Now that is more like it. 3-1 last week to bring the yearly total back above .500 (15-14-1). This has to be the craziest year in CFB that I can remember, and it is shaping up to be an exciting stretch run. Capping these games is very difficult when there is chaos like this, and as the season progresses it becomes increasingly difficult with the lines become sharper.

The media and coaches polls have rewarded an undefeated O$U team with the top spot simply because they are the only “name” team left that has not lost a game. O$U’s schedule is horrid, and I doubt anyone who watches these games would say they are the best team. But as I have said in the past the BCS, under its current format, is nothing more than a popularity contest. Removing strength of schedule and quality wins as a major component of the system was a big mistake. We are a long way from home, but it appears that we may have an O$U/BC title game ….. that is a complete joke, IMO. If LSU and Oklahoma win out (big “if”), and do not play in title game, then there will be a lot of whaling and gnashing of teeth. Get ready for the politicking to begin by many of these coaches as they try and position themselves for the BCS title game.

This weeks slate was difficult to whittle down, and these 3 teams barely missed the cut:
ORE -3 V. USC, WVA -6 @ RUTGERS AND UGA +8 V. FLA. I have another consensus play as the bonus pick this week. So here they are.

1. S. FLA -4 @ UCONN This one almost looks too good to be true. The Bulls are coming off of a heart breaking loss to Rutgers to end their undefeated run. I expect a nice bounce back from S. Fla this week. UConn is 6-1 against a terrible schedule and is getting overvalued for their win last week against L’ville. It took a blown call on a fair catch punt return for UConn to defeat the Cards. UConn had trouble moving the ball on a pitiful L’ville D, and should find the sledding rougher against a very good Bull Defense (#13 in total yds, #27 against the run and #17 against the pass). Bull DE G. Selvie (leads the nation in sacks and UConn is next to last in Big East in sacks given up) should have a field day with Huskie QB T. Lorenzen. S. Fla is just a much better team and if they can avoid turnovers they should cruise in this one.
S. FLA 26 UCONN 10

2. KAN -3 @ A&M I have been touting this Jayhawk team for weeks now, and they make their 3rd appearance in the Locks. Kansas is a very solid team that is not flashy but always seems to get it done. The Aggies while 6-2 (only 3-4 ATS) have all sorts of issues starting with HC Franchione. Fran appears on his way out with his boy “Writer Mike” for the boneheaded decision to sale inside information to boosters. On the field the Aggies can run the ball and that is about it. Kansas has a very good D (#5 total yds, #10 against the pass, #7 against the run and #2 in points allowed) and should be able to slow down big RB J. Lane. A&M’s secondary is weak and they have no real pass rush (#102 in nation against the pass), and they should have trouble stopping the efficient offense of the Jayhawks (avg. 46 points/game). With Oklahoma, Missouri and Texas on deck for A&M, this could be the beginning of a long slide for the Aggies. KAN 34 A&M 24

3. WAKE -5 V. UNC After an 0-2 start to the season, Wake HC J. Grobe has once again done a magnificent job as the Demon Deacons have reeled off 5 straight wins. Wake is a well coached, disciplined team that does not beat itself. The Tar Heels have been in almost every game this year only to come out on the wrong end too many times. You wonder how that will wear on a very young team. UNC has a solid D and a good young QB TJ Yates and RB A. Elzy. However, Wake just has too much on offense with QB R. Skinner, red shirt frosh. RB J. Adams (500 yds. rushing) and WR K. Moore (615 yds. receiving and 7 TDs). UNC is a little banged up as well. UNC will keep it close for a while, put Wake will pull away in the 4th quarter. WAKE 27 UNC 16

BONUS PICK: The bonus pick this week goes back to the consensus theory I wrote about 2 weeks ago. You look and see where all the public is betting and go the opposite way. 78% of the public is backing Kentucky this week, so the pick is to take Mississippi State +14. I liked this game before I even looked at the consensus money. Kentucky has played in 3 huge games in a row and will have difficulty getting up for State. Plus, The Cats have trouble stopping the run, and the Bulldogs can run the ball. I love getting 2 TDs in this situation. Take Sate and the points.

Good Luck!