Last week i went 2-3 in both the collegiate level and pros with my picks. Shows you what happens when you gloat about your greatness in picking sporting events. But, I'm looking to be back to around a 70 percent range this week.
College
No. 1 Ohio State vs.No. 16 Wisconsin
This is a tough game for Ohio State. They really haven't faced too much tough competition outside of their game versus Miami in week 2. Plus, this is only the second time they are playing on the road. Not only that, but a conference game on the road in primetime. That can very well spell disaster for a team who could be full of itself after climbing to its first number 1 ranking in over two years. Plus, Ohio State didn't play too well at Illinois, their only other road game this year. John Clay will run all over the Buckeye defense in this one.
Pick: Wisconsin 24, Ohio St. 17
Texas vs. No. 5 Nebraska
Nebraska wants to play Texas and beat them badly while on their farewell tour of the Big 12. Nebraska wants to beat the Longhorns badly because of Texas' luck during last year's title game that Nebraska should have won. There was a second put back on the clock in the game and Texas kicked a game winning field goal as that happened. Texas is a significantly weaker team this year and there is no way they can stop Taylor Martinez in this game.
Pick: Nebraska 38, Texas 20
No. 13 Arkansas vs. No. 7 Auburn
Probably the premier game on the docket this week, as both teams are fighting for the second spot in the SEC's western division. Auburn is looking to continue to run the ball and control the clock with Cam Newton. But, they narrowly escaped Kentucky last week when they ran out the clock to win the game. Arkansas is coming in off of a bye week and they are certainly looking to continue to try and make the SEC title game after their close loss to Alabama a few weeks ago.
Pick: Arkansas 28, Auburn 23
No. 24 Michigan at No. 14 Iowa
Denard Robinson struggled last week against a stout Michigan State defense who contained him, forced him to throw a lot more than usual and was rewarded with three interceptions. This week he faces an even better defense at Iowa which will spell a lot of trouble for "Shoelace" Robinson. Plus, the Michigan defense is incredibly porous, so even Iowa can put up plenty of points.
Pick: Iowa 31, Michigan 13
No. 18 Oklahoma State at Texas Tech
Oklahoma State has been a nice story thus far in the college football season, but I don't know how many more tricks they can pull out of their hat. Texas Tech on the other hand tried a surprise onside kick and it got returned for a touchdown versus Baylor. I'm not sure which team to pick here, it's going to be highly entertaining though. Both teams defenses are not very good and both teams offenses are very good.
Pick: Oklahoma State 45, Texas Tech 41
Pro
Miami at Green Bay
Both teams are coming into this game struggling, as Miami has lost two straight at home versus fellow AFC east rivals New England and New York. Green Bay is looking to come back after a loss at fellow division leader Washington. Green Bay is thankful that Aaron Rodgers has been cleared to play in the game following the concussion he suffered at Washington. Miami has looked good on the road and they are coming off of a bye, so that is a recipe for success.
Pick: Miami 21, Green Bay 16
Atlanta at Philadelphia
While Michael Vick would love to decimate his former team like he did last year in Atlanta, Vick cannot this year because of broken rib cartilage. So, Kevin Kolb will make his second consecutive start, and try to pick up where he left off last week in San Francisco. Kolb threw for 253 yards and a touchdown last week in the winning effort. Granted Atlanta is a lot better than San Francisco, as noticed by their four game winning streak. Matt Ryan and Michael Turner will be a tough test for the Eagles defense, but they will limit yardage and pull out the win.
Pick: Philadelphia 24, Atlanta 20
Baltimore at New England
This is going to be one dandy of a game and could be a preview of the AFC title game. New England will be having their first game since they traded Randy Moss, and we will see if the Patriots really miss his presence on the field. Baltimore has looked very good in every game except their game versus Cincinnati, where they lost. Baltimore has looked especially good on the ground, with Ray Rice and Willis McGahee carrying the load. New England will look to exact revenge on the Ravens for handing them their only loss at home while Brady has been at the helm.
Pick: New England 24, Baltimore 23
Dallas at Minnesota
Minnesota and Dallas have been true disappointments this year and look like a shell of their former selves last year when they met in the NFC divisional playoffs. Dallas is coming in off a tough game versus Tennessee and Minnesota is coming on off of a tough game versus the Jets in a rainstorm. Both teams can ill afford a loss, as only five teams have made it to the playoffs since 1992 starting the season 1-4 and only three even won a game in the playoffs. It's still hard at 2-3, but still manageable. Since Minnesota is at home, that is the only reason to go for them.
Pick: Minnesota 27, Dallas 14
Tennessee at Jacksonville
As mentioned in the AFC South preview column, this division is the toughest in all of the NFL. There really are no easy games and you can expect some tough grind it out football here. Jacksonville, while tarping off about 10,000 seats still has trouble selling out game but they are very competitive. They started out the season rough losing 2 of their first 3, but have bounced back taking down Indianapolis at home and then trashing the pathetic Bills in Buffalo. They have of course done that damage behind shifty running back Maurice Jones-Drew, who has over 400 yards rushing and two touchdowns. But, the Jags can also look to standout tight end Marcedes Lewis for some red zone receptions along with Mike Sims-Walker who can help with fade routes.
Tennessee is coming in off their big win versus Dallas and wants to take control of the divisional lead with Chris Johnson who had a bounce back week versus Dallas. The Titans would love to continue using Vince Young and just allow him to win games no matter how he does it, the Titans always seem to be able to win with him at the helm.
Pick: Tennessee 26, Jacksonville 17
Enjoy the weekend full of baseball and football!
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