by CollegeSportsView.com

It could have been worse.  While a 4-4-1 week doesn’t exactly qualify as a loser, it was how the record came about that has Gil Lock busting his bolts with anger.  “I’ve tried to explain to Jill that there are higher powers at work here and they must be respected.  At Ryno Rife Sports Handicappers, we’ve never gotten behind any of our picks financially because, as soon as we do, we know that the sports gods will get pissed and blow up every selection.”  “That was lost on Jill last Friday, as she decided to share some of our expertise with her little friend, Stephanie; one of her pole-dancing colleagues from her days in Vegas.  Worse, she gave out my picks!  So, while she was 2-1, I got smacked.” 

Tough luck, Gil. But if a split week is the price to pay for Jill’s education into the world of handicapping, it’s not so bad.  Let’s just hope she keeps her picks to herself this week.

Locks of the Week (Season: 24-9-3)

Gil Lock (7-4-1)

Temple -6 over Army- The Owls have made significant improvement since joining the MAC and have played very well against solid competition while Army failed to fire last Saturday against the likes of Duke.

Iowa -7 over Penn State- Let me just say that I can’t overemphasize this point:  Penn State stinks.  They get overhyped every August because everyone loves JoePa, then they proceed to fatten up in September with a slate of high school teams.  This season, they finally had an early meeting with a contender and got bounced all over the field by Alabama.  Look for more of the same in Iowa.

Washington State +28 over UCLA- I don’t think anymore of the Cougars than most, but I’m a big believer in letdowns.  UCLA had a huge win at Texas last week and may take State lightly.  Even if they don’t, their run-first offense should eat a lot of clock.

Jill Lock (10-2)

BYU -8 over Utah State- The Brigham Youngers have gotten their tushies kicked for three weeks and must be pretty mad and Utah State gives up a lot of baskets, er, touchdowns.

Nevada -21 over UNLV- Now, if anyone knows Vegas, it’s me.  My cutie-pie, Colin Kapernik, will run all over UNLV, a school I’ve thought was icky since I watched that bald basketball coach eating his towel.

Vanderbilt +10 1/2 over Connecticut- Really? Connecticut has gotten beat up by the two decent teams it played while Vandy just beat Mississippi.

Pad Lock (7-3-2)

UTEP -15 over New Mexico- I got this pick in first, ahead of my aunt and uncle, as all of the Locks are on the “New Mexico is the worst team in college football” bandwagon.

Oklahoma State -3 over Texas A&M- While neither team has faced Lombardi’s Packers so far, the patsies on the Cowboys’ schedule have been a lot tougher than those that have rolled over for the Aggies. Also like that the game is in Stillwater.

Texas Tech -7 over Iowa State- A hunch play here; leaning on the strength of Tech’s program and the ineptitude of the Cyclones.

by CollegeSportsView.com

A year ago, with Gil Lock rumblin’, bumblin’, stumblin’ so much that his family came to his rescue, it couldn’t have happened. Any thought of an unbeaten week was pure fantasy. However, in 2010, it’s exactly how the Lock family, Gil, Jill and Pad, started the season. Now, while we don’t expect to see the same kind of success throughout the season, we here at CollegeSportsView.com are starting to expect much from Rino Rife Sports Handicappers as they seem to have their fingers on the pulse of college football. Here’s how they see the campaign’s second week.

Locks of the Week

Gil Lock

Alabama -10 over Penn State- In what has become an annual mistake, the Nittany Lions and their fans have drastically overrated their talent as well as 137 year old Joe Paterno’s ability to coach. There’s not much that’ll make you miss the smell of cow chips in State College, but the beating they’ll get from Alabama will certainly make them homesick.

Army -1 1/2 over Hawaii- A science experiment here, as the Rainbows’ circadian rhythms will have their body clocks reading 6 AM for the noon kickoff at West Point. Go with the Black Knights of the Hudson.

Washington -10 over Syracuse- Huskies’ Heisman Trophy candidate Jake Locker can’t be happy with last week’s loss and finds a perfect patsy in The Orange. Never like SU, but really don’t like them trekking across country.

Jill Lock

Texas Tech -23 over New Mexico- First, I love Tech’s shiny helmets. Secondly, I think I could find ten girls from my pilates class to knock off New Mexico. Lay the wood.

Florida -15 1/2 over South Florida- Last week, South Florida was tied with Stony Brook at the end of the first quarter. Stony Brook?!? Another slow start and that cutie-pie Urban Meyer will run them out of the stadium.

Tulane +20 1/2 over Mississippi- Many will think that the Rebels will be mad enough to run it up after being embarrassed by Jacksonville State. I think that, not only is Tulane better than Jacksonville, but they wear nicer colors.

Pad Lock

Georgia Tech -12 over Kansas- Tech looks like a favorite in the ACC while Kansas just lost to 1AA North Dakota State and could only put up 3 points. These teams are clearly headed in different directions and the road that separates them is more than 2 touchdowns.

Nevada-Colorado State Over 56- Nevada’s style of play resembles a mix of arena football and a video game. Loads of offenses, naps on defense. This may hit by halftime.

