Afternoon Picks....

For some of the other afternoon games; here goes nothing...

No. 17 Oklahoma State at No. 3 Missouri
If the Tigers are to be beaten right now, a team is going to have to win a shootout and outscore them. I see that possibly happening today, as Oklahoma State is explosive on offense and we've seen Missouri give up some points on defense. Chase Daniel is a Heisman front-runner and his play will dictate if the Tigers win or lose. My Pick: Missouri 45, Cowboys 35.

UPSET SPECIAL:
No. 6 Penn State at Wisconsin
The Badgers are hurt and trapped in a corner after two emotional losses in a row. Unfortunately for Penn State, they're the team coming into a hostile environment. Plus, that wild and zany and crazy Badger Marching Band will be back in action and ramped up after being suspended last weekend for the OSU game. My Pick: Badgers 21, Nittany Lions 20.

No. 23 Michigan State visits undefeated Northwestern in a big game in the Big Ten. Javon Ringer was held in check last week against Iowa but the Spartans got the win. Northwestern had a bye week to prepare for their biggest game of the season in front of their home fans. I think this will be a close match, with some points scored by both squads. My Pick: Spartans 27, Wildcats 24.

Notre Dame is visiting No. 22 North Carolina in a match-up between two surprising teams. The Irish haven't had a test like this on the road yet, and will be faving a difficult, well-coached, athletic Southern team. I think this may get ugly. My Pick: Tar Heels 42, Irish 16.

Purdue at No. 12 Ohio State.
The Beanie Wells-Terrelle Pryor show is still in its evoloutionary stages, but will be good enough to win this easily as the Buckeye defense dominates. Ohio State 44, Purdue 9.

Arizona State at No. 8 USC.....who ever plays quarterback for USC will lead the Trojans to a win. USC 34, Sun Devils 14.
Fresno State gets a break from a difficult schedule and wins big over Idaho. Bulldogs 43, Vandals 10.
Southern Miss bursts Boise State's bubble, with a big win at home. Golden Eagles 34, Broncos 23

Southern Utah comes to town on a roll; which is trouble for a 2-4 UC Davis team. Can you say, 'Home Loss?' Thunderbirds 31, Aggies 28.

JF