Weekend Picks - November 18

I haven't made picks in a while, so let me spread more misinformation. I'm not sure what my record is, but I'd imagine it's pretty dismal. I hope no one is out there placing bets on these picks. The last time I gave someone gambling advice was for a Dolphins game in the late 90's. I advised taking the Dolphins who were giving three at home. On the first drive of the night, Dan Marino broke his ankle. I've never advised a gambler since. So, these picks are for entertainment only.

Auburn at Alabama - While this game is still arguably the best rivalry in college football (just ask a fan of either school) it means little nationally and hasn't for several years. A week ago, everyone expected a Auburn walk, but that opinion faded after Alabama showed signs of offensive life in Baton Rouge and Auburn looked terrible in a loss to Georgia. So now folks expect a tight game. I think they will get it. The key to the game is pressure on Brandon Cox. Cox has shown that he is immobile and, if hit early, hobbled by indecision and doubt. John Parker Wilson lookes like the opposite, mobile enough to avoid a sack and an effective passer. I expect that Tuberville will first look to establish Kenny Irons and Brad Lester before letting Cox throw it around. That strategy should work. But, if Tubs doesn't go to the run first, Bama's got a chance to win it. Auburn, but closer than you'd think, 24-21. Let the moaning and the nashing of teeth commence in Tuscaloosa over five straight losses to Auburn.
Cal at USC - This is another game that looked much better last week at this time, before Cal was beaten by Arizona, a team that looked like a junior high team when they played LSU in September. USC has looked solid this year, but not spectacular. John David Booty has been an adequate fill-in for Matt Leinart, but the Trojans are still waiting for a tailback to step up. Chauncey Washington may be the guy after his big game against Oregon last week. Cal, on the other hand, has been a west coast mystery. Blown out in Knoxville, the Golden Bears sliced through their schedule until laying an egg last week in the desert. Everything in this game points to the Trojans. USC keeps its national championship hopes alive, 31-21.

Michigan at Ohio State - A game that has totally flown under the radar. Seriously, has any regular season game ever received this much coverage from ESPN? Ohio State is No. 1 and playing in Columbus with one of the best clutch quarterbacks in recent memory. Cold logic says Ohio State wins. But all the emotion is on Big Blue's side, with the passing of legendary Michigan coach Bo Schembechler yesterday. Michigan has playmakers at QB, RB, and WR to go with a nasty, nasty defense.If Michigan was playing in Ann Arbor, I'd easily say that the talent of Michigan plus the emotion of the moment would equal a Big Blue win, a la Texas A&M after the bonfire tragedy. But, the game isn't in Ann Arbor. Buckeyes, 20-13.