Week 9 predictions

 

Last week: 6-1; Season: 29-12

 

Penn State at Ohio State: The last time I picked against Penn State the Nittany Lions ran it up on Wisconsin, 48-7. So why am I picking against them again? I like Ohio State for a few reasons. The game is at the Horseshoe, where Penn State has not won since joining the Big Ten. Secondly, the Buckeyes defense is playing really well. And thirdly, Penn State has not been tested yet in a close game. This will be a close game and I think Terrelle Pryor makes one or two big plays, and the Buckeyes end Penn State’s national title hopes, 16-10.

 

Pitt vs. Rutgers: The company line at Pitt this week is that Rutgers is the best 2-5 team in the country. The Scarlet Knights have lost their past three games by a combined 12 points and are coming off a 12-10 home win against Connecticut. But this game is at Heinz Field against a rejuvenated Pitt team that is seeking revenge against the Knights, who have won the past three meetings between the two schools. Pitt wins, 31-20.

 

Auburn at West Virginia: This game sure looked more attractive in August than it does now. Both teams have dropped out of the rankings after some disappointing losses. The Tigers are among the worst offensive teams in the country, but the defense is still stout. The Mountaineers have beat up on some cupcakes after tough losses to East Carolina and Colorado. I’ll take Auburn in a field-goal fest, 12-9.

 

Texas Tech at Kansas: Get ready for some offensive fireworks. Texas Tech has scored 35 points or more in each of their first seven games. Kansas is almost as potent, scoring 29 or more in each of their games. I like Kansas because the game is at home and because the Jayhawks have faced better competition. Get ready scoreboard operator, 42-38.

 

Oklahoma State at Texas: The surprising Cowboys have a chance to get in position to play for a national championship with a win. Meanwhile, the Longhorns continue through a rugged stretch of games against ranked Big 12 foes. It should be another high-scoring affair in the Big 12, but I think the Texas defense clamps down when it has to. The Longhorns win, 35-26.

 

Georgia at LSU: Two one-loss teams in the SEC with the loser likely out of the BCS picture. Georgia has rebounded nicely with consecutive victories after losing to Alabama. LSU struggled last week at South Carolina before winning it late. I’ll give the nod to LSU because the Tigers are great at home, 24-20.