Rod's Rejects - College Football Losers - Week #13

It's Rivalry Week - and there are plenty of good ones to watch, starting Friday.

This year's picks have been pretty good...31-9 last week, bringing the yearly total to 386-88 (81%).

Let's jump right into this week's picks - remember, the Reject is the Loser.


Games In The ACC

Virginia Tech (8-3, 5-2 in the ACC) at Virginia (3-8, 2-5 in the ACC)

Frank Beamer and his Hokies head to Charlottesville Saturday for a little in-state scuffle with the Cavaliers, and hope to survive the fight. Al Groh and his Gentlemen have struggled the entire year and will do their best to make their last game of 2009 memorable, and they will succeed...for a while. But the Gobblers survived Thanksgiving Day and are still living to tell about it...and it will be the same on Saturday.

Rod's Reject - Virginia


Boston College (7-4, 4-3 in the ACC) at Maryland (2-9, 1-6 in the ACC)

A woeful season ends Saturday for Maryland as they host Frank Spaziani's Eagles from Boston College, and I'm not sure the end-of-the-season party is going to end well for the Terps. Ralph Friedgen and the Turtles have had some close calls, but the record is what it is - which isn't good. This time of year, you've got what you've got and the better team usually wins. So it will be.

Rod's Reject - Maryland


Miami, Fla (8-3, 5-3 in the ACC) at South Florida (7-3, 3-3 in the Big East)

Randy Shannon and his Coral Gable Wind blow into Tampa Saturday for an afternoon rodeo with the Bulls, and I think they are gonna get more than they're bargaining for. Jim Leavitt and his Steers are more than capable of knocking the Wind off course, and I think they've got enough to weather the storm that the Hurricanes will bring. Question is...can they actually finish the game and come out on top?

Rod's Reject - In An Upset - Miami, Fla


Wake Forest (4-7, 2-5 in the ACC) at Duke (5-6, 3-4 in the ACC)

Actually thought that Wake Forest would have had a better season, but things didn't work out too well for Jim Grobe and his Demon Deacons. And I'm not sure how much better things will get for them Saturday when they visit Durham to take on the Blue Devils. David Cutcliffe has slowly brought some respectability back to the Duke program and will continue to improve the status of Blue Devil football. One way to do that is to get the program to an overall .500 record and to .500 in the ACC. Even though they can't go bowling with a win, the Blue Devils come out Saturday to prove a point.

Rod's Reject - In An Upset - Wake Forest


North Carolina (8-3, 4-3 in the ACC) at N.C. State (4-7, 1-6 in the ACC)

Butch Davis and the Tar Heels spend their Rivalry Saturday in Raleigh, and they had better be prepared for a fight. Though the Wolfpack is short on wins, they're gonna want to come right out and punch UNC in the mouth. The problem for N.C. State, though, is they don't have a whole lot to back up their first punch. The Tar Heels won't win a lot of awards for having the most prolific offense around, but the defense is pretty stout...and that will be the difference this weekend.

Rod's Reject - N.C. State


Georgia (6-5, 4-4 in the SEC) at Georgia Tech (10-1, 7-1 in the ACC)

Mark Richt and the Bulldogs head into the Big City Saturday to take on and take out the Yellow Jackets, but they better bring a lot more to this game than they have this year if they intend to walk out with a win. Paul Johnson and the Jackets will have the ground game going, and I don't think the Bulldog Defense will be able to do a lot about it. Georgia will be motivated to avenge last year's debacle, but those emotions only go so far. Then you have to play the game...block, tackle, etc. Advantage - Georgia Tech.

Rod's Reject - Georgia


Games In The SEC

Florida State (6-5, 4-4 in the ACC) at Florida (11-0, 8-0 in the SEC)

Bobby Bowden and his Seminoles gallop into Gainesville Saturday for what will be an ultra-emotional day for both teams. For Florida State, all the talk is about Bobby Bowden and how much longer he'll stay at FSU. For Florida, it's Senior Day, with many players taking the field for the last time for the Gators...including Tim Tebow. On the field, the Seminoles can put up some points, but won't be able to as much this week against the Gator defense. And the Seminole defense...well, let's just say I think they will be better next year. An exciting game, but the Gators pull away in the end.

