This week yet again brings a fairly weak packaging of games both in the NFL and in college. Hey, I did a MAC game, and am doing a WAC game, that's how bad it is. Then, in the NFL, not many key match ups or intriguing games, so it will be fairly short previews. Then, in the NFL, the last three games are very much intriguing, but what else do you choose from in a schedule which has pretty much zero intriguing games prior to them? Now, for my record, finished .500 again, so if you're a gambler, don't listen to my picks! 2-3 in college, 3-2 in the NFL.
College
#18 USC at #17 UCLA, 3, Fox
The Bruins are rejuvenated this season under new head coach Jim Mora Jr. They are playing for a shot to go to their second consecutive Pac-12 title game. UCLA only went to the first one because the rest of the PAC-12 South stunk and because USC couldn't go due to NCAA violations. But, they are also looking to beat USC for only the second time since 1999, as USC has been just so dominating during the Carroll and now Kiffin era. The Bruins also would like to seek revenge after their humiliating loss last season which got Rick Neuheisel fired. They can do that if they continue their dominance in the takeaway game, creating 25 thus far this season. USC, meanwhile just needs to not shoot themselves in the foot and take care of business. USC winning the PAC-12 South crown would bring a measure of solace in an otherwise disappointing season, seeing as how Matt Barkley and the Trojans were supposed to be Heisman and title contenders coming into this year. USC has struggled mightily against ranked teams, and on the road, and this game is technically a road game, go with the Bruins.
Pick: Bruins 34, SC 30
Utah State at #20 Louisiana Tech, 4, ESPN3
Yes, I'm choosing a WAC game, along with a MAC game. Only reason being is that this game is essentially for the WAC title and if Louisiana Tech wins, they still have an outside shot at crashing the BCS party which would be pretty neat. So, with that said, there is no question where I'm going with this pick.
Pick: Louisiana Tech 26, Utah State 21
#1 K-State at Baylor, 8, ESPN
Baylor really isn't that bad of a team, their five losses have come by an average of seven points when you throw out the game they had against TCU which just destroyed them. Baylor's biggest problem is their defense, which is horrific, giving up nearly 40 points a game. So, their offense must compensate, which is really hard to do. Nick Florence, the guy who is replacing Robert Griffin III, is doing an excellent job, throwing twice as many touchdowns as interceptions, and keeping his team in ball games, which is what he has to do with such an anemic defense. The hope for Notre Dame fans such as myself is that K-State has lost its last two trips at Baylor, but that's when the Bears had RG3. But, since Baylor and K-State just have amazing offenses, go with a shootout and a K-State win.
Pick: K-State 54, Baylor 51
#13 Stanford at #2 Oregon, 8, ABC
Stanford is starting Kevin Hogan, who is making his second collegiate start. This time it's much different than when he was at home, where he performed very well. It's in a hostile environment, where Oregon thrives. Plus, College Gameday is there, which will make the crowd even more hostile and loud. Finally, Oregon is just too fast and has too many weapons to guard against to even make this a remote possibility of an upset.
Pick: Oregon 52, Stanford 31
NFL
Green Bay at Detroit, 1, Fox
Green Bay is coming off a bye, and Detroit is coming off a loss. Green Bay has won four straight, Detroit has been inconsistent the entire season. Pick the Pack in a rout.
Pick: Green Bay 41, Detroit 14
San Diego at Denver, 4:25, CBS
Denver has been playing better week by week, San Diego has not. Denver has Peyton Manning, who keeps getting better. San Diego has Philip Rivers who continues to struggle with interceptions. Denver has a really solid defense, San Diego does not.
Pick: Denver 31, San Diego 13
Indianapolis at New England, 4:25, CBS
If Peyton Manning was still in Indianapolis, this game would be the featured game for CBS, but Andrew Luck is now the quarterback in Indy, and leading the Colts to a surprising 6-3 record. But, he is now going into New England and facing the best defense he has seen all year. Don't be surprised either way with Luck. If he ekes out a victory or if he loses big and gets intercepted multiple times, as he is a rookie, but a very talented one. New England is still a dangerous team and one which should make noise in the playoffs.
Pick: New England 31, Indianapolis 13
Baltimore at Pittsburgh, 8:20, NBC
These two teams hate each other. And I do mean hate. This is a classic rivalry smashmouth type of football game. Both teams love to run the football, both teams love their defense. And, both leaders on each team are out due to injury. Ray Lewis from Baltimore and Ben Roethlisberger from Pittsburgh. So, this game really is a toss up, but give the edge to Pittsburgh because they need this game to tie up the standings with Baltimore and because they're at home.
Pick: Pittsburgh 14, Baltimore 12
Chicago at San Francisco, 8:30, Monday, ESPN
Both teams thrive on their defense. Both teams pride themselves on defense, and both teams quarterbacks are out. So, this really will be a game of defense, keep the scoring very low, and enjoy the big hits and the linebacking corps.
Pick: San Francisco 13, Chicago 10
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