Oregon-11.5 over Tennessee- Oregon looks to be clicking on all cylinders especially with the return of LaMichael James to the lineup. Expect big things from the guys with the wacky uniforms.

Season Record: 8-0-1

There’s something to be said for karma.  Just days after banishing husband and uncle, Gil Lock, from the very handicapping column founded to feature his expertise, Jill and Pad Lock suffered through their worst weekend of the season.  Jill, who had been rolling along at a two to one clip, turned in an oh for three stinker; her first of the year.  Nephew Pad didn’t fare much better; registering just a single win. Realizing they had ticked off the football gods by mistreating Gil just before the start of the all important Bowl Season, they decided to correct the situation and invite Gil back to the team.

“We never felt right about firing Gil”, said his wife, Jill.  “I mean, he’s a sports handicapper.  It’s what he does. What else is he going to do, work in a supermarket? He had a bad stretch and we overreacted.”  Pad echoed the sentiment, saying, “Uncle Gil has always been good to me. I hated to let him go but Aunt Jill wanted to protect her record.  Not much to protect now, I guess.”

Gil, while overjoyed at the news, was still feeling a little low after some personal misadventures took their toll.  “I’ve been pulled over a number of times by Jersey State Troopers because I look like the guy who punched Snookie on Jersey Shore.  They usually notice I’m not the guy after I form a few complete sentences but, the last time, I got in over my head.”  “I have a buddy who’s a guido”, said Gil, “and this cop pulls me over with him in the car.”  “He takes one look at Phil’s hair gel and general, torpedo demeanor and assumes he’s ‘The Situation’”, Gil continued.  “I tried to explain that Phil’s nickname is, actually, ‘The Altercation’ and that the officer  was mistaken; but he wasn’t buying.”  “Finally, the cop, knowing that the real ‘Situation’ has six-pack abs, asked Phil to roll up his sleeveless tee.”  “As soon as he saw that Phil’s six-pack was actually a half keg, he let us go.”  Asked if he harbored any ill will toward his wife and nephew, Gil was gracious.  “Nah.  I’m just happy to be back.”   And, with that,  here’s how the Locks see the Bowl Season:

Locks of the Week(s)

Before we get to their individual selections, we present the Locks’ consensus picks along with this insight from Gil:  “The Big Ten is as overrated a conference as I’ve ever seen, yet, they get two BCS bids and two New Year’s games.  Now try and tell me the system doesn’t need to be changed.”  “We at Ryno Rife Sports Handicappers  have no confidence in any Big Ten teams or coaches, especially Penn State and Paterno, and have decided to pick against every one of them.”

Champs Sports Bowl

(12/29-8PM-ESPN) Miami - 2 1/2 over Wisconsin

Insight Bowl

(12/31-6PM-NFL Network) Iowa State +3 over Minnesota

Outback Bowl

(1/1-11AM-ESPN) Auburn -8 over Northwestern

Capital One Bowl

(1/1-1PM-ABC) LSU +2 1/2 over Penn State

Rose Bowl

(1/1-4:30PM-ABC) Oregon – 3 1/2 over Ohio State

Alamo Bowl

(1/2-9PM-ESPN) Texas Tech - 6 1/2 over Michigan State

Orange Bowl

(1/5-8PM-FOX) Georgia Tech – 3 1/2 over Iowa
 

Jill Locks (22-12)

Poinsettia Bowl

(12/23-8PM-ESPN) California -3 over Utah

Little Caesar’s Pizza Bowl

(12/26-1PM-ESPN) Ohio-Marshall UNDER 50

Eagle Bank Bowl

(12/29-4:30PM-ESPN)  UCLA -4 over Temple

Humanitarian Bowl

(12/30-4:30PM-ESPN) Bowling Green-Idaho OVER 68 1/2

Sun Bowl

(12/31-2PM-CBS) Stanford +10 over Oklahoma

Pad Locks (10-6)

Meineke Bowl

-(12/26-4:30PM-ESPN) Pittsburgh -3 over North Carolina

Emerald Bowl

(12/26-8PM-ESPN) Boston College-USC OVER 45 1/2

Texas Bowl

(12/31-1PM-ESPN) Navy +9 over Missouri

Sugar Bowl

(1/1-8:30PM-FOX)  Cincinnati +10 1/2 over Florida

Alamo Bowl

(1/2-9PM-ESPN) Texas Tech-Michigan State OVER 60 1/2

Gil Locks (11-16-1)

New Mexico Bowl

(12/19-4:30PM-ESPN)  Wyoming +10 1/2 over Fresno State

Las Vegas Bowl

(12/22-8PM-ESPN) Oregon State – 1 1/2 over BYU

Armed Forces Bowl

(12/31-12PM-ESPN)  Air Force + 4 1/2 over Houston

Cotton Bowl

(1/2-2PM-FOX) Mississippi -3 over Oklahoma State

Fiesta Bowl

(1/4-8PM-FOX) TCU -8 over Boise State

Citi BCS National Championship Game

Thursday, January 7 – 8PM – ABC   
Alabama 3 1/2 Texas

Jill: Alabama: Can’t see Nick Saban losing after a month of preparation.
Pad: Texas: Big 12 Football is underrated. The Horns will catch Bama sleeping.
Gil: Texas: Nobody giving Texas a chance; which is my favorite scenario.

