Picks of the Week: No. 6

Mixing it up a little again this week. In hopes of improving his record the ’Eer is adding a mid-major game and getting away from all of the ranked teams. He believes this is the week he turns the corner and proves his supernatural abilities at picking games against the spread.

Michigan State (-4.0) over Illinois
It just seems like the Spartans should be much bigger favorites in this one. The Spartans have won five consecutive games at Illinois' Memorial Stadium (Illinois' last home win in the series came in 1992) and they could easily be 4-1 instead of 2-3. Despite the early missteps, Mark Dantonio will have MSU ready for the Illini and keep the Spartans in the Big Ten race.
Pick: Michigan State 33, Illinois 20

Alabama (-5.0) over Mississippi
This game scares me a bit because Ole Miss coach Houston Nutt always does his best work when his team is overlooked or counted out. But Alabama’s coaches, players and fans just seethed during the offseason when everyone was picking the Rebs to win the SEC West (of couse we didn’t). QB Greg McElroy is 5-0 as the ‘Bama starter and he won’t be nearly as harassed as his counterpart Jevan Snead.
Pick: Alabama 28, Mississippi 17

Wisconsin (+16.0) over Ohio State
Can you believe Wisconsin has the best red zone offense in the nation? It’s true. The Badgers have converted 20-of-20 attempts in the red zone. Wisky hasn’t faced a defense quite as good as the Buckeyes so getting into the red zone may be tough. However, 16 points is too much to give UW and not take it. Plus, the Badgers defense isn’t too bad and they might keep Terrelle Pryor in check enough to keep this much closer than the odds makers think.
Pick: Ohio State 27, Wisconsin 17

Ohio (-3.0) over Akron
The Bobcats are the surprise of the Mid-American Conference and at 3-2 overall and 1-0 in the conference they are primed to win the East Division. An easy four-week run begins at Akron this weekend. Ohio QB Theo Scott has been efficient this season, including a 11-of-19 for 203-yard performance in a win against Bowling Green. The Bobcats also have a solid running game led by Chris Garrett.
Pick: Ohio 29, Akron 17

Upset of the Week
Connecticut (+7.0) over Pittsburgh
This is a nice Big East match up that’s receiving regional ABC coverage. UConn is one stupid penalty away from being undefeated, but instead the Huskies are 3-1 and boast the conference’s best defense. Pitt gets the home-field advantage (if there is such a thing at Heinz Field for Pitt) and a stronger offense. But UConn has something to prove and the Huskies don’t want another mid-season meltdown. That starts with a win on the road at Pitt.
Pick: Connecticut 24, Pittsburgh 14

Last Week: 3-2
Season Record: 13-12