should be a solid second place pick in the Big Ten. Counter that with the prognostication going on in Columbia, where the folks are downright delirious. There’s a lot of hype around this Mizzou football team, and a lot of people think the Tigers can challenge for the national title. This one is too close to call, but since I have to choose, I’ll take the Tigers in a nail-biter.

SEASON RECORD: 0-0

College Pick 'Em: Thanksgiving Edition

The early Thanksgiving edition of college pick’em is here. This week’s theme: in-state rivalries and/or conference championship implications.

For the second straight week, HHR scored with an overall tally of 7-3. After suffering some early season hiccups, we may just have a handle on this crazy football season. Here are the picks:

10 points: Miami (5-6) at BOSTON COLLEGE (9-2): Boston College clinched a spot in the ACC title game with their come-from-behind win at Clemson a week ago. Short of a bad two week stretch, this has been a dream season for the Eagles. A bad Miami team should only offer a tune-up for the well oiled BC machine.

9 points: Connecticut (9-2) at WEST VIRGINIA (9-1): At the start of the season, most pundits assumed WV would be playing for the Big East championship. But UCONN? Nobody saw these guys coming. In only their fourth year as a league member, the Huskies football team has laid aside several would be pretenders to the Big East crown, including South Florida, Rutgers and Louisville. This is undoubtedly the biggest game in UCONN’s history, and a win here would drop WV from the national title chase and catapult the Huskies into the BCS bowl picture.

8 points: Florida State (7-4) at FLORIDA (8-3): College football fans everywhere are hoping the Seminoles reestablish themselves as one of the most dominant and most hated teams in America. Because once upon a time, this was one of the best games in the college football season, hands down.

7 points: Alabama (6-5) at AUBURN (7-4): Alabama enters the Iron Bowl fresh off a devastating, embarrassing loss to Louisiana Monroe. For the $4 million per Nick Saban is getting from the school, I doubt ‘Bama boosters were expecting that kind of performance in return. Auburn has had an up-and-down season of their own, so it’s difficult to predict who has the edge. This is always one of the hardest-hitting games of the season, so it should be fun just to sit back and watch.

6 points: VA TECH (9-2) at Virginia (9-2): I can’t decide whether Virginia is for real or if they’ve just had a lot of good breaks so far this year. One thing I am quite certain of is that Virginia hasn’t beaten the Hokies since 2003, and I don’t see them ending the losing streak this year. By the way, winner goes to the ACC title game to meet Boston College … for as so-so as the ACC has been this year, the VA Tech-BC game from earlier this year was a billing that certainly lived up to the hype.

5 points: Washington State (4-7) at WASHINGTON (4-7): I know this matters to some folks in the Pacific Northwest, but for the sake of the rest of our readers, I’m just moving on …

4 points: CLEMSON (8-3) at South Carolina (6-5): South Carolina must have just given up on the ol’ Ball Coach. They’ve gone from top to bottom in near record time this season. Clemson, on the other hand, looks to be finishing a season strong for once, notwithstanding last week’s come-from-ahead loss to Boston College. This is another classic college grudge match where you just have to throw the records out the window. Since So. Carolina won last year, I’m going to take Clemson to balance things out.

3 points: GEORGIA (9-2) at Georgia Tech (7-4): The way Georgia has been rolling of late, it’s hard to seriously think Georgia Tech has a chance. If anything, this should be a great matchup between two of the best backs in college football, Georgia’s Knowshow Moreno and Georgia Tech’s Tashard Choice. Those two should at least be worth the price of admission.

2 points: Oregon (8-2) at UCLA (5-5): Dennis Dixon: out. Brady Leaf: in. Prognosis: not good for the Ducks.

1 point: MIZZOU (10-1) at Kansas (11-0): This is Armegeddon west of the Mississippi: who would have ever thought these two hated rivals would meet in a game of this magnitude? Basketball, ok, I can believe that. But football? These guys have both been Big XII bottom feeders for a while! In this crazy football seasons, both teams have emerged from the fray with a chance for each to squeeze their way into the national title game. Kansas is still unbeaten while Mizzou suffered their one loss at the hands of Oklahoma.

I’m taking Mizzou, if for no other reason than certain readers in the St. Louis metropolitan area would disown me if I took the Jayhawks. But more importantly, a Mizzou win would complicate the national title race (enter WV? Ohio State? Arizona State?) that much more. There will be a ton of points scored in this one, so sit back and enjoy because this should be one of the more exciting games played this year.

