Yeah, I know I haven't been doing my job lately. I'll have a major announcement on that coming up in a couple of days.
We also have a special message from Nick:
So, given my crapitude thus far this season with my picks, I am trying something new this week. I am making my picks and justification for those picks. And then, I am switching to take the opposite team. Keep that in mind...
Here we go:
Texas Tech at Kansas
Dave: Kansas
Does Texas Tech have a defense yet? Texas Tech hasn't had a defense in years, and I don't think they do now.
Jared: Kansas
I am not convinced by Texas Tech. They had problems with Nebraska and weren't impressive against a very bad Texas A&M team. They have not come close to being tested. Kansas, while their record doesn't show it, has been pretty solid this year. They are a good football team, with a very tough schedule. At home, I feel they will be able to move the ball enough to win the game.
Nick: Kansas
Texas Tech finally gets to the meat of their schedule this week. They take their high-powered offense on the road to face a Kansas squad that has lost both top-25 matchups they've played in this year. One thing is for sure: this game will feature some gaudy statistics through the air, as the #1 and #6 passing offenses face off. But, Tech does it better so it looks like a win for them.
Oklahoma State at Texas
Dave: Okie State
Texas has easily been the most dominant team in college football this year. However, because the college football gods have decided that parity will now rule the day on the gridiron, its time for the Longhorns to take one on the chops. The Cowboys pull the stunner in Austin and prod the 'Horns.
Jared: Texas
Texas has been incredibly good this year. They dominated Oklahoma in the second half and wiped the floor with Missouri. Oklahoma State has a very good team as well, but I'm picking Texas until they lose, especially in the big games.
Nick: Okie State
Wow. Texas has looked great recently. Despite playing the #6 team in the country, Texas is currently favored by just under two touchdowns and playing at home. Seems like an easy pick for the Longhorns.
Georgia at LSU
Dave: Georgia
I'm going to pick the team with more talent here. That team is the Bulldogs.
Jared: LSU
While Georgia has struggled after their loss to Alabama, I think they have an edge in both QB and RB play in this game. They also boast a nearly two-minute advantage in average time of possesion. Look for that trend to continue as Georgia controls the tempo of the game and, ultimately, the outcome.
Nick: LSU
While Georgia has struggled after their loss to Alabama, I think they have an edge in both QB and RB play in this game. They also boast a nearly two-minute advantage in average time of possesion. Look for that trend to continue as Georgia controls the tempo of the game and, ultimately, the outcome.
Penn State at Ohio State
Dave: Ohio State
See Oklahoma State at Texas. The difference is that Penn State hasn't played any really good teams yet this year (not that OSU is good, but they may be the best that PSU has faced). I just don't think that the Nittany Lions are that good. And I don't see them knocking off the Buckeyes in the horseshoe.
Jared: Penn State
OSU has been improving, but Penn State has been on an entirely different level this year. Penn State has been dominating teams, and their offense will be able to move the ball on OSU. Meanwhile, the Buckeye offense is still growing. Pryor only had to throw the ball 11 times against Michigan State, and that won't get it done against a top 5 team.
Nick: Ohio State
Penn State has looked great this year and should have no trouble picking up a road upset. Penn State is averaging nearly twice as many points/game and has a significant advantage in 3rd down conversion rate. The Nittany Lions will have too much firepower for tOSH.
Nevada at Hawaii
Dave: Hawaii
I don't know. I don't care. But its tough to go out to the island and win, so I'm picking the Rainbow Warriors.
Jared: Nevada
Hawaii is not a good team. They beat Fresno State because of 6 turnovers. I know next to nothing about Nevada. In games like this, I ususally turn to Sagarin, and though Hawaii is higher overall, the Nevada holds a significant edge in the predictor category.
Nick: Nevada
What?! Where's the ACC game? Neither of these teams are very good. Though, Hawaii did knock off Fresno State. That's, by far, the best win of either team. Which is enough for me to pick Hawaii.
GO DUCKS!!!
--Dave