NASCAR
Tony Stewart won at Martinsville on Sunday in a hard-fought race, jumping two spots to second in the standings. "Smoke" is now just eight points behind points leader Carl Edwards with three races left -- the series hits Texas on Sunday. After the Martinsville race, Stewart said "Edwards had better be really worried. That’s all I’ve got to say. He’s not going to have an easy three weeks.” Is that great material or what? Should be an interesting last three races. After Stewart, Harvick is 3rd in points (-21 points), Brad Keselowski is 4th (-27 points), and Matt Kenseth is 5th (-36 points). Five-time defending champion Jimmie Johnson is 6th (-43 points) and has some major work to do and would need some major luck to come his way for him to win another championship.
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KEVIN DURANT
How cool is this? Oklahoma Thunder star Kevin Durant tweeted a couple days ago he was bored during the NBA lockout and asked if there was a flag football game going on close by. A fraternity brother at Oklahoma State tweeted back and invited Durant to a game. And Durant actually came, played quarterback and threw four TDs and three INTs. How cool and humble is Durant, to show up at a college flag football game? Totally awesome. I've always been a Durant fan, and now I'll be pulling for him and the Thunder probably a bit harder once the lockout ends.
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PICKS
Last week, I went 6-2 in college picks and 2-3 in NFL picks. I am 89-47 on the season.
No. 15 Michigan at Iowa, Noon ESPN
Iowa lost a tough game last week at Minnesota, which had looked like one of the worst teams in the FBS. Iowa has now lost two years in a row to the Gophers. Now the Wolverines, who are tied atop the Legends Division of the Big Ten (boy, does that name sound stupid or what?) come to Iowa. The Hawkeyes are desperate for a win to get to bowl eligibility. I like Michigan this season, and think it will finish 8-4 or 9-3, but I like Iowa to bounce back in a big way at home. It is very diffuclt to win at Iowa and I don't know if Michigan is capable of that yet.
Iowa 31, Michigan 29
Texas Tech at No. 21 Texas, Noon FX
Which Red Raider team will show up? Two weeks ago, Texas Tech knocked Oklahoma out of the national championship hunt (at least for the time being) with a 41-38 win at OU. It was the first loss for the Sooners at home in 39 games. 39! Then last week, Texas Tech got absolutely destroyed by mediocre Iowa State 41-7. In Austin, I'd expect the bad Texas Tech to show up, though the Raiders will put up a fight.
Texas 31, Texas Tech 21
Louisville at No. 24 West Virginia, Noon ESPN3.com
The Cardinals and Mountaineers are among the jumbled mess of teams at the top of the Big East. And a mess is what it is. No team has been dominant in the conference this season, as in recent years past. Both these teams have one loss in conference and trail Cincinnati, which is yet to lose in the Big East (Pitt also has one loss). In Morgantown, I like WVU to take care of Louisville.
West Virginia 34, Louisville 21
Vanderbilt at Florida, 12:21 p.m. SEC Network
This game is interesting all of a sudden because Vanderbilt has a decent chance to pull off the upset I think. The Commodores have recently had a surge on offense behind quarterback Jordan Rodgers, the brother of Packers QB Aaron Rodgers. Last week, Vanderbilt almost beat Arkansas but fell, 31-28. Florida, meanwhile, is on a four-game slide and sit at 4-4 after winning its first four games. The Gators could have a tough time just getting to bowl eligibility as they finish up with South Carolina and Florida State in two of their final three games. They also face Furman, so that is a win. They probably need to beat Vandy to get to a sixth win, but I am calling an upset here.
Vanderbilt 34, Florida 31
North Carolina at N.C. State, 12:30 p.m. ESPN3.com (or ACC Network if you're in an area where ACC Network won't show UVa-UMD)
Them's fighting words! UNC interim coach Everett Whithers took a bit of a jab this week at N.C. State's academics, even though he said it was unintentional. 'Pack coach Tom O'Brien was not amused and fired back. Could be an interesting game between these two state schools. Whithers said UNC is the state's flagship school. Whether true or not, I like the Tar Heels to win Saturday.
