This week brings us an incredibly weak set of college games, which is perhaps why ESPN's venerable "College Gameday" is headed to a Division 1-AA school in Fargo. But, I still have to pick five games from this week's schedule to pick. Then, in the NFL, there are some pretty good match ups I have in my mind. The first is tonight. Now, on to the picks!
College
No. 3 Clemson at NC State, tonight, 7:30, ESPN
This game could be a trap game for Clemson, as the last time a number three ranked team went into NC State lost. Clemson has played very well so far, but both of those have been at home. NC State has also played pretty well, but again, their schedule dictated they played well, as they played very weak opponents. But, I'm still going with the upset and Clemson's national title dreams go up in smoke.
Pick: NC State 31, Clemson 26
Boise State at Fresno State, Friday, 9, ESPN
This game is probably the marquee game of the Mountain West season, and will help determine the Mountain West champion. Boise started out the season with an incredibly disappointing loss at Washington where they got blown out. But, have since rebounded to win their next two games. Fresno meanwhile won their first game against a power six school in Rutgers in a shootout. So, this game should be another shootout, as both defenses are not that good.
Pick: Boise State 48, Fresno State 43
Kent State at Penn State, 3:30, BTN
Penn State isn't going to lose two in a row, especially against the likes of MAC competition like Kent State. Expect a blowout.
Pick: Penn State 38, Kent State 13
Michigan State at No. 22 Notre Dame, 3:30, NBC
This is a rivalry game, and it should be a good one. Notre Dame and Michigan State have pretty good defenses, and Michigan State is bringing in an inexperienced quarterback. So, this should be low scoring and hard fought.
Pick: Notre Dame 24, Michigan State 20
No. 23 Arizona State at No. 5 Stanford, 7, Fox
This is the only game between ranked teams this week. Tells you how weak this week's schedule is on the college side. So, do yourself a favor and go out this week, not going to kill you to miss this week. But, go with Stanford, they are one of the top two teams in the Pac-12, along with Oregon, and have not unleashed their true potential yet. It'll be unleashed here.
Pick: Stanford 45, Arizona State 31
NFL (All Games on Sunday unless otherwise noted)
Kansas City at Philly, tonight, 8:30, NFLN/6ABC (Philly market)
This game is going to be a very emotional one, and should be pretty darn good too. The reason why it's emotional? Philly's coach of the past 14 seasons comes back and Donovan McNabb, the controversial quarterback is getting inducted into the Eagles ring of honor. Fans should be cheering prior to kickoff, seeing as how Reid brought a doormat of a team back into relevancy in his tenure, and McNabb led the team in so many categories and got them to the NFC Championship game five times in his tenure. Granted, they never won a Super Bowl together, but thank them for bringing this team back into the national picture. Now, on to the game itself. Kansas City has flourished under Reid and their new quarterback, Alex Smith so far this season. They've already matched their win total from all of last season and are looking great on both sides of the ball. Philly needs this game in order to push them back upright after taking a step back during last week's game against San Diego. Philly needs to be sure they will push the tempo and make Kansas City's defense weak as they run up and down the field. Problem is that Andy Reid knows this Eagles personnel better than anyone, and will find weaknesses wherever possible. It'll be a good game, and a tight one.
Pick: Philly 38, Kansas City 34
Green Bay at Cincy, 1, Fox
Both teams are coming off nice wins, but both were against fairly weak competition. So, look at week one, and both were losses against very good NFC teams. I think both teams are probably in the second tier of their respective conferences, but it'll still be a very good game. I think Green Bay needs this win more, as they have Chicago in their division, who very well could be the class of the division.
Pick: Green Bay 27, Cincy 21
Houston at Baltimore, 1, CBS
This game is going to be very good. Baltimore needs to prove to everyone that they still are really good, as they only won last week's game against Cleveland by a touchdown. Houston has won each of their first two games either in overtime or in the waning seconds of the game. Houston also played two weak opponents. Now, if only Matt Schaub could put together a complete game, as in the first half, he has not played all that well, while in second half he has played very well. Look for Baltimore to come back strong as well.
Pick: Houston 28, Baltimore 24
Atlanta at Miami, 4, Fox
Miami is pretty good this season believe it or not. Miami has started out with two road wins, and most notably against Indianapolis last week. Miami also needs to build upon this confidence, as they have tough games coming up these next few weeks as well. Atlanta is coming off a win against St. Louis, and they lost five starters that game, so it will be a tough game for the Falcons.
Pick: Miami 31, Atlanta 20
Indianapolis at San Francisco, 4:25, CBS
San Francisco is coming off an embarrassing loss at Seattle last week where they gave up 29 points and committed a ton of penalties. They cannot have that kind of performance again, and there is no chance that will happen. San Francisco will come out angry and determined this week. Look for a blowout performance.
Pick: San Francisco 45, Indy 28
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