Our NCAA college football picks of the week for Saturday 10/15/11. We will have four picks every week so check back for the locks of the week.
Our Pick: Georgia Teach -7
ABOUT GEORGIA TECH (6-0, 3-0 ACC): Even after a
disappointing performance against Maryland, the Yellow Jackets rank
sixth nationally in scoring (46.5), fourth in total offense (553.5) and
fourth in rushing (360.5). They also lead the nation in converting
third downs (62 percent). QB Tevin Washington has missed open receivers
the past couple games, including a few that would have gone for long
touchdowns. The Jackets, who played without three key LBs last week,
should get at least two back in Daniel Drummond and Brandon Watts.
ABOUT VIRGINIA (3-2, 0-1 ACC):
The Cavaliers had an extra week to prepare, which should come in handy
against Tech’s triple option. Redshirt freshman RB Kevin Parks has run
for six TDs, one shy of the school’s freshman record. Coach Mike London
uses a two-QB rotation, with sophomore Michael Rocco starting and
freshman David Watford coming in for occasional series. The Cavs rank
23rd nationally in total defense
Our Pick: Pittsburgh -6.5
ABOUT UTAH (2-3, 0-3 Pac-12): Things went from bad to
worse when the Utes learned Monday that junior starting quarterback
Jordan Wynn would have shoulder surgery and miss the rest of the
season. Wynn (727 yards, six TDs) injured his non-throwing shoulder in
a 31-14 loss to Washington on Oct. 1. Junior college transfer Jon Hays
actually guided the Utes to a third-quarter lead against Arizona State,
but finished with three interceptions as the Sun Devils reeled off 25
unanswered points in a 35-14 triumph. Utah is tied for eighth
nationally with eight fumbles recovered, but has gone back-to-back
games without one while its unraveling offense has turned the ball over
10 times.
ABOUT PITTSBURGH (3-3, 1-1 Big East):
With Graham's high-octane success at Tulsa, Panthers fans expected some
pass-happy production. Instead, Pitt ranks just 70th (27.2 points) in
scoring. Junior quarterback Tino Sunseri has thrown for 1,166 yards,
but only five touchdowns against seven picks and a whopping 27 sacks.
Rutgers intercepted four passes while busting open a 6-3 halftime lead
for a 34-10 win over the Panthers last week. The loss quickly quelled
the enthusiasm of their previous week's 44-17 upset of South Florida.
Junior Ray Graham has provided the offensive spark, with 899 yards (the
best six-game start in Pitt history), nine scores and 6.0 yards per
carry.
Our Pick: Ohio St. +3.5
ABOUT OHIO STATE (3-3, 0-2 Big Ten): The plug was
pulled on the Buckeyes' offense when Miller went down with OSU leading
Nebraska 27-20 in the third quarter, leaving former starter Joe
Bauserman to take snaps. He completed just 1 of 10 passes and was
picked off while Nebraska scored 28 unanswered points to steal the
victory. The Buckeyes should get a boost from the return of Herron, who
rushed for 1,155 yards and 16 touchdowns last season. Starting
offensive lineman Marcus Hall also returns after serving a one-game
suspension last weekend.
ABOUT ILLINOIS (6-0, 2-0 Big Ten): The
Fighting Illini have a Heisman sleeper in dual-threat QB Nathan
Scheelhaase. The sophomore is averaging over 264 yards of total
offense, giving an already-dangerous running game extra pop. Illinois
is 14th in rushing in the country, using a loaded backfield to march
for 226 yards an outing. Ohio State must also keep a close eye on WR
A.J. Jenkins, who is having a breakout season. The senior is fourth in
the nation in receiving yards (815) and has caught seven touchdown
passes – four of those scores coming on plays of 50 or more yards.
Our Pick: Auburn +2
ABOUT FLORIDA (4-2, 2-2 SEC): The Gators coasted to a
4-0 start before being crushed on consecutive weekends by No. 3 Alabama
(38-10) and No. 2 LSU. Florida has struggled without QB John Brantley,
who suffered a knee injury late in the first half against the Crimson
Tide. His replacement, freshman Jacoby Brissett, was 8-of-14 passing
against LSU for 94 yards with one touchdown and two interceptions.
Either Brissett or fellow rookie Jeff Driskel will start Saturday. The
Gators are still 11th nationally in total defense (291.0 ypg).
ABOUT AUBURN (4-2, 2-1 SEC):
The Tigers' hopes of repeating were quickly dashed with losses at
Clemson and Arkansas, but they remain dangerous largely because of
sophomore RB Michael Dyer, who ranks third in the SEC and 16th
nationally with 679 yards (113.2 per game) and eight touchdowns.
Defensively, Auburn has struggled to get off the field. Opponents have
converted 48 of 95 third-down attempts (50.5 percent) and six of seven
fourth downs.
