College Football 2010 Week 7 Picks

Last week I went 7-6 in picking college football games straight up. On the season I am 52-21. Here are my picks for this week.

Saturday October 16th


12:00 Big Ten Network: Illinois at #13 Michigan State

Illinois will be confident following their win at Happy Valley last week. I expect a close game from the Illini, but Michigan State will still prevail. Michigan State 27 Illinois 23.

12:00 ESPN: Boston College at #16 Florida State

Well after Florida State’s 45-17 thumping of Miami the question is now Florida State for real or not? We will find out a lot on Saturday. Boston College is an awful team, and if Florida State is good they should handle them easily. I expect this to happen. Florida State 41 Boston College 10.

12:00 Fox Sports Net: #21 Missouri at Texas A&M

I think Missouri’s dreams of an undefeated season die here. Mike Sherman needs a signature win for his time at Texas A&M, and this might be the closest he gets. Texas A&M 34 Missouri 27.

2:30 NBC: Western Michigan at Notre Dame

This is where the cupcake schedule for Notre Dame begins so they can secure enough wins to be bowl eligible. Notre Dame 45 Western Michigan 17.

The first of many cupcakes begins Saturday for Notre Dame when they play home to Western Michigan.

3:30 ABC: Texas at #5 Nebraska

I think Texas will keep this closer than what the experts think. Nebraska, and T-Magic ,Taylor Martinez are good, but the fact is Nebraska has not played anyone yet. So I think they will struggle early with the athleticism of Texas. Nebraska pulls away 21-17.

3:30 ABC: #15 Iowa at Michigan

Denard Robinson is good. Unfortunately for him no one else, especially his defense, is that good on Michigan. Iowa is a complete team and will get the road win at the big house. Iowa 27 Michigan 20.

3:30 CBS: #12 Arkansas at #7 Auburn

Game of the day is here. I expect a great effort from both Cam Newton and Ryan Mallet. Once again Auburn plays a quality opponent at home. That home crowd will be the difference in an Auburn win. Auburn 27 Arkansas 23.

6:00 ESPN2: #10 South Carolina at Kentucky

South Carolina are coming off their biggest win in the Steve Spurrier era. I expect the good times to continue. South Carolina 30 Kentucky 17.

7:00 ESPN: #1 Ohio State at #18 Wisconsin

Madison at night will be a tough atmosphere for Terrelle Pryor and the Buckeyes. But Terrelle Pryor in his freshman year came to Madison at night and picked up a win 20-17. I expect a similar effort from Pryor and the Buckeyes on Saturday. Ohio State 27 Wisconsin 20.

I expect a big night for Terrelle Pryor in Madison, Wisconsin.

Kofod

College Football 2010 Week 6 Picks

Last week I went 7-3 picking college football games straight up. On the season I am 45-15 picking college football games straight up. So here are my picks for this week.


Thursday October 7th


7:30 ESPN: #7 Nebraska at Kansas State

Kansas State will keep this close, but Nebraska is just too good to lose this game. Nebraska 24 Kansas State 17.

Saturday October 9th


12:00 ESPN: Indiana at #2 Ohio State

Indiana might just be a good team. Or Michigan just has an awful defense. Either way we should find out a lot about Indiana in this game. I still don’t think they are that good. Ohio State 34 Indiana 17.

12:21 ESPN3: Tennessee at Georgia

I see another close defensive drag out SEC game in this one. Hopefully, Tennessee does not put 13 players on the field for the play of the game this time. Georgia loses another game. Tennessee 16 Georgia 13.

3:30 CBS: #1 Alabama at #19 South Carolina

I don’t have a good feel on this game. I don’t know if Alabama will blow out South Carolina, or win a close one. Either way Alabama will win this game. I’ll say they win it close. Alabama 23 South Carolina 20.

3:30 ABC: #11 Arkansas vs. Texas A&M at Cowboys Stadium

Ryan Mallett will make a few good throws. And he will make a few scratch your head throws. The scratch your head throws will cost Arkansas. I’m going with the upset here. Texas A&M 27 Arkansas 23.

3:30 ABC: #17 Michigan State at #18 Michigan

This game will be a blast to watch. Both offenses will move the ball up and down the field. Shoelace Robinson will add to his Heisman credentials. Michigan 38 Michigan State 34.

Shoelace keeps his Heisman momentum going on Saturday.

3:30 ABC: Clemson at North Carolina

Poor North Carolina. We will never know how good they might have been if not for all those NCAA suspensions. Clemson wins this 31-20.

