College Football Week 11

They Did What? In a Toyota Prius?


As a proud owner of a Toyota Prius I couldn’t help but feel that my image has been tarnished by a few college football players in Knoxville, Tennessee. According to published reports three Tennessee freshmen football players along with a woman are accused of armed robbery after brandishing a pellet gun and asking people for money outside a gas station. The story gets interesting when the victims told police that the attackers fled in a Toyota Prius, which was later pulled over and its occupants arrested on campus. I have been told by authorities the Prius is a secret weapon in robberies because of its quiet engine and ability to sneak up on unsuspecting victims. The school has announced the players, one of whom has yet to make bail (must not have NFL talent), will not travel with the team this weekend. The SEC has released a statement saying that although the players will face discipline from the Conference, it will be taken into consideration that the young men were doing their best to fight global warming and save our natural resources while committing the crime. They expect to be back for the Volunteers final home game against Vanderbilt. OK. Just joking, but would it really surprise you if the school and the conference did try to get the players back soon with some lame excuse. The SEC, the best place to do a crime, because you won’t do the time, if you fill the seats in primetime.

Now onto the games.

Premium Lox

Oregon State (-13) vs. Washington

The Beavers are peaking in November again while the toll of a tough schedule and emotional highs and lows is catching up with the Huskies. With Oregon State at home I expect them to put a lot of pressure on the UW defense with the Rodgers brothers and Canfield at QB and a lot of points will be scored. Unfortunately for UW they will probably be on the wrong side of too many Jacquizz Rodgers celebrations. PICK: Oregon State 41 – Washington 21

BYU (-27.5) @ New Mexico

Not much to be said here. New Mexico is struggling mightily while BYU looks to dominate another lesser foe. The spread is high but if the Cougars show up they should win by two TDs, playing decent should get them a four TD win. PICK: BYU 41 – New Mexico 10

Arizona (+3) (+125) @ California

Arizona’s only conference loss was a fluke interception return for a TD at Washington. Cal is missing its best player for this game yet it still favored at home over the co-leader of the Pac 10. The talent may be similar but Mike Stoops has his team playing much better and more consistent football. Unless Jeff Tedford finds an offense without Best they won’t win this game. It will be close but I will call for the upset. PICK: Arizona 27 – California 24

Regular Lox

Nebraska (-3) @ Kansas

Nebraska comes into Kansas having lost two in a row in Lawrence, including 76-39 two years ago. That should motivate the Cornhuskers plenty, but with a chance to control their own destiny in the Big 12 North they shouldn’t need extra motivation. The Huskers should control the game on defense and get enough out of their anemic offense, against a bad Kansas defense to win the game by a TD. The Under might be a good pick to parlay this game with. PICK: Nebraska 20 – Kansas 13

Georgia Tech (-14) @ Duke

I just don’t see the Blue Devils able to stop the physical GT offense and contain the big play potential of Jonathan Dwyer and company. I have not seen Duke play, but they obviously are having their best season in a long time. I still don’t think they hang with the Yellow Jackets. PICK: Georgia Tech 38 – Duke 20

Stanford (+11) @ USC

After watching Stanford in person roll up 500 yards and 51 points last week over Oregon I believe the Cardinal are better than the 11 point spread. To upset the Trojans would be monumental for Stanford and the way USC has played definitely possible. I expect though the Trojans will play a great game in front of the Homecoming crowd with plenty of motivation two years after the Stanford upset in the Coliseum. But the Cardinal has enough offensive talent and are playing great special teams to make this game close. Andrew Luck just might prove he is the better of the Freshman Pac 10 QBs, but Matt Barkley will get his chance against a suspect Stanford defense. Toby Gerhart will need to continue where he left off against the Ducks (223 yards, 3 TDs) and give his usual 135 yard effort for Stanford to have a chance. But look for other names to help out Jim Harbaugh's offense. Gerhart is the leader but the difference between this year and last for Stanford is the rest of the offense has caught up to the talent of Toby. I expect USC to have a lead in this game but Stanford will keep it close with a chance to pull the upset. I won’t make a final score prediction because I will be cheering for the Cardinal, but I’ll take the points and hope for a good, hard fought game with two coaches who don’t like each other.

Upset Specials

Vanderbilt (+4.5) (+145) vs. Kentucky

Battle for the Basement of the SEC East. Vanderbilt needs to win some time and at home should get the job done against a mediocre Kentucky team. PICK: Vanderbilt 19 – Kentucky 17

Kansas State (+1.5) (+110) vs. Missouri

This may be a cheap upset but Missouri is favored over the Big 12 North leaders and with Kansas State at home I expect them to continue winning. At least until a showdown with Nebraska next week. PICK: Kansas State 27 – Missouri 24

Have a good weekend of football everyone and watch out for those Toyota Prius' this weekend, especially on dark streets at night.