Season Record

43-34-1

Does BCS Stand For “Boise Can’t Stay”?

Fans of the College Football Bowl season were spared a post-season stinker last Saturday when Oklahoma State was drubbed by Oklahoma 27-0 and saw its BCS aspirations dashed. Those in the know expected that State would receive a bid to the Fiesta Bowl; creating a matchup with one of the Big Ten’s overrated, weak sisters, Iowa or Penn State. Representatives of the Fiesta Bowl were prepared to snub an undefeated Boise State squad for the second consecutive year and completely ignore the Broncos’ heroics in their 2007 Fiesta victory over Oklahoma; possibly the best Bowl Game ever played.

It’s a ridiculous system employed by the NCAA when it comes to football. There are playoffs at every level except the highest, where multiple teams with unbeaten records are denied an opportunity to play for a title. That one of College Football’s most successful teams needed help to get an invite over a school with three losses is as ridiculous as it gets. We’ll count our blessings, however, that things broke the right way and saved Fiesta Bowl officials from their own stupidity.                                                                                                                        

Conference Championship Weekend

Five of the six BCS conferences will have their championships decided this weekend; three in conference title games and two by way of convenient scheduling. Only the Big Ten, wrapped up a few weeks ago by Ohio State, won’t crown a champ on Saturday. In addition, Army and Navy will battle for the Commander-in-Chief Trophy in Philadelphia while Johns Hopkins travels to Delaware for the Division III quarterfinals. Johns Hopkins? Read on.

SEC Football Championship: Florida vs. Alabama

This is the one we’ve waited for all year as the two schools have been ranked 1 and 2 for most of the season. The anticipation seems to have distracted fans from the fact that both have suffered lapses; especially the Crimson Tide. Florida football fans expect the world from QB Tim Tebow but will have the title delivered by the Gators’ dominating defense, especially if ‘Bama RB Mark Ingram can’t rebound from the bruised hip that limited him to just 39 yards vs. Auburn in the Iron Bowl.
Florida 23 – Alabama 13

ACC Football Championship Game: Clemson vs. Georgia Tech                                                 

Both teams come off disappointing losses in intra-state rivalry games; perhaps caught looking ahead to this rematch. Georgia Tech knocked off Clemson in Week 2 on a last second field goal that gave the Yellowjackets a 30-27 win. Clemson will look to RB C.J. Spiller to pull the upset but Tech’s Josh Nesbitt will lead his squad to the Orange Bowl.
Georgia Tech 34 – Clemson 27

Big 12 Football Championship Game: Texas vs. Nebraska

Heisman front runner Colt McCoy should have no trouble continuing the recent Texas football tradition of playing for a National Championship. While Nebraska has played well recently in capturing the Big 12 North title, they’ll be no match for the Longhorns.  Texas, currently enjoying its second week atop the CollegeSportsView.com Top 25, has barely been challenged in the Big 12 all season.  Saturday will be no different.
Texas 48 – Nebraska 20

Pac Ten Football Championship: Oregon vs. Oregon State

This year, the Civil War will determine who goes to the Rose Bowl. Ducks’ QB Jeremiah Masoli has emerged as the league’s most important offensive player after leading blowout wins over Cal and USC. A slip vs. Stanford served as a wakeup call, one that rang the alarm bell for Oregon’s run to Pasadena.  Their gutty, overtime win over a desperate Arizona squad on the road last week served notice as to the team’s resilience.  That they’ve managed to navigate such a tough conference without their best player, LeGarrette Blount, spells big trouble for Ohio State on New Year’s Day.   Besides, is there a college football fan anywhere that’s not waiting to see Oregon’s Rose Bowl uniforms?
Oregon 38 – Oregon State 34
 

Big East Football Championship: Cincinnati vs. Pittsburgh            

While Pitt took one on the chin vs. West Virginia last week in the Backyard Brawl, the loss had no impact on its Conference Title chances. Cincinnati QB Tony Pike returned to the starting lineup and celebrated with a school record six TD passes.  However, Cincy has surrendered quite a few points over the last two weeks and can’t help but be distracted by Head Coach Brian Kelly’s flirtation with Notre Dame.  Dion Lewis runs wild as Pitt heads south for the Orange Bowl.
Pittsburgh 31 – Cincinnati 28

Army-Navy                                                                                                                                                  

It’s a good thing that the tradition is the big sell in this matchup as it’s been a long time since Army’s been able to compete in this one.  Navy’s ground attack, behind sophomore OT John Dowd, will be too much for the Cadets to handle as the Middies grab their eighth straight victory in the series.  No matter the outcome, don’t miss the singing of the Alma Maters after the game as it’s the best moment of the College Football season.  Always emotional, it’ll be the last game for the Army seniors while just a bowl game remains for the Annapolis grads before many find themselves in harm’s way.  Godspeed.                                                                                                                                                     John Dowd
Navy 37 – Army 10                                                                                                                                           

