The group as a whole picked pretty well last week. We had quite a few near unanimous picks last week, and this week should have more splits. Here are the updated standings:
- freesia39: 58-36-2
- AHMB: 56-38-2
- Tydides: 54-40-2
- Bellerophon: 53-41-2
- Ajax: 50-44-2
- Ryan R.: 49-45-2
- gbruin: 48-46-2
- Patroclus: 48-46-2
- Nestor: 47-47-2
- Odysseus: 46-48-2
- Tasser10: 34-44-2
- Achilles: 21-11
Our picks for this week's game are after the jump.
San Diego St. @ Air Force (-6) - San Diego St. won last year's tight contest 27-25 at home. This year, the Aztecs are the team that travels. I think Air Force's ground game will be too tough. Bellerophon, Odysseus, Tydides, and Achilles are picking San Diego St.
Southern Cal (-3) @ Cal - Thursday night road games can be brutal on the road, as Cal saw first hand last week. Unfortunately for Cal, they don't have a rowdy home stadium this year and are playing their home games at AT&T Park. I grudgingly think Southern Cal will cover, as does everyone except Ryan R., Odysseus, and Tydides.
Miami @ North Carolina (-2) - A week after coughing up a come from behind win against Virginia Tech, Miami travels to Chapel Hill to take on the Tar Heels. I like the Tar Heels to cover at home, as does Nestor, Odysseus, Tydides, and Tasser10.
Georgia Tech (-8.5) @ Virginia - Tech's running game is simply too much for Virginia's defense. I expect them to cover big. The lone pick for Virginia is from Odysseus.
South Carolina (-5) @ Mississippi St. - I was in the real USC's corner until I read the news about Garcia being kicked off the team. The Gamecocks have received quite a bit of bad news lately, and I think the Bulldogs will take advantage. Tydides, Ajax, Tasser10, and Achilles are sticking with the Gamecocks.
Clemson (-8) @ Maryland - At some point, Clemson will suffer a bad loss because Clemson ALWAYS suffers a bad loss (or two). I don't think it will be this week. Bellerophon and Odysseus are the only two picking the Terps.
Utah @ Pittsburgh (-6.5) - Utah lost their quarterback for the year, and Pitt looks to be turning the corner. I think Pitt wins big. Odysseus is the only one picking Utah.
BYU @ Oregon St. (-1) - The oddsmakers have been high on the Beavers after they beat the spread against the Sun Devils. They beat favored Arizona last week, ushering Mike Stoops to the door, and they come in as favorites against a solid BYU squad. I think BYU will win in Corvallis, but OSU is looking better every week. I'm joined by gbruin, Ryan R., freesia39, Odysseus, Tydides, and Ajax.
Arizona St. @ Oregon (-15) - The Pac-12 South favorite is more than two touchdown dogs to Oregon. Yikes. I think the Ducks should roll. Odysseus and Tasser10 are the only ones picking ASU.
Baylor @ Texas A&M (-9.5) - Until Baylor shows me they can finish, they'll always be a team that fades in my mind. I'm picking the Aggies to cover, as are Patroclus, Odysseus, Ajax, and Achilles.
LSU (-15) @ Tennessee - I think LSU is the best team in the country. They should roll against an improved Volunteer squad. Odysseus and Tydides are picking the Vols.
Colorado @ Washington (-16.5) - Washington is the better team, but this is a very large spread. I think Colorado will keep it closer than 17 points. Nestor, Bellerophon, freesia39, Odysseus, Ajax, Tasser10, and Achilles agree.
Michigan @ Michigan St. (-3) - Michigan is rolling and looks to stay hot against their in-state rival. Growing up a Michigan fan, I still find it hard to pick against the Wolverines, but I think Michigan St. has the advantage. I'm the only one picking the Spartans.
Ohio St. @ Illinois (-3.5) - I'm pleased to say that I jumped on the Zook bandwagon early this year. I think they'll keep it going against a demoralized Buckeye squad. Nestor, Tydides, and Tasser10 agree.
Stanford (-20) @ Washington St. - Apparently, Gameday was planning on travelling to Pullman for the game until they lost at UCLA. I'm sure Fowler & Co. sent a Thank You note to Coach Neu. I think Stanford will continue to win big, as Coach Shaw has already shown that he likes to pile it on late. Everyone but Nestor, Odysseus, and Tasser10 agree.
Oklahoma St. (-5.5) @ Texas - The schedule couldn't have worked out any worse for Texas. A week after getting blitzed by Oklahoma, they have to face off against another undefeated, Top 10 team. I think the Cowboys will win big. Nestor, Bellerophon, Patroclus, Odysseus, Tydides, and Achilles are picking the Horns.
Well folks, there are our picks. Let us know why we're wrong. This thread will also be used for the San Diego St. @ Air Force and Southern Cal @ Cal open game threads, so fire away while cheering against the Trogans!