Season Record: 64-47

Rev Picks 'Em: Rivalry Time

My, what a season it has been. Oregon bit the dust last night at Arizona, clearing the way for a new no. 2 next week. That, of course, followed Ohio State’s loss last weekend to Illinois. At this point, the national championship is completely up for grabs. LSU, Kansas, Oklahoma, even West Virginia and Missouri all have a chance to play for the title later this year.

So to put it lightly, this week’s slate of games is going to go a long way towards determining who will remain in the championship hunt and who will have to just settle for going to a bowl.

HHR went 7-3 last week, so we’re on a bit of a winning streak. Here are this week’s picks:

10 points: Iowa State (3-8) at KANSAS (10-0): With Oregon losing last night at Arizona, the Jayhawks will be the no. 2 team when rankings are released on Sunday. That is assuming they will win against a punchless Iowa State team, which they should not have a problem doing. For all the talk about the Jayhawks possibly being left out of the BCS title game, they control their own destiny now. Beat Iowa State, Mizzou, and Oklahoma in the Big XII Championship and they’re in.

9 points: OKLAHOMA (9-1) at Texas Tech (7-4): Like Kansas, Oklahoma seems to control their own destiny too: win out, play for national championship. Simple as that. On the other sideline, things don’t get any easier for the Red Raiders and their cry-baby coach, Mike Leach. Leach was fined a Big XII record $10,000 smackers for complaining about the officiating in last week’s 59-43 loss to Texas. Said Leach:

"I think it's disturbing that Austin residents (referee Randy Christal) are involved in this. People work too hard, too long, there's too much money invested in these games to allow that. Am I condemning the crew? Hell yeah, I'm condemning the crew."

Looks like Leach might be taking media pointers from Red Raiders basketball coach Bobby Knight. While it doesn’t quite surpass Oklahoma State Coach Mike Gundy’s ludicrous “I’m a Man!! I’m 40!!” rant from earlier this year , it’s still pretty good.



8 points: LOUISVILLE (5-5) at South Florida (7-3): Louisville played well in a 38-31 loss at West Virginia last week, despite taking only 22 active defensive players and abandoning the concept of running the ball effectively. But no matter how you cut it, this has been a disappointing season for the Cardinals. It was announced yesterday that starting DE DeAntwan “Peanut” Whitehead’s football career was over after being diagnosed with spinal stenosis, a potentially paralyzing condition where the spinal canal narrows in the neck. He’s the second Card to be diagnosed with the condition and the 4th Card overall to suffer a career-ending injury this year. From a fan’s perspective, I’m hoping against hope that QB Brian Brohm can go out on a high note, so that’s why this game is here.

CLUELESS.



7 points: WEST VIRGINIA (8-1) at Cincinnati (8-2): Mountaineers RB Steve Slaton seems to have regressed over last year’s breakout performance. However, while Slaton may have slipped just a bit, QB Pat White is proving that he is still one of the most electrifying players in college football today (see last week’s game breaking 50 yard TD scamper against Louisville with 1:36 left to play). This game will be tough as Cincy has a hard-hitting defense that will severely test WV’s potent offense. In the end though, the Mountaineers just have too many weapons, and I look for them to squeak by the Bearcats by no more than 6 or 7 points.

6 points: PENN STATE (8-3) at Michigan State (6-5): Michigan State needs this game bad to lock up a bowl berth, but … winning is just not something they do in East Lansing this time of year.



5 points: Kentucky (7-3) at GEORGIA (8-2): UK inexplicably laid an egg against Mississippi State their last time out, all but ending the Cats chances of winning a wide-open SEC East. Now Georgia is in the driver’s seat, and they have revenge on their mind for last year’s loss in Lexington. UGA has hung 40+ points on three straight opponents, including SEC stalwarts Florida and Auburn. The Wildcats better come ready to play or they could be in for a long, long afternoon between the hedges in Athens.

4 points: Boston College (8-2) at CLEMSON (8-2): It hurts my brain to pick Clemson in a game of this magnitude (winner wins the ACC Coastal Division), but I can’t find a reason not to take them at home.

3 points: OREGON STATE (6-4) at Washington State (4-6): I won’t be watching this game. I doubt you will either.

2 points: Maryland (5-5) at FLORIDA STATE (6-4): Five, six, maybe seven years ago, Florida State wins this game by 90 points. Maybe that’s a little high, but you get my point. Now, who knows. Granpda Bowden is definitely asleep at the wheel.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

… and now, for the one point game of the week:

1 point: OHIO STATE (10-1) at Michigan (8-3): With apologies to Dunbar, I’m going with the Bucks tomorrow. I don’t really think he could convince me otherwise, considering how Lloyd Carr’s final year in Ann Arbor has gone.

