Oct 23rd predictions

Three sets of picks today. First some unranked team matchups that are interesting, then my ranked upset picks, and on to the 5 games of the day...

Could it be the changing of the guard in the C-USA today, and will anyone actually noticed? I say yes and no. June Jones has SMU ballin and they take down Houston as the new top dog. The ACC actually has some interesting games on the slate today between 4 contenders to the current FSU/VT throne, but two of them will be pretenders after today. I think we'll have a pair of field goal games. I like Miami to outlast UNC at home in what looks like it will definitely be the last Butch Bowl. I think the triple option escapes on the road as GT takes down Clemson. That offense is just so tough to crack.

I don't have Kansas State ranked (they shouldn't be even close right now), and Baylor has a shot to get their 6th win today and qualify for a bowl game for the first time in forever. I like Robert Griffin III and the Bears to get it done. I think Spurrier's boys continue to slide and drop an ugly game in Vanderbilt who will actually control their SEC destiny if they win this. I've got Michigan State at #10 with an undefeated record but still think they're pretty overrated, and even though it's become a popular upset pick, I really like Dan Persa and Northwestern to defend their turf at home and get the win. And then there's the late game between Washington and #17 Arizona that should be a great one, with both teams having several crazy late finishes. I don't have a good reason but I like JJ's Huskies to get the road upset.

#25 Notre Dame and #25 Navy (remember, I ranked the "independents" at 25 together haha) meet today in the new Giants stadium and I'm sad I have to miss this one. But I have the Irish getting a new win streak going, assuming Michael Floyd plays and is able to have a big game.

#9 Iowa takes care of business with relative ease at home against #13 Wisconsin. The real polls have that as an upset, but the Badgers are due for a big letdown after last week's big home stand against the overrated #1 Buckeyes.

I've really gone back and forth on both of the huge Big 12 games today. Between Nebraska, Ok St, Mizzou, and Oklahoma, these four teams play a big role in our national title picture moving forward. Oklahoma may well have to beat all three of those teams to make the title game, and as high as they're all ranked right now, there looks to be no way they wouldn't stay easily ahead of Boise if they survived.

I really do think #16 Oklahoma State can keep the dream alive with a home victory over #15 Nebraska. Nebraska is the better team, but they're reeling after getting embarassed by Texas and I think Bo Pelini really messed with Taylor Martinez's head by pulling him last week. Ok State has a terrible pass defense, but the run defense is stout enough to keep them close, and even Nebraska can't shut down Justin Blackmon. I like the Pokes to stay undefeated.

I'm just going with my heart on the other game and I'm picking #12 Mizzou at home against the visiting #3 (#1 in the BCS) Sooners. I really do think Oklahoma is overrated, not playing complete games yet, but they did play their one best game against their best opponent. Still Mizzou's defense has played really well and I like everything they're doing except the lack of a run game. I think the home GameDay crowd is amped and they get off to a quick start. We'll see if that is enough to outlast the Sooners.

The real game of the day has to be the Tiger Bowl at Jordan Hare though. LSU and Auburn is always a wild ride, and it seems like it almost always has some title implications. This year both teams have used smoke and mirrors to get to my top 5, and the winner today will make a strong case for my #2 spot (please, you're not passing Oregon after that Thursday night UCLA beatdown). What happens when the amazing offense meets the amazing defense? Defense usually wins. But unless LSU's defense plans on scoring a TD or two, I just don't see how LSU's pitiful offense can do enough. Les may find a way, and I have a bad feeling about this, but I'm sticking with Auburn at home for the win that propels them toward and 11-0 Iron Bowl finale against Alabama.

Happy game day!