Rod's Reject - Florida State


Tennessee (6-5, 3-4 in the SEC) at Kentucky (7-4, 3-4 in the SEC)

Wow...Tennessee has won 24 straight against Kentucky. To put that into perspective, the last time Kentucky beat the Volunteers was during my freshman year at USC-Aiken...in 1984. Lane Kiffin and UT will be ready for this one, but I think the Wildcats may be 'more ready.' The Wildcats trot across 27 Seniors on Senior Day before the game, and I'm sure UK and its fans are more than ready to end this nasty streak. And I think they will get it done.

Rod's Reject - In An Upset - Tennessee


Mississippi (8-3, 4-3 in the SEC) at Mississippi State (4-7, 2-5 in the SEC)

The 106th Egg Bowl kicks off in Starkville Saturday a little after noon, and Dan Mullen and the Bulldogs will be anxious to make it a happy one for all the fans dressed in Maroon. But Houston Nutt and his Rebels are finally hitting their stride and don't won't to drop this one to their rival. Mississippi State can run the ball well, but the Rebels defense isn't too bad and will limit what the Bulldogs can do. Then the balanced Rebel offense will take over and lead UM to the victory.

Rod's Reject - in a classic - Mississippi State


Alabama (11-0, 7-0 in the SEC) at Auburn (7-4, 3-4 in the SEC)

Nick Saban and the Crimson Tide are looking forward to completing an undefeated regular season, but will have to beat rival Auburn to do it. And that's not going to be easy. To win the Iron Bowl, Alabama's gonna have to do what the do and keep Auburn from getting their offense going. Like all these rivalry games, I think emotions and excitement keep this one close for a while, and eventually the Crimson Tide will wear down the Tigers on both side of the ball.

Rod's Reject - Auburn


Arkansas (7-4, 3-4 in the SEC) at LSU (8-3, 4-3 in the SEC)

Bobby Petrino and the Razorbacks look to accomplish a rare feat...beating LSU at night in Baton Rouge. And Arkansas might have the firepower to do it. Les Miles and the Tigers will have to quickly regroup from the end-of-the-game fiasco last week that certainly has to have them down a bit. LSU doesn't have a lot of ways to score points, and even though the Tiger defense is tough, Arkansas can get some points. The Razorbacks ding up the scoreboard just enough to sneak out with a win.

Rod's Reject - In An Upset - LSU


The Big One In South Carolina

Clemson (8-3, 6-2 in the ACC) at South Carolina (6-5, 3-5 in the SEC)

Could write a book on the analysis of this game, but the actions on the field will ultimately decide the 107th game between these two schools.

The outcome of this game will be determined by the following 3 Key Areas.

1. The Defenses

Statistically speaking, both the Clemson and South Carolina defenses are about as tough as they come. Clemson (#12 in the country in total defense) and USC (#17 in the country in total defense) will both show why they are ranked in the category as high as they are. Both also are ranked high nationally in passing defense (USC - #7; Clemson #12). So with both defenses being close to equal, does one have an advantage over the other's offense more so than the other? Yes, and here's why. USC had done really well with its Passing Defense, but has struggled a little against teams with decent rushing attacks. Clemson's offense is balanced (204 ypg passing; 166 ypg rushing) and will present the Gamecock defense with a tough challenge of having to stop both aspects. Conversely, the Gamecock offense is very one-sided (240 ypg passing: 116 ypg rushing) - no, that doesn't look like it's real off-kilter, but it is, and I'll explain that in Section 2 - Offense below. Also, the Gamecock's strength offensively (passing) goes right into the teeth of the Tiger defense as they are one of the best passing defenses in the country. Any inability of USC to run the ball will make the Gamecocks one-dimensional and will play right into the strength of the Tigers. To top that off, Clemson is #2 in the country in getting interceptions (20 for the year). A positive for USC is that over the last 3 games, Clemson's defense has given up over 20 points in each game - to competition that isn't exactly the toughest (Florida State, N.C. State, Virginia) - so there is some hope for the Gamecocks.

