October 4th Picks

The season is in full swing now and there are some big games tomorrow....

No. 23 Oregon at No. 9 USC
The Trojans are really banged up with injuries following their shocking loss at Oregon State last Thursday. Now, they face a tough Duck squad that also loves to run the ball. Rey Maualuga is out, so look for a close game and possible upset....Mike Bellotti can coach and is due for a win in Los Angeles.
MY PICK: Ducks 28, Trojans 24.

No. 14 Ohio State at No. 18 Wisconsin
The Badgers flopped big time last week against Michigan, losing 27-25 after dominating in the first half with a 19-0 lead and causing five turnovers. They were being talked about as national title contenders, but all that flew out the window with the loss to the Wolverines - made worse by the nullification of a tying two-point conversion attempt because of a basic penalty. Now a renewed Ohio State team comes to town with Beanie Wells back in action along with super freshman Terrelle Pryor. I see a big Buckeye win with a powerful ground game mixed with an ever improving Buckeye defense.
MY PICK: OSU 38, Badgers 20.

No. 13 Auburn at No. 19 Vanderbilt
The Commodores are off to a great start and look to keep rolling at home against what is an over-rated Tiger squad that has had offensive difficulties this season. I see a solid defensive effort by both teams, but Vanderbilt's edge on offense will lead them to another win and higher ranking.
MY PICK: Commodores 17, Tigers 12.

UPSET SPECIAL
Kentucky at No. 2 Alabama
Last season the Wildcats got a taste of upsets with a run in the top 25 for much of the season; defeating eventual national champion LSU in overtime. Nick Saban's squad has demolished everyone in its path, but could be ripe for a let down against an undefeated and talented Kentucky team.
MY PICK: Wildcats 34, Tide 31.

QUICK FIVE PICKS:
North Carolina Tar Heels over No. 25 UConn, 33-23.
No. 12 Florida over Arkansas, 42-10.
No. 6 Penn State over Purdue, 45-16
No. 20 Va. Tech over Western Kentucky, 35-0.
No. 5 Texas is victorious at Colorado.

Upset Special No. 2
Nebraska vs. No. 4 Missouri
The Cornhuskers had a tough loss to a good Virginia Tech team and will be fired up to play Mizzou, which has not won in Lincoln in a long, long, long, long time. (ask a Tiger alum)
Chase Daniel has been awesome, but has not had a bad game yet. Turner Gill and Buffalo gave some ideas to Missouri's future opponents and I believe Bo Pelini will devise a great defensive game plan and win a close one with some big defensive plays and sacks.
MY PICK: Huskers 28, Mizzou 27.

Final Five Picks:
Stanford wallops Notre Dame
Cal barely beats ASU
Bruins of UCLA defeat Wash. State handily.
Nevada pulls out road win in Idaho.
No. 22 Fresno State routs Hawaii.

Jeff Forward
Citizen College Football Writer