By Chris Williams, CycloneFanatic.com Publisher
Some mad props go out to WHO-TV 13’s Chris Hassel on his perfect week that was completed last Saturday. Not bad my man. Not bad at all.
I should also point out that when our panel picks games against the spread, we use the opening LVSC line. Last week, that line was -4 for the Alabama/Arkansas game. That game was scratched from the lineup as all of our experts obviously pushed.
Here’s a quick look at the updated standings and this week’s picks from our panel. Note that the final two games in this week’s competition are being picked against the spread.
UPDATED STANDINGS
Adam Carper, 17-6
Chris Hassel, 17-6
Chris Williams, 16-7
Steve Deace, 14-9
Brent Blum, 14-9
Adam Gray, 14-9
Bret Meyer, 13-10
Matt Perrault, 12-11
Dave Zawilinski, 11-12
FORMER CYCLONE LINEBACKER ADAM CARPER
Texas A&M @ Oklahoma State – This looks to be a high scoring affair as the Aggies have averaged over 40 points per game compared with the Cowboys whopping 57. It should make for an entertaining game. Cowboys win a close one.
Texas Tech @ Iowa State – Coming off of their bye week, Texas Tech has had plenty of time to prepare for the Cyclones which will be a huge factor in this game. Tech makes a late surge in the 2nd half and wins.
Texas vs. Oklahoma – One of my favorite games to watch all year as it showcases two of the best coaches going at it. Texas’ defense got exposed last week allowing 200 yards of rushing and I think that trend will continue this week when Oklahoma’s dynamic offense comes to Dallas.
Stanford @ Oregon – The Ducks gave up 600 yards of offense to Arizona State last week but managed to get the W by forcing 7 turnovers. Andrew Luck will get a lot more consideration for Heisman after his Cardinals go into Eugene and pull out a victory.
Kansas @ Baylor (-5) – This game could go either way but I think the Bears have a legitimate shot to make a bowl game this year behind the talented Robert Griffin. Baylor covers.
Florida @ Alabama (-7) – With Florida running back Jeff Demps nursing a foot injury, all the pressure will be on John Brantley to make plays which I think doesn’t bode well for the Gators. The Tide roll and cover
WHO TV-13’s CHRIS HASSEL
Texas A&M @ Oklahoma State – A&M is 3-0 against The Sisters of the Poor, and OK-State is 3-0 against The Cousins of the Poor. I’ll take the home team, 33-20.
Texas Tech @ Iowa State – The good news is, Tech doesn’t run the ball. The bad news is, I think they’re going to run ISU out of Story County. The Cyclones need to score a lot of points to keep up with the Red Raiders (even though they aren’t as potent without Mike Leech), but the offense hasn’t shown us anything in 4 games. Iowa State falls to 0-2 in the Big 12 with a 35-20 defeat.
Texas vs. Oklahoma – Neither one of these teams is playing at the level of recent expectations. Oklahoma has been living on the edge for too long, and Texas is coming off an embarrassing loss to UCLA. I like Texas to bounce back with a 20-17 win.
Stanford @ Oregon – This is, in my mind, the most intriguing matchup of the week. Oregon put up its fair share of style points, the first 4 weeks, but Stanford is more battle tested. I know the Ducks are a touchdown favorite, at home, but I’m not sold on the quack attack in 2010. Give me Stanford 24-21.
Kansas @ Baylor (-5) – C-Willy should get a loss just for making us pick a winner in this pillow fight. The 247 fans in Waco will be the difference in a 24-10 Baylor win.
Florida @ Alabama (-7) – Alabama hasn’t lost a regular season game since 2007, and I don’t think the streak will end against Florida. But I don’t see a blowout, in this one, either. The Gators keep it close, but fall a few points short, 21-17.
CYCLONE FANATIC.COM PUBLISHER CHRIS WILLIAMS
Texas A&M @ Oklahoma State – Neither team has played anybody. Both offenses in this game appear to be top of the line. The difference here is that A&M actually has a defense. I’ll take the Aggies on the road 31-27.
