Football still reigns as king of sports in this country, so even while the postseason of baseball is happening, football will get the higher ratings. But, aside from that, there are some really exciting games in college and the pro game this weekend. College football is really starting its conference games this weekend. College also has four games between ranked opponents. And there are some potential playoff games in the NFL. Now, on to the picks!
College
#14 Texas A&M vs. #18 Arkansas at Arlington, Texas. Noon, ESPN
Both teams are coming off losses last week. Arkansas suffered a blowout to Alabama and A&M blew their lead against Oklahoma State. This game actually could be a preview of the Cotton Bowl in the new year, as both teams are really good, just not BCS worthy. Both teams are looking to rebound, but I think that Arkansas will come out on top with their superior offense.
Pick: Arkansas 29, Texas A&M 20
#15 Baylor at Kansas State, 3:30, ESPN3.com
This game is not being shown in the state of PA, but check your local listings if you are outside the state. Anway, this game is featuring Heisman hopeful Robert Griffin III, who amazingly has more touchdown passes this season 13, than incompletions 12. Kansas State is a fairly surprising 3-0, but with only one of their wins coming against a BCS conference team in Miami. However, Baylor is looking like a legitimate team, with wins against perennial contender TCU, and two other cupcake teams. So, this will give them at least a little bit of a test to see if they could beat teams like Oklahoma State or Texas A&M.
Pick: Baylor 38, Kansas State 20
#13 Clemson at #11 Virginia Tech, 6, ESPN2
Clemson has feasted on some good old fashioned home cooking in Death Valley, with them beating defending champion Auburn and Florida State while getting excellent play from their quarterback Tajh Boyd only throwing one interception and throwing for 13 touchdowns. Virginia Tech meanwhile has feasted on cupcake teams, going 4-0 thus far playing "Beamerball" which is superior defense and special teams while their offense does their job. Clemson will have a huge test here, but I think they'll pass it.
Pick: Clemson 34, Virginia Tech 28
#8 Nebraska at #7 Wisconsin, 8, ABC
Nebraska is having its first Big Ten conference game in a very tough environment, in Camp Randall stadium, at night, which makes the atmosphere even that much more intense. But, Nebraska has the offense to matchup against the Badgers, led by the option and Taylor Martinez, who has 400 plus yards trailed closely by backfield teammate Rex Burkhead. So, Wisconsin will have a tough time trying to deal with the option. But, Nebraska hasn't really been the blackshirt defense that most have come to expect. As Nebraska gave up 29 points to a Fresno State and 38 to a Washington team whose offenses aren't all that good. Wisconsin meanwhile has a Heisman candidate of its own in quarterback Russell Wilson, who is the first really good quarterback that has come into Wisconsin for a while. Wisconsin has been doing just fine, and feasting on cupcake teams. But, I think with Wisconsin being at home, they'll eke out a close win.
Pick: Wisconsin 28, Nebraska 24
#3 Alabama at #12 Florida
Alabama has been the dominant defensive force as advertised, while AJ McCarron has been the steadying hand just like Greg McIlroy was last year. Plus, Trent Richardson has been just as advertised, being a strong runner that he's supposed to be. Florida meanwhile is thriving under new head coach Will Muschamp, and this will be their first really big test. Florida has some really fast wide receiver/running backs in Chris Rainey and Jeff Demps, who if they are in the open field can definitely break one for a touchdown. So, this will be a hard fought SEC battle, with the loser being in dire straits for the National Championship.
Pick: Alabama 23, Florida 21
NFL
Detroit at Dallas, 1, Fox
Dallas is coming off a short week and a lucky victory against division rival Washignton where there were some very poor route running along with some communication and snap problems, which if they commit those kinds of mistakes against this Detroit team will be very costly. As Detroit has been on a roll ever since the start of the season, beating opponents with grit and their defense. Plus, it doesn't hurt that Matthew Stafford has been hooking up with his favorite target, Calvin Johnson on a regular basis.
Pick: Detroit 27, Dallas 17
Pittsburgh at Houston, 1, CBS
Pittsburgh is coming off a grind it out victory against a resilient Indianapolis team which had them kick a field goal in the final minutes to win it. Houston is coming off a shootout loss to New Orleans. Houston and Pittsburgh have very differing styles, with Houston having a great offense and especially running game with Arian Foster and Ben Tate leading the way. Then Pittsburgh and its blitzing scheme led by their four great linebackers. Both teams are still trying to prove themselves, and this could be a turning point in both of their seasons, as one will improve to 3-1, with the other falling to 2-2. With Houston being at home, I think they'll have the advantage.
Pick: Houston 34, Pittsburgh 30
San Francisco at Philadelphia, 1, Fox
San Francisco is coming out east for the second straight week, playing a grind it out game against Cincinatti last week, winning 13-8. Philadelphia meanwhile, is coming off its second straight loss, which is having some fans already nearing the panic button. San Francisco has some good defensive linemen along with perhaps the best linebacker in the league, Patrick Willis. So, Philadelphia needs to try and protect Michael Vick before he continues to pile up more injuries. I think with the time difference, the Eagles will summon up the energy to protect Vick and will win to improve their record to 2-2.
Pick: Philly 28, San Fran 13
New England at Oakland, 4:15, CBS
Oakland is coming off a very nice victory over AFC runner up New York, to improve their record to 2-1, which could be 3-0 if they hadn't blown a lead to surprising Buffalo. Speaking of Buffalo, they came back again versus their nemesis and division rival New England. So, while Oakland may start to be turning it around, they'll be facing an angry New England team, which is quite good after losses under Bill Belichick.
Pick: New England 42, Oakland 24
New York Jets at Baltimore, 8:20, NBC
This was a hard hitting, low scoring opening night game last season, and expect nothing different this time around. Both teams feature great defenses, and great running games. So, expect this game to feature few touchdowns, many field goals, and A LOT of punting. It's going to be a good game to watch if you're a fan of old fashioned old school football.
Pick: Baltimore 13, New York 10
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