Okay, I finally got back on track a little. 8-2 on winners last week and a modest 5-4-1 against the spread, but hey that's above .500. I'll take it.
USC at Oregon State (-4.5)
While Oregon State was humbled last week against a strong Stanford team, USC has been humbled all year. The Trojans offense will have trouble keeping up with the nation's leading passer, Sean Mannion.
The pick: Oregon State 36-24
Virginia Tech (-5) at Boston College
After a stunning loss to Duke last week, I'll take the Hokies to regroup against BC.
The pick: Virginia Tech 24-17
Pittsburgh at Georgia Tech (-9.5)
Yeah, I guess you can tell I'm not putting much effort in this week. Busy week at work. Tech wins. Sure.
The pick: Georgia Tech 31-21
Tennessee at #9 Missouri (-11)
After the Vols were crushed by Alabama, Tennessee offensive lineman Tiny Richardson said "We'll beat Missouri. I promise you that."
Forgive me if I don't agree. Yes, Mizzou is coming off another all-too-familiar soul-crushing loss. The Tigers, however, still control their own destiny as far as the SEC East is concerned. They won't let that opportunity come crashing down at home to a Tennessee team that will be starting a freshman QB in Joshua Dobbs who has thrown 12 passes all season, all of them last week. Missouri may have another soul-crushing loss coming, but I don't think it's this week.
The pick: Missouri 35-17
West Virginia (+13) at TCU
I don't mean to sound like I'm bashing TCU, because I have been down on (and right about) them lately. But the Frogs being a 13 point favorite with their struggles on offense is surprising to me. With Casey Pachall back, maybe they find some rhythm, but I don't think it will be enough to light up the scoreboard. They should win, but I don't expect it to be easy.
The pick: TCU 23-14
Georgia (-2.5) vs Florida (in Jacksonville, FL)
Two teams that are struggling on offense: one is missing its quarterback and the other is missing everyone except its quarterback. Considering where they were in September, it's hard to believe these two are unranked. This one won't be pretty, but I think Florida's offensive problems are slightly worse. Todd Gurley might return for Georgia, and he would make a huge difference.
The pick: Georgia 24-20
#7 Miami at #3 Florida State (-22)
Florida State already destroyed one top ten team, and that was on the road. The Seminoles know they need style points to jump Oregon, and they will take the chance to run up the score if they can. I can't go against this team at all at home.
The pick: Florida State 49-24
#21 Michigan (+4.5) at #22 Michigan State
While I hesitate to go with this inconsistent Michigan team, the Wolverines should be fresh after a week off. MSU has gained some momentum with wins against the lower half the Big Ten, and this is their toughest game so far. For what it's worth (and that's not much), Michigan rolled over Notre Dame while the Spartans struggled in a 17-13 loss. While Michigan looks uninterested against Akron and Connecticut, the Wolverines will get up for their rivals.
The pick: Michigan 33-30
#11 Auburn (-9.5) at Arkansas
Auburn hits the road for a trap game with Arkansas. Auburn has survived tough games with Texas A&M and Ole Miss in the SEC to stand at 3-1 while Arkansas sits at 0-4. Yes, the Hogs have had a tough slate (A&M, Florida, South Carolina, Alabama), but the Hogs were clearly a step behind the SEC's best. I think they will be again this week.
The pick: Auburn 35-24
#18 Oklahoma State (+1.5) at #15 Texas Tech
The Red Raiders came up short in a chance to prove themselves last week in Norman. They get a shot to stay in the Big 12 race this week at home. While the Cowboys have played very well against Tech in recent years, those weren't Kliff Kingsbury's teams. Despite the fact that both teams are juggling quarterbacks, they both score a lot. Look for a lot of points in this one, but I just have a little more faith in OSU.
The pick: Oklahoma State 42-41
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