Six Pick: Week Six

The week after the first loss is tough. The drive home feels like it takes twice as long. You're tired all day on Sunday from a few too many drinks and 3 hours of yelling. And of course Monday morning at work is never complete without being trolled by coworkers whose teams are more awful than yours. All of that would be easier to swallow if not for that lingering mushroom cloud of bad memories and constant thinking about all of Tech's weaknesses. All that sure makes me feel like writing two nights later, but the show must go on.

This week is a step back in overall quality of games, but it's certainly no dog. I just wish the headlining game at the Texas State Fair didn't kick off at noon. If you've ever wondered what a particular food might taste like fried, the fine folks from the people's republic of Texas have likely already done it. Here is a but a small list of the delicacies you can find there:

• Fried PB, Jelly and Banana Sandwich
• Deep Fried Latte
• Chicken Fried Bacon
• Deep Fried Butter
• Fried Beer
• Texas Fried Frito Pie
• Fried Bubblegum
• Fried Dan Beebe

Thursday, October 6th

California at 9 Oregon -24 9:00 pm ESPN

Raise your hand if you know a thing about Cal. I didn't think so, neither do I. A little research shows Cal lost to UDub being +2 in turnovers with a 350 yard passer and a 100 yard rusher; not the first time Jeff Tedford has "done less with more". His golden year of 2003 with Aaron Rodgers is now 8 years past and his biggest rival, Stanford is in the top 10 for the second consecutive year. Tedford's chair may be be getting a bit warm down in the Bay. After losing this game he might want to take a big bowl hit to calm his nerves.

On My Radar: We all remember LSU, Auburn, Ohio State and Boise State shutting down Chip Kelly's Blur. Most have probably forgotten the work put in by Cal last year in a tight 13-15 loss. Cal's game plan last year was to flood the the edges and gaps with a 3-3-5 defensive look and to fake injuries every other play to rest. That's likely not forgotten by Kelly and with a raucous Thursday night crowd behind the Ducks, this could get ugly quick. Don't expect a release off the throttle

Pick: A big spread, bigger than I like, but I think Oregon wants to make a statement here. DUCKS!

Saturday, October 8th

3 Oklahoma -9.5 vs. 11 Texas (Dallas) noon ABC

Red River Shootout

No matter who wins on the field, Texas wins outside the lines.

No, OU you will not be going to the Pac12 without us. Yes, we get to keep our ESPN mouthpiece network and you don't get a dime. No, you don't get to pick the new members of the conference without our OK. You get nothing, You lose. Good day to you sir.

On My Radar: Texas rarely gets to play with house money. Not much was expected of the Horns this year after the turd they dropped in 2010. However there is new blood in the football offices, and that means new ideas. Expect multiple quarterbacks and packages on the field for the Texas offense. Watch the defense throw a lot of pressure and different looks at the Oklahoma offense.

Pick: Texas. OU wins, but in a closer than expected game.

***

Miami at 21 Virginia Tech -7.5 3:30 pm ABC or ESPN / ESPN3

Should I bitch and moan about last week's loss.. Or maybe I should slap on some blinders and move forward as if nothing is wrong... Or should I just hate on da U to make myself feel better...

The choice is clear. To hell with you Miami. Your bandwagon, didn't even attend the university, don't even know it's not actually in the City of Miami fans suck. Sun Life looks mighty empty these days. Your infamous backstabbing booster's best contribution to society might have been driving the hooker to the clinic. Your coach, the only one worth a shit to give your program a look in the last decade, was kept in the dark by your shady athletic department. He's gonzo as soon this season is over, don't fool yourself. Jacory Harris is your quarterback. (That joke writes its self.) You soiled your pants prematurely backulating against Maryland to start the season, and if that wasn't humiliating enough you did it again versus K-State two weeks later. Once the NCAA swats away your lawless program to permanent irrelevancy, the ACC can gladly replace you with UConn or Rutgers. Think about that, replacing you with a school from Piscataway or Storrs would make this conference happy. I can't wait until the Hokies slap the Heather Dinich out of you again.