NCAA Division III Quarterfinals: Johns Hopkins vs.Wesley

It’s been a wild ride over the last two weeks as Johns Hopkins has knocked off two previously unbeaten teams on its way to the third round of the D-3 playoffs. Operating behind an offensive line led by junior guard Ryan Lino (right), the Blue Jays have gained more than 400 yards in each game with a balanced attack run by QB Hewitt Tomlin.  RB Andrew Kase has posted consecutive 100 yard games, as has WR Dan Crowley.  Their last minute heroics vs Kentucky’s St. Thomas More in Saturday’s 31-29 victory put K Alex Lachman in position for a game winning 42 yard FG as time expired.  They’ll have their hands full this week, however, taking on a Wesley team ranked third in the nation.  If Lino and Company can continue their dominance and give Tomlin enough time to throw, Crowley should turn in another big game and it’s on to the Final Four for the Hops. 
Johns Hopkins 26 – Wesley 24

CollegeSportsView Top 25

1. Texas 12-0
2. Florida 12-0
3. TCU 12-0
4. Alabama 12-0
5. Boise State 11-0
6. Cincinnati 11-0
7. Oregon 9-2
8. Ohio State 10-2
9. Georgia Tech 10-2
10.Pittsburgh 9-2
11.Virginia Tech 9-3
12.BYU 10-2
13.Oregon State 9-3
14.Miami 9-3
15.Iowa 10-2
16.LSU 9-3
17.Penn State 10-2
18.West Virginia 8-3
19.Houston 10-2
20.USC 8-3
21.Nebraska 9-3
22.Central Michigan 10-2
23.California 8-3
24.Oklahoma State 9-3
25.Stanford 8-4

Five to Watch
Johns Hopkins 10-2
Navy 8-4
Mississippi 8-4
Northwestern 8-4
North Carolina 8-4

By Eddie Mayrose

Two Point Try A Shot At USC Football Coach

November 23, 1968.  Ohio State, on its way to a National Championship, squares off with arch rival Michigan at Ohio Stadium.  Late in the game, Buckeye fullback Jim Otis blasts over the goal line to put the home team up 48-14.  Yet, instead of opting to kick the extra point, Ohio State head coach Woody Hayes decides instead to attempt a two point conversion in order to hang the half century mark on his bitter enemy.  Asked after the game why he went for two, Hayes famously responded, “Because they wouldn’t let us go for three.”

Thought of that last Saturday when Stanford coach Jim Harbaugh left his offense on the field to go for two after a touchdown gave the Cardinal a 55-21 lead over USC in the fourth quarter.  Now, I have no idea what may have been Harbaugh’s motivation; for all we know, he may have a beef with Pete Carroll dating back to their days in the NFL.  But what Harbaugh actually accomplished was pushing his team’s incredible performance over the last two weeks out of the spotlight.  Instead of talking about the fact that Stanford rang up more than 100 points on two Top Ten teams in successive games, or trumpeting the Heisman candidacy of RB Toby Gerhart, who scored three times while running all over the Trojans or Stanford’s incredible, out-of-nowhere run that has them talking about a trip to the Rose Bowl, we’re scratching our heads trying to find a reason for the feud between the two coaches.  And that’s sad.

Games of the Week

Oregon at Arizona

-  Arizona is still alive in the Rose Bowl hunt but they’ll have to win out and get some help.  Oregon may have the services of RB LeGarrette Blount for the first time since the season opener.  Can’t see Oregon blowing this opportunity, especially considering they’ve already had their stumble vs. Stanford.  Still, the Pac Ten is a tough place to win on the road.  The pick here is Oregon 38-27.

St. Joseph’s Dallas Carter vs. Philadelphia City Six

- It’s Tournament time in the land of the cheese steaks for the Intramural Football Champions of Philly’s five major universities and Villanova.  St. Joe’s Dallas Carter heads into the title round at Drexel carrying the favorite tag based on a roster chock full of New York guys.  QB Danny Mayrose and WR James Lopez look to add a football crown to the victory list they’ve compiled since kindergarten and will turn to Joe Mreczko and rookie sensation Marc Strange for some much needed help along the way.  Asked for a prediction, the four concurred, “The Hawk Will Never Die.”  We’ll agree, especially if Mayrose and Lopez have their hands on the ball in crunch time.

