It’s Halloween and losing becomes really scary for any teams with title considerations. In college football if you are going to lose it is always advisable to lose early. Now , no longer qualifies as early. The best games today are after dark, which I guess goes with the holiday theme. All I know is I hope no trick or treaters come to my house during an important play.
TOP FIVE GAMES OF THE WEEK
5. Georgia (4-3) vs. Florida (7-0) 3:30 CBS
The Worlds Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party is always an important game. This year it is important for different reasons for the two teams. The Gators need to keep on track for their third title in four years of course. Georgia on the other hand is in a little bit of disarray. Their defense isn’t stopping anyone and Mark Richt is actually feeling some heat. I think Georgia comes to play and at least make Tebow sweat.
PICK: Florida 27-20
4. Central Michigan (7-1) at Boston College (5-3) 3:30 ESPNU
The Chippewas from central Michigan are probably the best team in the country you know nothing about. They’ve been to a couple of bowls in a row and look to be on their way again. QB Dan LeFevour puts up tremendous stats both passing and running and is a legitimate pro prospect. They already have a win over Michigan State this year and would like to add another BCS scalp. BC counters with the power running game of Montel Harris that could wear down the smaller Chippewas.
PICK: Central Michigan 33-30
3. Mississippi (5-2) at Auburn (5-3) 12:30 MASN2
Both of these teams have had high expectations at some point on the season. Mississippi was very highly ranked before the year began and hasn’t lived up to the billing. Auburn got off to a tremendous start and has now fallen back. Both teams probably need this win if they have any intention of playing on New Years Day. I think we find out if Jevan Snead is really as good as people say and we see if Gene Chizik can coach through adversity.
PICK: Auburn 20-17
2. Texas (7-0) at Oklahoma State (6-1) 8:00 ABC
This game is one Cowboy slip up versus Houston from being a battle of the unbeatens. Oklahoma State should not be underestimated. QB Zac Robinson has his safety blanket Kendall Hunter back in the backfield and they should be ready to go in their biggest game of the year. For Texas they are all big games since they want to be in the BCS title game. This may be the last truly difficult game they have left. Even the Big 12 title game probably won’t pose these difficulties.
PICK: Texas 31-21
1. Southern Cal (6-1) at Oregon (6-1) 8:00 ABC
Pure and simple, the winner of this game most likely plays in the Rose Bowl on January first, and still has an outside chance at the national championship. The loser doesn’t. It will be a great atmosphere in Oregon tonight. They have the weapons to score a few points on USC. RB LaMichael James has done a wonderful job taking over after LaGarrette Blount’s suspension. USC for all they’ve done, still has a freshman QB. He looked great against Notre Dame, but lets be honest, Oregon’s defense is much better. He may look more like the guy that played Ohio State in this game. If that’s true the USC RB’s need to have a big night.
PICK: Oregon 27-24
LOCAL GAMES
Temple (5-2) at Navy (6-2) 3:30 CBS College
Temple actually has a good team. Miracles really do never cease. Normally I would be apprehensive to pick Navy without Ricky Dobbs, but since they beat Wake last week without him…… I can’t go against the Middies this week.
PICK: Navy 31-17
Richmond (7-0) at Towson (2-5) 1:00
Towson was beaten badly by an 0-6 Northeastern team last week. Now they get the number one team in the nation. It won’t be pretty, unless of course your a Spiders fan.
PICK: Richmond 48-7
Florida A&M (5-2) at Morgan State (5-2) 4:00
Morgan lost to Delaware State last week and dropped out of first place in the MEAC. What was especially disappointing was their defense giving up 35 points. Before that game they had been almost impenetrable. Now they head into the difficult part of the schedule. FAMU is one of the best teams in the conference and needs a win to stay in the race. I think Morgan will play better than last week, but will it be enough.
PICK: Florida A&M 23-14
Johns Hopkins (5-2) at Juniata (1-7) 1:00
Hopkins shakes off their bad performance from two weeks ago and whips this Centennial Conference bottom feeder.
PICK: Hopkins 33-14
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