Week 7 Picks

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Biggest Games(ranked by significance)

1. Southern California at Notre Dame- If Notre Dame had pulled out a win against Michigan State at home, then this game versus USC would have been the biggest game of the decade. As it stands it is the biggest game of the season.

For all those nay sayers, stating that USC had an easy schedule, this is the Trojans third straight road game against a ranked team. USC is a -11.5 favorite, and Reggie Bush is probable. Bush will play and this game will be a great offensive matchup.

USC can not afford to start slow again this week, or can they? Arizona State is just as potent on offense as Notre Dame, and the Trojans spotted them an 18 point lead at the half. I do not see Brady Quinn throwing five interceptions against USC, and the Irish faithful are going to be loud.

For the first time this season many are doubting USC. The Trojans will thrive on that and come out with their best performance of the year. Notre Dame will trade punches with USC, but the Trojans defense is better than the Irish. USC 41, Notre Dame 28.

2. Florida at LSU- Florida needs to win this game, no ifs, ands, or buts. Alabama exposed the weak links of the spread offense, and the Gator defense looked average against the Tide. Last week Florida came out lethargic against Mississippi State, they can not do that against the Tigers.

LSU's loss to Tennessee looks worse and worse every week. LSU must win out at home, considering they have to travel to Bama. JaMarcus Russell might not have the same success against Florida as Brodie Croyle, but should be able to do enough to pull out a win. LSU 21, Florida 16.

3. Colorado at Texas- Back in 2001 Texas blew away a one loss Colorado team in October only to get beat by the Buffs in the Big 12 championship in December. Will history repeat itself? Texas is playing as good as any team in the country, and Colorado is coming off a impressive win over Texas A&M.

This would have been a tougher game for the Longhorns if it was in Boulder. The post Oklahoma excitement will effect Texas some, but not enough for them to lose at home. Texas 34, Colorado 26.

4. Michigan State at Ohio State- If they want to catch Penn State, they must win this game. Ohio State and Michigan State are playing a Big Ten title elimination game. The winner still has a chance to capture the conference crown. The loser should start making reservations for San Antonio or El Paso.

Michigan State's offense is the best the Ohio State defense will see all season. Troy Smith and the offense need step up their game, otherwise, the Spartans will blow the Bucks away. Ohio State will rebound and pull out the big win in Columbus. Ohio State 31, Michigan State 27.

5. Penn State at Michigan- Michigan has lost three games, and are in danger of losing their fourth. What has happened to the Wolverines? The losses have been close, but if not for the win in overtime against Michigan State, Michigan could face the reality of losing four straight games, and fifth overall.

These are desperate times in Ann Arbor, and Penn State coming to town does not help. Granted Penn State is not an offensive juggernaunt, that will exploit a weak Michigan defense. However, Penn State might not have to score all that much considering how much Michigan's offense has struggled this year. Special teams will be a huge advantage for the Wolverines, but it will not be enough. Penn State 23, Michigan 17.

6. Wisconsin at Minnesota- These two one loss rivals that are still in the thick of the Big Ten race. Wisconsin needs to rebound after their loss last week against Northwestern, while Minnesota can not become complacent after their groundbreaking win at Michigan.

Minnesota should be able to gain plenty of yards rushing against the Badgers, but this game could become a shootout, favoring Wisconsin's more balanced attack. Minnesota goes to 6-1 and becomes bowl eligible. Minnesota 34, Wisconsin 24.

7. Louisville at West Virginia- This is an upset special, per se. Louisville has been less than spectacular on the road this year, and Morgantown is about as nasty as they come for road trips. West Virginia does not have the offense to keep up with Louisville, but the Mountaineers have the ability to grind it out on the ground and control the clock.

I see this game two ways. Either Louisville shakes off the road blues and runs away with a twenty point win, or West Virginia controls the tempo and the home crowd is a huge factor in a close win. My pick, West Virginia 28, Louisville 27.

3 Potential Upsets.....

What will happen- Northwestern beats Purdue- Joe Tiller's most promising season is starting to become his most disappointing.

What might happen- Kansas over Oklahoma- The game is at Arrowhead, the Jayhawks are not that bad, while Oklahoma is.

What is unlikely to happen- Virginia upsets Florida State- Ten years ago Virginia pulled one of the biggest upsets in college football history, will it happen again?

Betting Man? Surefire Picks!

San Jose State(+31) at Boise State- Boise State only beat I-AA Portland State by 7 last week.

UCLA(-6) at Washington State- Could be trap game for UCLA, but Washington State has yet to recover from their second half collapse at Corvallis.

Central Florida(+8) at Southern Mississippi - The Eagles got manhandled last week at home by Tulsa. UCF is getting better each week, they could win this one straight up.


all my other picks at D1AFootball.com

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