CollegeSportsView.com Top 25

1. Texas 10-0
2. Florida 10-0
3. TCU 10-0
4. Alabama 10-0
5. Boise State 10-0
6. Cincinnati 10-0
7. Pittsburgh 9-1
8. Georgia Tech 10-1
9. LSU 8-2
10.Oregon 8-2
11.Ohio State 9-2
12.Oklahoma State 8-2
13.Stanford 7-3
14.BYU 8-2
15.Clemson 7-3
16.Iowa 9-2
17.USC 7-3
18.Wisconsin 8-2
19.Oregon State 7-3
20.Houston 8-2
21.Virginia Tech 7-3
22.Nebraska 7-3
23.North Carolina 7-3
24.Nevada 7-3
25.Navy 7-3

Five to Watch
Miami 7-3
Utah 8-2
Rutgers 8-2
Arizona 7-3
West Virginia 7-3

Despite going AWOL following a winless weekend three days earlier, our boy Gil Lock of Ryno Rife Sports Handicappers still managed to be the impetus for a positive contribution to the family effort.  His nephew, Pad Lock, stepped in for his missing uncle and came up just a field goal shy of a perfect weekend.  He won easily with Cincinnati over hapless Syracuse and used his special version of mathematics, “Arifemetic”, to predict that the Western Kentucky-North Texas matchup would go over by 50 points.  If only New Mexico State had managed a three pointer in its 45-0 shellacking at the hands of Ohio State, Pad would be greeting his returning uncle with a spotless record.  Much like his Aunt Jill, however, Pad has been asked to stay on and continue his streak.  If only the same could be said for Gil.

It’s been a tough year for Mr. Lock, whose 7-10-1 record is dragging down the otherwise stellar performance of his family,  Jill turned in another 2-1 week; putting her mark at an incredible 13-5.  Asked where he disappeared to last week, Gil was vague.  “I was ashamed of myself.  It was my second winless week.  I’ll give it another shot this week but my confidence is waning.”  Touching, Gil.  Now put down the violin and pick some winners.

Point Spreads: Week 10

Jill’s Locks of The Week

Ohio State Buckeyes +4 over Penn State

-  This pick has to do more with cleanliness than anything else.  Gil took me to Penn State for a game once and it smelled like cow chips all weekend.  Besides, that really old guy that coaches Penn State will probably make everyone wear white again.  I mean, really.  White after Labor Day?  The Buckeyes win by ten.

Boise State -20 over Louisiana Tech

I know it seems like I’m picking Boise every week but, hey, they’ve been good to me.  If they’re going to a BCS bowl they have to win big so I’m staying with them.  And their coach is such a cutie.

Texas A&M – 4 1/2 over Colorado

Can’t believe the lines are so small over Colorado.  Not only do they stink, but the football gods have to still be mad at the head coach for benching his own son.  Meanie.  Last week Missouri was laying just 4 and beat Colorado by 19.  Go with the Aggies.

Pad Locks

Pittsburgh -19 over Syracuse

- Two years ago, uncle Gil took me to the Garden to see Pitt vs. Duke.  Pitt’s LeVance Fields blew up Duke’s Greg Paulus so completely that Coach K took him out of the game.  I remember telling Gil that the beating could only have been more embarrassing if Fields had been allowed to hit him.  Well, that’s gonna happen on Saturday when Pitt makes Paulus wish he was still wearing sneakers.  Pitt huge.

Fresno – 6  1/2 over Idaho

-  If there’s a team in the country comfortable playing on the road, it’s Fresno, who travels every year to play real competition.  Besides, how could I not pick against Idaho after their poor showing vs. Nevada sent my uncle over the wall?  Fresno by two touchdowns.

Troy-Western Kentucky over 67  1/2

- Yeah, that’s right.  Over 67  1/2.  Western Kentucky couldn’t stop an offense if they played with fourteen guys.  Last week they gave up 68 points to a North Texas team that was 1-6 coming in.  Troy might go over by themselves.

Gil Locks

Virginia Tech – 12 1/2 over East Carolina

(Tonight)-  Hate picking against ECU because so many hot girls have gone there but Va. Tech really needs the game.  Their athletes are way better, I love Tyrod Taylor and think that they’ll get a score on special teams.  I also like that the game is tonight because I need to get back on the horse.

Utah -27 over New Mexico-

The forgotten BCS buster, Utah has lost just once since 2007.  They still have TCU on their schedule and slim hopes for a BCS bid if Boise slips so they have to run it up on poor New Mexico.

Connecticut-Cincinnati under 52

- UConn has had trouble scoring against good teams all year and that should continue vs. the Bearcats.  Cincy’s offense is not the same without QB Tony Pike so I don’t expect an explosion from them, either.  I’m thinking along the lines of a 31-10 Cincinnati blowout.

Season Record- 22-16-1

NCAA Football at Mercy of Illogical BCS: Iowa Is Latest Fraud

It only took two weeks of BCS rankings before the first absurdity reared its ugly head. Iowa football, based on its incredible offensive output that produced a thrilling, last-minute, 15-13 victory over the super charged, 4-4 Michigan State Spartans, leap frogs Boise State in this week’s poll and lands in the Number Four spot, ahead of TCU, and the Cincinnati Bearcats as well. So much for computers in sports.

Iowa has slogged its way through the mind-numbingly, mediocre Big Ten Conference; benefiting immensely from the BCS’ inability to recognize the conference as the weakest of its six leagues. The Hawkeyes have but one signature win; a 21-10 yawnfest over Penn State in Happy Valley. Even that victory can’t be accurately valued, as the Nittany Lions have played more cupcakes than anyone in the Top 25. Who knows if they’re any good?

