Week 4 Picks: Early Conference Showdown

Oklahoma State @ Texas A&M
Draper: This will most likely be the biggest game of the weekend that no one will talk about (even though it's between top 10 teams). The Aggies have high hopes on the season but haven't been able to show their skills against quality competition. The Pokes have the most explosive offense in the country but the defense is suspect. The home field advantage of the 12th man will be spectacular, but I'm riding the Cowboys all the way. Justin Blackmon will enter the Heisman race (even though he's already the clear cut number 1 WR in the country) with a huge performance. OSU: 42--TAMU: 35
Auer: Color me shocked that Texas A&M hasn't lost a game they shouldn't yet. Just like my esteemed colleague mentioned, this is probably the best game this weekend that literally no one is talking about. Frankly, I had no idea that Ok State was ranked this high. Based on how each team has performed this season, this is going to be a close one. The consistency of the fan support will help put the Aggies over the top in this one. OSU: 28--TAMU: 38

LSU @ West Virginia
Draper: The Mountaineers are riding an undefeated streak after squeaking by Maryland after the Terps roared back late. LSU won a big game in Starksville last Thurs which I believe is a more threatening environment than Morgantown. The WVU faithful will be out burning couches and showing their tooth, but the Tiger defense is just too good. Geno Smith will spend most of the game on his back and Jarrett Lee will do enough to not blow it. LSU: 20--WVU: 10
Auer: LSU has already ran through a gamut of difficult teams, and WVU will be no rollover. The Tigers have proved to be both unstoppable, and a bit lucky, waiting for teams to make the mistake that gives the Mad Hatter and his squad the win. The Mountaineers are on the cusp of making a huge statement, and vaulting themselves back onto the national scene, and into the BCS Championship conversation. I believe the Tigers will be looking ahead to the home-opener, and get nipped here by the 'Neers. LSU: 27--WVU: 29

Arkansas @ Alabama
Draper: Arkansas has been a surprise with the crazy loss of Knile Davis in the off season and Ryan Mallet's departure to the NFL. Problem is, Bama is a whole different animal. Richardson is a beast (even if he is the only offense they have) and the Tide defense is an immoveable object. Arkansas will start fast, but die off near halftime. Bama will score enough to win comfortably while the defense shuts it down. Ark: 10--Bama: 24
Auer: Alabama is nearly an unstoppable force it seems. The running game and defense form almost a perfect beast that is next to impossible to stop. Arkansas just does not have the horses to run with the Tide this year. Ark: 6--Bama: 38

Florida State @ Clemson
Draper: My Noles may have lost to the Sooners, but boy were they pumped. They got me excited for the remainder of this year and the future. EJ Manuel's injury could cost them but Trickett stepped up big time (even though he's 10 years old). Clemson looked pretty good last week ending Auburn's winning streak. Tajh Boyd and Edwards are very good but the Nole D is a bigger animal. I will admit that Death Valley is the 3rd loudest stadium I've been too (1. Swamp 2. Horseshoe) but they just don't have the horses. Noles roll! FSU: 34--Clem: 20
Auer: FSU proved last weekend that they are a very good team, but with a variety of injuries, and the HUGE potential of a let-down, Clemson is going to surprise everyone and pull off the upset. Ironically, with a QB who would have come to OSU had Terrelle Pryor not been here... FSU: 18--Clem: 28

Colorado @ Ohio State
Draper: The Buckeyes absolutely need this rebound game. Thankfully, Colorado is woefully bad. The lines for the Bucks need to completely dominate and I believe they will. It's looking like Braxton will get his first start so hold your breath on turnovers. Expect a conservatively called game with a heavy heavy dose of the run and a few safe passes. I'm sure Miller was coached up this week on ball security when running. Bauserman will most likely get some time so do me a favor Buckeye fans: don't boo your players. This is just what the doctor ordered after last week's abomination. The Bullets will turn up the heat and I expect to see an offense this week. CU: 0--OSU: 27
Auer: After quite possibly the ugliest offensive showing I've ever seen out of Ohio State the work really begins for Coach Fickell. Colorado isn't as bad as Akron, but they also aren't as good as Toledo or Miami. The Bucks defense took some time to gel in Miami, and the offense never really made an appearance. There must be some sort of consistency established, and it all starts with the quarterback position. CU: 10--OSU: 38

Upset Special
Draper: Arizona State over USC and San Diego State over Michigan
Auer: WVU over LSU and ASU over USC