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

Thanks Pat

Watching the final minutes of West Virginia's 35-21 victory at Louisville something became very apparent ... Pat White's days as the electrifying quarterback of the Mountaineers is almost over.

Enjoy each snap WVU fans. White, who had a record-setting day against the Cardinals, has just two regular season games remaining and a bowl game to be named. With a little luck, White could be playing for his third BCS bowl victory and a fourth consecutive postseason win.

It has been a pleasure to watch Pat the past four seasons. The memories are special and I hope there are a few more.

Saturday was just another chapter as White ran for 200 yards and three touchdowns to give him 4,292 yards for his career, breaking the record of 4,289 set by former Missouri quarterback Brad Smith between 2002-05.

He also eclipsed another record Saturday as he added two passing touchdowns to bring his career total for TD accounted for to 98, surpassing the Big East record of 96 held by former Syracuse quarterback Donovan McNabb of the Philadelphia Eagles.

Thanks Pat. Let's hope there's a little more magic left over the next three games.

Our Top 25 (Oct. 6)

1. Oklahoma (1) 5-0
2. LSU (2) 4-0
3. Missouri (3) 5-0
4. Alabama (4) 6-0
5. Texas (5) 5-0
6. Penn State (6) 6-0
7. USC (9) 3-1
8. BYU (8) 5-0
9. Texas Tech (10) 5-0
10. Ohio State (12) 5-1
11. Florida (14) 4-1
12. Georgia (11) 4-1
13. Vanderbilt (18) 5-0
14. Utah (13) 6-0
15. Boise State (16) 4-0
16. Oklahoma State (21) 5-0
17. Kansas (17) 4-1
18. Virginia Tech (NR) 5-1
19. North Carolina (NR) 4-1
20. Michigan State (23) 5-1
21. South Florida (7) 5-1
22. Ball State (24) 6-0
23. Pittsburgh (NR) 4-1
24. Wake Forest (NR) 3-1
25. Georgia Tech (NR) 4-1

Others receiving votes: Fresno State, California, Florida State, Northwestern, Wisconsin, West Virginia, Illinois, Tulsa, Auburn.