College Football Picks

Well it was another winning week for my predictions in the Back Yard Blog. Sure, I had a couple games pegged wrong (thank you Georgia and Georgia Tech) but in the long run things turned out pretty well. So here's hoping I stay on a roll. Daddy needs a new case of beer. And if I lead you astray and lose you some money, please don't do this to me.



Vanderbilt at Mississippi -11 1/2
I know Vandy is playing under an interim head coach and going on the road but I think 11 1/2 is way too much for an Ole Miss team that lost to Jacksonville State a couple weeks ago. I like the Commodores to keep this close.

Indiana -11 1/2 at Western Kentucky
Indiana may be the worst team in the Big Ten but Western Kentucky is the worst team in Division 1 college football (FBS or FCS). The Hilltoppers lost to Nebraska by 49 and to Kentucky by 33. I think Indiana can muster a 12-point win.

Iowa - 2 at Arizona
As I stated yesterday Nick Foles has Zona's offense playing to perfection but the Wildcats haven't faced a defense as good as Iowa's since the Holiday Bowl against Nebraska and in that game the Blackshirts held Foles to 33 yards. I like Iowa to win this thing by more than a field goal.

Notre Dame at Michigan State -3 1/2
I'm not trying to pile on against Notre Dame but I liked what I saw in Michigan State when they visited the Alamo Bowl last year and I liked what I've seen from them this year. I think Sparty can get this done by a touchdown at home

Clemson at Auburn - 6.5
Dabo Swinney may have Clemson in better shape than Tommy Tuberville did but Auburn has already proved themselves with a tough road win this season and QB Cam Newton is multi purpose threat. I like Auburn at home.

Maryland at West Virginia -11
It seems like the Ralph Friedgen era is grinding to a halt in College Park, while West Virginia continues to be a consistent threat for the Big East title. True, the Moutaineers struggled against Marshall last week but I like them to bounce back at home this week.

Northwestern -6 1/2 at Rice
Two smart schools get it on and Northwestern already has experience in that endevour this year with a Week 1 road win against Vandy. I'll take the Wildcats by 10 points on the road in this one.

Arizona State at Wisconsin - 14
Wisconsin hasn't exactly blown out their competition thus far this year but they have the talent to with tailback John Clay, WR Nick Toon and a decent defense. I like the Badgers to win big in this one.

Alabama - 23 1/2 at Duke
Bama gets Heisman winner Mark Ingram back this week (like they need him) and DE Michael Dareus. With tons of Bama fans buying the priced to go $200 Duke season tickets expect to see more Crimson Tide in the stands than blue. I'll take Bama by maybe 5 TDs.