UPDATED STANDINGS
Adam Carper, 40-26
Brent Blum, 39-27
Chris Hassel, 38-28
Matt Perrault, 38-28
Chris Williams, 37-29
Steve Deace, 37-29
Adam Gray, 36-30
Dave Zawilinski, 34-32
Bret Meyer, 33-33
FORMER IOWA STATE LINEBACKER ADAM CARPER
Missouri (-12) @ Iowa State – There’s no doubt Iowa State will come out and give a valiant effort to send off their seniors. Couple that with Missouri’s struggles the last three weeks and ISU will cover the spread.
Oklahoma (-9) @ Baylor – The Sooners have had their struggles on the road this year as they’ve surrendered 69 points in their two losses in conference play. Although I don’t think Baylor will get the W, they will be competitive enough to cover.
Nebraska @ Texas A&M – The outcome of this game will rely solely on the health of Taylor Martinez. The 12th man will be in peak form but the ‘Skers will come out victorious with the help of their stifling defense.
Ohio State @ Iowa – It’s no secret Iowa circled this game when the schedules came out and although not as much hype surrounds this weekend, Iowa players will be ready to do battle. Iowa
Virginia Tech @ Miami – With Jacory Harris sitting this one out, it’s clear Va Tech has the edge in this game. Va Tech
Arkansas @ Mississippi State – Ryan Mallet brings his team into Starkville with a prolific offense and a four game winning streak. Let’s make it five as Arkansas improves to 9-2.
BRENT BLUM FROM THE CYCLONE RADIO NETWORK
Missouri (-12) @ Iowa State – My logical side says Mizzou is superior in spots where Iowa State is susceptible and this game could turn this ugly. The Tigers have averaged over 200 yards rushing over their last four games. And are averaging well over 5 yards per carry. That coupled with Blaine Gabbert’s cannon makes me very nervous. But their early-season vaunted defense has been less than stellar lately. The Cyclone offensive line needs to have a BIG game. I expect the veteran offense to rise to the challenge. There’s some magic left in this group. Cyclones 31 Mizzou 27.
Oklahoma (-9) @ Baylor – Stat of the week: In conference games at home, OU has averaged 623 yards per game. That’s just silly. In away conference games, that number drops to 374 yards per game. Quite bizarre. Baylor is 108th in the nation in pass defense. OU is 4th in the nation in passing yardage. Sooners finally put it together away from Norman and take it to the Bears. OU 51 Baylor 21.
Nebraska @ Texas A&M – A&M has the horses on defense to thwart the Huskers ground game. Reports out of Lincoln are Taylor Martinez is back to his old self, whatever the heck that means. He will need to play extremely well. Aggies are on a roll though, big time win in this spot. Texas A&M 27 Nebraska 21.
Ohio State @ Iowa – Talk about a slap in the face. Not only does Northwestern beat you for the 5th time in 6 tries (it must be their Super Bowl), but ESPN’s College Gameday opts to go to the Wildcats game against Illinois at Wrigley over Iowa-Ohio State. That’s like someone stealing your significant other and drinking your beer all at once. At least there’s the basketball season to look forward to. Ohio State 27 Iowa 21.
Virginia Tech @ Miami – Virginia Tech is the classic creeper at the house party. They stay in the background the whole night and just wait for the opportunity to take advantage of other intoxicated party-goers. And when the time is right, they emerge and everyone says, "Whoa, where did that dude come from." With a win they will clinch the Coastal division and be in position to go to their 4th BCS game in 7 years. Virginia Tech 24 Miami 21.
Arkansas @ Mississippi State – At this point, I’m all for the SEC seceding from the rest of the FBS and just going at it Yankees-Red Sox style. They can pay as much as they want for players, nobody has to go to class, coaches can run practices 24 hours a day. No rules. Imagine the chaos that would ensue. I’m pretty sure Mississippi might declare war on Alabama. But the entertainment factor…off the charts. Whose with me?? (Kidding…kind of.) Arkansas 35 Mississippi State 24.
