Week Nine College Football Picks: The “This Is Sparta!” Edition

Duke at Vanderbilt (Upset Special Part Three)

Vandy has made a living off of turnovers, but on paper, they won’t have that advantage this week.  Not only has Duke thrown just three picks, the Blue Devils have a +7 turnover margin—the same as Vandy.

Vanderbilt’s pass defense is suspect, and Duke makes its living through the air.  Something has to give.  

In the end, I like Duke to minimize mistakes, take care of the ball, and lean on Cutcliffe’s experience with beating the ‘Dores.

Winner: Duke, 27-24

Oklahoma State at Texas

I’ve picked against Texas the last two weeks, and the Longhorns have proved me wrong both times—big time. 

I’d love to continue the Upset Special theme, but I’m simply not sold on Mike Gundy’s manhood or how good his team is. 

Winner: Texas, 35-24

Rutgers at Pittsburgh (Upset Special Part Four)

This is the typical Wannstache trap game. 

Pitt is cruising and in control of its destiny in the Big East.  Rutgers, on the other hand, looks terrible, although they are “improving.”  But Pitt will find a way to crumble—at home, of course. 

Schiano looks like a proud dad after the game. 

Winner: Rutgers, 20-17

Georgia at LSU (Upset Special Part Five)

Okay, it’s not too much of an upset, since both teams are SEC powerhouses coming off solid wins—and LSU is at home. 

Georgia has now lost both starting offensive tackles, and LSU’s D-line is still sacking Stephen Garcia as I write this. 

Georgia hits a few long balls, but LSU wins the war up front and eventually wears down the Dawgs, pulling out a close one at home—and Harry Coleman will pick up yet another unsportsmanlike conduct penalty.   

Winner: LSU, 28-27

Virginia Tech at FSU (Upset Special Part Six)

Again, not much of an upset, but FSU is ranked, at home, and at the top of the division, so technically it counts.

Too much good is happening in Tallahassee right now.  They need some of the good old disappointment that has treated them so well the last few seasons.

Tech bursts the Noles' bubble.

Winner: Virginia Tech, 27-24

Alabama at Tennessee

No upset here.  Tennessee’s 34-3 win from last week looks good on paper, but the box score tells the real story: The Vols still can’t move the ball against a decent defense. 

Alabama decides to play a few snaps in the second half of a terribly boring game. 

Winner: Alabama, 27-13

Penn State at Ohio State (Game of the Week and Upset Special Part Seven)

I’ll come clean: I hate the Big Ten.  But I really see this game turning out to be an Instant Classic. 

Pryor and Wells are clicking more and more each week and look to be peaking. Meanwhile, Penn State might have peaked too early. 

The Buckeyes’ D comes up big in the clutch. 

Winner, in a thriller: Ohio State, 31-30

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