Boise State knocking on SC's door
NCAA Lock - PITT over UConn
The Huskies would be undefeated if it weren’t for a fourth-quarter meltdown to then-No. 19 UNC, but this week they run smack into a Pitt offense that’s averaging 37 points per game. Deep threat receivers Dorin Dickerson and Jonathan Baldwin should have a field day at Heinz Field.
NCAA Upset - Purdue over MINNESOTA
I’m rolling the dice on Purdue purely based on karma. The Boilermakers have failed Sam last week, so I’m hoping that’s an omen that should bode well for me. Purdue played Oregon tough on the road (38-36) and Notre Dame at home (24-21). They should halt their four-game win streak against the Gophers.
NFL Lock - BILLS over Browns
The Bills are struggling despite a promising showing against the Patriots in the season-opener and they’re still waiting for T.O. (158 yards, 1 TD in 2009) to break out. But the Browns are just awful, especially without Braylon Edwards. The rest of their remaining receivers have one TD among them.
NFL Upset - TITANS over Colts
This is a classic case of one team that’s bound to win at some point while the other team is bound to lose. The 4-0 Colts are ripe for a loss and the 0-4 Titans, who have been in the thick of most games this year, are due for a win. Somehow, the Titan ‘D’ (24th in NFL) has to contain Peyton Manning.
The Big Deal West Rankings
No. 1: USC (4-1) — The Trojans sealed their spot at the top once again after walloping Cal on the road last week. Joe McKnight (119 yards, 2 TDs) is making sure Stafon Johnson won’t be missed for now.
No. 2: Boise State (5-0) — That win against Oregon is looking more and more impressive every week the Ducks win. The Broncos have won 103 games since 2000 — second only to Oklahoma’s 104 over the same period.
No. 3: TCU (4-0) — The Mountain West’s best shot at a BCS bowl this year finally begins league play against Air Force today. The Frogs’ 13th-ranked rushing offense will meet its match against the Falcons’ second-ranked rushing unit.
No. 4: BYU (4-1) — The Cougars are still licking their wounds from an embarrassing home loss to FSU. Playing UNLV this week should be a shot in the arm, though. As attested by the number of MWC championships, BYU loves Vegas.
No. 5: Oregon (4-1) — The Ducks have won four straight but if they hope to make any noise in the Pac-10, they’ll need starting QB Jeremiah Masoli back and healthy. Flashbacks of Dennis Dixon continue to haunt...
No. 6: Stanford (4-1) — Surprising Stanford (3-0 Pac-10) currently sits atop the conference after picking up a nice win over UCLA. Thanks should go to Toby Gerhart, who leads the nation in rushing (640 yards).
No. 7: Cal (3-2) — Jahvid Best was held to 47 yards on 14 carries against USC, but the Bears have the hardest portion of their conference schedule behind them. Expect a climb back into the rankings.
No. 8: UCLA (3-1) — The Bruins suffered their first loss at Stanford last week. A pair of wins over visiting Oregon this week and Cal next week would vault them into the Top 25 for the first time in ‘09.
