Wednesday, September 29, 2010

Week 5 picks--Conference time

Texas Longhorns vs. Oklahoma Sooners

Gomer: I'm mentally prepared for a dud of a rivalry game in this year's version of the Red River Rivalry. I desperately wish I had the balls to pick against Texas last week, I had a hunch, but was fearful of embarrassment. I was also convinced that OU would have no problem covering the -14.5 spread against the lowly Bearcats. What I'm trying to say is, your guess is as good as mine. I'm calling for the motivated upset... UT: 27--OU: 25

Chief: I'm not seeing anything to get excited about with this installment of the Red River Shootout. Even before Texas was embarrassed last week at home by UCLA, I was looking at OU coming out on top of this one. Granted, OU struggled on the road against UC (bad), but I expect Demarco Murray to run all over this Longhorn team. Not expecting a nailbiter here but crazier things have happened. UT: 10--OU: 38

Wisconsin Badgers @ Michigan State Spartans

Gomer: Talk about a tossup. Both teams are very evenly matched and similarly constructed as they go head-to-head in Big Ten battle this Saturday. This might be a very short game as the run games should prove to be prevalent in this match-up. I think the motivation of Mark Dantonio's heart-attack and absence will give Sparty the extra edge. UW: 26--MSU: 34

Chief: Big Ten play starts after some pretty easy tune-ups for both of these squads. Wisconsin has underperformed this year by most views but are 4-0 nonetheless. On the other hand, the Spartans have been a bright spot. The heartstopping (literally) OT win over the Irish was a big statement, but I'm not impressed with their offense under Kirk Cousins. Wisconsin got the offense going in a big way last week (granted against a very terrible opponent). I expect a big day on the ground for John Clay. MSU keeps it close but not enough. UW: 27--MSU: 17

Stanford Cardinal @ Oregon Ducks


Gomer: The home crowd in Autzen might be the difference for this massively important game. Would a win by either of these teams be enough to help jump Boise State, or even our beloved Buckeyes? Possibly, but the computers will have more of a say on that topic later this season. I've thought for years that Oregon's offense was a disaster waiting to happen, and there always seems to be one game a year when it just sputters and putts along, not able to come through when needed. Stanford's defense looked solid, but against Notre Dame. Oregon will be stopped eventually, but not Saturday night. Stanford: 25--Oregon: 38


Chief: Clearly, this is the standout game of the weekend. I tabbed the Cardinal (tentatively) to take the Pac 10 this year and they have yet to disappoint. Oregon has exploded offensively this year even with the loss of Jeremiah Masoli. Being in Eugene and Autzen Stadium is a HUGE advantage to the Ducks, but I'm sticking with my preseason pick. Luck has been fantastic and Coach Harbaugh has his players believing big things. The Stanford theme this year is "Win with class and cruelty". I love it. Stanford: 34--Oregon: 30

Florida Gators @ Alabama Crimson Tide

Gomer: Finally the Gators will be exposed by a good team. Alabama and Ohio State are the cream of the crop in NCAA Football this year, and the Tide shouldn't have a problem disposing of the fumble-happy, Tebow-less, Florida Gators. I should be pulling for the Gators for the sheer fact it gives the Buckeyes the #1 spot, but seriously, screw Florida. UF: 13--Bama: 30

Chief: While these two programs have had 2 epic meetings over the last two seasons, this is the first regular season meeting in awhile. The Tide rolls in (get it!) after a scare on the road in Arkansas, but I think they'll have their heads on straight this time (or Saban will murder a kitty). The UF offense got moving last week (against Kentucky) with their new wildcat QB Burton. While he broke Tebow's record of 6 TDs in a game, he is no Tebow. McElroy, Ingram, and Richardson will do enough against the Gator D to outscore a shutdown Gator offense. Bama: 17--UF: 9

Penn State Nittany Lions @ Iowa Hawkeyes

Gomer: Penn State's lack of an offense will be exposed again. I remember a couple years back when the Nits were upset by the Hawks, but the Lions just aren't that good this year. Iowa has looked somewhat shaky at times, but they are more balanced team with experience at QB and on defense. PSU: 16--Iowa: 27

Chief: Didn't know where to put this one, but hey, it's a Big Ten opener, so let's talk. Most of you know my opinion of PSU this year (citgo--bad for those not up on Common Man and the Torg) so this one is easy for me. The Hawkeyes played angry last week shutting out the Cardinals. Expect more of the same. Penn State doesn't have the horses on either side to pull off the upset in Kinnick. Sorry JoePa. PSU: 13--Iowa: 31

The Ohio State University Buckeyes @ Illinois Fighting Illini

Gomer: The Illini are trash. While they did have a bye week to prepare for the Buckeyes, there really is zero realistic chance for the Buckeyes to lose this one... didn't we say that last year about Purdue? Anyway, the Buckeyes begin their "Farewell Road Tour" of Big Ten coaches on their way out. Coming up later in October, Tim Brewster. OSU: 54--Illinois: 14

Chief: Bucks enter Big Ten play on the road for their first test away from the Shoe all year. I don't expect anything special from an inept Illini team, but Zook has pulled off crazier upsets in the past. The defense took the first half off last week and they know they need to perform better this week. Not really seeing another 73 spot from TP, but the offense will score early and often. Keep it rolling. OSU: 41--Ill: 9

Other Games to Pick

Miami (FL) @ Clemson: Gomer: UM Chief: UM

NW @ Minn: Gomer: NW Chief: NW

Ohio @ EMU: Gomer: OU Chief: OU

UM @ Ind: Gomer: UM Chief: UM

VT @ NCState: Gomer: NCSU Chief: VT (This one is tough)

Notre Dame @ BC: Gomer: ND Chief: ND

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