Friday Football Picks, Week #2

Not off to a bad start last week, going 5-3 against the point spread. I still say my Tennessee pick was a good one if not for a fluke fumble return for a TD and a punt return by Cal. Auburn didn't cover, but got out with a win. The only real miss was Florida State...I had a feeling about Clemson getting points at home that I should've gone with.

Anyway, on to this week's games:

Alabama at Vanderbilt (+3.5): I know Vandy's supposed to be much improved and Bama did what they were supposed to do to Western Carolina last week...but no matter how you slice this one, Alabama is still Alabama and Vanderbilt is still Vanderbilt. Diner's Prediction: Alabama 23, Vanderbilt 13.

South Florida (+7) at Auburn: The Big East's South Florida Bulls won a bowl game and beat West Virginia last year, so they're no pushover. And Auburn's showing last week was less than impressive offensively. The question is really one of whether or not Auburn was able to fix the worries of an inexperienced line and backfield by committee. I'm not sure they will, but defensively Auburn shows a ton of depth. It'll be enough. But it'll be another nail-biter for AU...which, under Tuberville, they seem to always find a way. Diner Prediction: Auburn 17, South Florida 13.

South Carolina (+5) at Georgia: Last year, Spurrier rallied his troops against Georgia and Florida. I suspect that the Dawgs are better than advertised and they played well against Oklahoma State last week. The question is whether or not Spurrier was sandbagging last week...and I don't think he was. I think Georgia at home is worth a TD in either case. Diner Prediction: Georgia 24, South Carolina 17.

Virginia Tech (+12.5) at LSU: After watching LSU's defense dominate and the Hokies struggle offensively at home against East Carolina, well, I can't figure out how VaTech scores more than 10 and how LSU won't cover...especially at home. Diner Prediction: LSU 27, Virginia Tech 10.

Oregon (+8) at Michigan: Yes. We all saw Appalachian State become the first 1-AA team to beat a ranked team in the Big House last weekend. But there seems to be a knee-jerk reaction that Michigan is awful and they'll have a losing season. Sure, the Wolverines are disappointed, but they aren't as bad as everyone says they are. Michigan at home and mad? Againt the Ducks? Diner Prediction: Michigan 23, Oregon 14.

Oklahoma at Miami (+10.5): Oklahoma could've named their score last weekend, and pretty much did ringing up 79 against the Mean Green. I just don't know how good Oklahoma truly is. They could be national contenders and we'll find out this weekend if they are. Miami seems to have some question marks but they always have talent. It seems like a lot of points to give, but Oklahoma's had good luck in Miami before. Diner Prediction: Oklahoma 28, Miami 13.

TCU (+9) at Texas: This will determine if TCU is going to be this year's Boise State. Yes, I know the Longhorns were less than impressive against inferior competition last week, but something tells me that they were vanilla by design and they won't take the Horned Frogs lightly. They've got something to prove, and I think they will. Diner Prediction: Texas 24, TCU 9

Notre Dame (+17) at Penn State. This line opened at 11 and Notre Dame's dismal showing against Georgia Tech combined with Penn State's nice win last weekend basically added a touchdown to the line...which is something you almost NEVER see. Somebody knows something, and I can't believe that in my lifetime if I ever got Notre Dame and 17 points that I wouldn't take it in a minute. But, I won't this week because the Irish can't find a quarterback. Diner Prediction: Penn State 35, Notre Dame 10.

What do you think, patrons?