The Buckeyes blew their chance at getting back to the national championship game, so they’ll have to settle for doing what they do best: beating Michigan. Michigan, on the other hand, needs this game unlike any other. QB Chad Henne skipped the NFL draft with the express purpose of coming back to beat OSU at least one time during his career for the Maize and Blue. By the way, if this game wasn’t already hyped enough, this game will also decide the Big Ten championship and the league’s designee for the Rose Bowl.

I’m not a Big Ten fan, but even I’ll admit: this is bar none the best college football rivalry anywhere in America.

For the record, Michigan leads the all-time series 57-40-6.

HHR’s Season Record: 57-44


-posted by Rev. Shaw Moore

The Rev Picks 'Em: The Road Doggs

HHR went 6-4 again last week. Of the 4 losses, three were decided by five points or less. So inch by inch, I feel that we’re pulling closer and closer back to respectability.

Despite losing four games last week, count me as pleased that Notre Dame was one of the four. I’m not a complete Irish hater, but I think it was absolutely remarkable to see Navy win for once in this series. Anyway, on to this week’s picks. Again, several key matchups are on tap this week, and I feel like I’m sticking my neck out on the line picking so many teams on the road …

"And if you don't like the Rev's picks, I got two words for ya..."

10 points: USC (7-2) at Cal (6-3): Cal’s season has gone from the sublime to the sewer in just a matter of weeks. They’ve lost 3 straight and are staring down no. 4 directly in the face as the Men of Troy invade Berkeley this weekend. USC hasn’t played up to their usual form, what with QB injuries and possible NCAA sanctions coming down the pike, but they are still one of the most talented teams in the country. I think Cal’s spiral downward continues tomorrow with the Trojans winning by 10 points or more.

9 points: KANSAS (9-0) at Oklahoma State (5-4): Just in case you weren’t watching, the Jayhawks hung 76 points on Nebraska last week to win going away. Kansas is 9-0 for the first time in who knows how long and should be 10-0 after this game. However, watching Lou “Mushmouth” Holtz’s pep talk during last night’s UL-WVU game, ol’ coach brought up an interesting point: the best team Kansas has beaten this year already has 4 losses (both Texas A&M and Kansas State).

8 points: FLORIDA (6-3) at South Carolina (6-4): Three weeks ago, the ol’ Ball Coach had So. Carolina sitting pretty atop the SEC East at 6-1. Since then, they’ve dropped three straight to Vandy, Tennessee, and Arkansas to fall right back in the cellar. Florida will keep them there this weekend.

7 points: Connecticut (8-1) at Cincinnati (7-2): Somebody beat UConn, please. I still have a bad taste in my mouth from the fair catch that wasn’t against Louisville. I’m a sore loser.

6 points: AUBURN (7-3) at Georgia (7-2): This game was memorable last year for Auburn QB Brandon Cox suffering a complete physical and mental breakdown against the Dawgs. He completed only 4 of 12 passes for 35 yards, was picked 4 times and had one pick run back for a score. In short, this wasn’t his best game last year.

5 points: Florida State (6-3) at VA TECH (7-2): FSU proved there’s still some life left in the program with last week’s convincing win in Chestnut Hill against previously unbeaten #2 Boston College. However, if this week holds to form, FSU will regress tremendously, turning the ball over at will and letting the Hokies run roughshod over their once-vaunted defense. If I were a betting man, I would stay as far away from this Seminole’s team as possible.

4 points: Texas Tech (7-3) at TEXAS (8-2): Everything’s bigger in Texas, just as the final score will be after this one’s through. “Guns Up” vs. “Hook ‘Em Horns” - lots and lots of points to be scored for sure.

3 points: Illinois (7-3) at OHIO STATE (10-0): In this, the year of the upset, tomorrow’s game could be a huge trap for Ohio State. I have a creeping suspicion that the Zooker and his Illini troops might be able to pull of a shocker here. But for the record, I’m taking the Buckeyes since they’ll be playing at home and with a chance to enter their upcoming game against Michigan undefeated and in the lead for the Big Ten title.

2 points: Wake Forest (6-3) at CLEMSON (7-2): With BC losing last week, the ACC is still up for grabs. By the way, the loser fades off into ACC irrelevancy, which Clemson has branded, trademarked and copyrighted the past several years or so.

1 point: MICHIGAN (8-2) at Wisconsin (7-3): How about Michigan bouncing back from an 0-2 start that would have killed most other teams (see: Notre Dame, 2007 edition). They’re ranked #14 in the country and are tied with Ohio State for top honors in the Big Ten. But like their hated rival Buckeyes, the Wolverines face some kind of a trap game this weekend. Check that – it’s not a trap game, it’s a tough opponent playing at home with nothing left to lose this season. The Wolverines will be in for a big battle in Madison tomorrow.