On My Radar: Well that felt good, but back to reality. I expect Tech to come out focused with a dumbed down game plan hell bent on running the ball. If Logan Thomas runs the ball more than he did against Clemson it means he's healthy and that would be a good sign. I have to think the film floating around on Thomas has exposed his blind spots and tendencies. This is going to challenge him to not only make plays, but to lead his squad as he works through his own development. On the other hand, Miami is going to mash face with their big offensive line and talented running backs. Losing the Antoine Hopkins, Tech's most consistent defensive tackle, and replacing him with undersized true freshman Corey Marshall is not a pleasant thought. The Canes will likely gash the front seven on more than a few occasions. The goal is bend, until the defense can get Jacory into passing situations and then just let nature take it's course.

Pick: Hokies will cover, somehow, someway.

***

17 Florida at 1 LSU -14 3:30 pm CBS

Ever wonder if Les Miles feels like Neo from The Matrix Reloaded, when a thousand Mr. Andersons keep attacking him? That's the LSU Tigers schedule this season. This week, one of those Andersons is Florida. An exposed and beat up Florida, but still a talented team. The Gators are starting true freshman Jeff Driskel at quarterback after senior John Brantley was injured against Alabama last week. I know he was last season's number one quarterback coming out of high school, but the kid is going to be scared shitless, Tiger Stadium is called Death Valley for a reason.

On My Radar: Two touchdowns is a lot, but if last week versus Alabama was any indication, Jeff Driskel isn't ready for primetime. I expect Will Muschamp to have a good defensive game plan for LSU, but if there is little help Weis' offense, how soon until the defense collapses as well? LSU is best at grinding away points and creating opportunities one Honey Badger ball strip at a time.

Pick: Bayou Bengals covering.

***

15 Auburn at 10 Arkansas -10 7:00 pm ESPN / ESPN3

Points, lots and lots of points. Beautiful, well coached offenses featuring combo routes, players in space and misdirection plays make me happy in the pants. Watching the masters of their craft coach, makes me dream of the day I'll see execution like this from the orange and maroon.

On My Radar: This matchup has a Big 12 feel to it. Both programs are headlining wide open offenses and defense is clearly an afterthought.. Arkansas has more mature talent and Auburn is more balanced, but both get it done. Close your eyes and choose, it will probably come down to a late crazy play anyway.

Pick: Auburn keeping it close.

***

Ohio State at 14 Nebraska -10.5 8:00 pm ABC

Ok, so this game is sort of a dud. The Fickell era looks to be short lived, even if the deck given to him was (and is still) missing a few cards. OSU has been ill prepared and very questionable on offense. Quarterbacks Joe Bauserman and Braxton Miller continue to spin their wheels and kick up mud on the rest of their team each week.

Nebraska appears to be overrated. Running back under center Taylor Martinez can't pass, and they might as well be called the pinkshirts, not because of breast cancer awareness month. Pelini's defense is ranked 64th in the nation. Nebraska will perform much better this week, due to the Buckeyes' youth, but we see you Bo, we know what you don't have in Lincoln.

On My Radar: A pulse on offense from Ohio State. I am not asking for much, just show me and everyone else you got some game. For Nebraska, I expect they won't abandon the run this game at all. The Cornhuskers may not tune up Ohio State but they'll stay with their bread and butter.

Pick: Another large spread, but taking Nebraska and the points.

Tailgate Beer of the Week:

I was given Alchemist Heady Topper last weekend by reader and friend Dirt. It is an outstanding double IPA and in a tallboy can no less. Unfortunately, this beer can only be purchased in Vermont and even more unfortunate, I only have one left. I will enjoy this before walking into Lane on Saturday.

Quick Recap:
Remember these pics are against the spread.

Cal at Oregon -24
OU -9.5 vs Tejas
da U at VT -7.5
UF at LSU -14
Auburn at Arkansas -10
tOSU at Nebraska -10.5