Week 10 College FB Preview: Puzzling Out the BCS Picture

The BCS picture is getting clearer with each passing week, and this Saturday will help sharpen it even more.

Big games like Oregon-Arizona State and LSU-Alabama will be critical in shaping the race to New Orleans. And to all you Georgia fans out there—I'm not picking your game, so you won't need to string me up again until at least next weekend.

On to the picks...

Wisconsin at Ohio State

The Buckeyes have proven thus far that they belong in the championship game. I think they'll lose a game before the end of the year, but they did play well in a 20-point win over Penn State.

Wisconsin has gained some confidence by beating up on two easy teams—but there's a reason they have two losses this season.

My Pick: Ohio State

Florida State at Boston College

I think Boston College deserves the No. 1 spot after the victory over Virginia Tech—which is better than any win Ohio State has had this year.

Florida State is going back to Drew Weatherford this week—never a good thing. If this game were in Tallahassee, I might go with the upset...but it's in Chestnut Hill.

I'll go with the Eagles to remain in the top two.

My Pick: Boston College

LSU at Alabama

Nick Saban vs. Les Miles.

I was never a believer that Saban was an elite coach at LSU (he had a few five-loss seasons), but I also think Miles underachieves with his talent every year.

Saban's reunion with LSU is similar to Steve Spurrier's reunion with Florida two years ago. The difference is that the hate for Saban in Baton Rouge is a lot stronger than that for Spurrier in Gainesville.

Remember that Florida lost its first game against Spurrier in South Carolina—and that Saban's team this year is better than Spurrier's team that year.

Another factor in Bama's favor is the fact that LSU lost its only big road game, at Kentucky. That said, I think the Tigers learned their lesson.

My Pick: LSU

Arizona State at Oregon

Oregon is for real.

The Ducks may be the best one-loss team in the country. If they win this game, there will be a very heavy debate over whether LSU or Oregon deserves a shot in the BCS Championship Game.

But let's wait until Sunday before we dig into that.

My Pick: Oregon

Nebraska at Kansas

Nebraska has dominated this series in the past, as Kansas has rarely fielded a competitive team. The tides have turned this year, with the Jayhawks hoping to continue their march towards an undefeated season.

I know one of the few Kansas football fans, and he assures me they're going to win. He's been right so far.

My Pick: Kansas

Texas A&M at Oklahoma: Oklahoma

Michigan at Michigan State: Michigan

Rutgers at UConn: Rutgers

Cincy at South Florida: South Florida

South Carolina at Arkansas: South Carolina