Season Record: 50-41

Rev's College Pick 'em: Season Closing like the Ponies

We’re getting closer and closer to the end of college football season, so it should come as no surprise that the games get a little bit harder to pick. But the mental gymnastics this slate just put me through have me wishing I was back with Dunbar poring over horse racing sheets. I think the ponies give me a better chance than these games do.

(Which just in case nobody was watching, Dunbar nailed the Breeders’ Cup Classic with his pick on Curlin to win, and the ol’ Rev himself scored on the Distaff with Ginger Punch. Pats on the back welcome and appreciated.)

The picks went 6-4 last week – a win’s a win, but I was hoping and praying it would be much higher than that. There’s nothing else to say except that I continue to be baffled by college football this year.

10 points: Wisconsin (7-2) at OHIO STATE (9-0): I should have more to say about a 10 point game, but O-H-I-O can’t lose right now. Moving on …

9 points: Arizona State (8-0) at OREGON (7-1): Wow – an exciting game in the PAC-10 that does not involve USC. With apologies to some of our readers, it was time for all of us East Coast-loving sports fans to ignore another top ranked team out west. But in all seriousness, the winner of this game could sneak their way in to the national championship game – with a loss or two by other higher-ranked teams, of course.

8 points: MICHIGAN (7-2) at Michigan State (5-4): Michigan State is doing what they always do – start off the season red-hot (read: beat up on non-conference opponents) and then completely fold down the stretch (i.e., resume whipping-boy status in the Big Ten).

7 points: Nebraska (4-5) at KANSAS (8-0): The Bill Callahan Farewell Tour makes its way through Lawrence, KS this weekend. Waiting for them there: an 8-0 Kansas Jayhawks team and their coach Mark Mangino, a charter member of the Ralph Friedgen All-Stars.

(Photo: ku.edu)

6 points: Rutgers (5-3) at UCONN (7-1): I’m only satisfied with an 8, 9 or 10 win season by UConn’s football team if that means their men’s basketball team will completely suck this coming year.

5 points: LSU (7-1) at Alabama (6-2): Alabama coach Nick Saban squares off for the first time against his old team, LSU, in a game that has important implications for the SEC West title. I would not be completely surprised to see ‘Bama spring the upset.

4 points: Cincinnati (6-2) at SO. FLORIDA (6-2): A tale of two teams heading in the wrong direction. Both enter tomorrow’s game sporting two-game conference losing streaks. So for the loser, that will mean a three-game conference losing streak a “Thanks for Playing!” gift basket as they head off to whatever irrelevant bowl is being hosted in boomtowns like Birmingham or El Paso.

3 points: Florida State (5-3) at BOSTON COLLEGE (8-0): Retire already. You know who you are.

2 points: Navy (4-4) at NOTRE DAME (1-7): As much as I would LOVE to see the Middies beat Notre Dame, history is clearly not on their side. Notre Dame has beaten Navy 43 straight times, and will most likely make it 44 on Saturday.

1 point: WAKE FOREST (6-2) at Virginia (7-2): Wake Forest has bounced back nicely after a couple early losses and is still a lurking dark horse in the ACC title picture, for whatever that’s worth. Virginia is right there with them, but they tend to quit when the going gets tough. Just like one of their most famous football alums:

(Photo: Business Week)

Season Record: 44-37

-posted by Rev. Shaw Moore

NCAA Football: Rev. Picks 'em

10 points: OHIO STATE (7-0) at Penn State (6-2): The Buckeyes are rolling right now. Surprise, surprise. No reason to think they’ll be stopped this week.

9 points: California (5-2) at ARIZONA STATE (7-0): Tale of two teams going in opposite directions: Arizona State is as red-hot as any team in the country, while Cal (who figured prominently in the national title race just weeks ago) has lost two straight games. By the way, I love how PAC-10 teams keep taking chances on Dennis Erickson (Wash. St., Oregon St., Arizona St.). Here’s hoping he gets the chance to coach all 10 before he retires. I think that would be a record.

8 points: South Carolina (6-2) at TENNESSEE (4-3): In keeping with the theme of this football season, South Carolina (who was in control of the SEC East division) lost last week to perennial SEC doormat Vanderbilt. As an interesting side note, it was also the Ol’ Ball Coach’s first ever loss to Vandy.

For the second straight week, it looks like a team from the Volunteer State will beat So. Carolina. Close game, but Tennessee prevails at home.

