NFL All-Sophomore Team

It would be interesting to see a rookie vs. sophomore game in the NFL like they do in the NBA. This would be my Sophomore team:

All-Sophomore team

QB Josh Freeman (Bucs) - Freeman has carried the Bucs with lack luster talent around him and he beat out Mark Sanchez as the best sophomore QB.

RB Arian Foster (Texans) & LeSean McCoy (Eagles) - I couldn't decide between the two.  Both have been great in their second year running and catching the ball out of the backfield.

WR Hakeem Nicks (Giants) - A playmaker that has 15 touchdowns in the 15 games he has started.

WR Percy Harvin (Vikings) - Harvin gets the nod over Jermey Maclin because of his impact on special teams.

TE Brandon Pettigrew (Lions) - Has really become a weapon in the passing game in his second year.

T Michael Oher (Raven) - All Oher has done is come in and start every game as a pro for the Ravens, he has proven to be the best tackle in a very talented 2008 tackle class.

T Sebastian Vollmer (Patriots) - Relatively unknown when he was drafted in the late second round, Vollmer has become an important part of the Patriots talented offensive line starting all 11 games this year.

G Andy Levitre (Bills) - Underrated because he plays for the Bills, but has started every game as a pro.

G Matt Slauson (Jets) - Slauson struggled early but has helped the Jets continue to run the ball against just about everyone.

C Alex Mack (Browns) - Emerging as one of the better centers in the game.

DE Brian Orakpo (Redskins) - Orakpo has switched to outside linebacker.  While his true position is defensive end, he has racked up 19.5 sacks so far in his career.

DE Matt Shaughnessy (Raiders) - Slim pickings at defensive end, but Shaughnessy has been productive this year, racking up 39 tackles and 5 sacks.

DT Terrance Knight (Jaguars) - Starting every game as a pro, the former third round pick is playing well this year already racking up 4 sacks and an interception.

DT B.J. Raji (Packers) - Playing the defensive end position in the 3-4, Raji has been key against the run.

LB Clay Matthews (Packers) - May be the best player in the sophomore class, Matthews has been on a tear this year.

LB James Laurinaitis (Rams) - Captain of the NFC West leading Rams.

LB Brian Cushing (Texans) - Tackling machine and former rookie of the year.

CB Vontae Davis (Dolphins) - Davis has been a very good at shutting down big name receivers.

CB Alphonso Smith (Lions) - Despite having a bad game on thanksgiving day, Smith has been very good, intercepting 5 passes and defending 13 passes.

S Malcolm Jenkins - Can hit and cover, has helped the Saints become one of the best teams against the pass.

S Jairus Byrd (Bills) - Byrd is not putting up the same numbers as last year, but he is still a very good looking safety.

Instead of an All-Rookie team, an All-Junior team will be posted posted tomorrow...

MNF: 49ers Perspective

Players to Watch

QB Troy Smith - The former Heisman winner will be making his third straight start of the year. Smith will be using the rest of the season to audition for next year as many believe the 49ers are done with former first overall pick QB Alex Smith and are in line to draft/trade/pick up a new starter. I am a huge fan of Smith, he has good accuracy, an underrated arm and most importantly, he is a winner. This is a huge game for him and the 49ers who still have a chance at the division.

TE Vernon Davis - Davis has been awfully quiet the last couple of games. Look for Smith to target the big tight end early in the game and get him going. The 6'3" 250 lb burner is a nightmare to match up against, so the worst case is Davis takes on double teams and opens things up for other receivers.

LB Patrick Willis - Willis is the best linebacker in the NFL, unfortunately he is on one of the worst teams so he is still somewhat underrated. It will be fun to watch Willis make plays from sideline-to-sideline tonight. Willis has already racked up 91 tackles, 4 sacks and a forced fumble.

Key Matchup: Frank Gore vs. Cardinals Defense- Frank Gore has really been the 49ers' entire offense this year. He leads the team with 801 rushing yards and receptions with 46. Gore has been the workhorse of the offense and I would not expect anything to change tonight. If the Cardinals defense can stop Gore they can really slow down the 49ers offense.