Texas Tech @ Iowa State – Tech’s offense isn’t what it once was. Still, Iowa State’s offense has to figure out how to score. The Cyclones can’t continue to rely on the defense to score touchdowns. I have a tough time seeing Iowa State win this football game. Texas Tech 31, Iowa State 17.
Texas vs. Oklahoma – The Sooners will actually be up for this game. What happens when this team is ready to play? Ask the Florida State Seminoles. Oklahoma 20, Texas 13
Stanford @ Oregon – The Cardinal did go to South Bend to win a football game. Remember one thing though. Notre Dame isn’t that good. I don’t see this team doing it two weeks in a row, regardless of how good their quarterback is. Eugene is too tough of a place to play at. Oregon 34, Stanford 24
Kansas @ Baylor (-5) – The Bears win and cover the spread pretty easily in this one. Kansas’ offense just won’t be able to hang. Baylor 28, Kansas 14
Florida @ Alabama (-7) – ROLL TIDE. Last week was a wake up call. No problems this week for Nick Saban & Co. Bama 24, Florida 10
WHO RADIO’S STEVE DEACE
Texas A&M at Oklahoma State – This is a game Mike Sherman has to have, and he’ll get it. Texas A&M 31, Oklahoma State 24
Texas Tech at Iowa State – When he was at Auburn, Tommy Tuberville was perhaps the best road coach in the SEC. Until the Cyclones get the passing game back on track they aren’t going to beat any quality opponents. Texas Tech 27, Iowa State 17
Texas vs. Oklahoma – The Sooners should’ve won this game last year, and the Longhorns are staring a three-game losing streak right in the face. Oklahoma 20, Texas 13
Stanford at Oregon – This series routinely goes to the home team, and the Ducks’ offense has been nearly unstoppable at home the past several years. Oregon 34, Stanford 24
Kansas at Baylor (-5) – Too much Robert Griffin for the Jayhawks, and the Bears continue to march towards their first bowl game since the Macarena. Baylor 28, Kansas 20
Florida at Alabama (-7) – Crimson Tide got a big boost from surviving the first road test, while the young Gators have yet to have their first test on the road. Alabama 24, Florida 14
BRENT BLUM FROM THE CYCLONE RADIO NETWORK
Texas A&M @ Oklahoma State – Oklahoma State is #1 in the nation in total offense. Who let that happen? Quarterback Brandon Weeden has not only filled in for the departed Zac Robinson, he has exceeded him. Weeden is coming off a 409 yard, 6 TD performance against Tulsa. Meanwhile, the Aggies are 9th in total offense and 10th in total defense, joining Ohio State as the only 2 teams in the nation in the top 10 in both categories. This will be an intriguing game as the winner could be the dark-horse in the South race. Give me the home dudes. Pokes 34 Aggies 27.
Texas Tech @ Iowa State – The fear of the Tech passing game that I have seen on the boards this week is quite curious. The Raiders can certainly sling it around, but Kliff Kingsbury is not walking thru that tunnel Saturday night. This is a Tech squad that gained a measly 144 yards at home against Texas. If the Cyclones can win the turnover battle and move the ball with some semblance of consistency, there is no reason they can’t win this game. The Jack Bauer rule applies once more, get to 24 and Iowa State wins. Cyclones 27 Raiders 24.
Texas vs. Oklahoma – Texas’ game last week was the equivalent of a date gone horribly wrong. The conversation was bad, you found a hair in your steak, drank way too much, your date left with the valet dude, leaving you to pick up the expensive check and stumble home. The best thing to do in this situation (not that I would know) is get right back on that horse. Unfortunately that horse is an angry beast. Sooners 24 Longhorns 14.
Stanford @ Oregon – This sets up as a Duck ambush. As well as the Cardinal have been playing, rolling into Autzen Stadium is a steep challenge. I think Oregon wins by 10 plus, leading to the CF Pick ‘Em Bad Headline of the week: "What The Duck." Oregon 37 Stanford 26.