3:30 NBC: Pittsburgh at Notre Dame

Pittsburgh needs to get a big win just for confidence as they will head into Big East conference games starting next week. I like Pitt to get the upset at Notre Dame. Pittsburgh 34 Notre Dame 30.

7:30 ESPN2: #8 Auburn at Kentucky

Auburn has looked real good. However, have you noticed all those big wins Auburn has gotten have been at home? I think Auburn will struggle on the road at Kentucky. Auburn still wins, but it’s an ugly win. Auburn 16 Kentucky 10.

7:30 ESPN: #12 LSU at #14 Florida

First North Carolina, than last week against Tennessee. Boy has LSU and Les Miles been lucky so far this season! Reminds me so much of the 2007 season for LSU. I think the luck will continue for LSU. LSU will find some ridiculous way to win this game at the Swamp. LSU 21 Florida 20.

7:30 Big Ten Network: Purdue at Northwestern

Northwestern is riding high being undefeated right now. However, I think their bubble is about to burst. Purdue gets the upset on the road. Purdue 24 Northwestern 23.

8:00 ABC: USC at #16 Stanford

I love Stanford to get the bounce back win here. They are still real good. I don’t think USC is very good. Stanford 31 USC 20.

8:00 ABC: #23 Florida State at #13 Miami

People might look at this as a weak primetime game for ABC. But don’t be mistaken. While these two teams have been down for the past 6 years, the games every year are as good as any games can get. This will be just another great game in the rivalry. Jacory Harris will play better at home and only throw one INT in this game. Christian Ponder, on a national stage, will have a huge game and jump back into the Heisman race. Florida State four times, since 1991, has lost the game on the FINAL play of the game on a missed kick. The curse ends Saturday Night. Down by 1, late in the game, CP7 leads Florida State down the field for a shot at a game winning FG with 3 seconds left. Dustin Hopkins, from 46 yards out, hits the kick straight through. Not Wide Right. Not Wide Left. The Curse Dies. Florida State 33 Miami 31.

CP7 and Florida State will win a thriller on Saturday Night.

Kofod

College Football 2010 Week 5 Picks

Last week I went 14-2 picking college football games straight up. On the season I am a very impressive 38-12. Certainly I am much better at picking college football games straight up than NFL games. So let’s see if I can continue this great run again for another week.


Saturday October 2nd


12:00 ESPN2: #16 Miami at Clemson

Just like the Auburn game two weeks ago Clemson will play a classic “Clemson” type game. Clemson will lead early, seem to be the best team on the field, and then figure out a way to blow the game and lose. Miami 27 Clemson 24.

3:30 ABC: #8 Texas vs. #21 Oklahoma at the Cotton Bowl

As bad as Oklahoma has looked at times at least they have won all their games. Texas struggled against Texas Tech, and then completely fell apart last week against UCLA. OU will put this game away in the 4th quarter. Oklahoma 31 Texas 20.

3:30 ABC: #11 Wisconsin at #24 Michigan State

Mark Dantonio returns to coach this week for the Spartans. I, like all college football fans, hope for a full recovery for him. But I don’t trust a team in a big game where the coach is coaching from the press box. Plus I think Wisconsin is just the better team. Wisconsin 28 Michigan State 20.

3:30 ABC: Virginia Tech at #23 N.C. State

Russell Wilson is great. Every time N.C. State plays I state this, but then I say they will lose. And every time N.C. State wins. I’m not making that mistake again. N.C. State 34 Virginia Tech 31.

3:30 CBS: Tennessee at #12 LSU

Tennessee will keep this game close in a very low scoring game. LSU 16 Tennessee 13.

8:00 CBS: #9 Florida at #1 Alabama

Florida is not very good. They have gotten by on playing weak opponents. No team is stronger than Alabama. A big night for Mark Ingram and the Crimson Tide. Alabama 27 Florida 17.

The past two national champions will get together on Saturday Night. Oh baby!!!

8:00 ABC: #9 Stanford at #4 Oregon

Oregon is a fast finesse team. That is fine. That is their style, it works well with them. But when Oregon plays physical teams they get into trouble. See Boise State and Ohio State from last year. Stanford is a very physical team. Honestly if I was ranking top 25 teams I would put Stanford at number 2. So I like them to get the upset win here. Stanford 31 Oregon 24.

I think Andrew Luck and Stanford are the second best team in the nation. They will prove it Saturday at Oregon.