Why the 49ers Will Win- The 49ers are more talented. The 49ers match up well against the Cardinals team which ranks in the bottom of the NFL in most offensive and defensive categories. If they can run the ball with RB Frank Gore and keep the turnovers down I think they will be able to easily win this game. The 49ers have lost a lot of close games to some good teams, but I do not see them losing to the Cardinals if they play their game.

Prediction: 49ers 31 Cardinals 13

MNF: Cardinals Perspective

Players to Watch

WR Larry Fitzgerald- Some analysts predicted a tremendous drop-off in production for Fitzgerald with Derek Anderson under center, but his statistics are not off by much from last year. A lot of his production is a result of being the 4^th most targeted person in the league despite playing against multiple double coverage packages. Steve Breaston has stepped up to replace Anquan Boldin as the #2 receiver, but besides him and Fitzgerald, there’s not much to like about the offense. Look for the extremely talented Fitzgerald to see many passes thrown his way against a mediocre 49ers pass defense, and for his amazing hands and jumping ability to be able to beat the double coverage or safety help he is likely to face.

S Adrian Wilson- The 3-time Pro-Bowler is again playing at a very high level and is one of the few bright spots for a defense that ranks near the bottom of the league. The longtime Cardinal plays his position with a linebacker mentality and is quick to recognize plays. Wilson will be making sure that Vernon Davis doesn’t get any cheap yardage in the middle of the field, and punishing Troy Smith for any mistakes that the inexperienced QB will likely make.

RB Beanie Wells- He’s had a very disappointing injury filled season so far and is only averaging 3.5 ypc in the games he has played. With the sporadic playing of Tim Hightower, the Cardinals are looking to make Wells the more featured back in the offense. Wells is finally getting healthy and could have a break out game against an average 49ers rush defense.

Key Matchup: Derek Anderson v. Patrick Willis – The 25-year Willis is the heart and soul of the 49ers defense and has 3 sacks in his last 2 games. Anderson has a decent arm, but has been plagued by his inaccuracy over his career. Anderson will need to take note of where Willis is at all times, or else the linebacker will cause a lot of trouble for the QB. If Arizona is able to limit Willis’s effectiveness, Anderson will be able to improve on his dreadful completion percentage and move the Cardinals offense down the field.

Why the Cardinals Will Win- In a matchup of 3-7 teams, this one is likely to be a toss-up. Arizona is 2-2 at home this year, so they have that working in their favor. They beat the Saints earlier this year and gave the Vikings and Tampa Bay close games, so they are capable of playing good football; it’s just a matter of whether they will. A playoff team a year ago, the Cardinals still has enough talent to be able to overcome the loss of Kurt Warner despite the dreadful play they have gotten from their QBs. I think that the Cardinals, led by Fitzgerald and Wells, will do just enough to win this game against the equally disappointing 49ers.

Prediction: Cardinals 27, 49ers 24

Andre Johnson and Cortland Finnegan Fight [VIDEO]

There will absolutely be some suspensions dished out here, right?

NFL Predictions Against the Spread Week 12

Predicted winners are in Bold and Italics.


Tough Sunday Afternoon...Lost a game by one point and another by half a point...

Date & Time	Favorite	Spread	Underdog
11/25 12:30 ET	New England	-7	At Detroit
11/25 4:15 ET	New Orleans	-4	At Dallas
11/25 8:20 ET	At NY Jets	-9.5	Cincinnati
11/28 1:00 ET	At Washington	-1	Minnesota
11/28 1:00 ET	Pittsburgh	-6.5	At Buffalo
11/28 1:00 ET	At Houston	-6.5	Tennessee
11/28 1:00 ET	At NY Giants	-7	Jacksonville
11/28 1:00 ET	At Cleveland	-10	Carolina
11/28 4:15 ET	At Baltimore	-7.5	Tampa Bay
11/28 4:15 ET	Philadelphia	-3.5	At Chicago
11/28 1:00 ET	At Atlanta	-2	Green Bay
11/28 4:05 ET	At Oakland	-3	Miami
11/28 4:05 ET	Kansas City	-2	At Seattle
11/28 4:15 ET	At Denver	-4	St. Louis
11/28 8:20 ET	At Indianapolis	-3	San Diego

Monday Night Football Point Spread

11/29 8:35 ET	San Francisco	-1	At Arizona

Fred Taylor's Son, Kelvin Taylor, in 8th grade

Kelvin Taylor, son of Fred Taylor of the Patriots, shown here in 8th grade...Playing for his high school team.  Here are Taylor's stats his first two years of high school football (8th Grade and Freshman year):

2008 (8th grade): 1,692 yards and 27 touchdowns

2009:  295 carries, 2,597 yards and a state-record 47 touchdowns





Future NCAA star, agree or disagree?

