Florida, Notre Dame Ripe For Upsets

(Rich Podolsky worked with John Madden, Beano Cook and Jimmy The Greek through the years at CBS Sports. He has never had a losing season in the six years he's posted his college picks, going 108-86-2 in 2008. His opinions and selections can be found at www.podolskyspicks.com).

Both Florida and Notre Dame are among those who might be sporting hangovers this weekend and are ripe to be upset. In Florida's case, it would mark the first time in 23 years they've lost to Kentucky, but it still could happen. Here's why:

(1) The Gators are coming down from the big buildup last week vs. Tennessee. (2) At least six players missed practice this week with the flu. (3) There's no way the Gators take Kentucky seriously after beating them 62-5 last year. (4) Kentucky is livid that Florida kept Tebow in the game and passing into the fourth quarter last year, despte a six touchdown lead. And for those who like to gamble, (Kentucky is a 21 1/2 point underdog) The previous six years Kentucky has kept things close against Florida, never losing by more than three scores.

Notre Dame, though, is another story. The Irish may very well be walking into a trap. Purdue has always said they would rather beat the Irish than win the Big 10. Here'swhat the Irish are up against:

(1) This is a sandwich game for ND after coming out of two very emotional and draining games against Michigan and Michigan State, with Washington and USC next. (2) There's no way ND takes purdue seriously after the Boilermakers rolled over last week and lost to Northern Illinois. But that was a trap game for Purdue, which let down after a solid effort at oregon and was looking ahead to this game. (3) The line dropped from Notre Dame favored by 8 1/2 to 7 after news hit that QB Jimmy Clausen has turf toe and will have limited mobility.

Others who may experience hangovers this week are BYU (-18 vs. Colorado state) and Washington (+8 at Stanford).

Remember, emotion is as big a key to any college football game as talent.

For more picks go to Podolskyspicks.com. 

                                           --30--