Week 9 picks...Excelling in mediocrity.

Just a little shot of the World's Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party. Oh, I forgot. I am not allowed to call it that anymore because that name is the only thing that makes students drink in Jacksonville. What a great use of time and resources presidents Adams and Foley. For the first time in 4 years, yours truly will be making the trek to J-Ville in order to watch Georgia get the shit kicked out of them, AGAIN!!! Now, one might say that I am being pessimistic. Well, welcome to the life of a Georgia fan who is getting ready for the Florida game. Anyways, this will be the first time that I have entered Alltel Stadium since the famous Terrence Edwards dropped pass in the 1 loss 2003 season. Yep, with that one pass went our guaranteed trip to the National Championship Game. Needless to say, I have some horrible memories in that town. While I am pounding the brewsky and catching some rays, there will be many great games on tap. Many teams are in the middle of a stretch run that will decide the fate of their "post season." Not to mention, we get to see if Ohio State can actually go more than one week at the number one slot. Oh yeah, don't forget about the little meeting in Eugene. Well, let's see if I can do a little better this weekend.

Ohio State 17 - Penn State 20


This will be Ohio State's first real test. Sorry, Washington, you do not count. Happy Valley at night with the "White Out" can be an intimidating place. The problem with both of these teams is offense, since none of them have one. However, I will take Morelli over Boeckman which gives Penn State a little advantage in the QB department. On the flip side, I will take Beanie Wells over Rodney Kinlaw in the running game. However, I really don't think the offenses will be the deciding factor in this game. This game should be a defensive struggle. Look for a late game turnover to set up Penn State for a dethroning field goal. Nittany in the upset.

Boston College 24 - Virginia Tech 17

I am torn on this game. I don't know if Boston College is for real or if they just haven't played anybody yet. I would say that the ass whipping they put on Georgia Tech was a good indicator but Tech has, since, shit the bed. I know that the game is in Blacksburg, which is a bitch of a place to play, but Virginia Tech isn't bringing any better of a defense then Tenuda and Georgia Tech. With that being said, Matt Ryan and Boston College...I can't believe I am about to say this...move one step closer to the BCS championship game.

Arizona State 27 - California 24

Both of these teams bring potent offenses to the table, however, only one of them brings a potent defense to the table. I realize that Arizona State hasn't really played an offensive powerhouse, but they have put up some pretty decent stats. Dennis Erickson has brought new life into a program that was in the seventh circle of Hell under Dirk Koetter. Cal, on the other hand has been slightly derailed in the last two weeks with loses to Oregon State and UCLA. Look for Erickson to attack Cal's pathetic defense early and try to get Cal on the ropes quick. Cal's offense is just too good to shut out but I think ASU's defense will shut them down enough to ensure a victory.

Oregon 31 - USC 24

I am going against conventional wisdom here. Pete Carroll doesn't usually lose to good teams, he slaughters them (Vince Young being the exception). His weaknesses are the Stanfords and Oregon States. The problem with this game is that Oregon brings, quite possibly, the best offense in football to the table. Not to mention that the game is in crazy ass Autzen Stadium. Southern Cal's defense looked disgusting last week but let's try and remember who they played (Notre Dame). Oregon is also about 6 inches away from being undefeated. I don't know why am going with this pick, but I just have a feeling that Oregon gets it done. Most likely I will be proven horribly wrong, yet again, but oh well.

West Virginia 31 - Rutgers 21

West Virginia's offense is hard to gameplan for and even harder to stop. However, their defense is so shitty, that you can pretty much guarantee Ray Rice will run all over the field. It just depends on how fresh Rice is after being hit like a speed bag last week against South Florida. It is imperative for Rutgers that the running game works. However, I just don't think Rutgers will be able to hang with Slayton, White and Co for 60 minutes. Piscataway will not see two top 10 teams fall in consecutive weekends.

Kansas 28 - Texas A&M 17

The fighting Mangino's have a stout offense. Their defense is somewhat lacking but it is not like A&M has a spectacular offense. Tack on the fact that A&M has, arguably, the dumbest coach in football and the outcome of this one should be fairly evident. Look for A&M to use a heavy dose of Javorskie Lane (read: Nebraska game) and attempt to keep KU's offense off of the field. A&M must keep this to a low scoring game. If this turns into a track meet, then A&M will lose. KU's run to a Big 12 north title and a shot at Oklahoma continues. Coach Fran, please don't let the door hit your ass on the way out.

South Florida 28 - Connecticut 17

Coach Leavitt's team lost a heart breaker to Rutgers last week and you can bet South Florida is highly pissed off. Connecticut hasn't played anybody this year (Sorry Louisville, you guys suck ass. Apparently, Coach Petrino knew something about this years team.) and I just don't think Connecticut will have seen as well rounded an opponent as South Florida. Coach Leavitt's Bulls are the best team in the Big East and look for them to put themselves back at the top of the Big East food chain. Matt Grothe should have a solid game and look for the Bulls defense to keep the Huskies from making this one close.

Florida 28 - Georgia 17

You have no idea how hard it is for me to pick against Georgia. I am a realistic fan, however, and I know that it will take some serious help for the Dawgs to pull the upset against Florida. Florida is still right in the thick of the SEC East race and cannot afford to lose another game in the SEC. The good news for the Bulldogs is that, for the first time in many years, they had a bye week adjacent to the Florida game. Hopefully, Richt and Co have come up with a solid scheme to shut down the Tim Tebow Express. If they haven't, it is going to be a long game for the Dawgs, as well as yours truly. Ultimately, I think Florida is just going to be too much to handle for the Dawgs. Add to it the fact that Georgia never beats Florida and it looks like the losing continues. However, I really hope I am wrong in this prediction.