Agree/Disagree

Check out the new feature where readers can "Agree" or "Disagree" with our posts!  This is an easy way to get your voice heard on anything we write or post.  You should also feel free to contribute to our FORUM.

Sam McGuffie Unreal High School Highlight Tape

For as much buzz that Noel Devine's high school tape generated, I think McGuffie's was that underrated.  Unbelievable quickness, explosion and leaping ability.

Amazing Oklahoma State Interception

Watch this video!  On a pass attempted to be thrown away!!  You can't say this happens every day.

Check Out Our All-New Forum!

It can be found HERE.  We would love to hear from all of you.

College Football Rivalries

NCAA Football: The 2000s in Pictures and Video...Amazing

Since it's such a great time of the year, I figured I'd put up one of our favorite videos.

College Football: Week 13 Pick'em: Thanksgiving Special

Last Week's Win/Loss: 6-4

Total Win/Loss since Week 2: 73-37

#17 TAMU at Texas

Alex's pick:TAMU

West Virginia at Pittsburgh

Alex's pick: Pitt

Indiana at Purdue

Alex's pick: Purdue

#2 Auburn at #11 Alabama

Alex's pick: Auburn

#21 Arizona at #1 Oregon

Alex's pick: Oregon

#4 Boise State at #19 Nevada

Alex's pick: Nevada

Michigan at #8 Ohio State

Alex's pick: Ohio State

#6 LSU at #12 Arkansas

Alex's pick: Arkansas

Florida vs. #22 Florida State

Alex's pick: Florida 

#18 South Carolina at Clemson

 Alex's pick: South Carolina

Georgia Tech at Georgia

Alex's pick: Georgia

Notre Dame at USC

Alex's pick: USC

#14 Oklahoma at #10 Oklahoma State

Alex's pick: OSU

Alex Brown's 2011 Big Board: Week 12

*Noteable addition(s) to Big Board: Donta Hightower and Stefen Wisniewski

*Noteable dropoff(s) from the Big Board: Akeem Ayers and Leonard Hankerson

Week 12: NFL Draft Stock Watch for 2011

Each and every week, on Wednesday nights, I will update The 3-4 readers on movements within my Big Board. Previous week's performances will dictate which players are labeled, stock up/down.

Stock Up

Titus Young/Austin Pettis (Boise St.)

Both of Kellen Moore’s top wideouts have NFL caliber speed, route running ability, ball skills, and hands. Pettis has a bigger frame and excels across the middle of the field, while Young is slighter leaner and more of a deep threat. Titus Young and Austin Pettis could work their ways into Day 2 at this point, and they are certain to provide whichever team that drafts them with production and promise.

Gabe Carimi (Wisconsin)

With the emergence of Wisconsin’s smash-mouth offense over the past two months, Gabe Carimi has vastly improved his draft stock. Carimi instead of being just a mammoth run blocker, seems to have improved his pass blocking techniques, looking more fluid and balanced protecting QB Scott Tolzien’s backside.

J.J. Watt (Wisconsin)

Another Wisconsin high-riser, Watt isn’t your typical hard nosed, blue collar end. Watt works with great hand useage off the end, stays disciplined on the end, and also shows an improved jump off the line of scrimmage. A potential early second and definite third round pick.

Adrian Clayborn (Iowa)

Clayborn after dropping down boards has brought his stock back up with his strong play in recent weeks. Forcing constant pressure, forcing turnovers, making plays in both passing and running game, Clayborn is a great fit as a 4-3 strongside or weakside DE, with the possibility of also playing in a 1 gap 3-4 scheme. Clayborn last week kept Ohio State from running the ball, while also creating a consistent pass rush. Clayborn will no doubt be a top 20 pick, top 15 pending on the draft order.

