Hurricane Matthew cost us one great game this weekend as LSU's trip to Florida was postponed. Fortunately, the worst of Matthew has seemingly stayed off short meaning football will be played everywhere besides Gainesville at some point this weekend.
After going 9-1 last week, the picks are 40-13 for the season. Here are my winners for this weekend.
TEXAS VS OKLAHOMA (-11.5) (Dallas) 11am
Pick: Oklahoma
One of my favorite games on the schedule every year is the showdown at the State Fair of Texas. For the first time since Bob Stoops' first season in Norman, neither team enters this contest ranked. But I still think the Sooners are the class of the Big 12 and, after suffering an embarrassing defeat to the Longhorns last year in Dallas, they'll be looking for payback.
INDIANA AT 2 OHIO STATE (-28) 2:30pm
Pick: Ohio State
The Hoosiers are off to a 3-1 start including last week's overtime win over Michigan State. But the Buckeyes may be the best team in the country. J.T. Barrett has thrown for 14 touchdowns against just two interceptions so far this season and should add to those numbers as Ohio State rolls in the 'shoe.
9 TENNESSEE AT 8 TEXAS A&M (-7) 2:30pm on Newschannel 5
Pick: Texas A&M
The Vols seem like a team of destiny after back to back comeback wins over Florida and Georgia, capped by last week's Hail Mary between the hedges. But as big as the game in College Station is I don't think it will impact Tennessee's season long term. This is the week the Vols run out of steam on the road against a top 10 team. But they still should make it to Atlanta and have a chance to play for the SEC title and a berth in the College Football Playoff.
25 VIRGINIA TECH AT 17 NORTH CAROLINA (-1.5) 2:30pm
Pick: UNC
With the exception of the second quarter against Tennessee, the Hokies have been sensational this year. But they also haven't played anyone else as good as the Vols or North Carolina. The Tar Heels proved they weren't just a one year ACC wonder with last week's final seconds win at Florida State. Mitch Trubisky is the best quarterback in the country no one talks about. If he can have a big day against Bud Foster's defense, UNC will win again.
21 COLORADO AT USC (-5.5) 3pm
Pick: Colorado
Mike McIntyre has done a phenomenal job of bringing respectability back to the Colorado program. The son of the late George McIntyre put the Buffaloes back on the map with a win at Oregon, so they won't be intimidated walking into the Coliseum. If they can beat the Trojans, the Buffs may just be the team to beat in the PAC-12 South.
1 ALABAMA (-13.5) AT 16 ARKANSAS 6pm
Pick: Alabama
Bret Bielema will have the Razorbacks ready to welcome the no. 1 team in the nation into town. But the Tide has more talent and is battle tested on the road. I think this game will be close and Arkansas will likely cover, but I think Bama wins the game to stay unbeaten and on track to defend its national title.
4 MICHIGAN (-30.5) AT RUTGERS 6pm
Pick: Michigan
Frankly, after seeing what Ohio State did to the Scarlet Knights, I'm not sure Michigan shouldn't be favored by more. The Wolverines aren't quite as explosive offensively as the Buckeyes, but that defense is one of the best in the country. And Rutgers, well, it stinks.
5 WASHINGTON (-5.5) AT OREGON 6:30pm
Pick: Oregon
The Huskies looked so good shutting down Christian McCaffery and Stanford last week, but that game was at home and Washington hasn't beaten Oregon in 12 tries. The Huskies have proven they are as physical as anyone in the PAC-12, but will have to match the speed of the Ducks to snap that long series losing streak. Coming off an emotional win, on the road and against a tough matchup I think the Huskies come back down to Earth. Oregon wins in an upset.
23 FLORIDA STATE AT 10 MIAMI (-3) 7pm
Pick: Miami
Matthew steered mostly north of South Florida preserving this Sunshine State rivalry game for the primetime Saturday schedule. It's been awhile since Miami has been the higher ranked team in this series, but Mark Richt's team is well deserving. Led by senior QB Brad Kaaya, the Canes have played well both at home and on the road in their 5-0 start. I think it's the veteran play of Kaaya versus FSU freshman Deondre Francois that makes the difference for Miami.
WASHINGTON STATE AT 15 STANFORD (-7) 9:30pm
Pick: Stanford
After getting embarrassed in last week's 44-3 drubbing at Washington, expect David Shaw to have the Cardinal refocused. The nation's leader in all-purpose yards, McCaffrey, will have a big day as Stanford gets back on track.
