10 Best Football Games Week 11!

Well, with this week, there are only three more weeks in the college football regular season and then we will see who will play for the national championship in Glendale on December 5.  Then, we are in November in the NFL,  which means its time to separate the contenders from the pretenders.
There are the rumors floating around Auburn's embattled quarterback Cam Newton, and there is reason why he should be investigated.  But, have we forgotten about the whole "innocent until proven guilty" thing?  Because, as far as anyone for sure knows, Newton is still innocent, but the media and the country as a whole, have already tabbed this kid for being guilty of accepting offers to get paid to play for their university.  That should not be forgotten, so as far as I know, and if I was a Heisman voter, I would still vote for Newton, and if he turns out to be guilty, I may have wasted my vote, but I still think he's the best player in Division 1-A.
The other hot topic this week has to do with two college games being played in baseball stadiums, as Illinois plays at Northwestern in the friendly confines of Wrigley Field and Notre Dame and Army try to awaken the ghosts of old Yankee Stadium while playing in the new palace of new Yankee Stadium.  Both fields are incredibly tight fits, as the east endzone at Wrigley is six inches from the brick wall, granted padded brick wall, and the goalpost had to be bolted to the wall in right, as there were no other alternatives.  I think that both are great for college football, as it creates buzz which probably would not be created otherwise if these teams were playing on their regular stadiums.  Plus, if engineers and everyone else says it's safe to play, then let the kids play and have fun.  If there are injuries caused by the close quarters, then it will be re-examined, otherwise, it should be fun to watch.  Now, on to the ten best football games of the week!

College

No. 9 Ohio State at No. 20 Iowa

This game looked far more appealing a week ago than it does today.  Iowa is coming off a loss at Northwestern which always seems to have their number, and is now completely out of the Big Ten title race.  If this game were played last week, then we;d be talking about a potential Big Ten title or BCS berth on the line for both teams.  Now, it is only one, with Ohio State being the potential team left out of the BCS with a loss here.  Plus, Ohio State is very beatable, as Penn State was leading at the half last week until Ohio State trounced them.  Go with Iowa, as they try to rebound and get revenge on last season's loss.

Pick:  Iowa 26, Ohio State 20

No. 8 Nebraska at No. 19 Texas A&M

This could be a preview of the Big 12 title game if everything falls right.  Texas A&M can light up the scoreboard versus anyone, even the "blackshirts" of Nebraska.  Plus, Nebraska has been unable to stop a similar offense in Oklahoma State, and they could not even stop mighty Iowa State team, who both put up 30 or more points.  However, Nebraska is still an incredibly talented team and would be in the national title conversation had they not slipped up against a very mediocre Texas team earlier in the year.  So, go with the Cornhuskers.

Pick:  Nebraska 42, Texas A&M 38


No. 16 Virginia Tech at No. 24 Miami (FL)

This is a game which awakes the games of past which often decided the Big East title when both teams were loacted there.  Now, it will not decide the entire conference, but will decide who goes to the ACC Championship game.  Miami is a tricky team to figure out, as they will continuously fool you to believe that they are good, but then let you down, as I think will happen here.  Virginia Tech has reeled off eight victories in a row after their opening two losses to Boise State and James Madison.  Expect Tyrod Taylor and the Hokies to continue their winning ways.


Pick:  Virginia Tech 24, Miami (FL) 19

No. 13 Arkansas at No. 21 Mississippi State

The SEC West is so strong this season, as five of the six teams from that division are ranked, and it has been a dog fight, which makes it even more surprising that Auburn is undefeated coming from the SEC.  Mississippi State has been a surprise team coming from the division and seem to be gaining footing with recruiting and such with Dan Mullen and his resume from Florida.  Arkansas would also have a Heisman candidate with Ryan Mallett had they not lost to Alabama and Auburn.  This will be a really good game, and I expect Mississippi State to pull this one out at home on senior day.