Terrelle Pryor (Ohio State)

Last season when I watched Terrell Pryor, I saw an athlete; an athlete playing the quarterback position. This season more than ever, his progression as a quarterback (not an athlete) has been very evident. A quarterback with extreme athletic potential, Pryor, with one more year refining his skills, could develop into a solid NFL starter and pro-bowler with the talent he has. Pryor looks comfortable in the pocket, his footwork isn’t sketchy, and he is throwing with improved accuracy. Needs more big-time wins in clutch situations, but for the most part is a poised player, with playmaking ability.

Marvin McNutt (Iowa)

One of the more under the radar receiver prospects in the year’s coming draft, McNutt seems to always come up with the big catch or big play. Not extremely explosive, McNutt uses good body control and positioning, along with intelligent route running abilities to expose defenses and make catches. McNutt could go as high as the 4^th round in the 2011 Draft.

Ryan Williams (Virginia Tech)

Finally healthy and showing the burst we saw his freshman year, Williams could be a Day 1 running back prospect with a strong finish to the season, and a solid pro day. The weak running back class allows for two or three quick risers, and Williams could be one of those.

Stock Down

Mark Ingram (Alabama)

Stamina issues? Ingram was winded after the first drive against Georgia State…The duo of Trent Richardson and Ingram is formidable in college football, but now NFL scouts probably wonder what kind of toll Ingram’s sophomore season put on his legs, as well as his ability going forward having undergone a knee surgery. Ingram without a doubt should be the first running back taken, however it is not inconceivable if he is not.

Jake Locker (Washington)

Its difficult to play quarterback when everytime you drop back to pass, you have to run for your life! Locker has a terrible offensive line, thus leading to poor footwork, but that isn’t what scouts are most concerned about. What is concerning is the lack of visible improvement throughout his college career, improvement from the past season under Steve Sarkisian, and his poor accuracy. Locker is falling and falling, and could see himself in the 2^nd round, as was the case with phenom Jimmy Clausen.

Cameron Heyward (Ohio State)

Lack of impact, blown off the ball by double teams, may not actually be the best fit as a 3-4 2 gap DE due to lack of 300+size, and not consistent enough a pass rusher to be a 4-3 or 3-4 1 gap defender. Still however is powerful player, plays through the whistle, and sets a hard edge. Workhorse player similar to a Richard Seymour, but less of a pass rusher and more of a run stopper. Still 1st Round talent but has room to move up.

*Noteable addition(s) to Big Board: Donta Hightower and Stefen Wisniewski

*Noteable dropoff(s) from the Big Board: Akeem Ayers and Leonard Hankerson

NFL Power Rankings Through Week 11

1. New England Patriots (8-2) - You can throw the defensive stats out the window. The Patriots have found ways to win against the top teams in the NFL.

2. Atlanta Falcons (8-2) - Behind Matt Ryan and Roddy White the Falcons have become the best team in the NFC

3. New York Jets (8-2) - Mark Sanchez is at his best when the game is on the line. Can't wait for the Monday night match-up two weeks from now, Jets at Patriots should be a great game.

4. Philadelphia Eagles (7-3) - QB Michael Vick is certainly making a case for MVP, the Eagles have the most explosive offense in the NFL when Vick is under center.

5. Green Bay Packers (7-3) - Despite multiple injuries on both sides of the ball, Aaron Rodgers and the defense have stepped it up.

6. Baltimore Ravens (7-3) - With S Ed Reed in the lineup expect to see even more highlights from the Ravens defense.

7. Pittsburgh Steelers (7-3) - Huge bounce back win against the Raiders showed that the loss to the Patriots may have just been an aberration.

8. New Orleans Saints (7-3) - They are only going to get better with the return of Reggie Bush and other key injured players.

9. Indianapolis Colts (6-4) - Huge game this week against the Chargers, this is almost a must win considering the strength of their division this year.

10. San Diego Chargers (5-5) - Is there any scarier 5-5 team in the NFL? Great offense, great defense and improving special teams, the AFC west better watch out.