8:00 ABC: Notre Dame at Boston College
Boston College QB Chase Rettig is a true freshman who is making his first career start in primetime against the Fighting Irish. I think it will be a long night for the Catholic school from Boston. Notre Dame 31 Boston College 10.

8:00 ESPN2: Washington at #18 USC

Is this the time Jake Locker plays amazing, and beats a good opponent. Naw!!! USC big here. USC 37 Washington 20.

8:05 ESPN: #22 Penn State at #17 Iowa

I love Iowa here. They have the better defense, better quarterback, and better overall team. And they are home at night. I think Iowa gets a huge Big Ten win here. Iowa 24 Penn State 16.

Kofod

College Football 2010 Week 4 Picks

Last week I went a mediocre 7-6 in picking college games. On the season I am 24-10. So let’s see if I can improve on that record with my college football week 4 picks.


Thursday September 23rd


7:30 ESPN: #19 Miami at Pittsburgh

I don’t trust Dave Wannnstedt in big games. I think Jacory Harris will play very well in this game, and only throw two interceptions. Miami 31 Pittsburgh 27.

It will be a good night for Jacory Harris. He will only throw two picks against Pittsburgh.

Friday September 24th


8:00 ESPN: #4 TCU at SMU

SMU will be great in time with June Jones. But TCU is much better than SMU right now on both sides of the ball. TCU 38 SMU 17.

Saturday September 25th


12:00 ESPN3: Buffalo at UCONN

Two teams that have disappointed early. I would love to see UB win this game, but I just don’t see it happening. UCONN 27 Buffalo 13.

12:00 ESPN: N.C. State at Georgia Tech

Russell Wilson is so good at QB for N.C. State. But I bet against Georgia Tech last week in the ACC, and I won’t make the same mistake again. Georgia Tech 30 N.C. State 23.

12:00 ESPN3: Virginia Tech at Boston College

Virginia Tech finally woke up in the fourth quarter against East Carolina last week. I expect the good times to continue for Virginia Tech. VT 30 BC 17.

3:30 CBS: #1 Alabama at #10 Arkansas

Last season Ryan Mallet played his best game against the Florida Gators. So I expect to see him play very well versus the Crimson Tide. I think Arkansas’ defense will have a hard time stopping Trent Richardson and Mark Ingram. That will be the difference in a close, exciting game. Alabama 27 Arkansas 23.

3:30 ABC: Eastern Michigan at #2 Ohio State

Ohio State all day. Ohio State 43 Eastern Michigan 7.

3:30 ABC: UCLA at #7 Texas

Texas and QB Garrett Gilbert did not look good at all against Texas Tech last week. I expect the struggles to continue and I think this will be a closer game than what Longhorns fans want. Texas 17 UCLA 13

3:30 ABC: Wake Forest at Florida State

Wake Forest has won at Florida State the last two times in 2006 and 2008. That has to end this Saturday! CP7 will have 300+ yards and Florida State wins a shootout 38-30.

3:30 NBC: #16 Stanford at Notre Dame

Notre Dame does not stand a chance in this game. Bills fans you get to flip back and forth between this game and the Arkansas game and dream of Ryan Mallet and Andrew Luck. Jake Locker would be a nightmare. And oh let’s not forget Christian Ponder too. As for this game, like I said Stanford win easily. Stanford 38 Notre Dame 21.

6:00 ESPN2: #8 Oklahoma at Cincinnati

Will the Oklahoma team that barely beat Utah State and Air Force show up, or the team that annulated Florida State? I’ll take the blowout option here. Oklahoma big 41-14.

6:00: Nevada at BYU

This game is very intriguing because if Nevada can win this game they can be realistically be undefeated when they play home to Boise State on November 26th. BYU looked awful last week against Florida State. I think they will look awful this week. Nevada 33 BYU 16.

7:45 ESPN: #12 South Carolina at #17 Auburn

I’ll be very impressed if South Carolina stud freshman RB Marcus Lattimore and Coach Steve Spurrier can pull off the road win here. I don’t see it happening. I think Cam Newton will make some more great plays, like he did in the second half against Clemson last week. Auburn sweeps the two BCS South Carolina schools in back to back weeks. Auburn 27 South Carolina 21.

8:00 ABC: #24 Oregon State at #3 Boise State

Oregon State painted their practice field blue this week in anticipation for Boise State. To me this is over coaching. Forget about the field, the Beavers should worry about the crowd. This is the first time ever a Boise State home game will be on national network television. Plus it’s in primetime. Plus College Gameday is there. The atmosphere for this game will be electric. I don’t think Oregon State stands a chance. Kellen Moore will have a field day and Boise State wins 38-17.

