Week 11 College Football Picks and Results

Tuesday
Toledo at Northern Illinois (+10): Both teams are coming off a couple extra days rest and I'm having problems going with Toledo anymore. The only place the Rockets are blasting off to anymore is directly into the ground.
Northern Illinois 31 Toledo 21
Toledo 17 Northern Illinois 13 (0-1) (0-1)

Thursday
Buffalo at Akron (+17): Where do I go with this one following Buffalo's 41-14 beatdown of Kent State last weekend? I'll go with the Zips for the win, but with the Bulls against the spread.
Akron 31 Buffalo 24
Akron 31 Buffalo 16 (1-1) (1-1)

Louisville (+5.5) at Rutgers: I have to admit, I'm pulling for the Scarlet Knights in this game. It's a rarity thta Rutgers has a chance to go 9-0. How long ago was it that they didn't win a single game in the regular season? Not too long ago. But, I do feel that Louisville quarterback Brian Brohm is regaining his touch following the thumb injury and feel that the Cardinals have too much on the offensive side of the ball for the Rutgers' defense to handle.
Louisville 35 Rutgers 28
Rutgers 28 Louisville 25 (1-2) (1-2)

Wyoming at BYU (+20): One of the hottest teams in the country has to be BYU. They're 7-2 and have not been contested since their early season overtime loss to Boston College. Wyoming is not a team to be taken lightly, but with the game in Provo, I've got to go with the Cougars.
BYU 28 Wyoming 10
BYU 55 Wyoming 7 (2-2) (1-3)

Friday
Western Michigan at Central Michigan (+5.5): This is a very important game in the MAC between 7-2 Western and 6-3 Central Michigan. But, unlike Western who has lost in conference, the Chippewas are 5-0, with their only three losses coming to the likes of Boston College, Michigan, and Kentucky. With the game at home and by playing better ball of late, I give the edge to Central Michigan in this one.
Central Michigan 24 Western Michigan 17
Central Michigan 31 Western Michigan 7 (3-2) (2-3)

UTEP (+2) at UAB: Here are two teams headed in the wrong direction and in desperate need of a win. Mike Price's Miners have fallen on hard times of late, especially on the defensive side of the ball, losing to Rice last week and Tulsa the week before. UAB's problems have revolved around their offensive production, or lack there of. I believe UTEP's offense will be able to outplay their horrendous defense in this one.
UTEP 28 UAB 21
UTEP 36 UAB 17 (4-2) (3-3)

Saturday
Nebraska (+1) at Texas A&M: I've been wrong about TAMU all season. If the game is close, it'll play right into their hands it seems like. While I think it'll be close, I don't believe TAMU has enough offensive speed and firepower to do much against the NU defense.
Nebraska 24 Texas A&M 17
Nebraska 28 Texas A&M 27 (5-2) (4-3)

Iowa State at Colorado (+8.5): Here it is, a battle for supremacy in the Big XII! The loser will more than likely finish last in the Big XII. With the game in Boulder, I give the slight edge to Colorado, but as an 8 1/2 point favorite? I'm not so sure about that.
Colorado 20 Iowa State 17
Colorado 33 Iowa State 16 (6-2) (4-4)

Texas Tech at Oklahoma (+8.5): If the game was to be played in Lubbock, I'd have a lot easier time taking the underdog Red Raiders, but with it being played in Norman, I've got to go with the Sooners.
Oklahoma 31 Texas Tech 24
Oklahoma 34 Texas Tech 24 (7-2) (4-5)

Baylor at Oklahoma State (+16): The Cowboys had a major letdown last week in Austin, scoring just 10 points following their 41-29 win at home against Nebraska. Look for them to rebound nicely in Stillwater against the Bears.
Oklahoma State 35 Baylor 21
Oklahoma State 66 Baylor 24 (8-2) (4-6)

Texas (+17.5) at Kansas State: While I'm not going to go out on a major limb here and take K-State in the huge upset, this is a game to keep your eyes on. Texas has had some problems in their Big XII away games this year (check Nebraska and Texas Tech). K-State should keep it fairly close throughout, but UT will have too much offensive firepower at the end for the Wildcats to keep up with.
Texas 28 Kansas State 21
Kansas State 45 Texas 42 (8-3) (5-6)

Wisconsin at Iowa (No Line): I keep waiting for the Hawkeyes to wake up from their slumber. In recent weeks they've fallen to Indiana and Northwestern to drop their record to 6-4. While Wisconsin has been playing well all season long, I have a gut feeling that Kirk Ferentz is going to have his boys ready to play at home in this one.
Iowa 24 Wisconsin 21
Wisconsin 24 Iowa 21 (8-4) (5-7)