11. New York Giants (6-4) - Turnovers have hurt the most talented team in the NFC.

12. Chicago Bears (7-3) - Their defense has come on strong, but they will be tested against the Eagles this week.

13. Kansas City Chiefs (6-4) - Playing good defense and being able to run the ball will get you far in the NFL, but the Chiefs have the Chargers bearing down on them in the AFC West.

14. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-3) - Impressive turn around but the Bucs have yet to beat a team with a winning record.  They will crack the top 10 if they can pull off an upset over the Ravens this weekend.

15. Jacksonville Jaguars (6-4) - A very streaky team that could do a lot of damage if they can stay hot and find their way into the playoffs.

16. Oakland Raiders (5-5) - The Steelers exposed the Raiders last week; if you stop their rushing attack, you can stop the Raiders.

17. Houston Texans (4-6) - Have lost their last 4 games thanks to their pass defense, but their offense is still as good as any.

18. Tennessee Titans (5-5) - Maybe they can find some magic with QB Rusty Smith, this team is too good to be 5-5.

19. Seattle Seahawks (5-5) - The division leader in the NFC West is ranked 19th.

20. Washington Redskins (5-5) - They completely rely on their defense to win games for them. Every game they have won they have scored 19 points or less.

21. St. Louis Rams (4-6) - A young and talented team that has lost three games by four points or less.

22. Miami Dolphins (5-5) - They were embarrassed by the Bears on Sunday night, they need a QB to step up and help out their rushing attack.

23. Cleveland Browns (3-7) - QB Colt McCoy and RB Peyton Hillis are fun to watch and I am sure they will pull of a few more upsets before the season is over

24. Dallas Cowboys (3-7) - New head coach Jason Garrett has really turned the team around.  /it helps having a veteran QB John Kitna under center.

25. San Fransisco 49ers (3-7) -  It looks like the 49ers might be selecting another QB in the first round unless Troy Smith can show them something soon.

26. Minnesota Vikings (3-7) - I think without QB Brett Favre and Brad Childress the Vikings are a 6-4 team at worst.

27. Buffalo Bills (2-8) - They showed me a lot with that comeback win over the Bengals, the Bills have played everyone tough all year long.

28. Arizona Cardinals (3-7) - They are a team that needs to find an identity after losing 5 straight.

29. Denver Broncos (3-7) - If stats are for losers, the Broncos are the biggest losers.  They are putting up unbelievable numbers on offense but continue to lose.

30. Detroit Lions (2-8) - I think next year the Lions will be a top 15 team if they can add some offensive linemen and keep QB Matthew Stafford healthy.

31. Cincinnati Bengals (2-8) - Most disappointing team this year. All sorts of talent but losing a game against the Bills up 21? Thats just embarrassing

32. Carolina Panthers (1-9) - Nothing has gone right for the Panthers this year.

NFL DRAFT 2011 - Fantasy Pick'em

So here at The 3-4 we are currently planning a pick'em style fantasy football game for the 2011 NFL Draft.  We would like to hear everyone's ideas about how they would like to play.  This game is going to be hosted and operated by The 3-4.

Free entry with a prize?
Paid entry with a prize?
Pick the whole first round?
Pick the top 10?
How would the winners be determined?
Top five overall?  Given a prize for every correct pick?

These are some of the questions we have and would like to hear from everyone about what their ideal Fantasy 2011 NFL DRAFT game would have!

E-MAIL ME: Alex Jenny


Or POST COMMENTS

Seymour Punches Roethlisberger

MNF: Chargers Perspective

Players to Watch

RB Mike Tolbert - Ryan Mathews is likely out for tonight’s game so Tolbert will get the bulk of carries. In many ways he has been more effective than Mathews and is a touchdown machine with 7 already. He’ll be going up against the worst ranked rushing defense in the league, so expect big yards on the ground and a couple touchdowns for Tolbert.

LB Kevin Burnett - #99 is one of the more underrated linebackers in the league. He doesn’t excel at any one area, but his abilities are solid across the board. He seems to always be around the ball due to his quickness, which will be essential to make sure receivers are not gaining any yards after the catch.