North Carolina 27, N.C. State 21
Texas A&M at No. 6 Oklahoma, 3:30 p.m. ABC
A&M really screwed up by blowing games this year. The Aggies are 5-3, and all three losses happened after they had halftime leads. They could be in the national title hunt with Oklahoma right now. I don't think they'll be taking a lead Saturday in Norman, Oklahoma though. The Sooners lost their last home game to Texas Tech, and it was the first loss at home for them in 39 games. They are likely to begin another such streak against the Aggies.
Oklahoma 55, Texas A&M 30
No. 9 South Carolina at No. 7 Arkansas, 7:15 p.m. ESPN
Game of the week? No, that is happening down in Tuscaloosa. But this is a good appetizer that starts 45 minutes before Bama-LSU kicks off. South Carolina is tied with Georgia in the SEC East for first, and it beat the Bulldogs but can't fall a loss behind UGA. Arkansas also needs to win, though, to keep its slim outside shot at winning the West alive.
Arkansas 27, South Carolina 24
**Game of the week: No. 1 LSU at No. 2 Alabama, 8 p.m. CBS
Unless you've been living under a rock, you know all about this matchup. Not only is it the game of the week, it is the game of the year, at least the regular season, and some people are calling it the Game of the Century. This is basically a national title tournament semifinal. The loser, in my mind, is likely eliminated from BCS championship talk. Some analysts think these two could play each other in a rematch for the national title. I hope that would not happen though. The loser is likely to not win the SEC, and I think a national title game contender must win their conference. I know both these teams are approaching this game as a must-win, and not "Oh, we'll see you in a couple months for the title anyway."
This is one stout defense against another stout defense. The first No. 1 vs. No. 2 SEC matchup ever. This is crazy 'ol Les Miles vs. Mr. Nick Saban, he who cracks no smiles. And oh, in case you had forgotten, Saban used to coach LSU.
One of the weird things about this rivalry is the road team has won 27 out of the past 40 meetings, I think I heard. That is crazy. That's not how I'm picking this game, though. Alabama lost last year to LSU and I don't think Saban will let it happen again. Plus, I like Bama RB Trent Richardson over the LSU run game.
Alabama 20, LSU 17
No. 14 Kansas State at No. 3 Oklahoma State, 8 p.m. ABC
If for some reason No. 1 vs. No. 2 in the SEC doesn't suit your fancy, there's this matchup, which lost some gusto once K-State lost its first game last week to OU. The Cowboys, though, are still rolling and hoping they can break though and get to the BCs title game. I like the Cowboys to roll at home.
Oklahoma State 38, Kansas State 24
Virginia at Maryland, 12:30 p.m. ACC Network
Well, I need to get going to Arlington where my friend Bret lives. We are headed to the game tomorrow but I'm leaving soon so I'm not going to say much here. And I really don't have to -- the formula is simple. Maryland has the 118th worst rush defense in the country. UVa has three capable running backs. The Cavaliers should pound the Terrapins all day and let QB Michael Rocco manage the game. Virginia has all the tools to win this game. The two-quarterback system is gone and I think that helped Rocco against Miami -- he has pretty much said that. UVa's defense hasn't given up more than 21 points since playing Southern Miss on Sept. 24.
The Terrapins, meanwhile, are in disarray. They've started to use two quarterbacks -- ACC Freshman of the Year in 2010, Danny O'Brien, was benched in favor of C.J. Brown after a few games after O'Brien struggled early. Brown is more of a scrambler while O'Brien is a better passer. Maryland has just two wins this year, over Miami in the first game of the year when the 'Canes weren't at full strength, and against FCS school Towson. There have been rumors circulating that some of the players don't like new coach Randy Edsall. The crowds have been sparse at Maryland home games.
Virginia is certainly capable of winning this game. How bad do the players want it? The seniors should want it especially bad. They haven't been to a bowl game yet and this is their last chance. If the Wahoos play to their potential, or even close to it, they should win. If they give a lackluster performance in a rivalry game in Maryland, watch out. The Terrapins will win.
I'm not going to pick this game one way or the other. I'm a bit superstitious and this is my first road game as a fan and I want it to go well. That should tell you who I think will win. Hopefully the players learned against N.C. State and can now give two great performances in a row.
