This week doesn't provide much in the way of really quality games in either the college or pro ranks, so, this would be a good weekend to get stuff done around the house or something other than watch football. But, the picks and previews must go on! And, for those wondering, my record last week in the college ranks was 2-3, and in the NFL it was 3-2, so it was overall a .500 week for me, the worst record I've had thus far. Here's hoping for improvement in the picks this week!
College
#10 Florida State at Virginia Tech, Thursday, 7:30, ESPN
This game very well could be an upset game for Florida State. The reason being is that while Virginia Tech is a huge disappointment this season, don't forget that this team represented the ACC Coastal in the ACC title game last season. And, Florida State, going into a hostile environment in Lane Stadium on a Thursday night, is always a risky proposition for the opposing team. So, while Logan Thomas and the Virginia Tech offense may not be the most efficient bunch this season, they are still dangerous. Florida State really has to be careful, but I think they'll take care of business.
Pick: Florida State 24, Virginia Tech 23
#11 Oregon State at #14 Stanford, 3, Fox
This game should prove to be very interesting, as while for now it is for second place in the Pac-12 North division, each team needs this victory in order to even have a shot for the North division crown when it plays unbeaten Oregon. Oregon is the last team on State's schedule, and Stanford faces Oregon next week in Eugene, so they really need redshirt freshman Kevin Hogan in his first start to be spectacular. Hogan entered last week's game against the worst BCS team in the nation in Colorado, and played well, throwing for over 180 yards, and running for nearly 50, but it was against Colorado, so those numbers are inflated. And, then for Oregon State, they start Cody Vaz, who is replacing 2 year starter Sean Mannion, who went down with an injury. But, both quarterbacks will be on display, as these teams feature great run defenses. So, even though Vaz is slightly more experienced, by a few games, go with the Beavs.
Pick: Oregon State 28, Stanford 24
#15 Texas A&M at #1 Alabama, 3:30, CBS
Alabama's defense will destroy A&M's freshman sensation quarterback Jonny Manziel. They are that dominant and good.
Pick: Bama 38, A&M 14
#2 K-State at TCU, 7, Fox
Kansas State doesn't know if it will have the services of leading Heisman candidate Collin "Optimus" Klein due to an undisclosed injury. And, since he makes up most of Kansas State's offense, it's a tough pick. But, allow me not to forget K-State's defense, who has held all of its opponents to 24 points or fewer in each of its games. TCU is no slouch when it comes to offense though, having put up a maximum of 53 points on the season. And, since this game is at TCU, go with the upset, even if Klein plays.
Pick: TCU 34, K-State 21
#21 Mississippi State at #7 LSU, 7:30, ESPN
Mississippi State goes out of the top 25 this week with its third consecutive loss. LSU just can't lose two in a row with amazing defense.
Pick: LSU 41, Mississippi State 20
NFL
San Diego at Tampa Bay, 1, CBS
This game is very intriguing, especially from a fantasy perspective, as you want to see whether Tampa running back Doug Martin can continue his impressive performances. But, also to see if Tampa made a wise investment in Vincent Jackson, whom San Diego wouldn't let go of last year. So, expect Martin and Jackson to play very well. Plus, San Diego is traveling cross country for a 1 eastern game. Those west coast teams playing cross country have a difficult time.
Pick: Tampa 24, San Diego 13
Detroit at Minnesota, 1, Fox
Minnesota has slowed down ever since they're fast start, losing 2/3 games. But, Detroit is going in the opposite direction, winning 3/4 games. Plus, Detroit is looking for revenge after losing to Minnesota in week 4. Finally, Detroit needs to try and get back to getting the ball to Calvin Johnson, who mysteriously has zero touchdown catches this year.
Pick: Detroit 21, Minnesota 16
Atlanta at New Orleans, 1 Fox
Atlanta is coming off a disappointing victory against Dallas only winning by six, and only scoring one touchdown. Granted, a win is still a win, but it was an ugly win. New Orleans meanwhile is coming off a victory against a horrible Eagles team, and have been improving since they started out 0-4. So, go with the Saints in an upset.
Pick: New Orleans 34, Atlanta 21
Dallas at Philadelphia, 4:25 Fox
Philadelphia's offensive line is awful, the defense has gotten worse, and it is thankfully the final eight games of Andy Reid's tenure as head coach of the Eagles. And, since I've given up on this season, go with the Cowboys even though they also suck.
Pick: Dallas 24, Philadelphia 21
Houston at Chicago, 8:20, NBC
This is the premier game of the week, two 7-1 teams going at it. Both teams feature really good defenses, and offenses. Especially the running backs, Arian Foster and Matt Forte are some of the best in the league. This should be one fantastic game which goes down to the end. IT is too close to call.
Pick: Chicago 26, Houston 24
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