Kansas @ Baylor (-5) – There is nothing that can be said about this one, so here is my favorite KU related joke of the month: Former Jayhawk Coach Mark Mangino recently got lost in the KC area on his way to interview for the Minnesota consulting position. So he stopped at a gas station and asked the dude at the gas station, "What is the quickest way to get to 435." The young man replied "start eating salad". Baylor 28 Kansas 17.
Florida @ Alabama (-7) – More stat fun: Florida has lost by more than 7 points only twice in the last 5 years. The Gators lost 42-30 against Georgia in ’07 and got drilled 32-13 against the Tide in last year’s SEC Championship. Can ‘Bama do that for two straight games against the Gators? I don’t believe so. This is a 3-6 point game. Alabama 24 Florida 20.
CF ADVERTISER ADAM GRAY OF ADAM GRAY INSURANCE (NATIONWIDE)
Texas A&M @ Oklahoma State – This is going to be a shootout. Both teams are coming off bye weeks and will be fresh. both teams have tons of talent at the skilled positions. I will take the home team in this contest. OSU 41- 31
Texas Tech @ Iowa State – Something in my heart is telling me that the Cyclones fix their offensive woes and beat an average TT team at home this week. But it is hard to pick the Clones with so many question marks. Who plays QB? Can we limit the penalties? Can we continue to force TO’s? In the end I don’t think the Cyclones are there yet. TT 24-13
Oklahoma vs. Texas – Oklahoma has had one tough test this year against Florida State and they pounded them. Texas is coming off the worst home game in the Mack Brown era. But when these two teams line up you throw everything out the window. Both teams will come ready to play and it will be a very physical game. In the end I think OU has more experience and prevails 23-17.
Stanford @ Oregon – I am very impressed by Stanford and the job that Harbaugh is doing there. He is turning Andrew Luck into a top 5 NFL pick and Stanford into a top 25 program. They just aren’t up to par talent wise with Oregon yet. To many big time athletes for the Ducks and the game being at Oregon is simply to much for Stanford to overcome. Oregon 38-24
Kansas @ Baylor (-5) – Kansas’ defense keeps them in the game but a late FG by the Bears leads to a 23-20 win for Baylor.
Florida @ Alabama (-7) – Alabama played horrible in the first half of last weeks game against Arkansas. You better believe that Nick Saban will be all over his players to come out of the gates swinging. Home crowd, more experience, better running game, winner for a QB are all to much for Bama not to roll all over the Gators who have struggled a bit to start the season. Bama wins 28-13.
FORMER CYCLONE QUARTERBACK BRET MEYER
Texas A&M @ Oklahoma State – Ready for an offensive shootout? Oklahoma State and A&M both rank in the top 15 nationally in passing yards points scored. What gives? Defense. A&M boasts the nations 18th best unit allowing just over 14 points per game. In contrast, Okie State ranks 84th in total defense. Look for Jerrod Johnson take full advantage and prove that the Aggies are finally a Big 12 South contender. A&M wins 34-20.
Texas Tech @ Iowa State – They can’t run the ball, we can’t stop the run. They can throw it, we can’t. For us to have a chance Saturday night, we MUST find some offense. Our opportunistic defense must get turnovers and not allow Tech to get the running game going. Tech had plenty of time to emphasize the run game during the bye week and it will show. Tech gets the run game going and wins on the road 34-14.
Texas vs. Oklahoma – Look for DeMarco Murray and the Sooner run game to have a big day. Texas struggles offensively on third down and defensively verses the run. Both huge factors in a big game. Look for OU to control the line of scrimmage and win an ugly one in Dallas 13-6.
Stanford @ Oregon – Oregon seems to be one of those teams that can score with anyone. Love Stanford QB Andrew Luck, but I don’t believe the Cardinal have the offensive firepower to compete with Oregon’s spread option attack. Oregon wins big at home 34-20.
Kansas @ Baylor (-5) – Look for Robert Griffin to have a big day against the Jayhawks. Baylor ranks in the top third in the country in passing. Couple that with Griffins athletic ability and it could be a long day for Turner Gill and KU. Kansas covers, but Baylor wins at home 21-17.
