After three straight weeks of 1-5, I'm changing my philosophy for this week's pick-6. I hesitate to explain how exactly, in case it actually works. So, here goes:
Utah State (-2) at Hawaii: The Aggies have been good to me the last 2 weeks so I'm stickin' with 'em. A little Oahu vacation in the middle of football season might be just what the doctor ordered for Gary Andersen's bunch. I say take Utah State and give the points in a 27-20 Aggie victory.
#6 TCU (-24.5) at San Diego State: While the Aztecs seem to be improving under first-year head coach Brady Hoke, the Horned Frogs have steamrolled their way to an 8-0 record and a number-4 ranking in this week's coach's poll (#6 in the BCS standings). Look for TCU to keep it going with another big win heading into the Utah game the following week, 38-10 Frogs.
Colorado State at UNLV (-1): The Rams are, in my opinion, the biggest surprise in the Mountain West Conference so far this season, and not in a good way. Both these teams are 3-6 overall, but Colorado State is on a 6-game losing streak. That streak comes to an end this weekend in Sin City. CSU over the Rebels, 23-17.
BYU (-13) at Wyoming: The Cougars, thanks to a bye week, got some extra time to think about the loss to TCU ... and to get ready for this week's game in Laramie. Believe me when I tell you, it's no fun to go to Laramie any time of year, especially in November, which is why the Cowboys will keep it close. I'm taking Wyoming and the points, 28-17 BYU.
New Mexico at #14 Utah (-27.5): Will Jordan Wynn help the Ute offense get untracked? Will the Lobos be able to move the ball against a pretty stout Utah defense? Will New Mexico win a game this season? For the answers to these questions, be at Rice-Eccles Stadium on Saturday the 7th. My trusty crystal ball says Utah shows no mercy this week, 41-9.
#16 Ohio State at #11 Penn State (-3.5): In addition to the Big 10 title implications (no, I haven't forgotten about Iowa), this game also serves as an elimination game for BCS bowl game consideration. The coin I just flipped came up tails which means the Buckeyes head back to Columbus with their tails between their legs. I'm going with Joe (Paterno) and giving the three-and-a-half, 22-16 Penn State.