Purdue at Illinois (+3): The two-win Illini are favored over the six-win Boilermakers? Is that all due to the close game with Ohio State a week ago? On the other side of things, the team may have spent a bit too much energy in that seven-point loss a week ago and won't be able to rebound quickly from that disappointing loss. It should be close, but I'm going with Purdue.
Purdue 28 Illinois 24
Purdue 42 Illinois 31 (9-4) (6-7)

Michigan (+19) at Indiana: Many are claiming that Michigan will bounce back from their near loss to Ball State a week ago. One mustn't forget that U of M had their problems with Northwestern two weeks ago. In their past two games, the Wolverines have outscored opponents with a 6-14 record 51-29 (average- 25.5-14.5). Indiana is coming off a disappointing blowout loss at the hands of Minnesota. Look for a closer game than those "experts" think here.
Michigan 31 Indiana 24
Michigan 34 Indiana 3 (10-4) (6-8)

Minnesota (+1) at Michigan State: With the way Minnesota played last week and the way MSU has been collapsing ever since their loss to Notre Dame, I've gotta go with the GO-phers.
Minnesota 35 Michigan State 28
Minnesota 31 Michigan State 18 (11-4) (7-8)

Ohio State (+23) at Northwestern: OSU struggled a week ago against Illinois and Northwestern has been playing better of late, going 1-1 in their last two against the likes of Michigan and Iowa (16-4 record), scoring 24 and allowing that same amount in those two games (average- 12.0-12.0). While it's difficult for me to see Ohio State cover the spread, I do think they'll win fairly handily.
Ohio State 31 Northwestern 17
Ohio State 54 Northwestern 10 (12-4) (7-9)

Temple at Penn State (+35): With the game at home and the team rallying behind JoPa's injury, I'm taking the Nittany Lions big in this one.
Penn State 42 Temple 7
Penn State 47 Temple 0 (13-4) (8-9)

Tennessee at Arkansas (+5): With the game at Arkansas and without starting quarterback Erik Ainge in the lineup, I'm giving the edge to the 'Hogs.
Arkansas 24 Tennessee 21
Arkansas 31 Tennessee 14 (14-4) (8-10)

Georgia at Auburn (+13): As usual, I'm picking the 'Dawgs to lose, but this might be a good matchup for them to pull off the upset. Auburn's offense has been anything but consistent this year and the only consistent part about Georgia has been their tenacious defense. If UGA's offense can get anything going, they may be able to pull this one off. But, I'm still going with the Tigers in a close one.
Auburn 20 Georgia 17
Georgia 37 Auburn 15 (14-5) (9-10)

Boise State (13.5) at San Jose State: Head coach Dick Tomey has done a fine job for the SJSU Spartans, but his team has also played one of the weakest schedules thus far in Division I-A. If Boise plays anywhere near to their kind of game, they should have no problem covering the spread.
Boise State 42 San Jose State 24
Boise State 23 San Jose State 20 (15-5) (9-11)

Duke at Boston College (+28): It's the perfect week for BC to rebound- a home game against the winless Blue Devils. Tom O'Brien and his crew have to be chopping their lips about right now.
Boston College 35 Duke 7
Boston College 28 Duke 7 (16-5) (9-12)

California (+13) at Arizona: U of A had a very impressive win a week ago against the scorching hot Washington State Cougars. Cal is even hotter. If U of A beats them, they may very well be in line to go bowling. I just don't see it happening though.
California 35 Arizona 17
Arizona 24 California 20 (16-6) (9-13)

NC State at Clemson (+16.5): Clemson suffered their second straight loss last week in a 13-12 heartbreak at the hand of Maryland. Don't expect similar results as they come back home against one of the coldest teams in all the ACC (Duke and UNC not included).
Clemson 35 NC State 17
Clemson 20 NC State 14 (17-6) (9-14)

Marshall at East Carolina (+7): Both teams are playing better ball of late. With the tough defense of the Pirates and this being a home game, I give them the edge.
East Carolina 31 Marshall 21
East Carolina 33 Marshall 20 (18-6) (10-14)

Louisiana-Monroe at Florida International (No Line): Here it is! FIU wins their first game of the season and that leaves Duke and Stanford as the two remaining winless teams!
Florida International 21 Louisiana-Monroe 17
Louisiana-Monroe 35 Florida International 0 (18-7) (10-15)

