With college basketball kicking off tonight, a full column on football just did not seem appropriate. Enjoy having basketball back in your life during these early games -- we'll be listening to "One Shining Moment" before we know it. Some quick picks:
Rutgers +6 vs. Louisville
This is probably the most significant Rutgers football game in program history. If the Scarlet Knights can slow it down and protect the ball, they'll keep it close.
Illinois -3 vs. Purdue
Hmmm. Illinois continues to play inspired football, hanging tough against Penn State and Ohio State. Purdue, on the other hand, continues to stumble along, its offense completely adrift. I'll take the Illini at home.
South Florida -9.5 vs. Syracuse
After playing sloppy all season, it's time for USF to get into top form during this game. The team finishes its schedule with games at Louisville and at West Virginia -- penalties and turnovers by the Bulls will lead to blowout losses. Syracuse falls hard.
Georgia Tech -13.5 at North Carolina
It's too soon for the late season last-hurrah under coach John Bunting -- that will come against Duke in the final week. UNC won't have the kind of offensive success it had last week against Notre Dame. GT wins 24-6.
Rice +14 at Tulsa
Rice burned me last week, so now I'm hopping on the Owl bandwagon. This is their final road game, and they've played flawless ball so far -- just sixty more minutes and they'll be close to bowl eligibility.
Last week: 4-1
Season record: 28-13-4
-- Compiled by Matt Boucher