7 points: Kansas (7-0) at TEXAS A&M (6-2): Feel good story Kansas has surprised a bunch of people with their play so far, including yours truly. Texas A&M, meanwhile, seems to have gotten back to what they do best, which is run over people for four quarters.

But even if the Aggies do win this game, is there even the slightest chance coach Dennis Franchione keeps his job after this year? For future reference: a subscription insiders-only newsletter to boosters where you give away publicly undisclosed information about your team is not a good idea, especially when you start losing games and those same boosters leak your illegal newsletter to the media.

6 points: Florida (5-2) at GEORGIA (5-2) (*at Jacksonville): All you need to know - from Wikipedia:

“Due to sensitivity about consumption of alcohol by college students, the (game) is officially known as the Florida-Georgia/Georgia-Florida game (depending on which team is the home team in a given year). Additionally, in May 2006, the Southeastern Conference asked the three networks which broadcast SEC football games not to refer to the game by the moniker "World's Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party," as it conveys a message regarding consumption of alcohol that the schools do not desire.”

5 points: Nebraska (4-4) at TEXAS (6-2): For Bill Callahan, job security does not mean that your new boss is Tom Osborne. Seriously, didn’t you see this one coming from a million miles away?

4 points: SOUTH FLORIDA (6-1) at Connecticut (6-1): The critical play in UConn’s win last week vs. Louisville came when Huskies return man Larry Taylor took a punt back 74 yards for a TD.

The only problem: he signaled for a fair catch on the play. And of course, the crack squad Big East officiating crew blew the call:

Photo: via snickerling at scout.com

There’s no possible way UConn can undo the karmic retribution that is coming their way.

3 points: USC (6-1) at OREGON (6-1): Oregon’s pretty tough to beat at home, or so I’m told.

2 points: West Virginia (6-1) at RUTGERS (5-2): Rutgers owes WVU for last year’s loss in Morgantown. Plus, Scarlet Knight coach Greg Schiano might possibly be a closet homicidal axe murderer with all his sideline wood chopping antics. In fact, I’m convinced of it.

1 point: Michigan State (5-3) at IOWA (3-5): Big Ten crap game of the week. I think this might decide 4th or 5th place in the conference. Fun times!

Season Record: 38-33

-posted by Rev. Shaw Moore

Rev's Pick'em is Back

At this point, I’m glad this is just for kicks and I don’t have any real cash on the line.

Because if I did, I would have thrown myself in front of an oncoming tractor trailer long ago.

The thing is, I think a lot of people probably feel exactly the same about this crazy, convoluted football season. Nothing – and I mean nothing – has really gone according to plan this year.

For instance look at what happened to the top 3 teams over the past week:

Then No. 1 LSU lost at no. 17 Kentucky

The ink wasn’t even dry on the column where I wrote that LSU was very, very good and that “they were, without a doubt, the top team in the country.”

I need to stop writing that crap. Because it always comes back to haunt me.

Then No. 2 California lost at home to Oregon State

Granted, Cal had to play their no. 2 QB in this game because starting QB Nate Longshore was injured.

Still, this is a pretty ridiculous loss. With USC inexplicably getting upset by Stanford a week before, Cal was is the driver’s seat in the PAC-10 race. All they had to do was take care of business against a not-so-good Oregon State team and move on.

USC is officially off the hook. Plus, with the way other top teams keep losing, it is entirely conceivable (gulp) to see them get back in the national title race. Damn it all.

Soon-to-be-dropping No. 2 South Florida lost at Rutgers

The party was going to come to an end sooner or later.

Plus, this might confirm that Piscataway is, in fact, one of the toughest road venues for ranked teams to pull out a win (see: No. 3 Louisville’s loss last year).

Anyway, I’ve come to the conclusion that I should expect the unexpected this college football season. Too bad it’s taken me eight weeks to realize the folly of my ways.

That’s a roundabout way of saying that I went 3-7 on the picks last week.

As for this week’s picks, here you go:

10 points: USC (5-1) at Notre Dame (1-6)

9 points: Auburn (5-2) at LSU (6-1)

8 points: Michigan (5-2) at ILLINOIS (5-2)

7 points: CALIFORNIA (6-1) at UCLA (4-2)

6 points: FLORIDA (4-2) at Kentucky (6-1)

5 points: Michigan State (5-2) at OHIO STATE (7-0)

4 points: PENN STATE (5-2) at Indiana (5-2)

3 points: Texas Tech (6-1) at MISSOURI (5-1)

2 points: Miami (4-3) at FLORIDA STATE (4-2)

1 point: TENNESSEE (4-2) at Alabama (5-2)

Season Record: 32-29

-posted by Rev. Shaw Moore