Boise State will be rocking on primetime on ABC.

9:00 ESPN2: #22 West Virginia at #15 LSU

I really like LSU in this game. That crowd at night, and SEC vs. Big East is what I like about it. LSU 30 West Virginia 20.

10:30: Oregon at Arizona State

Oregon has looked good so far and I expect it to continue. They are just so fast on offense. Oregon 34 Arizona State 23.

Kofod

College Football 2010 Week 3 Picks

Week 3 College Football Picks


In week 1 of college football I went 11-2 picking the winners straight up. In week 2 I went 6-2 picking the winners straight up. So I am 17-4 so far this season in picking college winners straight up. So let’s see if I can keep this run going.

Thursday September 15th


7:30 ESPN: Cincinnati at North Carolina State

A battle of two high powered offenses. Russell Wilson for N.C. State is the best quarterback in college football no one has ever heard off. But the ACC stinks, and N.C. State’s defense will not be able to stop Cincy. Cincy 35 N.C. State 24.

Friday September 17th


10:00 ESPN2: California at Nevada

The battle of Western States. I’ll take Cal in this one. Nevada is good, but Cal is coming off their thumping of Colorado and will not overlook this game. California 34 Nevada 23.

Saturday September 18th


12:00 ESPN: #12 Arkansas at Georgia

Georgia looked dull, young, and out of it against South Carolina. Arkansas is much better than South Carolina. I’ll take Arkansas big in this game, even if it’s a road game for them. Arkansas 27 Georgia 13.

12:00 ESPN3: Georgia Tech at North Carolina

A battle of two teams that started the season in the Top 25, but then both suffered tough heartbreaking losses. Last year I picked UNC to win this matchup, and G-Tech badly burned them. But I don’t think this is the same Georgia Tech game this year. So I’ll take UNC again 30-20 over GT.

3:30 ABC: #8 Nebraska at Washington

Everyone will pick Nebraska to win this game. But like last year against USC, I think Jake Locker and Washington have one upset in them. I’m going with this game for that upset. Washington 20 Nebraska 17.

Jake Locker and Washington will pull off the upset over Nebraska.

3:30 CBS: #10 Florida at Tennessee

A Tennessee fan tweeted during the Florida vs. South Florida game that the way Florida’s offense was playing that Florida’s offense would not be able to handle Tennessee’s defense. One of the ESPN College Football Insiders tweeted back to that fan that Tennessee can’t even shower right and that was why most of the team developed a staff infection. So until Tennessee can work a hot shower I don’t see how they can beat an Urban Meyer team, no matter how bad Florida has looked so far. Florida 23 Tennessee 13.

Until Tennessee players figure out how to work a shower they won't be pulling off any upsets.

3:30 ABC: Arizona State at #11 Wisconsin

John Clay might just be the best running back Wisconsin has ever had. Even over Ron Dayne. He will have a big day against Arizona State. Wisconsin 37 Arizona State 17.

3:30 ESPNU: BYU at Florida State

Two teams off of devastating losses last week. As a FSU fan if Florida State can’t bounce back and beat BYU than I think I can forget my hopes of ACC Championship and BCS dreams and just hope for a 6-6 finish to make a bowl game. Florida State pulls out an ugly win, and I celebrate by going to T’s Birthday Bash for the Ages that night. Florida State 20 BYU 17.

7:00 ESPN: Clemson at #16 Auburn

College Gameday will be at this game. So you know Auburn fans will be jacked. Clemson is the ACC’s last great chance to get an impressive non-conference win. Clemson will do what Clemson does best. They will seem to be the clear winner in the 4th quarter, then find some way to choke it away. Auburn 27 Clemson 24.

8:00 ABC: #6 Texas at Texas Tech

Texas Tech will keep this close for three quarters. But I expect a big breakout game for Garret Gilbert and Texas. Texas pulls away in the 4th quarter 31-20.

8:00 ABC: Notre Dame at Michigan State

Notre Dame will be in another close, barn-burning game this week. Michigan State will fight, but Notre Dame and Dayne Crist pulls it out in the end. Notre Dame 34 Michigan State 31.

10:30 ESPN: #9 Iowa at #24 Arizona

Iowa was my preseason #2 pick. Arizona was my Pac-10 preseason winner pick. So I definitely value these two teams. If Iowa loses this game they have no chance to make the BCS Title. So obviously I will pick Iowa to win this game. Iowa 34 Arizona 30.