Boise, on the other hand, walloped an Oregon team facing off with USC this weekend for the inside track to the Rose Bowl. That the Ducks have been manhandling opponents without their best offensive player, LeGarrette Blount, makes Boise’s season-opening thrashing of Oregon, with Blount, even more impressive. TCU has traveled to Clemson and BYU to register dominating wins while Cincinnati has knocked off South Florida and Oregon State in their own buildings. All of these teams are better than any that Iowa has faced to this point.

Am I bashing the Big Ten, Here? Absolutely and with good reason. Based on past reputation, the conference perennially reaps the benefits of being severely overrated. Ask yourself this. Which of the other teams in the Top Ten wouldn’t be favored in a matchup with Iowa? Hell, Ohio State is at seventeen and will absolutely be favored when they meet in two weeks.  Here’s hoping this mess works itself out, if only to spare us what has become the annual slaughter of the Big Ten in the BCS title game.

College Football Games of the Week

USC Trojans vs the Oregon Ducks- In the de facto Pac Ten championship game, Oregon poses the last true hurdle on the Trojans’ path to the Rose Bowl. Pete Carroll’s boys have already suffered their one upset and are not out of the BCS Championship picture just yet. They’ll be too much for Oregon to handle, especially with a rapidly maturing Matt Barkley under center. USC 27 Oregon 13

Texas Longhorns v Oklahoma State Sooners

- The Longhorns road to the Big 12 Championship game is clear once they get past Oklahoma State. The Cowboys have done well to rebound from two significant, early season losses. The first, to Houston and the second, All American WR Dez Bryant; declared ineligible by the NCAA. Texas 31 Oklahoma State 10

Curry at Nichols- The Bison host their long time rival, Curry, in a matchup that’s gone against Nichols for longer than they’d care to admit. Head Coach Bill Carven has had enough, emotionally declaring to his charges, “I will not lose to Curry College!” The Bison have done a great job regrouping from the loss of four senior standouts and have fashioned a solid season. Look for DE Bill Hassett to wreak havoc in the Curry backfield and lead the Bison to a hard fought win. Nichols 16 Curry 14

Heisman Watch

Jimmy Clausen, QB Notre Dame- The junior signal caller has the Irish at 5-2 and just a few plays from 7-0 solely on the strength of his right arm. With Notre Dame’s defense employing a “bend and almost break” scheme every week, Clausen’s Montana-like, last minute heroics are the biggest reason the Irish are still in contention for a BCS bowl bid. If the award was given out today, it’d go to Clausen.

Tim Tebow, QB Florida

- The pre-season favorite and former Heisman winner muddled through another mediocre performance at Mississippi State. Have to really start wondering if he’s all the way back from that concussion. He’ll have the advantage of an almost weekly national stage but needs to pick up his game if he wants bookends.

Mark Ingram, RB Alabama

- His fumble dealt a big blow to the Tide as it narrowly escaped Tennessee’s upset bid last week in Tuscaloosa. Ingram committed the deadliest sin of Heisman hopefuls in failing to take advantage of a national television audience.

Anthony Pillari, WR Nichols

- The senior wideout could be in for a big weekend. Two weeks after establishing the Nichols’ record for receptions in a game (13), he needs just three catches this week to set a new Bison mark for receptions in a career(125). Should he grab seven, he’ll also own the school’s single season record (49) . As a Div. III player, the New Jersey native knows he’s a longshot for the Heisman but figures he’ll go out and have a great season, nonetheless. “This team graduated some legendary seniors last year”, said Pillari, “and I’m just trying to live up to the things I learned in their house; do your best and don’t be a shem.”

CollegeSportsView Top 25 in College Football

1) Florida 7-0
2) Texas 7-0
3) Alabama 8-0
4) Boise State 7-0
5) Cincinnati 7-0
6) TCU 7-0
7) USC 6-1
8 )LSU 6-1
9) Oregon 6-1
10)Iowa 8-0
11)Georgia Tech 7-1
12)Oklahoma State 6-1
13)South Carolina 6-2
14)Houston 6-1
15)Penn State 7-1
16)Virginia Tech 5-2
17)Oklahoma State 6-1
18)Notre Dame 5-2
19)Pittsburgh 7-1
20)Utah 6-1
21)West Virginia 6-1
22)Mississippi 5-2
23)Miami 5-2
24)California 5-2
25)Oklahoma 4-3

Five to Watch
Wisconsin 5-2
Navy 6-2
BYU 6-2
South Florida 5-2
Nichols 4-4

LOCKS of the WEEK

Jill’s Picks

Minnesota +16 over Penn State

Why is Penn State so highly rated every year?  Are the voters just nice to the coach because he’s been at Penn State longer than the smell of the cow chips?  Whatever the reason, there’s no way they should be favored by this much. Their record is 1-1 vs. college teams and 4-0 vs. high school teams.  Last week they crushed Eastern Illinois of the powerful Ohio Valley Conference.  Eastern Illinois?  In Week 7?  Gimme a break. Paterno’s boys are a fraud, as is the big spread.  Go with the Gophers.

