Picks of the Week

After consecutive winning weeks (against the spread), I'm taking some bigger chances this week. Let's see how I do when the stakes are a little bigger.

Alabama (-14.5) over Auburn
Nick Saban will have his Tide ready to play in the Iron Bowl in Tuscaloosa. The Bama fans have been stoked all week and Bryant-Denny Stadium will be bouncing Saturday. This will complete the great turnaround under Saban and propel Alabama into the SEC championship game on a real high.
Pick: Alabama 38, Auburn 9

Baylor (+21.5) over Texas Tech
This is a real leap. I know Tech will be out to make a statement after getting dismantled last week. But Baylor, despite being 4-7, has improved this season under Art Briles. The Bears will lose on the road in Lubbock, but will keep it closer than 21.5.
Pick: Texas Tech 45, Baylor 24

Oklahoma (-7) over Oklahoma State
With a potential spot in the Big 12 championship game, as well as the BCS title game, the Sooners are prepared and will cruise past Okie State. Sam Bradford could even make a last-second Heisman push with a big win here and a win in the conference title game. Mike Gundy has done a great job with the Cowboys, but they won't get the upset on this day.
Pick: Oklahoma 41, Oklahoma State 28

Missouri (-16) over Kansas
Three months ago this looked like a great season-finale for the Big 12 North. Now Missouri is trying to get to 10 victories as the Tigers prepare for either Texas or Oklahoma. KU has slipped a lot from last year's Orange Bowl victory over Virginia Tech to a 6-5 mark this season. An upset here would help erase some of the tough losses.
Pick: Missouri 49, Kansas 24

Upset of the Week
Oregon (+3) over Oregon State
This game is in Corvalis and the Beavers have a Rose Bowl berth on the line, but without running back Jacquizz Rodgers the Ducks will pull the upset and claim second place in the Pac-10. A victory would also allow Oregon to finish the second winning five of six (of course in six different uniforms).
Pick: Oregon 24, Oregon State 20

Last Week: 3-2
Season: 24-26