Florida @ Alabama (-7) – In a preview of the SEC title game, look for Alabama to once again impose their will in the fourth quarter. Mark Ingram loves the spotlight and has another 150 tough yards against the best coached d-line in the country. Florida covers, but Alabama wins at home 20-17.
1460 KXNO’S MATT PERRAULT
Texas A&M @ Oklahoma State – So how good is Okie State? I think we’ll get a nice long look at that offense the Cowboys have this season. I’ll take Kendall Hunter and ‘Boys 31-21.
Texas Tech @ Iowa State – I will admit that I’m very confused with this game. I think Iowa State has something to prove to the Big 12 this week and will play tough but I can’t pick them to win without getting quality play out of their quarterback position. Tech wins 27-21.
Texas vs. Oklahoma – I think Texas bounces back in a big way in this football game. Yes, I know they don’t have an offense and they looked awful against UCLA but this is still Texas we are talking about. Oklahoma is overrated and barely got past Cincinnati last week on the road. If this game was in Norman, I’d take OU but it’s not. Texas wins 27-24.
Stanford @ Oregon – This might be the best game of the weekend. Stanford’s offensive line dominated Notre Dams last week and Andrew Luck is quickly becoming a household name. This is a night game at Oregon however and the Ducks see a shot at the National Title coming into focus. Speed is the name of the game and I’ll take the Ducks to run away here 34-20.
Kansas @ Baylor (-5) – This game stinks, I’ll say that right up front. Why are we picking this I have no idea but since I’m being forced to pick a toilet bowl … I’ll say Baylor covers 28-20.
Florida @ Alabama (-7) – Florida shocked me with their new look offense against Kentucky. They have found the spread option attack that Tebow made famous with Trey Burton but they also have a new passing weapon in John Brantley. Bama got exposed last week at times by Arkansas’ passing abilities but in the end, their defense was the difference. It will be the same this week. Bama wins and covers 31-23.
ABC 5’S DAVE ZAWILINSKI
Texas A&M @ Oklahoma State – Thursday night’s game should be wildly entertaining. I think these are two even matched teams. OSU loves to run the rock with Kendal Hunter, and Texas A&M will throw it all over with Jerrod Johnson. A&M hasn’t been very impressive this season. I always kick Chris Hassel’s *** on PS3 when he is A&M and I’m Okie St. Cowboy up! 28-21.
Texas Tech @ Iowa State – I think it will be difficult for the Clones to hang with Tech. ISU’s offense has been surprisingly bad. The offense will have to score at least 28 to be in this game, and they haven’t done that all year. Couple that with Arnaud’s bad health and the uncertainty of his status for Saturday’s game, I have no choice but to take the Red Raiders. 35-17.
Texas vs. Oklahoma – Ah the Red River Rivalry. Always love this game! When I was watching Tennessee and Florida play a couple of weeks ago, it felt more like two JV teams playing instead of the big time battles that we have come to expect over the years. I think this years RRR game will have the same feel. I think both teams are VASTLY OVERRATED. Texas looked as bad as they have in a long time last Saturday at home vs. UCLA. I think that is enough motivation to get the job done at the Texas State Fair grounds Saturday. Ill take the Horns in a sloppy 20-16 game.
Stanford @ Oregon – The game of the day in my book – Stanford vs. Oregon. This one promises to be an offensive shootout. I like Stanford’s defense WAY more than Oregon’s D. Harbough and company keep it going with a 41-31 victory on the road.
Kansas @ Baylor (-5) – Baylor is not great, but they still have Texas talent. KU has showed me nothing to think they can compete on the road in the Big 12 (great news for Cyclone fans). Baylor 31-10.
Florida @ Alabama (-7) – Florida is the MOST OVERRATED team in the country. I would love nothing more than to see Florida go into Alabama and come out with a win for two reasons. A. I hate Nick Saban and B. I would love to see the BCS blow up at the seams. No way Florida can run the table in the SEC. But it’s just not gonna happen. Alabama 28-14.
