Top 25 Picks: Week 7

Noon

(18) Oklahoma +3.5 over (2) Texas
Texas can’t afford to fall asleep as they have against lesser opposition in the early goings. OU has their Heisman QB back and a vaunted defense that has kept them in games despite the injuries to Bradford and Gresham. The Sooners will shake up the BCS picture with a win.

(7) Ohio State -14 over PURDUE
Purdue probably won’t pass 10 points in this one.

(12) Iowa +3 over WISCONSIN
Wisconsin will be glad to get back to Camp Randall but not so happy with another ranked opponent. Iowa seems to have the toughness to tippy-toe past each and every foe.

3:30

Minnesota +17.5 over PENN STATE
Penn State’s offense has not fully clicked on all cylinders this year. They will win but not without a furious fight with the Gophers.

(25) NOTRE DAME +10 over USC
This game is different from the past two years when ND couldn’t score a TD. Clausen has finally emerged as a good QB and he has weapons around him. It will help that the Trojans terrifying trio of linebackers moved on to the NFL. Oh yeah, that Sanchez guy is gone too.

(23) Houston -17 over TULANE
Tulane is terrible.

Texas Tech +11 over (17) NEBRASKA
This is a classic great defense against a great offense. Well…maybe it’s a great Ndamukong Suh versus a great passing offense. Regardless, the Red Raider offense will still score enough to stay in it.

Arkansas +24 over (1) FLORIDA
Florida is banged up and a return to the swamp will be nice, but Bobby Petrino’s troops are airing it out and scoring a lot of points. I’ll take the Hogs to cover, Gators to win.

4:00

Colorado State +22 over (8) TCU
TCU will win this game but they’re not winning by putting on offensive onslaughts week in and week out. Their running game and defense take care of business. I like the Frogs by 14.

6:00

(4) Virginia Tech -3 over (20) GEORGIA TECH
This is one of the better games that are getting overshadowed by ND-USC and the Red River Shootout. Controlling the clock is key and turnovers will factor in to this one. I like the Hokies D a little better and I think they will tough it out on the road.

(19) BYU -17 over SAN DIEGO STATE
BYU has gotten the train rolling since the FSU debacle and they’re putting up points in bunches. The Aztecs aren’t really stopping anyone either.

7:00

COLORADO +10 over (15) Kansas
This is just a hunch. The Buffs have played KU well in recent years and they get a much needed home game after enduring a tough life on the road. I think it will be a close one.

7:30

(11) Miami -14 over CENTRAL FLORIDA
This was a close one for The U last year. It won’t be like last year though. Another year in the Randy Shannon system and better on-field leadership from Jacory Harris will result in a blowout win for the Canes.

7:45

(3) ALABAMA -17.5 over (22) South Carolina
The Gamecocks have been impressive all year but they don’t have the fortitude to stand up to the Tide. Alabama excels in every area.

9:15

(14) OKLAHOMA STATE -7 over (24) Missouri
Zac Robinson will have to do without one of his favorite targets in Dez Bryant. Luckily for him, the Pokes have a ton of threats that tear up the Tiger defense.