South Carolina at Florida (+13): How badly does Steve Spurrier want this game? Against his old club? At the Swamp? He really got after his club this weekend and even said they stunk! How will his team react? I'm not going to call for the upset, because whenever I pick Carolina to do that this year, they fall short. So, I'm taking the Gators (which evidently gives the Gamecocks a better chance at the upset), but don't think Florida will cover the spread.
Florida 28 South Carolina 21
Florida 17 South Carolina 16 (19-7) (11-15)

Wake Forest at Florida State (+7): Wake has one loss. Florida State has four. Yet FSU is the home favorite? Hmm. I have not given Wake much love all season long and am having a tough time doing it here. But, I'm going to find it in me to pick the Demon Deacons to find yet another way to come out on top.
Wake Forest 24 Florida State 21
Wake Forest 30 Florida State 0 (20-7) (12-15)

New Mexico State at Fresno State (+11.5): Finally, a game that Pat Hill's Bulldogs can realistically win. They've played one of the toughest schedules in all of football thus far. The Bulldogs shouldn't take this one for granted though. The last time they did that was against Utah State and the Aggies came back to pull off their lone victory of the season thus far.
Fresno State 31 New Mexico State 21
Fresno State 23 New Mexico State 18 (21-7) (13-15)

Georgia Tech (+13.5) at North Carolina: If Reggie Ball can throw the stinking football with any kind of accuracy and consistency, Tech should be able to cover the spread, but that's always an iffy bet.
Georgia Tech 28 North Carolina 14
Georgia Tech 7 North Carolina 0 (22-7) (13-16)

Louisiana Tech at Hawaii (+38.5): Louisiana Tech gave up 42 points to San Jose State. Hawaii has scored 68, 68, and 63 points in their previous three games. Who's to say that trend will stop at home against the Bulldogs? Not I.
Hawaii 63 Louisiana Tech 14
Hawaii 61 Louisiana Tech 17 (23-7) (14-16)

Houston (+6) at SMU: The Cougars were extremely impressive last week in their win over Tulsa. Look for the momentum to continue with a big road win against the Mustangs.
Houston 35 SMU 28
Houston 37 SMU 27 (24-7) (15-16)

Vanderbilt at Kentucky (+2): A bigger game than it is usually. Kentucky needs just one more win to become bowl eligible. Vandy needs two. With the game at home and being the more consistent of the two teams this year, I'm taking Kentucky for their sixth victory of the season.
Kentucky 24 Vanderbilt 17
Kentucky 38 Vanderbilt 26 (25-7) (16-16)

North Texas at Louisiana-Lafayette (+11): How bad has the Mean Green gotten? Who can they beat? Well, probably not the Rajun' Cajuns at home.
Louisiana-Lafayette 35 North Texas 17
North Texas 16 Louisiana-Lafayette 7 (25-8) (16-17)

Alabama at LSU (+17): That's quite the spread in an Alabama game. LSU also has to beware of the letdown bug following their huge win in Knoxville a week ago. 'Bama will be extra motivated to prove itself following the disappointing upset loss at the hands of Mississippi State last week. I'm taking the Tigers to win, but not to cover.
LSU 24 Alabama 10
LSU 28 Alabama 14 (26-8) (17-17)

Middle Tennessee State (+5) at Arkansas State: This is a dangerous game for the Blue Raiders of MTSU, but the team's only three losses have come to the likes of Oklahoma, Louisville, and Maryland. I'm going with MTSU.
Middle Tennessee State 31 Arkansas State 17
Middle Tennessee State 38 Arkansas State 10 (27-8) (18-17)

Miami (Florida) at Maryland (+2.5): It's going to be extremely difficult for the 'Canes to concentrate on the game with the unfortunate death of a player. Perhaps the team will rally behind that and come together as is common after tragedies. I find it difficult to believe they'll go on the road against a pretty good Terps' squad and find the focus and determination to play this one for sixty minutes and come out with the W.
Maryland 24 Miami (Florida) 21
Maryland 14 Miami (Florida) 13 (28-8) (18-18)

Central Florida at Memphis (+2): Who's worse? Let me find a quarter. Heads and I'm taking UCF, tails and I'm taking the Tigers. It's a heads. Allright, the Golden Knights shall prevail.
Central Florida 28 Memphis 24
Central Florida 26 Memphis 24 (29-8) (19-18)

Notre Dame (+12) at Air Force: I could see this one being fairly close. Air Force has been very inconsistent this year, but have looked great at times and ND's defense is anything but solid. I'm taking the Irish, but keep your eyes out for this one. It may be tougher than the Irish expect.
Notre Dame 28 Air Force 21
Notre Dame 39 Air Force 17 (30-8) (19-19)