Tony Stewart won at Martinsville on Sunday in a hard-fought race, jumping two spots to second in the standings. "Smoke" is now just eight points behind points leader Carl Edwards with three races left -- the series hits Texas on Sunday. After the Martinsville race, Stewart said "Edwards had better be really worried. That’s all I’ve got to say. He’s not going to have an easy three weeks.” Is that great material or what? Should be an interesting last three races. After Stewart, Harvick is 3rd in points (-21 points), Brad Keselowski is 4th (-27 points), and Matt Kenseth is 5th (-36 points). Five-time defending champion Jimmie Johnson is 6th (-43 points) and has some major work to do and would need some major luck to come his way for him to win another championship.
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KEVIN DURANT
How cool is this? Oklahoma Thunder star Kevin Durant tweeted a couple days ago he was bored during the NBA lockout and asked if there was a flag football game going on close by. A fraternity brother at Oklahoma State tweeted back and invited Durant to a game. And Durant actually came, played quarterback and threw four TDs and three INTs. How cool and humble is Durant, to show up at a college flag football game? Totally awesome. I've always been a Durant fan, and now I'll be pulling for him and the Thunder probably a bit harder once the lockout ends.
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PICKS
Last week, I went 6-2 in college picks and 2-3 in NFL picks. I am 89-47 on the season.
No. 15 Michigan at Iowa, Noon ESPN
Iowa lost a tough game last week at Minnesota, which had looked like one of the worst teams in the FBS. Iowa has now lost two years in a row to the Gophers. Now the Wolverines, who are tied atop the Legends Division of the Big Ten (boy, does that name sound stupid or what?) come to Iowa. The Hawkeyes are desperate for a win to get to bowl eligibility. I like Michigan this season, and think it will finish 8-4 or 9-3, but I like Iowa to bounce back in a big way at home. It is very diffuclt to win at Iowa and I don't know if Michigan is capable of that yet.
Iowa 31, Michigan 29
Texas Tech at No. 21 Texas, Noon FX
Which Red Raider team will show up? Two weeks ago, Texas Tech knocked Oklahoma out of the national championship hunt (at least for the time being) with a 41-38 win at OU. It was the first loss for the Sooners at home in 39 games. 39! Then last week, Texas Tech got absolutely destroyed by mediocre Iowa State 41-7. In Austin, I'd expect the bad Texas Tech to show up, though the Raiders will put up a fight.
Texas 31, Texas Tech 21
Louisville at No. 24 West Virginia, Noon ESPN3.com
The Cardinals and Mountaineers are among the jumbled mess of teams at the top of the Big East. And a mess is what it is. No team has been dominant in the conference this season, as in recent years past. Both these teams have one loss in conference and trail Cincinnati, which is yet to lose in the Big East (Pitt also has one loss). In Morgantown, I like WVU to take care of Louisville.
West Virginia 34, Louisville 21
Vanderbilt at Florida, 12:21 p.m. SEC Network
This game is interesting all of a sudden because Vanderbilt has a decent chance to pull off the upset I think. The Commodores have recently had a surge on offense behind quarterback Jordan Rodgers, the brother of Packers QB Aaron Rodgers. Last week, Vanderbilt almost beat Arkansas but fell, 31-28. Florida, meanwhile, is on a four-game slide and sit at 4-4 after winning its first four games. The Gators could have a tough time just getting to bowl eligibility as they finish up with South Carolina and Florida State in two of their final three games. They also face Furman, so that is a win. They probably need to beat Vandy to get to a sixth win, but I am calling an upset here.
Vanderbilt 34, Florida 31
North Carolina at N.C. State, 12:30 p.m. ESPN3.com (or ACC Network if you're in an area where ACC Network won't show UVa-UMD)
Them's fighting words! UNC interim coach Everett Whithers took a bit of a jab this week at N.C. State's academics, even though he said it was unintentional. 'Pack coach Tom O'Brien was not amused and fired back. Could be an interesting game between these two state schools. Whithers said UNC is the state's flagship school. Whether true or not, I like the Tar Heels to win Saturday.
