College Football Predictions: Baby's Losers for October 18, Shutdown Saturday

                                                   Baby's Losers 10/18/08

Each football season brings us to a weekend where the power teams step forward and shut down fiery competition, proving who the cream of the crop is. That weekend is here.

1) Ole Miss @ Alabama

The Rebels are a terrible nemesis for anyone to have. You never can tell when they will rise up and smack a higher rated team. This year Mississippi has won, lost, won, lost, won, lost. This is their week to win, but Baby's Loser, Ole Miss.

2) Michigan @ Penn State

The Lions are riding high, and the Wolverines are lower than a well. Everything points to a danger game for Penn State as there is talent in Ann Arbor. It will take all of Paterno's ability to win this trap game. Baby's Loser, Michigan.

3) Missouri @ Texas

The Longhorns have moved up to No. 3 in the 11 Best 11s, and they will have to improve the defense to continue to win in the Big 12, where offense is king. Texas has not lost in Austin to Missouri since 1896. Yes, 1896. Baby's Loser, Missouri.

4) Texas Tech @ Texas A&M

Red Raider coach Mike Leach denied reports today that his name has been linked with the Clemson job following the removal of Tommy Bowden. If he can keep his engineers focused, they should be fine. Baby's Loser, Texas A&M.

5) Ohio State @ Michigan State

Could easily be the best game of the day. Look for a grinding ground game from both schools and physical defense. Stars abound in this matchup, which should be a pulse-pounding thriller. Baby's Loser, close, Michigan State.

6) Oregon State @ Washington

Mike Riley is beginning to turn it on, as is his custom. Ty Willingham seems to be dangling on a string. This is a bigger rivalry than it appears—of course, the Beavers are rivals of everyone in the Northwest. Baby's Loser, Washington.

7) Pittsburgh @ The Navy

Baby's Special. The winner of this one doesn't come quickly to mind. In 1963 this was the biggest game of the season as both went 9-1. Dave Wannstedt has Pittsburgh ready to win the Big East. Baby's Loser, tight, The Navy. 

GAME OF THE WEEK

8) LSU @ SOUTH CAROLINA

It's been a long process for Steve Spurrier to get superman quarterback Stephen Garcia into the playing rotation. Trailing at Kentucky last week, the old ball coach inserted Garcia, and he led Carolina to a comeback road win. The Gamecock defense has spent part of the season as No. 1 in the nation.

LSU is the defending national champion. They have a great offensive and defensive line. Les Miles knows how to win. Could be a night to remember. Baby's Loser, LSU.

RACE FOR THE TITLE

NAME                         LAST WEEK     MISSED                      FOR THE YEAR/PERCENT

12                                   6-2             LSU, ILLINOIS                             45-11      80%

TIMOTHY                       6-2             OKLAHOMA, ILLINOIS               44-12      79%

KENNETH                       6-2             OKLAHOMA, KENTUCKY            29-11      73%

TIM                                 5-3             OKLA, KENTUCKY, ILLINOIS     24-9        73%

Baby Tate was 6-2, missing Oklahoma and Minnesota to go 41-15 for the year and 73 percent. Michael Collins (Irish), Cliff, and Franklin all went 7-1 and shared the No. 1 spot of the week. Michael (Gator), Michael (Ohio St.), Tiger, Ryan, and Josh all went 6-2. Red Raider went 5-2 stating he would not pick the OU-Texas game.

Isaac, Chase, Roy, and Brad all went 5-3. Kevin, Marshall, and Robert went 4-4. Mitch went 3-5 as he went out on a limb with several upsets.

The poll question of last week was who would win the Oklahoma–Texas game, and the Sooners were picked to win by 52 percent of those voting.

Good luck to everyone this week, and keep throwing those picks in there!