QB Phillip Rivers- Not the most likable guy in the league, but he is putting up elite numbers for the 3^rd straight year. If the Chargers had a better record, he would be right at the top of the MVP conversation. Rivers likes to air the ball out and leads the league in average yards per attempt. The Broncos have some weaknesses in their pass defense, and Rivers will exploit them for another big game.

Key Matchup: San Diego Chargers vs. Themselves- San Diego’s biggest challenge this year has been themselves. Stupid penalties, costly turnovers, and lousy special teams have resulted in a losing record for a team with one of the best offenses and defenses in the league. If the Chargers limit their mistakes they can beat anyone, but they have not been able to do so with any constancy this year. If the Chargers can play disciplined football, they will win big tonight.

Why the Chargers Will Win- Dating back to last season, the Broncos have lost 10 of their last 13 games. Kyle Orton has been playing extremely well this year, but the complete lack of a running game and suspect defense have prevented this team from wins. The Chargers have more talent and a better game plan on their side, and they will have to make a lot of mistakes to end up losing this game. The Broncos did beat the Chiefs last week, but history tells us that win was more of a fluke and is not likely to continue. Phillip Rivers and Mike Tolbert are in for a big game and it will likely be over by halftime.

Prediction: Chargers 42, Broncos 10

MNF: Broncos Perspective

Players to Watch

QB Kyle Orton - Despite having the worst rushing attack in the NFL, Orton has put up MVP type stats, passing for 2,806 yards,16 TDs and only 5 interceptions. Orton will have to find a way to exploit the stingy Chargers defense which ranks first in the NFL.

WR Brandon Lloyd - Lloyd is probably the surprise player of the year. The former fourth rounder out of Illinois is in his 8th year in the league and on his fourth different team. Pretty much everyone wrote Lloyd off because he has done virtually nothing in the last 3 years, only starting 7 games. This year he already has 48 receptions for 968 yards and 6 touchdowns, all career highs and he has only started 7 games. Lets see if Lloyd can show off in front of a national audience.

LB D.J. Williams - Williams, who is the Broncos top linebacker, was benched last game after getting arrested for a DUI. He should be in the starting lineup tonight and we will see if he tries to rectify his off the field mistakes and has a big game. Williams has 74 tackles, 3.5 sacks, a forced fumble, and 4 pass deflections on the season.

Key Matchup: San Diego's rushing attack vs. Broncos run defense - The Broncos are one of the worst teams in the NFL at stopping the run but the Chargers have had some struggles running the ball themselves. If the Broncos can get the better of this match-up then they can focus on stopping QB Phillip Rivers. I think they have a good chance at beating Rivers tonight because of veterans like S Brian Dawkins and CB Champ Bailey. Bailey is still one of the best corners in the NFL but seems to be forgotten because of the emergence of CB Darrelle Revis and other young corners.

Why the Broncos Will Win- The Chargers wont be ready for the Broncos passing attack. The Chargers really have not faced a balanced passing attack like the Broncos possess this year. I think the Broncos are going to go out and not even attempt to run against the Chargers; they are going to go out and spread the Chargers defense out and try to attack them through the air. If you look at the Chargers schedule this year, they have played some pretty mediocre teams (other than the Patriots). Everyone is forgetting that the Chargers are a 4-5 team this year and they have not even gotten to the hardest part of their schedule. I think the Broncos are a very underrated team and have a good chance of pulling off an upset against the Chargers, who have found ways to lose games all year.

Prediction: Broncos 31 Chargers 28

Week 11 NFL Picks Against the Spread

Coming off a 9-3-1 week...Post your thoughts in the comments section

Result:  10-5 Against the spread

Date & Time	Favorite	Spread	Underdog
11/21 1:00 ET	At Pittsburgh	-7.5	Oakland
11/21 1:00 ET	At NY Jets	-6.5	Houston
11/21 1:00 ET	Baltimore	-11.5	At Carolina
11/21 1:00 ET	At Tennessee	-7	Washington
11/21 1:00 ET	At Dallas	-6	Detroit
11/21 1:00 ET	Green Bay	-3	At Minnesota
11/21 1:00 ET	At Cincinnati	-5	Buffalo
11/21 1:00 ET	At Jacksonville	-2.5	Cleveland
11/21 1:00 ET	At Kansas City	-8	Arizona
11/21 4:05 ET	At New Orleans	-11.5	Seattle
11/21 4:05 ET	Atlanta	-3	At St. Louis
11/21 4:05 ET	At San Francisco	-3.5	Tampa Bay
11/21 4:15 ET	At New England	-4	Indianapolis
11/21 8:20 ET	At Philadelphia	-3	NY Giants

