Picks for the Weak: Week 3

Update: Jeff and Joe’s picks have been added.

Here we are, back again for another attempt at football picking glory.

And, of course, another chance for me to look like an idiot.  Thanks Mississippi State.

Thus far, Jay and Jim are in the lead with 14-5 records through two weeks.  I’m in dead last with a 10-9 record through the same time.  Hey, at least I’m better than a coin flip right now!  It’s at least better than the “monkeys” one of my professor’s used to pit us graduate students against in multiple choice quizzes.  (The monkeys almost always won).

This week has an interesting slate of games that includes 7 ranked teams and a bunch of opponent that could provide a challenge worth watching.  No guarantees that Texas Tech will handle Texas, but you never know with Tommy “Crybaby” Tuberville.  You know, you can claim you never complained, but some of us remember otherwise.

Lets get to the games!

Saturday, September 18th

#6 Texas at Texas Tech

This is Tuberville’s first big test since taking over at Texas Tech.  Last week they handled the hapless New Mexico Lobos in New Mexico.  Texas should be a stiffer test.

Keep in mind, though – Texas struggled early against Wyoming before finally salting the game away.  They have not impressed yet this season, but that does not mean that they can’t take care of business.

Eric: Texas 31, TTU 17

Computers: Texas 27, TTU 20 (77.2%)

#8 Nebraska at Washington

The Cornhuskers find themselves traveling to Seattle to to play Jake Locker and the Huskies this week.  If Washington had managed to figure out BYU a little better a couple weeks ago I would have called this a trap game.  Except they didn’t, so I won’t.  Bo Pelini’s squad should be able to handle this.

Eric: Nebraska 24, Washington 10

Computers: Nebraska 32, Washington 16 (89.1%)

#10 Florida at Tennessee

This one is surprisingly hard to call.  Florida has been trying desperately to lose a game all season and keeps getting saved by their defense.  Tennessee looked competent against Oregon for a half until basically taking a dump on the field and letting Oregon go hog (duck?) wild on them.  Florida should be able to take care of business.

Eric: Florida 35, Tennessee 17

Computers: Florida 32, Tennessee 17 (87.1%)

Arizona State at #11 Wisconsin

Surprise!  Guess who’s back!  That would be Steven Threet, starting quarterback of the Arizona State Sun Devils!  He should have some familiarity with the opponent this week, but it may not help him much.  Wisconsin has been a much more offensively minded team the last couple of years since Bret Bielema’s recruits have taken hold.  That’s a scary thought.

Arizona State is likely on the road to reemergence right now, but it’s a long road and this game will not be a stepping stone in the right direction.

Wisconsin 27, Arizona State 14

Computers: Wisconsin 37, Arizona State 14 (92.1%)

Mississippi State at #15 LSU

Do I dare try to pick them again?  Do I dare to believe that Les Miles really is the terrible coach I think him to be?  Do I hope that UNC’s comeback against LSU was more than a fluke, and was actually a sign that LSU is vulnerable?

I sure do.  Give me the Bulldogs (again)

Eric: Mississippi State 17, LSU 10

Computers: LSU 33, MSU 16 (86.1%)

Maryland at #21 West Virginia

The Maryland Terrapins have been hot and cold for years now, but got frigid last year with a 2-10 season.  It’s going to take a while to get back from that.  A win over ranked West Virginia would help, but I seriously doubt it would happen.

Eric: West Virginia 28, Maryland 13

Computers: West Virginia 38, Maryland 16 (93.1%)

Jeff says he’s got a feeling.

#23 Houston at UCLA

UCLA’s pistol offense simply isn’t working right now.  I mean, I know Stanford is a solid team and all, but scoring 0 points in a game while giving up 35 is not the sign that things are working against a conference foe.  Now they have to play a ranked team at home with an almost unstoppable offense.  Luckily for them, that Houston offense is without Case Keenum, their starting quarterback and the guy who makes the whole thing go.

I don’t think it’s going to matter.  There’s almost no chance this UCLA offense is going to get going against Houston, and Houston should be more than capable of moving the ball with their backup.

Eric: Houston 42, UCLA 7

Computers: Houston 37, UCLA 35 (56.4%)

Georgia Tech at North Carolina

Good luck, have fun with this one.  Georgia Tech dropped one to Kansas who dropped on to a D-1AA program (doesn’t matter which one).  UNC almost but not quite entirely upset LSU after having 13 players suspended for the game.  UNC had a week off, so we don’t know how good they’re going to be now that their players have returned (if they have, I can’t seem to find word on exactly how long the suspensions were for beyond “the LSU game and maybe more…”).  My guess is pretty darn good, especially with the week off to fine tune everything.

Eric: UNC 24, GT 14

Computers: GT 32, UNC 24 (75.2%)

East Carolina at Virginia Tech

Oh how the mighty have fallen.  Virginia Tech, once ranked in the top 10, is now completely unranked.  Not a surprise after falling to D-1AA James Madison last week (tee-hee).  East Carolina has only played conference opponents so far, but has at least won their games.  It’s a little early yet for ECU to fully fall apart after losing Skip Holtz to South Florida.  It’s also a little hard to take Virginia Tech in anything after their pathetic start.

However, Beamer is going to have these things fixed and his players are going to come out hungry and mean and ready to kill in order to get their season back on track.

Eric: Virginia Tech 21, ECU 14

Computers: Virginia Tech 42, ECU 16 (95%)

Notre Dame at Michigan State

This is Michigan State’s big chance to make a statement.  If the Spartans can pull off this win they can make the statement that this team is ready to shake off the stigma of the prototypical Sparty flop.  I honestly believe that Notre Dame is going to have an impossible time with this MSU team, especially this defense which is fast, aggressive and talented.  MSU has a competent quarterback as well in Kirk Cousins, and finally a running game that they can be proud of.  ND may be in more trouble than they realize.

Eric: MSU 27, ND 21

Computers: MSU 39, ND 34 (57.4%)