Picks of the Week

Now that's what I call a rebound.

A week after stinking up the joint and going 0-5 (thanks Colorado), I took some safer picks and went 5-0 against the spread. Sure I picked Auburn to beat Vanderbilt, but I said the Commodores would cover the 4.5-point spread and they did by winning 14-13. I also picked the upset of South Carolina over Ole Miss. Now for my fourth week of prognostication.

Oklahoma (-7) over Texas
Seriously, I really want to take the Longhorns. Their defense is athletic and aggressive, but for some reason I just think Sam Bradford and the Sooners will find a way to take advantage of that in the annual Red River Rivalry (formerly Shootout). Bradford is the most consistent quarterback I can ever remember. He's completed more than 70 percent of his passes this season for 18 touchdowns and just three picks. DeMarco Murray provides great balance with 431 rushing yards and five scores. So you think Bradford is accurate? Texas quarterback Colt McCoy has been even better, completing almost 80 percent of his passes for 1,280 yards and 16 TDs. This should be a great game.
Pick: Oklahoma 30, Texas 21

Vanderbilt (-1) over Mississippi State
Talk about no respect. One week after upsetting Auburn at home (which cost AU offensive coordinator Tony Franklin his job), Bobby Johnson's Commodores are being dissed as just a one-point favorite on the road. Vandy's defense is stout and the Bulldogs have the nation's most embarrassing BCS conference offense. It's time to recognize Vanderbilt as a legitimate SEC contender and expect more. I'm expecting 6-0 and bowl eligible after Saturday.
Pick: Vanderbilt 17, Mississippi State 6

Toledo (+17) over Michigan
I'm not calling the upset in Ann Arbor, but both teams are bad. The Rockets are improved defensively, but are still trying to find some consistency on offense. That's pretty much the situation for Michigan, especially with an offense that is still struggling to learn Rich Rod's spread attack. The Wolverine defense will win this close game, maybe with a score of its own. The Rockets, who used to compete for the Mid-American Conference championship every year, is having a down year under veteran coach Tom Amstutz.
Pick: Michigan 22, Toledo 12

North Carolina (-6.5) over Notre Dame It's possible I have watched these two teams as much as anyone (except West Virginia). North Carolina should be undefeated right now, but blew a game against Virginia Tech. Butch Davis has the Tar Heels playing well. A win here will solidify the progress UNC has made in Year 2 under Davis. While the Fighting Irish are improved this year, I'm still not sold that Jimmy Clausen and the offensive line is ready to win a big game.
Pick: North Carolina 30, Notre Dame 21

Upset of the Week
Wisconsin (+4.5) over Penn State
The spread on this game has been as high as six points. I don't think it will matter. The Nittany Lions have been playing inspired and almost mistake-free, but I don't believe the Badgers will lose three consecutive Big 10 games and Camp Randall is a brutal place for opponents. Joe Paterno will probably coach from the press box and PSU quarterback Daryll Clark will look more human against the Badgers relentless defense.
Pick: Wisconsin 20, Penn State 17

Last Week: 5-0
Season: 9-6