Sports Editor Brad Carroll takes a look at the top college football games of the day
LAST WEEK: 2-4-1 (spread); 5-2 (overall); 0-0 (upset picks)
THIS SEASON: 27-20-2 (spread); 38-11 (overall); 3-1 (upset picks)
No. 11 Missouri at No. 1 Texas; 8 p.m., ABC
The Skinny: Even though this game should be one of the best of the season, imagine if Missouri hadn’t put up a brick against Oklahoma State last week? This probably would have been another No. 1 vs. No. 2 matchup on national television. Texas and QB Colt McCoy (AP photo, right) grew up a lot in their win over Oklahoma last week and they should continue to roll through the Tigers tonight. No. 8 Oklahoma State and No. 7 Texas Tech are next for the Horns. The Pick: Texas (-4) wins it 33-27.
Mississippi at No. 2 Alabama; 3:30 p.m.; CBS
The Skinny: Alabama players are telling everyone who will listen this week that they will not take a victory over 3-3 Mississippi for granted. After all that’s happened over the past few weeks, I tend believe them. Alabama has dominated the all-time series, and has lost only once in Tuscaloosa, so history is on their side. Ole Miss did get one big victory this season already, however, a 31-30 win at Florida. Lightning won’t strike twice. The Pick: Alabama (-12) wins it 38-20.
Michigan at No. 3 Penn State; 4:30 p.m.; ESPN
The Skinny: Penn State really impressed me last week with the way they absolutely destroyed Wisconsin on the road. The Nittany Lions are for real, but they are going to have to beat a team that has had their number for a long, long time. Michigan has won the last eight matchups between the schools. Still, Michigan has become a joke of a program this season, especially considering its loss to Toledo last week. The Pick: Penn State (-24.5) wins it 44-24.
The Skinny: Penn State really impressed me last week with the way they absolutely destroyed Wisconsin on the road. The Nittany Lions are for real, but they are going to have to beat a team that has had their number for a long, long time. Michigan has won the last eight matchups between the schools. Still, Michigan has become a joke of a program this season, especially considering its loss to Toledo last week. The Pick: Penn State (-24.5) wins it 44-24.
No. 16 Kansas at No. 4 Oklahoma; 3:30 p.m.; ABC
The Skinny: Oklahoma was outscored 25-7 in the final 20 minutes against Texas last week to drop from the No. 1 slot in the polls. But, at No. 4, the Sooners definitely have a shot at moving back into the national title picture. A win over Kansas would be the first step toward that goal. Kansas, GameDay’s favorite team last year, is back to winning games for us. But Oklahoma has won 21 straight at home – the longest streak in the nation. The Pick: Oklahoma (-19.5) wins it 35-21.
No. 12 Ohio State at No. 20 Michigan State; 3:30 p.m.; ABC
The Skinny: Even though I think ABC will broadcast the Kansas-Oklahoma game, you never know, so I’ll throw in this other matchup of Top 20 teams. Ohio State actually believes it still has a shot at playing for a national title if it wins out this season. They don’t. Unfortunately for them, the pollsters won’t let the Buckeyes get anywhere near the top of the rankings because of their past big-game failures. Michigan State, however, ends the discussion. The Pick: Michigan State (+3) wins it 20-19.
The Skinny: Even though I think ABC will broadcast the Kansas-Oklahoma game, you never know, so I’ll throw in this other matchup of Top 20 teams. Ohio State actually believes it still has a shot at playing for a national title if it wins out this season. They don’t. Unfortunately for them, the pollsters won’t let the Buckeyes get anywhere near the top of the rankings because of their past big-game failures. Michigan State, however, ends the discussion. The Pick: Michigan State (+3) wins it 20-19.
No. 13 LSU at South Carolina; 8 p.m.; ESPN
The Skinny: Isn’t it funny how the offensive genius, Steve Spurrier, can’t get his team to score any points, but his defense is one of the best in the nation? It is definitely weird seeing a Spurrier team flounder on offense, but I’m enjoying the ride as I never was a big fan of his at Florida. South Carolina is getting a lot of respect here, but I think LSU will take the win. The Pick: LSU (-2.5) wins it 26-20.
The Skinny: Isn’t it funny how the offensive genius, Steve Spurrier, can’t get his team to score any points, but his defense is one of the best in the nation? It is definitely weird seeing a Spurrier team flounder on offense, but I’m enjoying the ride as I never was a big fan of his at Florida. South Carolina is getting a lot of respect here, but I think LSU will take the win. The Pick: LSU (-2.5) wins it 26-20.
No. 17 Virginia Tech at Boston College; 8 p.m.; ESPN2
The Pick: Virginia Tech (+2.5) wins it 27-24.
Brad’s brother, Craig Carroll, is back to defend his championship from a year ago. He finished with a 1-5-1 record last week, and is 18-29-2 for the season. Here are his picks for the week: Texas, Alabama, Michigan, Oklahoma, OSU, LSU, Boston College.
2 comments:
Brad, I'm playing $50 each on the following teams. You know my theory. Let's see how I do...
Missouri, Mississippi, Penn State, Kansas, Michigan State, South Carolina, VA Tech
Figures Craig goes 4-3 on the day you go against him. He seems a little too happy that he beat your system. We'll see what we can do next week. Odds are you'll make it back next week going against him.
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