2. The Offenses

USC Offense

Above, I mentioned that the USC offense was not balanced, even though the overall season numbers aren't bad (240 ypg passing; 116 ypg rushing). But here is why its offense has the potential to become one-dimensional Saturday. Against teams that have Top 20 defenses, USC put up the following rushing stats, and lost all but one of the games (#1 defense in the country Florida - 64 rushing yards; #2 defense Alabama - 61 rushing yards; #19 defense Mississippi - 65 rushing yards; #20 defense Tennessee - 65 rushing yards). Clemson has the #12 defense in the country - you do the math. I don't see where the Gamecocks will magically become a balanced offense against a good defense in the 12th game of the year. As far as scoring goes, USC is averaging 20 points per game for the season, but only 12.5 points per game against Top 20 defenses - and again, Clemson is #12 in the country in total defense. And one more thing to be worried about for USC - the Gamecocks have given up 33 sacks this year (#109 in the country in sacks allowed). Clemson's defense has sacked opposing quarterbacks 33 times this year, good for #11 in the country in that category. That's not a good matchup for USC.

Clemson Offense

The Tiger offense has been clicking over the past 6 games, though the defensive competition has not been overwhelming. The past 6 games, the opposing defenses are ranked as follows (Wake Forest - #73 defense in country; Miami - #33; Coastal Carolina (#55 in Division I-AA; Florida State - #106; N.C. State - #52; Virginia - #47). But to their credit, Clemson has dinged the scoreboard against all 6 teams, averaging about 41 points per game during the 6-game winning streak. Clemson quarterback Kyle Parker has also gotten the hot hand over the 6-game winning streak, hitting many different targets for 13 touchdowns and only 4 interceptions. Against a comparable defense (TCU), Parker struggled though as he went 17-37 for 192 yards with no TDs or INTs.

3. - Kicking/Special Teams

I don't really need to put a lot of analysis on this area, other than to say this area is to Clemson's advantage. I think we all know why.

Intangibles

One of the biggest intangibles I see for this game is overall confidence. For USC, the confidence level has to be down a little after seeing another promising season slide downhill. I fully believe this team is a different team versus last year's that seemingly never showed up from the kickoff at Clemson. It's much more of a true team. But still, it's difficult to be full of confidence when you're on a losing streak. Clemson has all the confidence in the world (which could get them into trouble in this game). While it is true that the Atlantic Division of the ACC may not be the strongest around, Clemson has still rattled off some impressive numbers lately, and if nothing else, that allows your team to come into a game playing with full confidence.

C.J. Spiller and Jacoby Ford also have to be listed as intangibles - for obvious reasons.

What Will Happen?

This one will be a scrap, for sure. Clemson has one 9 out of the last 10 played in Columbia. The last one USC won in Willy-B? 2001, a game that started at Noon. Any karma there? I'm not sure. I know Clemson is riding a hot streak over the last 6 games - scoring a total of 249 points in that streak. USC's offense, on the other hand, has scored 227 - for the entire year. So the Gamecocks operate Saturday on a razor-thin margin of error. For USC to win, they have to establish some kind of running game, score when they get a chance (TDs versus FGs), and keep Spiller, Ford, and Palmer in check). Since the USC offense won't be able to score over 17 points, it will need some help from it's defense and special teams to score points - or hold Clemson to under 17 points. One slip-up by allowing Spiller/Ford a special teams or offensive TD will put USC in a really tough spot, because I'm not sure they've got enough offense to overcome. A real wild one in Columbia sees the Tigers having too any weapons for USC and the Gamecocks being turned into a one-dimensional team, having to pass into one of the nation's top pass defenses. It's a close one, but the Tigers edge the Gamecocks in an epic battle. But it's gonna be tight.