Monday Night Football Point Spread

11/22 8:35 ET	At San Diego	-9.5	Denver

College Football: Week 12 Pick'em

Last Week's Win/Loss: 7-3

Total Win/Loss since Week 2: 67-33

#6 Wisconsin at Michigan

Alex's pick: Wisconsin

Why: Michigan just cannot play defense. Simply put. But the strong running game of Wisconsin has been behind big left tackle Gabe Carimi, who had a superb month of October against top notch DE's. If Denard Robinson can keep pace with the pounding rushing attack of Wisconsin, we could have ourslelves a shootout. J.J. Watt will need to be disciplined in getting too far upfield, he will have to play a conservative contain against the dual threat Robinson, forcing him to pass. Wisconsin by 18

Troy at #17 South Carolina

Alex's pick: South Carolina

Why: Troy will give SC all they can handle with Jerel Jernigan their speedy wideout, but in all reality this Troy defense is no match for the explosive SC offense. No cornerback for Troy will be able to cover either of SC's big bodied WR's, Tori Gurley and Alshon Jeffrey, both of whom are 6'5. Add in the fact that Troy allowed over 650 yards of offense last week, and this game will and should be a blowout. SC by 28

Illinois vs. Northwestern

Alex's pick: Northwestern

Why: Essentially a home game, Northwestern lost their star quarterback Dan Persa last week with a torn achilles tendon. They will have a freshman start this week, but isn't that how both Mike Kafka's and Dan Persa's careers started? Northwestern's defense is stronger than Illinois' offense and this will be close, low scoring affair. Northwestern by 2

#7 Stanford at Cal

Alex's pick: Stanford

Why: Cal has won 7 of the past 8 matchups, and the previous 4 games; however Stanford is a different team this season. Balanced on offense, and equally dominant on defense, Andrew Luck should get to business here and win Stanford another ball game. Stanford wins a close win much like Oregon did last week; Stanford by 13

#14 Virginia Tech at #24 Miami (FL)

Alex's pick: Miami

Why: The resurgence of the Hurricane running game (185+ypg) as well as their lockdown pass defense, will result in a victory over the now ACC favorites Virginia Tech. Miami by 16

#8 Ohio State at #21 Iowa

Alex's pick: Ohio State

Why: One of the best defenses in college football, OSU will force Ricky Stanzi into turnovers, leading to quick and easy offensive scores. This game is expected to be a good watch, however I see this one getting out of hand quickly. OSU by 24

#13 Arkansas at #23 Mississippi State

Alex's pick: Arkansas

Why: If Mississippi State had any semblance of firepower on offense this could be a close game because of their strong defense. With that said, they do not have any strength on offense, and Ryan Mallet will tear them apart through the air. Arkansas wins in a blowout; ARK by 24

#9 Nebraska at #18 TAMU

Alex's pick: Nebraska

Why: Taylor Martinez is due for another breakout game. Nebraska still only a one-loss team, has the explosiveness on offense to really pound this TAMU defense; the inconsistency on offense, compounded by a young quarterback playing against a stout and experienced defense spells disaster for the Aggies. Nebraska wins by 17

#20 USC at Oregon State

 Alex's pick: Oregon State

Why: Matt Barkley has looked spectacular in recent weeks, however I feel Oregon State will pull the upset. JaQuizz Rodgers runs for over a hundred, and safety Lance Mitchell forces a couple of turnovers against the surging USC Trojan offense. Oregon State  by 6

#25 Utah at San Diego State

Alex's pick: San Diego State

Why: San Diego State scores points in bunches and could jump out to an early lead; they will need to be aggressive on defense and get into qb Jordan Wynn's head, leading to early turnovers in the Utes' passing game. San Diego State by 3