As a member of the Virginia Dance Team, Liz Southall spends her time supporting the Cavaliers. Now is the chance for each Virginia fan to give back and support her. The Amelia, Va. native is representing the Dance Team in Athlon Sports' Sideline Spirit competition. Head over to www.lizsouthall.com -- you will be automatically redirected to the Athlon voting site. Lob in a vote or two or five for Southall. If she wins, the Dance Team will be awarded 1,000 dollars, a flat-screen TV and recording equipment. So do your part and vote. Competition ends Nov. 3.
I told you I liked last week's picks, and I wasn't blowing smoke -- a 4-1 week kicks me up to 65 percent winners. This week is a little more dicey; I wouldn't risk next semester's tuition on these five, but they do have some promise.
Ohio State -27 vs. Minnesota
I'm not a huge fan of this 2006-07 Ohio State team, and it's going to take another XBox reference to explain why. Watching them play reminds me of the guy who plays with OSU, picks the Hail Mary play every time, then proceeds to drop back 25 yards with QB Troy Smith, scamper around for three minutes and then either run for a 30-yard gain or throw some ridiculous pass.
It takes all the fun out of the game and makes you want to throw your controller through the TV.
That's what the 2006-07 Buckeye offense is to me.
All that said, the Bucks will steamroll reeling Minnesota, who needed a late missed field goal to beat Div. I-AA North Dakota State last week. Lock of the week.
Purdue +3 vs. Penn State
Anyone who's lumbered out of bed at 11:57 a.m. and turned on ESPN or ESPN2 to the sight of two Big Ten clashes and the sweet voices of either Sean McDonough or Pam Ward can appreciate this game.
There's nothing especially compelling about these random Big Ten games, but there sure is something comforting knowing that they are there for you each week at noon.
I think Purdue will get its offense together against the Nittany Lions, so take the points.
Maryland +4.5 vs. Florida State
Bobby Bowden has been around the block enough times to know how to win these games. The boosters are getting antsy and the team has plummeted to the bottom of the ACC's Atlantic Division.
But even with a sage like Bowden coaching, this FSU team still isn't good enough to win on the road by more than a late field goal.
Maryland's defense will intercept QB Drew Weatherford a couple times to keep Maryland in it but the Seminoles will prevail 20-17.
Houston -18 vs. UCF
We're 2-0 against the spread with Houston this year, and I'm looking for a third this week. The Cougars finally showed up in the second half last week against UTEP and blew the Miners away 34-17.
UCF, meanwhile, looks totally lost. After a win over Marshall, the Golden Knights got squashed by Pitt and couldn't run with Rice last week.
If the Cougs can get the running game pumping Saturday and jump out to an early lead, Houston will be another win closer to the C-USA title game and UCF will be licking its chops. Time for George O'Leary to get his resume ready again?
Washington State +1.5 at UCLA
Going with the Cougars again, this time the Pacific Northwest version. Wazzou is coming off a huge win over Oregon while UCLA lost a heartbreaker in South Bend to Notre Dame.
Both teams have a lot to play for, with WSU at 5-3 and UCLA at 4-3, but the Cougars have a more realistic shot at a top Pac-10 bowl.
A win here could propel Washington State to wins in its final three games and a 9-3 record. UCLA, though, still has to deal with Cal, Arizona State and USC.
And even though the Bruins kept up with the Irish last week, the game exposed the fact that they have no offense. Plus, it's become clear at this point that this is not a Notre Dame team for the ages, so a close loss to them means less than it has in years past.
Washington State has next-level talent in its wideouts and a solid QB to boot. Cougars win outright.
Last Week: 4-1
Season Record: 20-11-4
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