College Football Picks, Week #11

Now, last week is exactly what I needed. I won 5, "pushed" (tied) 2, and I only lost 1. And, I would've won that one if Wisconsin didn't give up a touchdown in garbage time in the 4th quarter. This takes the season-long record to 35 wins, 42 losses and 3 pushes. Maybe this week can get back to break-even and go to the rivalry weeks with a fighting chance to have a winning record.

So, on to this week's games:

Auburn (+1.5) at Georgia: This game actually started out with Auburn as the favorite. Then all the money in Vegas went to the Bulldogs and now Auburn is the road underdog. Apparently, people don't know that Auburn has won 10 of the last 12 in Athens. Apparently, people don't know that the road team wins the most in this series. Apparently, people don't know that Auburn's hasn't lost a road game outside of Baton Rouge in 4 years. Tuberville is 10-2 in his last 12 games against top-10 teams. Even the rumblings of Tuberville to (insert about 5 NCAA job openings here) won't take the Tigers focus off this one--especially with last year's humbling loss still fresh on their minds. Diner Prediction: Auburn 23, Georgia 21.

Alabama at Mississippi State (+4.5): Alabama is still enchanted with, more or less, a "moral" victory against L.S.U. last week. They lost, but if you listen to talk radio there this week or read their papers, you'd think the Tide won the game with all the glowing praises of the Saban. But, L.S.U. was terrible that day and dominated the stat sheet. And, Sylvester Croom wants this one in the biggest way to be bowl eligible against his alma mater. They've had a week off to get ready, too. It'll be war in Starkville, Saban or not. But talent usually wins out in the end and Bama has more of it.Diner Prediction: Alabama 27, Mississippi State 21.

U.S.C. at California (+4): Booty is back at the helm for the Trojans and Cal is having trouble staying healthy. But the Trojans seem vulnerable this year for some reason and playing in Berkeley is difficult by Pac-10 standards. It's tough to pick against the Trojans because they're stacked but Cal took Oregon to the wire and Oregon beat U.S.C. In a close game, I like getting points with the home team. Diner Prediction: California 31, U.S.C. 28.

Kansas at Oklahoma State (+6.5): Last week, Kansas throttled Nebraska. What I thought was interesting was how the talking heads at ESPN were talking about how it was embarrasing to see the Big Red struggle like they have been. Where were all these people when Nebraska was pounding teams by 50 throughout the 1970's & 80's? I don't feel sorry for them at all. But Kansas made believers out of me and I think they're good enough offensively to cover the spread even on the road in Stillwater...that defense just doesn't do it for me when you can't hold a 21 point 4th quarter lead against a struggling Texas team. Diner Prediction: Kansas 27, Oklahoma State 17.

Illinois (+14.5) at Ohio State: Turns out Ron Zook can coach and recruit. I like the way the Fighting Illini play and the only drawback is that the Buckeyes are loaded with speed and big-play ability. I think Illinois can keep it real close for a half, and in two years they should be among the top teams in the Big 10, but the Buckeyes will have enough to win and being at home really helps them. They won't be looking ahead to Michigan at all. Diner Prediction: Ohio State 35, Illinois 17.

Texas Tech (+6.5) at Texas: Texas is such an enigma. They have no identity on offense and they give up a lot of points on defense, but they keep finding ways to win. If this were in Lubbock, I might be thinking that Texas Tech would win straight up. But it's in Austin and Charles keeps bailing the Longhorns out of trouble when they need it. He'll do it again, and a touchdown of points isn't too much to give up...Especially when Stoops gets in his crazy play-calling mode. Diner Prediction: Texas 28, Texas Tech 21.

Florida State (+6) at Virginia Tech: The Seminoles ain't what they used to be even if they beat Boston College on the road. VaTech is a different place and the Hokies are a different team. Florida State may not give up a lot of points, but Xavier Lee isn't their answer at quarterback, either. Diner Prediction: Virginia Tech 17, Florida State 10.

Florida at South Carolina (+6.5): Spurrier will have his folks ready, but the Gators can score a lot more points than South Carolina can, even if their defenses leave a lot to be desired. I love the atmosphere in South Carolina and they'll be amped for the Florida coming to town. But Florida simply has too much for a limping Gamecock team and they might win big. Diner Prediction: Florida 38, South Carolina 20.

So, who wins this week, patrons?