Last Week's Win/Loss: 5-5
Total Win/Loss since Week 2: 60-30
#13 Iowa at Northwestern
Alex's pick: Iowa
Why: Dan Persa has been playing at an extremely high level this season, leading Northwestern to a 6-3 record; nevertheless a 2-3 conference record and an inability to win big games has stuck as a label. I think they give Iowa a strong performance, but the improved offense of the Hawkeyes will be the center point of attention. Iowa by 10
Kansas State at #20 Missouri
Alex's pick: Missouri
Why: Kansas State's inability to pass the football will make the game that much easier for the Mizzou D. Daniel Thomas lacks the burst to create running lanes for himself and benefits from tiring down a defensive front, gaining steam towards the latter portion of games. The probem this week is the rotational D-Line which Missouri implements and the stacked fronts the KSU Wildcats will face. Missouri starts out in a flurry, but behind Daniel Thomas they come close to taking the lead. Missouri by 6
Penn State at #8 Ohio State
Alex's pick: Ohio State
Why: Defense wins this game for the Buckeyes, as they are set to "tee off" on the freshman quarterback carousel from Penn State. Jim Tressel has noticeably picked up on more aggressive playcalling and the offense is benefiting. TP throws for 350 and Ohio State wins. OSU by 21
#16 Virginia Tech at North Carolina
Alex's pick: North Carolina
Why: North Carolina's defense is really starting to gel, and I feel if they can pressure Tyrod Taylor into early mistakes, that the improved rushing attack can maintain an early lead. Matchup to watch is Va. Tech WR Jarrett Boykin vs. UNC CB Kendric Burney. Top end skill position players that will likely see the other all afternoon. Boykin has height advantage, however Burney has extremely good ball skills. UNC by 3
Georgia at #2 Auburn
Alex's pick: Auburn
Why: One of two upset alert picks I have this week; I will be in attendance for this game at Jordan Hare Stadium! Very excited to see 2 possible top 2011 NFL prospects on both teams; A.J. Green WR of Georgia, Nick Fairley DT of Auburn, and obviously Cam Newton QB of Auburn. Interested to see whether or not he plays, but Im positive that this team rallies the troops behind Cam, and Auburn fans witness a Georgia Bulldog beatdown. Yet with all the distractions, it is VERY possible for an upset. Auburn by 17
San Diego St. at #3 TCU
Alex's pick: TCU
Why: Another on upset alert, I am interested to see how TCU follows up their domination of formerly #5 ranked Utah. Primed for a letdown, head coach Gary Patterson won't let pride sink in and destroy TCU's national championship hopes...TCU by 21
#23 TAMU at Baylor
Alex's pick: Baylor
Why: After letting me down in a BIG way last week, Im going to stay with the Bears. Coming off his worst start this season, I feel Robert Griffen III will light it up. His ability to stretch the pocket with his feet should limit the sack opportunities of TAMU, who are solely reliant upon stud OLB Von Miller. If Baylor tailors blitz pickups to cover up Miller, then I would not be surprised if Griffen carves up an Aggie defense. Baylor by 13
#17 Mississippi State at #11 Alabama
Alex's pick: Alabama
Why: Coming off a painful loss to LSU, Alabama and Coach Nick Saban will show resiliency in this matchup of top 20 ranked SEC opponents. A lot depends on the health of RB Trent Richardson, as he has been heavily relied upon this season. Mark Ingram needs to up his game this week as well; Ingram has been somewhat ineffective the last couple of weeks and will need to open up the PA passing attack for Greg McElroy. Bama by 16
#12 Oklahoma State at Texas
Alex's pick: Oklahoma State
Why: Former MLB player Brandon Weeden's ability to step in and command this high flying offense, is the main reason to why OSU is set to be the Big 12's BCS Bowl bid. Justin Blackmon is as big for this offense as any other WR in the nation, and will be tested against a talented secondary. Kendall Hunter and the run game will be the X-Factor for the game. OSU by 19
USC at #18 Arizona
Alex's pick: USC
Why: Matt Barkley and the USC Trojans are starting to play up to their abilities, and have begun to win close games. If this one is within a TD heading into the 4th quarter, USC will win. The stable of running backs allow for fresh legs every series, and Arizona's D-Line is suspect against the run. USC by 7
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