October 24th College Football Picks

Florida at Mississippi State: Gators head coach Urban Meyer this week stated that even though his team looks good on paper “we still don’t feel like we’re operating at the highest level of efficiency.” Mississippi State seems to help teams with that problem. It’s a dangerous game, though, with Florida’s former offensive coordinator, Dan Mullen, now leading the Bulldogs (see Washington vs. USC) Tim Tebow leads the Gators to their first victory in Starkville since 1985. Florida 34, Miss State 13.

Tennessee at Alabama: This rivalry was big before Lane Kiffin arrived in Knoxville. Jonathan Compton gets gobbled up by the Tide defense. Alabama 30, Tennessee 17.

Oregon State at USC: Pete Carroll says he’s not into revenge for one happened last year. He just wants his team to play up to their ability. Mission accomplished. USC 28, Oregon State 14.

TCU at BYU: The Horned Frogs are gaining more and more respect each week – not to mention a rise in the ratings as they are poised to enter the Top 5 in the weeks ahead. This game looked a lot more dangerous before Florida State went in and exposed the Cougar defense. TCU wins it the old fashioned way – with defense. TCU 20, BYU 10.

Auburn at LSU: The last two games on the Bayou in this series came down to the final play. It’s not going to be that way Saturday night in Death Valley. Auburn’s offense starts to rebound, but not soon enough. LSU 24, Auburn 17.

Clemson at Miami: For all of the mystery surrounding Clemson’s record, they seem to have finally found some answers last weekend against Wake Forest. In the surprise of the ACC season, the Tigers send the Hurricanes out to sea and keep a glimpse of an ACC Championship alive. Clemson 23, Miami 20.

Georgia Tech at Virginia: Amazingly, the Jackets haven’t won in Charlottesville in 19 years – the same season they won the UPI National Championship. After making some early season adjustments, Paul Johnson and his team will roll over a resurgent Cavalier squad. Georgia Tech 34, Virginia 24.

Penn State at Michigan: The Wolverines have one of the most dominating home atmospheres which contributes to a lot of questions regarding their recent home performance. Something’s got to give on Saturday when the Nittany Lions, who haven’t won in Ann Arbor in 13 years, come to town. Penn State 24, Michigan 23.

South Florida at Pittsburgh: With a win on Saturday, the Panthers will match their best start since NFL Hall of Fame QB Dan Marino was under center. The 20th-ranked Pitt squad is also 3-0 in the conference, but have a tough closing stretch with Notre Dame, West Virginia and Cincinnati to close out the regular season. But that’s another story. As for Saturday, RB Dion Lewis continues to deliver and puts the Bulls out to pasture. Pitt 27, South Florida 20.

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