I’m not going to lie; I’m relieved the Fighting Irish have a bye this week. I don’t think Notre Dame fans can hold their breath for that much longer. We’ll leave that kind of magic to David Blaine. 

Meanwhile, I ate it last week going 3-4 against the spread, declining my season total to 20-15. There was the birdie; predicting Michigan State to upset Michigan, and the bogey; thinking Oklahoma was going to win at Miami. 

But, it’s new week, with new games and new optimisms. Let’s get too it.:

Nebraska @ Missouri (Thursday night): An early Halloween treat for a Thursday night game of this caliber. Undefeated Missouri has been playing stellar ball, but so has one-loss ‘Braska. Two keys of the game: the fact that ‘Braksa is already road tested (they barely won at Virginia Tech three weeks ago) and the status of Husker’s RB Roy Helu Jr. If Helu is healthy, the Huskers win. Prediction: ‘Braska 28, Mizzou 24

Boston College @ Virginia Tech: This game falls under category I, Rule 1A: Never pick against the Hokies at Lane Stadium. Even though they have a terrible habit of giving up huge plays on defense to incompetent teams, VT’s offense is peaking. Night, night BC.  Prediction: Tech 34, BC 20

Alabama @ Ole Miss: I said before the season that no SEC team will go undefeated this year. However, I’m not sure this is where ‘Bama loses. Ole Miss QB Jevan Sneed just hasn’t impressed, and now he goes up against the nation’s most threatening defense. Let’s see him prove me- and the country- wrong on Saturday. I dare him. Prediction: ‘Bama 31, Ole Miss 24

Wisconsin @ Ohio State: If this game was in Wisconsin, it might be a different story. But it’s not, so it isn’t. As you know, I’m a huge backer of Buckeye QB Terrelle Pryor. He’s leading the OSU offense to new heights. Prediction: Ohio State 34, ‘Consin 20


Michigan @ Iowa: Oh, these juvenile Big Ten conference games.  This game falls under Category II, Rule 1C: If you’re going to predict Iowa to win, make sure it’s at night and against a mobile quarterback. Let’s see, the game is at 8 p.m. and Michigan QB can certainly run with the football. Check and check. Prediction: Iowa 27, Michigan 24 (OT).

Florida @ LSU: I want to pick the upset so bad, but I can’t. LSU’s offense isn’t any good.   I think they’re one or two years away from regaining the nation’s top spot. Even if Tebow doesn’t play the entire game, they edge this one out. Close though. Prediction: Florida 20, LSU 17. 

Oregon @ UCLA: If you’re a Ducks or Bruins fan, this game is awesome! But if you’re the contrary, I believe the Presidents Cup is the West Coast coverage you should be following. Can’t pick against the Ducks here. I mean, they’ve scored 175 points the last two weeks. Prediction: Oregon: 24, UCLA 20