Okay so one fourth of the season is already over with and it’s week four… time for some more picks!
Currently I’m 81.4% correct on ESPN with my PRYORBCSBOUND Entry, but I plan on increasing that percentage with some solid picks over the next few weeks.
First pick – Wisconsin over Michigan State….. Yes as much as I want to pick Michigan State to win this game I’m just not sure… This is really a swing game but I can’t see Michigan State winning this game. I haven’t been all too impressed with Wisconsin but I think they’ll win in Camp Randall with some solid defensive play. Michigan State is in desperation mode as they will drop to 1 – 3 with a loss to Wisconsin but I can’t see the undefeated Badgers losing this one. Wisconsin also has an extremely physical running game that MSU will have problems stopping…
Wisconsin 31 Michigan State 24
Next I have North Carolina over Georgia Tech. I’m picking UNC in this game because of their defense and what they held Georgia Tech to last year. Last year the Tarheels held the Jackets to seven points, GT’s lowest total of the season. GT is coming off a tough loss on the road at Miami and will be looking to rebound at Bobby Dodd Stadium but it’s not going to happen against the Tarheels. Strong Heels defense prevails and the offense scores enough points to win by 10.
#22 North Carolina 24 Georgia Tech 14
California at Oregon could be a trap game for the Bears who had their hands full with the Golden Gophers last weekend, but I’m really feeling this Cal team. Jahvid Best is the Heisman Frontrunner in my opinion and Riley is passing the ball as well as anyone in the country. Autzen stadium is one of the toughest venues to play in the country but the Bears don’t overlook the Ducks in anticipation for USC and they get a solid victory.
#6 California 34 Oregon 21
Miami at Virginia Tech could be the toughest pick of them all this week in most people’s opinions but in my eyes its Miami that takes this game no doubt. Miami has looked extremely impressive so far this season and I can see their offense dismantling Virgina Tech’s solid defense. VT has looked very bland and vanilla on offense and won’t be able to put up nearly enough points on “The U”. Blacksburg is always a tough place to play but Miami will come in and silence the crowd quickly behind Jacory Harris and Greg Cooper.
Oh yeah and isn’t VT like 3 and 25 against top 10 opponents or something? Sounds good to me!
#9 Miami 31 #11 Virginia Tech 17
TCU at Clemson will be a fun game to watch as the ACC tries to gain some rep by beating a notable non conference opponent, unfortuantly for the ACC it won’t happen. Both teams boast great defenses but TCU has one of the best defenses in the country. Oh yeah they also have some guy named Jerry Hughes…. the best pass rusher in the country. The Horned Frogs already beat fellow VT’s instate ACC rival Virgina 30-14, and look to do the same to the Tigers. I don’t see the Tigers winning this one; even though it’s in Death Valley, although they’ll keep it close.
#15 TCU 24 Clemson 17
Pittsburgh at North Carolina State is a tough one to decide but I’m going with Pitt who has looked impressive in a 3-0 start. They look to take control in a wide open Big East and would love to get another win going into Conference play. Runningback Dion Lewis has stepped in for McCoy and looks to carry Pitt on his back. NC State is 2-1 after beating two FCS teams after their season opening loss to South Carolina. Close game but Pitt wins at NC State.
Pitt 20 NC State 10
Notre Dame at Purdue is actually an interesting match-up. You have one of the most inconsitent teams i’ve seen in recent memory – Purdue, against Notre Dame who is pretty good this year. Its in West Lafayette at 8:00 so it will be a tough enviroment for ND; if anyone shows up for Purdue. Purdue has dropped its last two in heartbreaking fashions. A two point loss at Oregon, and a loss to NIU that was just plain nasty. I think Purdue will score a lot of points, and i’m not sure how Notre Dame will react with Clausen’s turftoe and Floyd’s season ending injury. I know its a risky pick and i’ll probably be sorry for it but i’m going with Purdue. Let’s hope their offense shows up.
Purdue 35 Notre Dame 31
Iowa at Penn State is my marque matchup of the week behind Miami and Virginia Tech. The College Gameday Enviroment and the infamous Penn State whiteout always make for a great atmosphere at Happy Valley. Both teams come in very impressive on defense and a bit suspect at offense. Iowa has proven itself more in my opinion with an impressive win over Arizona, and Penn State really hasn’t played anyone worth a damn. Penn State will be looking for revenge as Iowa ending their national title hopes last year in Kennick Stadium. Ultimately the Whiteout effect will prove too much for the Hawkeyes and Penn State will escape with another slim victory in this great series between these two storied, tradition filled programs.
#5 Penn State 24 Iowa 17
Washington at Standford is another tough game where I had an extremely tough time deciding. I haven’t had the treat of seeing Standford in action at all this year so I’m leaning with Washington since I’ve seen them play a tough game with the Bayou Tigers, and knock off the #3 USC Trojans. They are led by Jake Locker who is the “Tebow of the West”, and a stout defense that should hold the Cardinal’s running game to minimal damage.The Huskies win on the road.
#24 Washington 38 Stanford 17
Last but not least we have Texas Tech visiting the Houston Cougars. The Cougars captured national attention when they pulled off an impressive upset of Oklahoma State on September 12th. The Red Raiders are coming off a tough loss to Texas in Austin and are looking to prove themselves with a win over a ranked team. I can’t see this happening though as the Cougars look very impressive offensivly and should be able to play enough defense to grind out a win against Texas Tech.
#17 Houston 45 Texas Tech 31
Now that I have made my selections I will now share my confidence.
10. Penn State over Iowa
9. Miami Fl. over Virginia Tech
8. California over Oregon
7. Pittsburgh over North Carolina State
6. Wisconsin over Michigan State
5. Washington over Stanford
4. TCU over Clemson
3. North Carolina over Georgia Tech
2. Houston over Texas Tech
1. Purdue over Notre Dame
Well those are the picks for week 4. Hopefully I can get my percentage up and earn some more points to further my lead against everyone else in the group! I’m a bit worried with all the away teams I’ve picked this week but I’m going with my gut feeling and my educated guesses and I think I’ll do pretty good.
Anyways until next time!
- Tyler Merritt
- GO BUCKS!