WHO TV 13’S CHRIS HASSEL
Missouri (-12) @ Iowa State – The Cyclones will be more motivated for this game than any other on their schedule. There’s a lot more on the line for ISU, than for Mizzou. I’m not going to come out and predict a Cyclone victory, but I wouldn’t be surprised if they have a chance to win it in the 4th quarter. State covers, but loses, 28-21.
Oklahoma (-9) @ Baylor – Baylor is coming off a pair of tough losses and the Sooners need a win to stay in the Big 12 South title hunt. I think OU covers, 35-20.
Nebraska @ Texas aTm – The Huskers looked really sluggish against KU, and the Aggies seem to be peaking. This is an opportunity for aTm to make a huge statement. Husker lose, 27-24.
Ohio State @ Iowa – The Hawks need this win to (somewhat) salvage a lost season. Ohio State needs this win to stay in the race for the Rose Bowl. I think Iowa plays one of its better games of the season, but I’m not positive that it will be enough against one of the best teams in the nation. Ohio State drops Iowa to 7-4, with a 24-23 win.
Virginia Tech @ Miami – The Hookies have one of the best home atmospheres in the nation, and Miami has one of the worst. VT continues to roll, 34-28.
Arkansas @ Mississippi State – Despite having great years, the loser of this game will likely finish 5th out of 6 teams in the SEC west. Arkansas has proven it gets up for big games. I’ll take the Hogs, on the road, 42-24.
1460 KXNO’S MATT PERRAULT
Missouri (-12) @ Iowa State – I’m really torn here. Not on who wins but by the margin. I’ll take Iowa State to keep it to a 10 point margin. Take the points 20-10 Mizzou
Oklahoma (-9) @ Baylor – On the road, OU has been bad. I’ll say OU wins, but doesn’t cover 30-23
Nebraska @ Texas A&M – The last time Nebraska went to A&M, it was a VERY close game. I think it’s one again but I’ll take the Aggies 28-27.
Ohio State @ Iowa – Hawkeyes aren’t expected to win this game….so they do. 21-20 Iowa
Virginia Tech @ Miami – Va Tech has turned a corner. I like them here 30-24
Arkansas @ Mississippi State – Arkansas’ offense is good but MSU is tough at home. I’ll take the Razorbacks in a close one 24-21
CYCLONEFANATIC.COM’S CHRIS WILLIAMS
Missouri (-12) @ Iowa State – I don’t think that Iowa State will win this game without Austen Arnaud, but I guarantee you that Paul Rhoads has this team ready to play. Iowa State covers the spread but doesn’t go bowling. Missouri 27, Iowa State 20.
Oklahoma (-9) @ Baylor – The Sooners are BRUTAL on the road. They win here, but barley. Oklahoma 31, Baylor 30.
Nebraska @ Texas A&M – Texas A&M is one of the hottest teams in the Big 12 but I still believe that Nebraska is the best. Huskers 41, Aggies 28.
Ohio State @ Iowa – This one has "Michigan State" written all over it for Iowa. I won’t be surprised if they win. But still, the Buckeyes are overflowing with confidence right now and I just don’t think that this Iowa team has "it." Ohio State 24, Iowa 14.