East Carolina - 18 over Rice

Rice is 0-6 and has given up an average of 47 points in three road games.  East Carolina has fared well against tough opponents and Gil has a buddy that says all ECU girls are hot.  Sure.  It’s always a buddy.   He may find himself duct taped to a telephone pole for that one.

Fresno State -19  1/2 over San Jose State-

The pick is Fresno because they play a lot on TV and I like the coach, Pat Hill.   He’s a tough guy who’s not afraid to play good schools,(note to JoePa), and his team always plays hard. They’re home for the first time in a few weeks, Ryan Matthews is one of the best backs in the nation and San Jose State stinks.  Oh, and their bulldog mascot reminds me of our dog, Neckbolts.

Gil’s Picks

Idaho – 9 over Hawaii

I actually had Idaho in a huge win a few weeks ago but my picks never made it into print.  The Vandals have been playing well and, as Jill pointed out last week, Hawaii really stinks.  Even when they’re good, they struggle on the mainland.  I like Idaho by three TD’s.

Arkansas + 25 over Florida

I love going against a team due for a letdown and Florida is just that.  They’re coming off a big win at LSU and they’ll probably be a little cautious with Tebow if they get a lead. Arkansas is no slouch, having knocked off an unbeaten Auburn team last week.  I think Florida wins fairly easy but not by 24.

Washington + 7  over Arizona State

This one’s just a hunch.  Washington’s been playing well and they’ve got some momentum off last week’s win.  Besides, I don’t like anything Arizona since an exchange student from my high school had a beef with some desert muscle who broke his ankle and locked him up.  So, as Klaus von Fremer always says, “Arizona is punks.”  Go with the Huskies.

Season Record : 12-9

Red River Rivalry Is Oklahoma’s Last Stand
It’s plain and simple for Bob Stoops’ Oklahoma Sooners.  Win out or forget a BCS bid.  OU has already suffered two losses, albeit without the services of Heisman winner Sam Bradford, and can afford no more.  Each week’s contest will be the biggest of their season from here on out and none will be tougher than Saturday’s matchup with #2 Texas.  Mack Brown’s boys have been flying under the radar this season but intend show their wares to a national audience behind QB Colt McCoy, a narrow runner up to Bradford for last year’s Heisman.  Texas coach Mack Brown will look to repeat last year’s dominating performance that saw the Longhorns hold Oklahoma to just 48 rushing yds.  A Sooners’ victory would open the BCS door for quite a few schools but Texas just seems too strong.  Texas 34 Oklahoma 20.

Big East Championship Game in October
Tonight’s matchup between Cincinnati and South Florida lost some of its luster a few weeks back when USF QB Matt Grothe was lost for the season but still features the conference’s best teams.  Freshman sensation B.J. Daniels has done well to knock off an overrated Florida State and a punchless Syracuse squad since taking over.  However, the Bearcat offense is clicking on all cylinders behind QB Tony Pike and they’ve already shown they can win decisively on the road.  Cincy averages 42 PPG and will look to impress a national audience of voters by hanging at least that many on the Bulls. Cincinnati 38 South Florida 17.

No Easy Weeks For SEC Football Teams
Alabama, fresh off its biggest win of the season over Mississippi, puts its perfect record on the line vs. South Carolina. For the Gamecocks, the tandem of QB Stephen Garcia and WR Alshon Jeffery will have to play much better than last week when they managed to hold off a less than impressive Kentucky squad.  This is the first of three straight home games for the Tide, who’ll rely heavily on RB Mark Ingram to counter Steve Spurrier’s defensive schemes.  Alabama 27 South Carolina 23.

Virginia Tech and Georgia Tech Battle for Coastal Division Crown in ACC
The two best offenses in the ACC hook up with a bid to the conference championship game likely going to the winner. The Hokies have risen to #6 in this week’s CSV poll; an opening week loss to Alabama the only blemish on their record while Georgia Tech has a loss to Miami standing between them and perfection.  Both teams have dual threat QB’s with big play resumes but we like Va. Tech’s Tyrod Taylor just a bit more than Ga. Tech’s Josh Nesbitt.  And we absolutely love the speed of the Hokies defense.  Throw in the inevitable ‘Beamer Ball” special teams play and it comes up Virginia Tech 31  Georgia Tech 16.

USC Trojans Visit South Bend
USC continues its difficult road schedule in renewing its heated rivalry with the Fighting Irish.  ND coach Charlie Weis has had two weeks to prepare for this one but, unless he’s found a way to get thirteen defenders on the field, he’ll be on the short end of a shootout.  Irish QB Jimmy Claussen leads an offense as good as any in the country but the defense can’t stop anyone. Look for Pete Carroll to extend his winning streak over Notre dame to seven behind frosh QB Matt Barkley and tailback Joe McKnight.  USC 44 Notre Dame 34.