Rod's Reject - South Carolina


Other Losers This Week

Pittsburgh will lose to West Virginia
Louisville will lose to Rutgers
Eastern Michigan will lose to Akron
Wyoming will lose to Colorado State
Memphis will lose to Tulsa
Illinois will lose to Cincinnati
Colorado will lose to Nebraska
Toledo will lose to Bowling Green
Nevada will lose to Boise State
Syracuse will lose to Connecticut
Missouri will lose to Kansas
New Mexico will lose to TCU
Southern Mississippi will lose to East Carolina
Tulane will lose to SMU
Baylor will lose to Texas Tech
Oklahoma State will lose to Oklahoma
Utah will lose to BYU
Rice will lose to Houston
Washington State will lose to Washington
Arizona State will lose to Arizona
New Mexico State will lose to San Jose State
Notre Dame will lose to Stanford
UCLA will lose USC
Hawaii will lose to Navy

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Rod's Rejects - College Football Picks - Week #12

The college football season is winding down, but many great games remain, including rivalry games, bowl games, etc.

The picks this year have been pretty good, but a few upsets gave me a few more losses than expected. Last week, the record was 34-6, bringing the overall record to 355-79 (82%).

Let's see what's in store for this week's games.


Games Around The ACC

N.C. State (4-6, 1-5 in the ACC) at Virginia Tech (7-3, 4-2 in the ACC)

Tom O'Brien and his Wild Dawgs head into Blacksburg Saturday for afternoon tilt against the seasonal Turkeys of Virginia Tech. The Wolfpack ain't had a whole lot to howl about this year, and they need to win the rest of their games to get to a bowl. But first, they have to win this one...but that's a tall order. Frank Beamer and his Hokies are a proud bunch of Gobblers, and will do what they have to do to defend the coop at home.

Rod's Reject - N.C. State


Maryland (2-8, 1-5 in the ACC) at Florida State (5-5, 3-4 in the ACC)

Ralph Friedgen and this bunch of turtle-soup Terps slowly crawl into Tallahassee hopin' to be able to dodge the arrows and spears being thrown at them from the Tribe, but turtles like these from Maryland won't be able to move fast enough to avoid the disaster. Bobby Bowden and his Seminoles ain't hit on all cylinders this year, and statistically have one of the worst defenses in the nation, but I don't think the Terps will have enough firepower to challenge that group. The Seminoles, at 5-5, will have better speed and athletes to get this one done.

Rod's Reject - Maryland


Duke (5-5, 3-3 in the ACC) at Miami, Florida (7-3, 4-3 in the ACC)

Believe it or not, Duke is still bowl-eligible, but they have to win their last two games in order to be a participant in bowl-land. Problem is, to get that done, they're gonna have to beat Miami this weekend...in Miami. David Cutcliffe and his bunch of Blue Devils have made some strides this year, and have a great QB in Thaddeus Lewis. Randy Shannon and his Big Wind have brought back "The U" to a place where they are playing competitive football, and the results from this year has shown that. The Blue Devils make this one interesting, and don't be surprised if this is closer than you think. But I believe Duke being very one-dimensional will be their downfall in this one.

Rod's Reject - Duke


North Carolina (7-3, 3-3 in the ACC) at Boston College (7-3, 4-2 in the ACC)

Frank Spaziani and the Eagles kick off a nooner with the Tar Heels, and hope that the keep on winning while Virginia pulls off an Upset over the Clemson Tigers - as that is the only way Boston College will win the ACC Atlantic. But first, they have to deal a spry bunch of Tar Heels. Butch Davis and his Blue Goats head into Chestnut Hill aimin' to do some bird-huntin', and may just be able to bag the limit. This will be a defensive struggle, and I like the Tar Heels in that scenario.

Rod's Reject - In An Upset - Boston College


Games Around The SEC

Chattanooga (6-4,4-4 in the FCS Southern Conference) at Alabama (10-0, 7-0 in the SEC)

For some reason, the FCS (formerly Division I-AA) Mocs make the last-season trip to Tuscaloosa to face the undefeated Crimson Tide. The Mocs have done pretty well, but are way out of their league in this one. Nick Saban and the Crimson Tide continue to roll toward the big showdown with Florida in the SEC Championship Game, and this game won't do much to deter them from that.