North Carolina 27, N.C. State 21
Texas A&M at No. 6 Oklahoma, 3:30 p.m. ABC
A&M really screwed up by blowing games this year. The Aggies are 5-3, and all three losses happened after they had halftime leads. They could be in the national title hunt with Oklahoma right now. I don't think they'll be taking a lead Saturday in Norman, Oklahoma though. The Sooners lost their last home game to Texas Tech, and it was the first loss at home for them in 39 games. They are likely to begin another such streak against the Aggies.
Oklahoma 55, Texas A&M 30
No. 9 South Carolina at No. 7 Arkansas, 7:15 p.m. ESPN
Game of the week? No, that is happening down in Tuscaloosa. But this is a good appetizer that starts 45 minutes before Bama-LSU kicks off. South Carolina is tied with Georgia in the SEC East for first, and it beat the Bulldogs but can't fall a loss behind UGA. Arkansas also needs to win, though, to keep its slim outside shot at winning the West alive.
Arkansas 27, South Carolina 24
**Game of the week: No. 1 LSU at No. 2 Alabama, 8 p.m. CBS
Unless you've been living under a rock, you know all about this matchup. Not only is it the game of the week, it is the game of the year, at least the regular season, and some people are calling it the Game of the Century. This is basically a national title tournament semifinal. The loser, in my mind, is likely eliminated from BCS championship talk. Some analysts think these two could play each other in a rematch for the national title. I hope that would not happen though. The loser is likely to not win the SEC, and I think a national title game contender must win their conference. I know both these teams are approaching this game as a must-win, and not "Oh, we'll see you in a couple months for the title anyway."
This is one stout defense against another stout defense. The first No. 1 vs. No. 2 SEC matchup ever. This is crazy 'ol Les Miles vs. Mr. Nick Saban, he who cracks no smiles. And oh, in case you had forgotten, Saban used to coach LSU.
One of the weird things about this rivalry is the road team has won 27 out of the past 40 meetings, I think I heard. That is crazy. That's not how I'm picking this game, though. Alabama lost last year to LSU and I don't think Saban will let it happen again. Plus, I like Bama RB Trent Richardson over the LSU run game.
Alabama 20, LSU 17
No. 14 Kansas State at No. 3 Oklahoma State, 8 p.m. ABC
If for some reason No. 1 vs. No. 2 in the SEC doesn't suit your fancy, there's this matchup, which lost some gusto once K-State lost its first game last week to OU. The Cowboys, though, are still rolling and hoping they can break though and get to the BCs title game. I like the Cowboys to roll at home.
Oklahoma State 38, Kansas State 24
Virginia at Maryland, 12:30 p.m. ACC Network
Well, I need to get going to Arlington where my friend Bret lives. We are headed to the game tomorrow but I'm leaving soon so I'm not going to say much here. And I really don't have to -- the formula is simple. Maryland has the 118th worst rush defense in the country. UVa has three capable running backs. The Cavaliers should pound the Terrapins all day and let QB Michael Rocco manage the game. Virginia has all the tools to win this game. The two-quarterback system is gone and I think that helped Rocco against Miami -- he has pretty much said that. UVa's defense hasn't given up more than 21 points since playing Southern Miss on Sept. 24.
The Terrapins, meanwhile, are in disarray. They've started to use two quarterbacks -- ACC Freshman of the Year in 2010, Danny O'Brien, was benched in favor of C.J. Brown after a few games after O'Brien struggled early. Brown is more of a scrambler while O'Brien is a better passer. Maryland has just two wins this year, over Miami in the first game of the year when the 'Canes weren't at full strength, and against FCS school Towson. There have been rumors circulating that some of the players don't like new coach Randy Edsall. The crowds have been sparse at Maryland home games.
Virginia is certainly capable of winning this game. How bad do the players want it? The seniors should want it especially bad. They haven't been to a bowl game yet and this is their last chance. If the Wahoos play to their potential, or even close to it, they should win. If they give a lackluster performance in a rivalry game in Maryland, watch out. The Terrapins will win.
I'm not going to pick this game one way or the other. I'm a bit superstitious and this is my first road game as a fan and I want it to go well. That should tell you who I think will win. Hopefully the players learned against N.C. State and can now give two great performances in a row.
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