College Football: Week 8

Last week we went 4-2 with our picks, and even got the Upset Pick of the Week correct (Kentucky over S. Carolina).

This should be a great weekend for college football. Lots of big-time match-ups, including a couple of games with undefeated teams going head to head.

Last night, Oregon dominated the up and down UCLA Bruins, and made their case as the best team in the country. Here are the big games this week:

LSU @ Auburn—One of the “surprise” undefeateds so far this year is Auburn. While many people thought they had the potential to be good, Auburn has put up stifling numbers on the offensive side of the ball. They have proven that they can win close games as well as being able to make plays at the right time. Cam Newton might be the Heisman frontrunner coming into this week.

LSU has to be one of the most controversial teams in the top 10. While their record suggests that they are legit, not many people believe they should be undefeated. They have survived a few close games, complete with bad calls and horrible clock management.

Until they lose a game, I guess you have to take the Tigers seriously. They do have one of the SEC’s best defenses, a unit that will be put to the test on Saturday. Look for Auburn to pull out another close win.

My Pick: Auburn 38,  LSU 27

Nebraska @ Oklahoma State—Nebraska is coming off a very disappointing loss to previously unranked Texas. Not only did Texas win, they took away the Cornhuskers' main offensive weapon, Taylor Martinez. This wasn’t a good sign for the Nebraska offense, but they did move the ball better once Senior Zac Lee took over. Look for Martinez to get back on track against a weaker OSU defense.

Oklahoma State is undefeated, which may surprise you. While their schedule has not been tough, they still have looked impressive on the offensive side of the ball. The Cowboys are #2 in both scoring offense and total offense. Look for the Husker defense to key on Cowboy running back Kendall Hunter, and try to contain the passing game.

Another close game, this time, Nebraska wins.

My Pick: Nebraska 27,  Oklahoma State 24

Wisconsin @ Iowa—The Badgers are coming off a huge win over #1 Ohio State. The Badgers controlled the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball and were able to pound the Buckeyes on the ground. Look for the same game plan this week as they take on a good Iowa team.

Iowa lost its first game of the season, but since then has looked impressive. This team is smart, tough and mature. Look for a physical game, with a field goal making the difference.

My Pick: Wisconsin 29,  Iowa 26

Oklahoma @ Missouri—One of the biggest games in the Gary Pinkels' Missouri career. Oklahoma comes in as the #1-ranked team in the first BCS standings, and has owned the Tigers lately. While Oklahoma has shown some kinks in their armor this year, Bob Stoops will have his team ready to play in front of a hostile Mizzou crowd.

Missouri features a good offense led by QB Blaine Gabbert. Gabbert is eighth nationally in passing yards for the season, and has a great group of receivers at his disposal.

While this game is being hyped as a great top-10 match-up, Mizzou has had a weak schedule leading up to this game. Look for the Tigers to keep things close early, but watch the Sooners put them away in the second half. Turnovers will play a big part in this one.

My Pick: Oklahoma 40 Missouri 30

Upset Pick of the Week: Northwestern 31,  Michigan State 30

Game Nobody Cares About: Mid-America Nazarene 35,  Evangel 20