Pick of the Week: No. 15

With just one regular season game remaining and since I am two games over .500 why not pick the Army-Navy game. However, stay tuned for the 'Eye's bowl predictions. They are always a touch snarky and he'll provide you some factoids that don't mean a thing.

Navy (-14.0) over Army
This game should be closer than it has been in recent years, including last year's 34-0 domination by the Midshipmen. Navy is riding a seven-game winning streak in which it has outscored Army 232-71. So a 14-point spread seems to be a pretty good bet. The Black Knights have made big strides in their first season under Rich Ellerson. Army is averaging 212.1 rushing yards per game and freshman QB Trent Steelman has played well. But Navy QB Ricky Dobbs has more experience, not to mention he's rushed for 23 TDs this season.
Pick: Navy 32, Army 17

Last Week: 3-2
Season Record: 36-34

Picks of the Week: No. 7

Don't ask me why, but the 'Eer has decided to venture back to the ACC to pick games. That can't be good. The 'Eer also had another winning week, but he still wants that perfect week. Maybe this is it.

Connecticut (-13.0) over Louisville
UConn is so close to being 5-0 right now. The Huskies outplayed Pitt last week, but fell 24-21 at Heinz Field. Nothing helps you avoid a losing skid than seeing Louisville on the schedule. The Cardinals did pull out a 25-23 win over Southern Miss last week, but the Steve Kragthorpe watch is such a distraction and UConn's defense is stingy, so Louisville will struggle in the cold at Rentschler Field.
Pick: Connecticut 28, Louisville 13

Miami (-14.5) over Central Florida
There's always a concern the Hurricanes will let up a bit after that treacherous four-game stretch to start the season. Last week, Miami handled Florida A&M 48-16. This week Randy Shannon is putting his players on charter buses and traveling four hours up the Florida Turnpike to face UCF. Jacory Harris will remain is cool self and lead Miami to an easy win in Orlando.
Pick: Miami 36, Central Florida 10

Ohio State (-13.5) over Purdue
Only 13.5 points? Sure the game is at Ross-Ade Stadium, but the Boilermakers are no match for Ohio State. There are a lot of concerns about the Buckeyes offense, especially the lack of consistency and improvement by sophomore QB Terrelle Pryor. But this is a perfect opportunity to let Pryor work out of his rut, plus the Ohio State defense should pitch another shut out.
Pick: Ohio State 34, Purdue 3

Temple (-9.5) over Army
I couldn't pass up this game. When's the last time Temple and Army were both .500 or better this late in the season? The Owls are 3-2, but lead the Mid-American Conference East Division at 3-0. Temple is also riding a three-game winning streak after falling to FCS-opponent Villanova in the opener and then it was thumped by Penn State. Freshman RB Bernard Pierce is the offensive catalyst. The Black Knights are coming off a huge 16-13 overtime victory against Vanderbilt. Expect QB Brent Steelman to run the ball about three more times than he passes.
Pick: Temple 31, Army 21

Upset of the Week
Wake Forest (+7.0) over Clemson
This pick is based strictly on the two coaches. Wake's Jim Grobe is among the nation's best, while Clemson's Dabo Swinney hasn't impressed many with his preparation (he sure does run around yelling and does a good job of playing a cheerleader). What scares me about this pick? The Tigers are more talented and the game is at Clemson. RB C.J. Spiller is the best player on the field. But don't pick against Grobe in this one.
Pick: Wake Forest 22, Clemson 21

Last Week: 3-2
Season Record: 16-14

Observations from Saturday's Games (Dec. 6)

With West Virginia leading 10-7 at half of the Mountaineers' White Out against South Florida, there is no time to relax. But obligations are just that. So here go some observations from Saturday's games (and one from Friday).

1. Nice lids. It's too bad Army isn't more competitive in the Army-Navy game, but the Cadets were sporting some interesting uniforms and helmets Saturday. Army, instead of the traditional gold helmet, was donning camouflage helmets and matching pants. Nike made new blankets for the Army mules to match the new uniforms.

2. ACC Chumps. So, did anyone watch Virginia Tech rip Boston College in the ACC Championship? It doesn't look like it based on the empty seats at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa. I'd say the stadium was no more than 40 percent full. The "new" ACC has been a joke since its inception.

3. Rilvary renewed. UCLA was totally outmanned by USC, but the Bruins showed great spunk in a 28-7 loss. They created turnovers and took an early lead. While 'Eye agree with me, Rick Neuheisel will have UCLA competing on a more level standing with the Trojans within two years.

