I had myself a fantastic week predicting games, going 5-2 against the spread.  That brings my season total to a respectable 17-11.  Of course, there were the birdies; picking two upsets outright in South Carolina (over Ole Miss) and Virginia Tech (over Miami), and the bogey; taking PSU to beat Iowa by two touchdowns. 

 I'm feeling good once again so let’s roll with this week’s picks.  As always, I’ll begin with the Irish:

Washington @ Notre Dame:  Reports from practice are saying that RB Armando Allen Jr. is starting to look like his old self again.  Clausen is still a little banged up and if he can’t go the whole game, I won’t mind relying on Dayne Crist to lead the offense.   But once again, I think all the pressure falls on the defense.  Husky QB Jake Locker is no joke and if the Irish don’t get after him, he’ll light up the secondary for a lot of big plays.  This has all the makings for yet another nail biter for the Domers.   Prediction:  Notre Dame 31, Washington 28.

Colorado @ West Virginia (Thursday night):  Honestly, I hope Colorado recruited kids from the Boulder High School football team during their bye week.  This team was so terrible against an average Toledo team that my brain is completely unable to even consider picking them to win at WVU.   The Mountaineers have been playing with such a high-powered offense, no Buffalo defense will slow it down.  If Colorado makes me look like a jerk and wins, so be it.  Prediction:  WVU 41, Colorado 24   

LSU @ Georgia:  That top-six ranking for LSU is cursed (please see Ole Miss, Penn State, OK State and Cal). The only way LSU wins is if they call Edward Scissorhands to go trim those hedges in Athens before the game.   Prediction: Georgia 27, LSU 21

Oklahoma @ Miami:  I feel bad for the U.  After getting embarrassed by Virginia Tech last Saturday, they have to go against an Oklahoma team that is probably just as good.  I’m trying to picture Miami winning this game but all I can vision is the punt VT blocked for a touchdown last week.  Look for a high scoring affair, though.  Prediction:  OU 45, Miami 35

Michigan @ Michigan State:  Michigan QB Tate Forcier is becoming one of the top playmakers in all of college football.  Michigan State has a capable QB themselves in Kirk Cousins.  Both teams have very suspect defenses.  Whoever has the ball last will win.  Prediction: Mich St 38, Michigan 35

USC @ California:  I think this is the game you want to play if you’re on the Cal football team.  Instead of playing a cupcake, you can refocus on one of the best in the nation.  I know USC is healthy again, but Cal is much better than they showed last week.  I hope.  Prediction: Cal 24, USC 17 

USF @ Syracuse:  Ah, my wild card game.  If you don’t root for ‘Cuse this season it’s because you’re a Tarheels fan or you have no soul.  Greg Paulus has been a surprising pleasure this season and he’ll find a way to get it down against the Bulls at home.  Prediction:  ‘Cuse 27, USF 23