Pick:  Mississippi State 34, Arkansas 23

No. 25 Florida State at Maryland

Freaky week in college football, as there are not one, but two ACC games which are worthy of this column this week shockingly enough.  As mentioned earlier, the Virginia Tech/Miami game will determine the winner of the Coastal division, and this one may determine the winner of the Atlantic division.  Maryland was picked last in most preview magazines, and have probably saved Ralph Friedgen's job this season with their performance.  Maryland is at home, at night, on national television (ABC) for the first time in a few years, they'll get the job done against a reeling Seminole team.

Pick: Maryland 34, Florida State 17

NFL


Chicago at Miami

While many would consider Chicago to be a fraudulent 6-3 team, the fact is they are still 6-3 and on top of the NFC North.  Chicago has done it with a makeshift offensive line and then with the two pedigrees of a winning team: running game and defense.  Miami is down to its third string quarterback Tyler Thigpen and then signed (gulp) Patrick Ramsey as their backup this week to replace both Chad Henne and Chad Pennington who both ended their seasons, and for the latter Chad probably his career last week.  Miami finally won a game at home last week with some good defense and the wildcat.  As with most Thursday games, take the home team.


Pick:  Miami 24, Chicago 20


Oakland at Pittsburgh

However shocking this is, it's true, the Oakland Raiders are in first place.  Believe it or not, that is true after ten weeks in the NFL in 2010.  The past eight seasons have been essentially pure hell for the Raiders and their fans, but they now seem to be working well with Tom Cable as the head coach.  Then, there is Pittsburgh and Ben Roethlisberger who seems to pump fake on every throw and it caused him a lot of trouble last week, as the Patriots sacked Roethlisberger five times, all on pump fakes which he does not need to make.  Pittsburgh will need to have Roethlisberger get rid of the ball earlier and have Rashard Mendenhall set the table early for them to win.  Pittsburgh also will need to have their new kicker actually make a few field goals, as Jeff Reed was just around 66% before the Steelers released him this week.  Oakland will have to play a 10 a.m. local time game, so that is going against them even coming off a bye week, so take the Steelers.

Pick: Pittsburgh 26, Oakland 21

Atlanta at St. Louis

Atlanta is coming off a big victory last week over the Ravens which put them in the drivers seat for the NFC's number one seed and home field throughout the playoffs.  St. Louis is coming off a tough loss at San Francisco, where they lost in overtime.  St. Louis cannot let that game stick in their heads this week, as they do have the NFC leading Falcons coming to town.  St. Louis and Sam Bradford I think will come back from that tough loss to beat the Falcons this week, as they are at home, and when dealing with the NFC West, normally take the home team and it should be a victory.


Pick: St. Louis 30, Atlanta 28

Indianapolis at New England

The classic rivalry of the decade is back, with New England trying to avenge its loss and horrible decision from last year when Belichick decided to go for it from his own 24 with two minutes left.  Indianapolis is looking like a down team this season, as they are without a few key cogs in their offense, and their defense just hasn't been the same this season.  New England is coming off a big win in Pittsburgh last week on Sunday night, and I think as the momentum to pull out another close win.

Pick:  New England 34, Indianapolis 33

New York Giants at Philadelphia

Game of the week, no question, as both teams are vying for the top spot in the NFC East and quite possibly the entire NFC.  Philadelphia is coming off a complete and utter destruction after defeating the Redskins 59-28 on Monday, and Mike Vick is looking completely unstoppable at the moment.  New York is coming off a stunning loss at home to the lowly Cowboys, and losing convincingly 33-20.  New York was considered a top five team going into the game, and now could be considered outside of the top ten now.  But, Tom Coughlin will regroup his team and get them ready to play.  Philadelphia historically has had difficulty on Sunday Night, but I think with Vick in at quarterback, they will play tough and eek out a win.

Pick:  Philadelphia 31, New York 28

Enjoy the weekend!