4. Go with Gill. Would someone stand up and pay attention to the job Turner Gill has done at Buffalo? Well, it seems Auburn has gotten permission to speak with him for its opening. Could be an interesting fit since Gill has no SEC experience, but when you go 8-5 with the Buffalo Bulls and win the Mid-American Conference championship ... you can win and win big at Auburn.

5. Aloha Bearcats. It means hello and good-bye. With Big East champ Cincinnati playing at Hawaii tonight, will anyone see it, hear it or care about it?

6. Not so Pitt-iful. As tough as this is to say, Pitt has grown this year under Dave Wannstache. With its win over UConn and a win over Oklahoma State in the Sun Bowl the Panthers would have 10 wins this season. (Hey Lesean, you're ready for the NFL).

7. Mizzou mess. Missouri may have been the most overrated team this fall. The Tigers can't even score against a porous Oklahoma defense. The Big 12 needs to consider realignment so the best two teams actually get into the championship game.

8. Good pay. According to the Seattle Times, Steve Sarkisian will sign a five-year contract with Washington paying him $1.85 million a year. Good luck Steve. Mark your calendar. USC travels to Seattle on Sept. 19.

9. Looking good. East Carolina looked like the Pirates that opened the season with upset victories over Virginia Tech and West Virginia. ECU, behind a last-second field goal, defeated Tulsa 27-24 in the Conference USA championship. How long to Skip Holtz leaves? Seems Syracuse is hot and heavy after Lou's son.

10. Best game. I'm still trying to figure out what would be the best national championship game. I have a few options: Oklahoma-Florida, Oklahoma-Texas or Utah-Florida, Utah-Texas or Oklahoma-Utah. Any suggestions?

Picks of the Week

Three consecutive winning weeks has lifted me back over .500 (barely). There are some great games this week, so now let's see if I can make it four winners in a row.

Oklahoma (-16.5) over Missouri
I don't know how many times I've watched this game and it had national title implications. It almost always seems like the team that needs to win doesn't. So why pick Oklahoma? The Sooners offense has just been scary good the past five weeks, and Missouri is the third most disappointing team this fall (behind Georgia and WVU). Plus, even an injured Sam Bradford is better than most.
Pick: Oklahoma 44, Missouri 21

USC (-33) over UCLA
I don't see any way that the Bruins can actually win this game, but this one still scares me. I could see UCLA keeping it closer than expected because Pete Carroll may want to take it easy on the cross-town rival. Don't embarrass them too much this season and build up too much ill will. Also, it appears Mark Sanchez is having more trouble with his knee than anyone is letting on. However, I can't pick against the Trojans.
Pick: USC 48, UCLA 14

Boston College (even) over Virginia Tech
I've felt all season that Virginia Tech was too young and inexperienced to be in this game. Thanks to the parity in the ACC the Hokies will meet BC for the second consecutive year. The Eagles have also played better than expected and they'd like to avenge last year's loss that cost them a BCS bowl. This is by far the worst conference championship game of the weekend.
Pick: Boston College 18, Virginia Tech 17

Cincinnati (-7) over Hawaii
Like the three games before this one, something just isn't right about picking this game. The Bearcats should be an easy favorite. But Brian Kelly's team doesn't have much to play for. With the Big East title and BCS bowl game in the bag, this is a long trip for Cincinnati and it will be its 13th game of the season. Hawaii is always tough at home.
Pick: Cincinnati 37, Hawaii 27

Upset of the Week
Pittsburgh (+2.5) over Connecticut
As much as I would personally like to see UConn get the win in Storrs, Pitt will give the Huskies a hefty dose of Lesean McCoy and pull out a close game on the road. The win will also secure the No. 2 spot in the Big East and probably a spot in the Sun Bowl against Oklahoma State.
Pick: Pittsburgh 28, Connecticut 20

Bonus Pick Navy (-11) over Army
If you listened to the podcast this week you know how much I look forwad to this game each year. This game is just dripping in tradition, and as Phil mentioned, there's a whole lot of running and very little passing in this one. Navy has won the past six contests and eight of the last nine. Army's lone win during that stretch was 26-17 in 2002. There's a good chance Navy will make it nine out 10 (and cover the 11 points).
Pick: Navy 30, Army 9

Last Week: 4-1
Season: 28-27

Episode 15

The 2008 college football season is wrapping up, but there is still a great week of action and Phil and Tom do their best to cover it all during this week's podcast. It all starts with the Army-Navy game and then a bunch of conference championships mixed in between. Phil and Tom also take a look at how the BCS rankings have screwed up a great season by moving Oklahoma ahead of Texas, the coaching changes that are taking place and the USC-UCLA game. Don't forget to listen to this week's quick hitters. Phil gets a little long in his answers, but they are well worth the wait.