Rod's Reject - Chattanooga


Florida International (3-7, 3-4 in the Sun Belt) at Florida (10-0, 8-0 in the SEC)

Mario Cristobal and his Golden Panthers limp into the Swamp Saturday to try to dig their claws into a bunch of haughty Gators, but they ain't ever gonna get close enough to 'em to do it. Urban Meyer and his Toothy Crew should cruise in this one as they will look forward to next week's shin-dig with the Seminoles.

Rod's Reject - Florida International


Mississippi State (4-6, 2-4 in the SEC) at Arkansas (6-4, 2-4 in the SEC)

Dan Mullen and his Starkville Bullies head into Little Rock Saturday takin' aim at a bunch of Wild Pigs, but I ain't sure they got enough bark left in 'em to do much damage. The Bulldogs have gotten better this year, but they seem to be a year or two away from challenging the West a little more than they do now. Bobby Petrino and his Razorbacks ain't been much on the "D" side this year, but the offense has found a way to ding up the scoreboard...and that will be the difference Saturday.

Rod's Reject - Mississippi State


Kentucky (6-4, 2-4 in the SEC) at Georgia (6-4, 4-3 in the SEC)

Rich Brooks and his Blue Cats limp into Sanford Stadium Saturday with plenty of questions at the QB position as well as the possibility of not having Randall Cobb on the field. The Wildcat defense has been pretty good this year, and should be adequate against the Bulldogs, but the offense may really struggle to get on the board much. Mark Richt and his Bulldogs will be ready for the fight, but will really need to hunker down on defense to take care of the Cats. Plus they better get this win, because Georgia Tech is just around the corner.

Rod' Reject - Kentucky


Vanderbilt (2-9, 0-7 in the SEC) at Tennessee (5-5, 2-4 in the SEC)

The Battle of Tennessee takes place in Knoxville Saturday night, and Bobby Johnson and his Ship Steerers will try their best to avoid an 0-fer SEC record, but Lane Kiffin and the Free Fighters will be more than happy to put the Commodores at 0-8. The big problem with Vandy this year has been the lack of offense, and things ain't gonna get any better for them against this stout UT defense. The Volunteers will start slow, but will eventually pull away to get to their 6th win.

Rod's Reject - Vanderbilt


LSU (8-2, 4-2 in the SEC) at Mississippi (7-3, 3-3 in the SEC)

Mississippi is finally playing like most folks thought they would, which means trouble for LSU. Les Miles and his Bengal Tigers hope to put a few claw marks on the Rebels Saturday afternoon, but I'm not sure they're gonna be able to. Houston Nutt and the Rebels have enough talent to take care of the Tigers...and I think they will do just that this weekend.

Rod's Reject - LSU


Key Games Around The Nation

Ohio State (9-2, 6-1 in the Big 10) at Michigan (5-6, 1-6 in the Big 10)

Jim Tressel and his Tree Nuts head into the Big House Saturday with plans on officially giving Michigan a losing season, but it ain't gonna be easy. Rich Rodriguez and the Wolverines have had some ups and downs this year, and the UM fans would love to get to 6-6 by handing it to the Buckeyes. But I think OSU is a little too strong this year and will end up on the right side of the scoreboard when all is said and done.

Rod's Reject - Michigan


Penn State (9-2, 5-2 in the Big 10) at Michigan State (6-5, 4-3 in the Big 10)

Joe Paterno and his Mountain Cats head into Big Sparty-Ville, right into an uh-oh game as Mark Dantonio and the Green Fighters will be more than ready to skin the cats. This will be a great game, but I think a few ill-timed Nittany Lion turnovers makes the difference.

Rod's Reject - In An Upset - Penn State


California 7-3, 4-3 in the PAC 10) at Stanford (7-3, 6-2 in the PAC 10)

A PAC 10 showdown happens at Stanford Saturday as Jeff Tedford and his wooly Bears look to have an all-out brawl with the Cardinal. The Bears have had a good year, but Stanford has come on stronger of late and the combination of Andrew Luck at QB and bruiser RB Toby Gerhart have fueled the late season surge. It contnues on Saturday.