CollegeSportsView.com’s  Top 25

1) Florida (5-0)
2) Texas (5-0)
3) Alabama (6-0)
4) Boise State (5-0)
5) Cincinnati(5-0)
6) Virginia Tech (5-1)
7) USC (4-1)
8 ) LSU (5-1)
9) TCU (5-0)
10)Ohio State (5-1)
11)Kansas (5-0)
12)South Florida (5-0)
13)Oregon (5-1)
14)Oklahoma (3-2)
15)Iowa (6-0)
16)Nebraska (4-1)
17)South Carolina (5-1)
18)Miami (3-1)
19)Oklahoma State (4-1)
20)Georgia Tech (5-1)
21)Notre Dame (4-1)
22)Penn State (5-1)
23)BYU (5-1)
24)Wisconsin (5-1)
25)Utah (4-1)

Five Teams to Watch
Auburn (5-1)
Missouri (4-1)
Mississippi (3-2)
Arkansas (3-2)
Nichols  (3-3)

SEC Football Not For The Faint Of Heart

Three conference matchups this week gave a bit of a preview as to just how tough this season may be in the SEC.  While Alabama cruised past Arkansas, Mississippi State came up less than a yard short of knocking off #5 LSU in Baton Rouge.  The Bulldogs had a first and goal at the Tigers’ 2 yard line but couldn’t punch it in.  In Lexington, despite Florida’s thrashing of previously unbeaten Kentucky, All-World QB Tim Tebow was knocked from the game with a concussion.  After spending Saturday night in the hospital, Tebow’s availability to return in time for the Gators’ road trip to LSU this weekend had yet to be determined.

Big East Conference Makes a Statement

Ask a college football fan which of the BCS conferences is the weakest and he’ll usually tell you it’s the Big East.  Seemingly bristling from that tag, the Big East made a Big Statement this weekend when South Florida, behind an untested freshman QB, went into Tallahassee and dominated Florida State.  Led by Tallahassee native B.J. Daniels, the Bulls led from start to finish in vanquishing Seminole squad coming off a huge win over Brigham Young.  Daniels, who decided to attend South Florida because Florida State wanted him to play defense, ran the ball well, made the passes he had to and gave his team reason to believe there might be life after Matt Grothe… Rutgers used a strong second half to put Maryland away while Pitt blew a fourth quarter lead in Raleigh and fell to N.C. State.

Miami Hurricanes Not All The Way Back Just Yet

Much was made last week of Miami’s 3-0 record that included victories over Florida State and Georgia Tech.  While their return to the Top Ten of the Coaches’ poll grabbed a lot of attention, it also seemed to make people forget just how good Virginia Tech is.  The pre season league favorite, none too happy at being listed as an underdog on their home field, sent “The U” back to the drawing board with a 31-7 thrashing in Blacksburg… Georgia Tech recovered from its loss to Miami and routed the offensively-challenged North Carolina Tar heels 24-7.

Big 12 Takes Weekend Off

Not a busy week in the Big 12, as early season cupcakes were still on the menu.  As league play commences this week, Texas has clearly established itself as the team to beat; at least until Sam Bradford returns to the Oklahoma lineup.

Parity Means Mediocrity Once Again In The Big Ten

One of these years, college football analysts will see the Big Ten for the Big Fraud that it is and stop ranking its teams so high in the pre season; especially Penn State.  Despite the fact that Paterno’s boys annually beat up on women’s colleges to start the year, pollsters taken with the ancient coach write the Nittany Lions onto their ballots.  Iowa made a mockery of PSU’s ranking this week and with it all talk of one last title for Paterno.  Indiana showed some chops by hanging with Michigan in the Big House, Wisconsin remained undefeated and Ohio State restablished itself as the cream of the crop.

Three BCS Party Crashers Still Left

Through the first month of the season, we’ve seen Boise State, TCU and Houston all establish solid resumes for a BCS bowl in spite of their residing in Non-BCS conferences.  Boise continues to roll; it’s decisive victory over Oregon to open 2009 now looking even better with the Ducks’ annihilation of California.  TCU traveled to Clemson and handled the Tigers; no easy task in Death Valley.  The Horned Frogs’ chances will come down to a matchup with BYU in the Mountain West.  As for Houston, if they weren’t in Conference USA,  they’d currently be sitting atop the standings of the Big 12 South off of their victories over Oklahoma State and Texas Tech.  As we always do here at CollegeSportsView.com, we hope all three finish the season with perfect records and cause the BCS computer to explode.

CollegeSportsView.com Top 25

1) Florida                4-0
2) Texas                   4-0
3) Alabama             4-0
4) LSU                       4-0
5) Boise State         4-0
6) Cincinnati           4-0
7) TCU                       3-0
USC                        3-1
9)Virginia Tech      3-1
10)Ohio State          3-1
11)Oklahoma           2-1
12)Kansas                 4-0
13)Houston              4-0
14)South Florida    4-0
15)Iowa                      4-0
16)Oklahoma State 3-1
17)Georgia                3-1
18)Mississippi          3-1
19)Michigan              4-0
20)Oregon                 3-1
21)California             3-1
22)Penn State           3-1
23)BYU                       3-1
24)Missouri              4-0
25)Auburn                4-0

Five Teams to Watch

Utah
South Carolina
Nebraska
Indiana
Miami