Week 9 CFB Picks

Last week was a good recovery week for me after the preceding debacle. This week presents a good number of what I consider elimination games, especially in the Pac-10 where the top four teams square off in what might as well be a playoff for the conference title, and maybe a national title shot. Gotta love the balanced conference schedule.

Pack it in 10

California (+3.5) over ARIZONA STATE - Cal won on the road at Oregon, and will bounce back behind a healthy Longshore. Arizona State hasn't played anyone and has no big game experience.

OREGON (-2.5) over Usc - Oregon is the better team and the home field advantage will help. USC hasn't impressed since beating Nebraska, and the Huskers have since given up 35+ to Ball St, Missouri, and Texas A&M. That 42-10 whooping isn't as impressive any more.

National championship hopes?

Ohio State (-3.5) over PENN STATE - I keep underestimating Penn St on the wrong weeks, but I really don't think they have enough offense to get on the board in this one. Purdue's offense is much better than PSU's, and they got 7.

VIRGINIA TECH (-3.5) over Boston College - Never bet against VT in a big night game at home. They find a way to win, even without an offense. BC won't be able to run, and maybe Matt Ryan cracks a little under pressure.

TEXAS A&M (+2) over Kansas - The dream ends here, as Javorski Lane hits Kansas in the mouth.

SEC Eliminators

TENNESSEE (-3) over South Carolina - The old ball coach has an overrated team, and this game will look similar to the UGA at Tenn matchup.

Florida (-9.5) over Georgia - Florida can match Georgia's physical strength, and UGA doesn't have the skill players to win the cocktail party in Jacksonville.

Random Big East and ACC

South Florida (-5.5) over UCONN - USF beat Auburn on the road. I don't think UConn has enough, and their undefeated conference record will be spoiled by the better team.

West Virginia (-6.5) over RUTGERS - WVA has flown under the radar since losing at USF, but just crushed a physically tough Miss St team. Rutgers will have the same fate, especially if Teel looks like he did against USF. WVa will watch for all the fakes.

MARYLAND (+3.5) over Clemson - Pure prayer here. At least Clemson plays soft on the road sometimes.

Virginia (-3) over NC STATE - I know UVa likes to win close games, but NCSt won't be able to keep this one close.

Last week: 7-3
Season: 26-29-1