Navy (+13) at Eastern Michigan: I'm taking the option-oriented Midshipmen here, but EMU has played many of their opponents 'till the end, so I'm taking the Eagles to beat the spread.
Navy 28 Eastern Michigan 17
Navy 49 Eastern Michigan 21 (31-8) (19-20)

Utah State at Nevada (+29): The spread makes me cringe a bit, but with the "Pistol" offense clicking for the Wolfpack, I'm going to take them by a bunch.
Nevada 45 Utah State 10
Nevada 42 Utah State 0 (32-8) (20-20)

Oregon State (+2) at UCLA: Two teams heading in completely opposite directions. Oregon State is as hot as they can get right now following a big upset win over then unbeaten USC and following that up with a dominating win over Arizona State. Look for the Beavers to win again.
Oregon State 28 UCLA 17
UCLA 25 Oregon State 7 (32-9) (20-21)

Pitt (+9) at UConn: This won't be easy, but UConn's strength on defense is up front and Pitt's strength on offense is in the passing game. I'm giving the edge to the Panthers.
Pitt 24 UConn 14
UConn 46 Pitt 45 2OT (32-10) (20-22)

UNLV at San Diego State (+7.5): Here's a matchup for the ages! Two wins between them! Allright, so maybe not. I do give SDSU a slight advantage because they've been playing better in recent weeks and UNLV has been doing the direct opposite. I don't believe SDSU will cover the spread, though.
San Diego State 28 UNLV 21
San Diego State 21 UNLV 7 (33-10) (20-23)

Syracuse at South Florida (+9): Knowing Syracuse, they'll keep it fairly close, but find a way to lose. Knowing South Florida, at home, they win big. Something's got to give, right?
South Florida 24 Syracuse 10
South Florida 27 Syracuse 10 (34-10) (21-23)

Southern Miss (+5.5) at Tulane: Even at home, the Green Wave won't be able to enough against the stingy Golden Eagles' defense to pull off the upset.
Southern Miss 28 Tulane 17
Southern Miss 31 Tulane 3 (35-10) (22-23)

TCU (+6) at New Mexico: Both teams have been playing better ball of late, but I've been really impressed with TCU of late. They should pull this one out.
TCU 24 New Mexico 17
TCU 27 New Mexico 21 (36-10) (23-23)

Troy (+4) at Florida Atlantic: This is a tough call, but I'm going with the Trojans, who faced such a tough non-conference schedule early on, to pull off the big road win.
Troy 28 Florida Atlantic 21
Troy 24 Florida Atlantic 17 (37-10) (24-23)

Rice at Tulsa (+14): After getting trounced by Houston last week, Tulsa will rebound at home against the Owls. They can't take Rice lightly, though, as they've won three straight.
Tulsa 31 Rice 17
Rice 41 Tulsa 38 2OT (37-11) (24-24)

Oregon at USC (+7.5): At the Coliseum, I've gotta go with the Trojans. This will show how much the team has grown since their loss to Oregon State. It was hard to measure that a week ago against winless Stanford.
USC 28 Oregon 21
USC 35 Oregon 10 (38-11) (24-25)

Colorado State at Utah (+13): The Rams have lost their horns of late and will have a hard time going on the road and finding much to butt their heads with.
Utah 35 Colorado State 17
Utah 35 Colorado State 22 (39-11) (25-25)

Kent State at Virginia Tech (+28.5): Kent State has struggled the past couple weeks and the Hokies have pulled off three impressive wins against Southern Miss, Clemson, and Miami. At Lane Stadium, I'm going with the Hokies to cover the large spread.
Virginia Tech 38 Kent State 7
Virginia Tech 23 Kent State 0 (40-11) (25-26)

Cincinnati at West Virginia (+18): Cincinnati is a tough ball club and should keep the game closer than the 'Neers would like. I like West Virginia at home in this one, but not by much.
West Virginia 24 Cincinnati 17
West Virginia 42 Cincinnati 24 (41-11) (25-27)

Stanford at Washington (+19): Ty Willingham and his crew can finally go home and count on winning a football game. They've had a rough go of it lately with close losses to the likes of USC, Cal, and Arizona State. Don't count on that happening with Stanford.
Washington 31 Stanford 10
Stanford 20 Washington 3 (41-12) (25-28)

Washington State (+1) at Arizona State: Following a very disappointing loss to Arizona, Wazzu should rebound against a struggling ASU club.
Washington State 31 Arizona State 24
Arizona State 47 Washington State 14 (41-13) (25-29)

Week 11 Record For the Win: 41-13 (.759)
Overall Record For the Win: 387-133 (.744)
Week 11 Record Vs. the Spread: 25-29 (.463)
Overall Record Vs. the Spread: 257-263 (.494)