11:15 ESPN2: Wake Forest at #19 Stanford

Andrew Luck will continue his Heisman campaign run. And Wake Forest will continue the downslide of the ACC. Stanford 31 Wake Forest 17.

Kofod

College Football 2010 Week 1 Picks

Finally College Football is back this week. So it’s again time for me to make picks. So here are 13 games and my picks for those games.




Thursday September 2nd

7:30 ESPN: Southern Miss at South Carolina

It seems every year South Carolina opens the season on Thursday Night. This game has no appeal, except that it’s the opening game on ESPN. I’ll take South Carolina to win 17-13.

8:30 Versus: #15 Pittsburgh at Utah

This is the best Thursday Night Game. I expect a shootout with many points. I’ll take the home team in this one. Utah 34 Pittsburgh 27.

11:00 ESPN: #14 USC at Hawaii

The first game of the Lane Kiffin regime at USC. I think Hawaii will keep this close for a half. But in the end USC has waaaaaayyyy too much talent to lose this game. USC 42 Hawaii 24.



Saturday September 4th

12:00 ESPNU: Samford at #20 Florida State

Bobby Bowden went to Samford. However, he will not be the alumn on the sideline as head coach for Florida State on Saturday. That will be Samford alumn Jimbo Fisher. It will be weird not to see Bowden on the sidelines, but it won’t affect FSU’s play in this game. Florida State 61 Samford 10.

3:30 NBC: Purdue at Notre Dame

Brian Kelly’s first game as Notre Dame Head Coach. I expect a close low scoring game. I think it’s going to take at least one game for this Notre Dame offense to gel under Kelly. I still think they have the talent to win over Purdue despite the lack of offense. Notre Dame 16 Purdue 13.

3:30 ABC: UCONN at Michigan

Can Rich Rod finally get on track in his third season as head coach of Michigan? It won’t be easy to do that if he can’t win this game. This is a must win for Michigan. UCONN may finish the season with more wins than Michigan, but the fact is Michigan has more talent and should win this one. Michigan 30 UCONN 20.

Rich Rodriquez and Michigan have a must win game on Saturday.

3:30 ABC: UCLA at Kansas State

Two great head coaches in this matchup with UCLA’s Rick Neuheisel and Kansas State’s Bill Snyder. I expect a well played game here. I’ll take the UCLA in this one 27-24.

7:45 ESPN: #24 Oregon State vs. #6 TCU at Cowboys Stadium

This is the game College Gameday should be at, not LSU vs. North Carolina. Both these teams have legit shots to go to a BCS game this year. However, the chances TCU will go will fall to virtually 0% if they lose this game. I look for the TCU defense to keep the Rodgers brothers in check, and for TCU QB Andy Dalton to have a prolific day through the air. TCU 24 Oregon State 17.

I expect a big day from Andy Dalton and TCU against Oregon State on Saturday.

8:00 ABC: #21 LSU vs. #18 North Carolina at Georgia Dome

College Gameday is here for this game. I expect to see a low scoring, turnover high game, between two great defenses and two mediocre offenses. These teams are mirror images of each other. I’ll take the SEC team in this case. LSU 16 North Carolina 10.

11:00 Versus: #12 Wisconsin at UNLV

This will be an easy win for Wisconsin. Look for over 200 yards rushing by Wisconsin RB John Clay. Wisconsin 42 UNLV 10.



Sunday September 5th

3:30 ESPN: SMU at Texas Tech

This will be a fun barn burning shootout. Not the best matchup of teams this week, but this could very well be the best game of the week. I’ll take Texas Tech 44-38 over SMU.



Monday September 6th

4:00 ESPN: Navy vs. Maryland

Maryland will have no chance of stopping this option attack of Navy. This will be one of the most embarrassing moments for the ACC this season I hate to say. Navy 45 Maryland 17.

8:00 ESPN: #3 Boise State vs. #10 Virginia Tech at Fed Ex Field

The best game of the first week of college football belongs on Labor Day Night. And that’s what we get with Boise State vs. Virginia Tech in Washington D.C. I will be rooting hard for Virginia Tech for ACC pride. But I just don’t trust Virginia Tech in out of conference games. I think Tyrod Taylor will struggle throwing the ball at times, while Boise State QB Kellen Moore will have his biggest game for his Heisman campaign right here. Boise State 31 Virginia Tech 23.

Kofod