argh. Lost my write-ups in the copy paste process. Here’s the picks, and I’ll get the write-ups rewritten shortly.

Sorry about the write-up issue. I’ve rewritten from my notes. Not as polished as they were. Don’t forget to backup your data (or at least don’t Cut from your text file and hit save, get distracted and mistakenly copy something fresh in your clipboard before you had the chance to paste).

The Baylor Bears are playing for one thing, a bowl game. With Kansas State coming to town they are primed to do it. K-State rebounded from the beat down they received to Nebraska to pummel a very, very bad Kansas team 59-7 last week. Baylor is decent against the run which should hold the Wildcats to the teens on offense. Robert Griffin is a terrific QB and can beat you on the ground or in the air.

Take Baylor -6.5 v. Kansas State

Nebraska got knocked off in a grudge match last week at the hands of Texas, but we’ve seen the Huskers in a similar sport before when they traveled to Washington earlier in the season. I think Taylor Martinez bounces back and Nebraska makes a statement that last week’s game was a fluke. Oklahoma State is unbeaten on the season, but their lack of defense will hurt them here. OSU is also played anyone of relative strength this year and is in for a smashing.

Take Nebraska -5.5 at Oklahoma State

I just don’t buy LSU this year. Sure they’ve snaked past 3 ranked opponents on the season and they have a tough defense that is only giving up 83.6 yards per game on the ground. But of those three top-25 wins, two are gone from the list. Auburn is an offensive machine and while they haven’t needed to go to the air that much to win this season, they have the ability in Cam Newton who is completing 65.6% of his passes and averaging over 125 rushing yards per game. My numbers project in the range of 35-20 every way I’ve gone at it.

Take Auburn -6 v. LSU

I have a fourth game on the cards this week with Texas Tech. Colorado continues to be bad, and it looks like coach Dan Hawkins will be out at the end of the year. I think they’ve already thrown in the towel and are looking for a fresh start in the PAC-10(12)

Take Texas Tech -3 at Colorado

While Oregon is the number one team in the country right now, I’m a little hesitant on the line. For one thing, Oregon hasn’t been winning by blowout. If fact, their last 3 winning margins have come in at 20, 21, and 11. The Oregon running game is well suited to chewing up the clock. We all know their offense is explosive, but they also found themselves #1 by attrition on a bye week.

UCLA is on the upswing under Rick Neuheisel, but still a couple of years away from a team with national impact. Still, a win against #1 Oregon would be of signature-caliber. UCLA is also coming off a bye week and have a hobbled quarterback in Kevin Prince – Richard Brehaut waits in the wings if Prince can’t go. I actually think Brehaut has the better arm and this might end up being a blessing in disguise.

Tough call tonight, but the fact is Oregon isn’t winning by blowouts.

Take UCLA +26.5 at Oregon

There has been a lot of discounting of the Spartans as they fall in to a hangover effect game coming off of two straight wins to ranked opponents. I mentioned last week that the real factor is Dantonio; the Spartans have rallied around their ailing coach and that is an intangible that is tough to overcome. Besides, the Spartan defense has proven tough against the run and Illinois is for all intents and purposes, a one-dimensional running team.

Take Michigan State -7 v. Illinois

I wouldn’t want to be Mississippi this week. With ‘Bama coming off The Loss, you know they will come out firing. But the key for me is this is a turning point game for Ole Miss, one that spells doom for the rest of their season as they face the first of three-straight ranked opponents. I project a 36-10 type of score.

Take Alabama -20.5 v. Mississippi

Iowa rolls in to Ann Arbor allowing 63 rushing yards per game. Let that sink in. And coming off a bye week that gives the wounded Hawkeyes an opportunity to heal up and game plan. Sure Denard Robinson has skills – he is a Heisman candidate – but Michigan lacks a defense to keep them in the game against such a strong team. I like Iowa with a runaway win, and what could be the linchpin in the ouster of RichRod.

Take Iowa -3.5 at Michigan

Others to watch. Pretty strong leans but discounting for one reason or another.

Nevada -6.5 at Hawaii (strange things happen to Nevada when they visit the islands)

USC -2.5 v. Cal (sharp money on USC, but I’m not sold on either team this year)

Nebraska -9.5 v. Texas (The numbers favor the Huskers, but their last year in Big 12, intangibles from last year’s Big 12 championship game debacle, and the Orange owning of the Huskers in Big 12 play. Besides, I’ll be at the game.)

The Huskers, after a dismal offensive outing against South Dakota State open Big 12 confernce play down the road at Kansas State.

Although neither team has played anyone of serious consequence, Kansas State did beat on the now surging UCLA Bruins. And Nebraska utterly dismantled Washington’s offense.

I don’t expect much to stand in the way of Nebraska’s running game as KSU is giving up almost 200 yards per game on the ground. While Nebraska is still untested by a strong running game, and the Huskers have yet to be forced in to trying to win a game through the air. QB Taylor Martinez has 3 TD tosses on the year vs. 2 INTs.

I like Nebraska 28-10

Take Nebraska -11.5 at Kansas State.