Week 9 Picks

<bgsound src="http://fightmusic.com/mp3/wac/Fresno_State__Power_Drive.mp3" loop="1">It is the first time this season that a week has such few marquee games. The best matchup was yesterday's #3 Virginia Tech's 30-10 win over #13 Boston College.

The Biggest Games(ranked by significance)

1. Georgia vs Florida- I have asked this question before, is Georgia that good or is the SEC just really average this year? Georgia beat up on Boise State's worse team in the Dan Hawkin's era, and tore through a so-so Tennessee team in Knoxville. Florida has a win over that same so-so Volunteer team, but got them at home, other than that Florida has not impressed anybody.

Essentially, the neutral site game in Jacksonville is a Florida home game, and will be a huge factor considering their shortfalls on the road this year. Georgia will be without D.J. Shockley at quarterback and will start junior Joe Tereshinski. Tereshinski is a third generation 'Dawg and has been dreaming about leading his team against the Gators at the Worlds Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party.

Georgia does have some questionable injuries on defense and Shockley loss is very big, but it really should not effect the outcome. Florida is not that good. Urban Meyer's offense has not become the juggernaunt so many thought, and the defense has yet to step and take over a game. All that aside, the Gators are still very talented and this could be the breakout game Meyer needs.

Ron Zook pulled the huge upset over an unbeaten Bulldog team his first year, spoiling Mark Richt and Georgia's run at a national title. The 'Dawgs might lose this year, but it won't be TO the Gators. The ground game will take over and the defense will neutralize the spread. Georgia 24, Florida 13.

2. Ohio State at Minnesota- This game should have been bigger if nor for Minnesota's loss at home two weeks ago to Wisconsin. Many Gopher fan are starting to think that the muffed punt at home against the Badgers has started their yearly demise. A blowout loss at home to Ohio State will certainly validate those thoughts.

The Buckeyes still have a shot at the Big Ten title, and so do the Gophers. Ohio State can claim a share of the title just by winning out, Minnesota needs a couple teams to lose besides winning out. Something has to give Saturday. Minnesota has the nations best rushing offense and Ohio State has the best rush defense.

I like the Buckeyes to dominant. Ohio State 34, Minnesota 20.

3. Michigan at Northwestern- Last week's game against Michigan State was supposed to be the offensive shootout, but Northwestern put the beat down, 49-14. Despite 3 losses the Wolverines are a very good team, and if Penn State loses one more game, UM has the inside track to the Big Ten title.

As good as the Wildcat offense has been, their defense has been bad. Michigan should be able to get their anemic offense on track and have their best performance of the year.

Now, this game will be the must see shootout of the weekend, and it is ESPN HD's Saturday prime time game. Michigan 41, Northwestern 37.

4. UCLA at Stanford- Walt Harris was the Cardinal alumni's most hated individual back on September 17 when Stanford lost to I-AA newcomer UC Davis. Since Harris and the Cardinal have reeled off three straight wins over Washington State, Arizona and Arizona State.

I am saying Stanford can actually beat #8 UCLA? Yes, I am. UCLA's offense is one of the best in the country and last week the Bruins dominated a good Oregon State team. But this will be the toughest road game yet for UCLA. At San Diego State and at Washington State are the only times this year the Bruins have ventured out of L.A.

In 2001 UCLA was 6-0 and ranked in the top ten, but suffered their first loss of the year at Stanford. History does repeat itself, but this time it will be a huge upset. Stanford 44, UCLA 42.

5. Washington State at USC- This is on the list because USC is No. 1 and Washington State has a decent offensive team. USC will win and the game will be just another ABC showcase for former Heisman winner Matt Leinart and future winner Reggie Bush.

Bush continues to corner the Heisman race. USC 55, Washington State 28.

6. Oklahoma at Nebraska- What has happened to the great Cornhusker-Sooner rivalry. The Big 12 ruined the annual showdown, putting the game in its conference rotation, but just five years ago, No. 1 Nebraska was playing No. 2 Oklahoma on this very same weekend in October.

Neither team is ranked for the first time in 39 years, and both are in need of a win. Bob Stoops and the Sooners continue their downward spiral this season. Nebraska 35, Oklahoma 21.

7. Fresno State at Hawaii- The most underrated rivalry in the country will be on ABC for the West Coast, and Gameplan for the rest of the nation, Saturday at 4pm PT. Preview posted on the Fresno State Football Blog. Fresno State 44, Hawaii 24.


3 Potential Upsets.....

What will Happen- Stanford beats UCLA-see above

What might Happen- Baylor over Texas Tech- The Red Raiders better wake up and shake off last week's blow out loss to Texas.

What is unlikely to Happen-Illinois upsets Wisconsin- Ron Zook needs a big win, the Illini are more than capable of pulling it off.

Betting Man? Surefire Picks!

Miami of Ohio (-22.5) at Temple- The Owls are awful even at Lincoln Financial Field.

Nevada (+21) at Boise State- Third straight week I am going against the Broncos, I'm 1-1 so far.

Kentucky (pk) vs Mississippi State- Kentucky should have no problem getting their first win in conference play.


rest of this week's pick at D1AFootball.com

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