Virginia Tech @ Miami – The Hokies are roooooling right now. VT 28, Miami 13
Arkansas @ Mississippi State – Another game that could go either way. Give me Arkansas in a shootout. Hogs 38, MSU 31
WHO RADIO’S STEVE DEACE
Iowa State +12 over Missouri – If Paul Rhoads is the coach I think he is, the Cyclones will respond to their backs against the wall against a Missouri team with really little play for and ISU will play well. Missouri 28, Iowa State 21
Baylor +9 over Oklahoma – The Sooners are dominant at home and medicore on the road the last few years. Oklahoma 38, Baylor 34
Nebraska over Texas A&M –Aggies are playing well since quarterback switch, but Taylor Martinez is overdue for a big game. Nebraska 30, Texas A&M 24
Ohio State over Iowa – I would like the Hawkeyes in this game if they were still playing for a Big Ten title, but Jim Tressell just doesn’t lose in these situations. Ohio State 24, Iowa 20
Virginia Tech over Miami – Hokies are just simply the class of the ACC — whatever that means. Virginia Tech 23, Miami 17
Arkansas over Mississippi State – Just too much firepower here for the Razorbacks. Arkansas 27, Mississippi State 20
CF ADVERTISER ADAM GRAY FROM ADAM GRAY INSURANCE (NATIONWIDE)
Missouri (-12) @ Iowa State – The big question going into last weeks game was how were the Cyclones going to recover from the heartbreaking loss to Nebraska. A similar question is being asked this week after the debacle that took place in Boulder last week. 18-20 year old kids don’t take it well when they get embarrassed and I think that leads to extra motivation for Iowa State throughout the week. So much to play for, I expect them to come out, take care of the ball, and play with a lot of passion. Iowa State wins outright 27-24.
Oklahoma (-9) @ Baylor – Great season for Baylor. Still don’t think they can hang with the elite teams and despite Oklahoma’s struggles this year, they still are elite in my opinion. OU 38-24.
Nebraska @ Texas A&M – Nebraska hasn’t looked as good lately, while A&M is clicking. You have to run the ball on Nebraska if you want to be successful and I am not sure if A&M can do that. Nebraska 28-17
Ohio State @ Iowa – Ohio State 13 Iowa 6
Virginia Tech @ Miami – Miami cuts down on the turnovers and their defense makes it hard for Virginia Tech to move the ball. Miami 23-13
Arkansas @ Mississippi State – Arkansas 34-20
DAVE ZAWILINSKI OF ABC 5 SPORTS
Mizzou (-12) at ISU – Im not sure they can beat the Tigers without Arnaud, but it won’t be for a lack of effort. You know coach Rhoads will have his guys ready to play with bowl eligibility on the line. I’ll take the Clones and the 12 points.
Oklahoma (-9) at Baylor – Baylor is in a bit of a funk after their 7-2 start. Loses to Texas A&M and Oklahoma St have really taken the wind out of their sails. I’ll take Oklahoma and lay the 9 points. Sooners 41, Bears 20.
Nebraska at Texas A&M – A&M has been playing terrific football ever since they made a change at QB. Nebraska has looked human over the past couple of weeks. I know from experience just how tough it is to win at Kyle Field I think A&M pulls off the upset 27-18.
Ohio State at Iowa – I really think the Hawks are dejected after last weeks loss to NW. They’ve virtually lost every hope of playing for ANY title. The fans know that, the coaches know that and the players do too. OSU comes out on fire early and takes all the life out of Kinnick. I think this may get ugly. OSU 31 Iowa 13.
Virginia Tech at Miami – Virginia Tech has rebounded nicely after that very depressing 0-2 start. They are in the driver’s seat for the Orange Bowl and I don’t expect them to lose it. Hokies 31 Miami 17.
Arkansas at Mississippi St. – Kind of a toss up game. I really like both teams. Pure gut feeling. Give me the Razorbacks on the road.
FORMER CYCLONE QB BRET MEYER
Missouri (-12) @ Iowa State – Losing #4 hurts on and off the field in so many ways. I expect a great crowd and inspired effort comeSaturday night. Clones keep it close, but Mizzou wins by 7.
Oklahoma (-9) @ Baylor –Never thought this would be a tough pick. Ryan Broyles has a big day, OU covers.
Nebraska @ Texas A&M –Another game that could go either way. Texas A&M has been on fire of late, I like the Aggies at home.
Ohio State @ Iowa – Couple teams heading in opposite directions. Iowa’s defense continues to struggle, O-State wins on the road.
Virginia Tech @ Miami – Boise fans rejoice, the Va-Tech on the road.
Arkansas @ Mississippi State – I like Arkansas on the road, better quarterback play.
