Picks of the Week: No. 12

Here we go again. Not too many more weeks to improve the overall record. So let’s see if we can find a little magic in this week’s picks.

Rutgers (-9.5) over Syracuse
Syracuse is looking to avoid going winless in the Big East, but the Orange won’t pick it up a against a revitalized Rutgers team that is led by freshman QB Tom Savage, who has thrown 10 TD passes and only two interceptions. If the Scarlet Knights win out they’ll finish third in the league and own a 10-2 mark. The ‘Cuse have been ravaged by injuries and the defection of WR Mike Williams. First-year coach Doug Marrone has not given up on QB Greg Paulus, who has thrown 14 interceptions.
Pick: Rutgers 31, Syracuse 9

Temple (-10.5) over Kent State
The Owls are riding an eight-game winning streak and need a win here to remain on top of the East Division heading into a key showdown with Ohio. RB Bernard Pierce leads the Owls with a freshman record 1,308 yards and 15 touchdowns on 223 carries. The Golden Flashes are 5-5 and still have a chance to become bowl eligible. But it’s Senior Week at Lincoln Financial Field so the Owls will win and cover.
Pick: Temple 38, Kent State 20

Air Force (+10.0) over BYU
Air Force’s defense must be ready to stop the BYU passing attack to have a chance in this one. Stopping senior QB Max Hall (2,857 yards, 23 TDs) has not been easy this season. But the Falcons have held TCU (20 points) and Utah (16 in regulation) in close losses. That’s why this game should be closer than the spread. BYU’s defenses under Bronco Mendenhall haven’t fared well and this season is no different (ranked 78th nationally).
Pick: BYU 38, Air Force 35

Georgia (-8.5) over Kentucky
It’s not often these two enter this game at 6-4, but the Bulldogs have struggled on defense all season and Kentucky has been unpredictable. Both teams can secure a winning season with a win, but Georgia looks to honor the fallen UGA VII, who died this week. Another factor playing in Georgia’s favor is the improved running game the past four weeks. Let’s not forget this simple fact: Kentucky has not won in Athens since 1977.
Pick: Georgia 34, Kentucky 21

Upset of the Week
LSU (+4.0) over Mississippi
This is a tough pick because we still don’t know if LSU QB Jordan Jefferson will play or not. I don’t like LSU’s chances if it has to start Jarrett Lee. But let’s go out on a limb anyway. The Tigers can’t win the SEC, but there is still plenty to play for this season. Win out and LSU is probably a Top 8 team and will be favored to win the SEC next year. Then there is Ole Miss, who entered the season with astronomical expectations and it was easy to see a massive failure on the horizon. Jevan Snead has been mediocre this season and he’ll need a big game to win at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium.
Pick: LSU 24, Mississippi 21

Last Week: 3-2
Season Record: 29-26

Bowl Preview: Pioneer Las Vegas Bowl

Pioneer Las Vegas Bowl
Sam Boyd Stadium, Las Vegas, Nev.
BYU vs. Arizona
Date: Dec. 20
Time: 8 p.m.
TV: ESPN
Line: Arizona –3

About Arizona: The Wildcats are coached by Mike Stoops, or as he’s known in the family, “The Ugly One.” Stoops finally got the Cats to a bowl game this year, saving his job. He relies on a sucky offense and a porous defense. Get ready for about 70 wide receiver screens. That’s the only play I’ve ever seen them run.

Intangibles:
Tucson: +3
Lute Olson controversy: -3
Women’s softball: +4
Torturous summer: -8


About BYU: I can officially say I have been to Provo, Utah now and let me tell you – it’s got a small mountain AND a football stadium. That’s pretty much it. It’s not quite the same as Las Vegas. I wonder if strip clubs are against the BYU code of conduct. Probably not. “Happy Birthday, Jesus! Oh crap, I’m out of ones.”

Intangibles:
Magic underwear: +7
Tabernacle choir: +4
No caffeine: -9


Impact Player: The BYU quarterback. What’s his name? Robbie Bosco or something? Hell, I don’t know. They’re all the damn same. 6-1, mediocre, accurate arm, at least 26 years old because they’ve been in Australia for four years. Suck if they’re hit or there’s any kind of pass rush. Been that way for 10 years. Who coaches that team anyway? The ghost of Lavell Edwards?

Bowl slogan: “Is that your quarter? It’s mine now, sucker.”

Little known fact: Legendary entertainer David Hasselhoff will sing the National Anthem at this year’s game. Nope. I’m not even making this one up.

Watchability (1-5): 10 (just for Hasselhoff anthem) then 3.5

The Pick: BYU 34, Arizona 20

Beyond awkward

Since they announced the bowl pairings I have been railing on the fact that BYU is playing in the Las Vegas Bowl. Look at the photo and you now know what I've been talking about.

Look at BYU coach Bronco Mendenhall, a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, with Arizona's Mike Stoops and two Vegas showgirls. He looks as uncomfortable in a casino as the 'Eye looks in church.

Luckily for Bronco he needs only do this one a year (at most), somewhat similar to 'Eye's religious obligations.

Fraud Alert!

It's only the first quarter, but BYU has managed to look borderline incompetent so far this evening and is trailing 17-0.

In the other game, NC State and Florida State are playing for the title of Snoozalooza 08.

Two things I have learned this evening:

A) Being forced to switch between a game in HD and a game NOT in HD, should legally be considered retina abuse.

B) Very difficult to eat wings and blog at the same time.

To the actual games:

- BYU coach Bronco Mendenhall made a horrible decision to go for a 4th and long 1 inside the TCU 15 trailing 7-0. You're on the road. you take the points right there.

- No coaching staffs may be filled with as many old familiar names than this NC State-FSU game. Former LSU coach Mike Archer is the defensive coordinator for the Wolfpack, while former Browns OC Dana Bible runs the offense. Former NC State coach Chucky (Soprano) Amato is now back with his buddy Bobby Bowden. And the Eer's favorite WVU native, Jimbo Fisher, is calling his brilliant plays for the Noles.


UPDATE: Fraud confirmed. BYU gets hammered because they can't pass protect and can't play defense.

FSU wins in a game between two poor football taems.