NFL and College Picks for September 26th-27th

I’m still looking to catch fire in college this year, and am not too excited about this week’s matchups. But, with that said, this will probably be the week we post a solid win total.

Purdue(+7) vs. Notre Dame

Purdue last week lost to Northern Illinois in a classic case of we’re looking ahead to next weeks game against Notre Dame. Well, next week is here and Notre Dame and Charlie (Grimace) Weis is in town. This series has seen plenty of entertaining high octane games, as the last five games have seen the teams combine for over 50 points scored in each.

Jimmy Clausen has still not thrown a pick this year and in my opinion is a heisman candidate. However, Clausen does lose his deep threat wide receiver in Michael Floyd who is out for the season. Notre Dame can score but they have a serious problem still trying to stop the run.

Ralph Bolden, the speed burner from Purdue, should be able to run at will against Notre Dame. Before last week’s loss to Northern Illinois, he was the nation’s leading rusher. Expect him to get back on track this week.

Notre Dame wins, but does not cover the 7 points.

California(-5.5) vs. Oregon

Can someone please tell me what has happened to Oregon QB Jeremiah Masoli?

Through three games he has only thrown for 379 yards with a completion rate of 45%, and he still has not thrown a touchdown, yet has 2 picks. California’s D-line can create pressure, so I don’t expect those numbers to get any better. Cal’s senior class will be going for the their 4th win against Oregon, and will be counting on Jahvid Best’s legs to complete the sweep.

Oregon’s defense has been horrible, unable to stop anyone, Jahvid Best runs all day; take Cal and give the points.

Virginia Tech(+3) vs. Miami

I like Tech here. Miami has won against Florida State, and destroyed Georgia Tech. Somehow Miami has shot way up in the polls and is getting major national recognition. Florida State was a nice win, and Georgia Tech, if you could shut down the run, you win easy. Too much hype for Miami, this team is not used to the pressure and will get the loss today against Tech.

Penn St (-9) vs. Iowa

Revenge for Penn St, give the points, enough said.

Arizona Cardinals(-2) vs. Indianapolis Colts

The Colts are going to play their second consecutive road game traveling all the way out to Arizona. Their defense was on the field Monday night for close to 45 minutes. Coming off a short week plus travel, and playing a high powered offense, I don’t think they have a shot against the Cards. Give the points and take the Cards.

Cincinnati Bengals(+4) vs. Pittsburgh Steelers

I think Cincinnati can win this game outright this week. Pittsburgh has looked mediocre so far in 2009. Willie Parker looks as if he lost a step or two, and no Troy Polamalu is a huge lostsfor that defense.

In order for Pittsburgh to win they will need to give Big Ben some time, which will be extremely difficult against this much improved Cincinnati Bengals defense. Carlson Palmer is looking good, and I expect Chad Johnson to say “kiss the baby” to the whole Pittsburgh D this week.

Take the point with the Bengals and kiss the baby!

Dallas (-9) vs. Carolina

I will bet against Carolina every week that Jake Delhome is the starting quarterback. Whoever is the general manager for the Panthers should be fired and departed to some third world county after re-signing Delhome in the off season and giving him all of that big money. Dallas was embarrassed at home last week versus the Giants. It won’t even be close this week. Dallas by twenty.

Titans(+3) vs. Jets

The Jets played their Super Bowl last week against the Pats. Major letdown alert this week as they are playing a very desperate, very talented team in the Titans. The Jets haven’t allowed a touchdown yet this year, but that will change this week. I expect the Titans to send a statement to the league that they are still one of the best teams in the league.

Pats(-4) vs. Falcons

As a Falcons fan it’s killing me to pick against them for the second week in a row, but the chips are stacked against them playing the Pats. The Patriots haven’t lost two consecutive games since, well, since a very long time. Wes Welker is back, and as we all could see last week against the Jets, he is a very integral part of the team.

The Falcons will keep this game very close because they will run the ball right down the throats of New England, but tje Falcons on defense has no answer to the Pats passing game. Take the Pats — but I hope they lose!

Record this year:

• College 3-5
• NFL 4-4