Rod's Reject - in a doozy - California


The Big Two In South Carolina

Virginia (3-7, 2-4 in the ACC) at Clemson (7-3, 5-2 in the ACC)

The Big Day is here for Dabo Swinney and his Tigers...a chance to win the ACC Atlantic Division. No more hoping somebody else helps them out, no more wishing they shoulda beat somebody earlier in the season, etc. The Tigers hold in their own hands the ability to claim the prize...and they will not be disappointed. Al Groh and the Cavaliers head into Death Valley for a 3:30 scrap, but it won't take long for them to find out that they ain't gonna like the outcome. The Tigers are rolling, averaging 42 points per game during their 5-game winning streak since losing to Maryland. On the other hand, Virginia is last in the conference in both scoring offense and total offense, so don't look for UVA to do much damage to the scoreboard. Tiger fans will be celebrating after this one, and then will be looking forward to South Carolina and to the ACC Championship Game.

Rod's Reject - Virginia


Other Losers This Weekend

Utah State will lose to Boise State
Michigan will lose to Ohio State
Northwestern will lose to Wisconsin
Minnesota will lose to Iowa
Louisville will lose to South Florida
Syracuse will lose to Rutgers
Iowa State will lose to Missouri
Kent will lose to Temple
Wyoming will lose to TCU
Connecticut will lose to Notre Dame
Washington State will lose to Oregon State
Penn State will lose to Michigan State
Arizona State will lose to UCLA
California will lose to Stanford
Air Force will lose to BYU
UAB will lose to East Carolina
Kansas State will lose to Nebraska
Texas Tech will lose to Oklahoma
Baylor will lose to Texas A&M
Rice will lose to UTEP
San Diego State will lose to Utah
Louisiana Tech will lose to Fresno State
Arizona will lose to Oregon
Tulsa will lose to Southern Mississippi
Kansas will lose to Texas
Memphis will lose to Houston
Tulane will lose to Central Florida
New Mexico State will lose to Nevada

Rod's Rejects - College Football Picks - Week #11

Remember, the reject is the loser!!

Games Around The ACC

Georgia Tech (9-1, 6-1 in the ACC) at Duke (5-4, 3-2 in the ACC)

Paul Johnson and his Atlanta Sting prepare to swarm into Durham Saturday, hopin' to continue an amazing run in the ACC and get to a 10-win season. But David Cutcliffe and his Blue Devils ain't quite ready to make headlines in the newspapers for the wrong reasons, and will put up an honorable defense of the home field. But it won't be enough as the Jackets take this one, but it will be a little closer than you think.

Rod's Reject - Duke


Virginia Tech (6-3, 3-2 in the ACC) at Maryland (2-7, 1-4 in the ACC)

The Hokies have not had their best overall season this year, but still have goals ahead that would take them to a really good bowl. Maryland, on the other hand, well...has been Maryland. Frank Beamer and the Hokies take a few minutes to knock the cobwebs out, but will firmly take control of this one in the 2nd half.

Rod's Reject - Maryland


Boston College (6-3, 3-2 in the ACC) at Virginia (3-6, 2-3 in the ACC)

Frank Spaziani and the Eagles swoop into Charlottesville Saturday, lookin' to clamp their claws around some Charlottesville Gentlemen, but the Cavaliers have been known to come up with a plan to dodge such attack. Problem is, they haven't been able to implement that plan this year. Al Groh's Cavaliers have had a rough year, and it won't be any better after Saturday.

Rod's Rejects - Virginia


Miami, Fla (7-2, 4-2 in the ACC) at North Carolina (6-3, 2-3 in the ACC)

Randy Shannon and the Big Wind blow into Chapel Hill Saturday, and waiting for them will be a bunch of riled-up Blue Billies ready to do some buttin'. Butch Davis and his Tar Heels are pretty strong on the "D" side, but the Canes will have the edge on offense. So who wins? This one will be worth watching, and could end up going either way.

Rod's Reject - in a close one - North Carolina


Florida State (4-5, 2-4 in the ACC) at Wake Forest (4-6, 2-4 in the ACC)

This one is a battle to see who stays in the Great American ACC Bowl Hunt, and both will come out fightin' for their lives. Bobby Bowden has been grilled most of the year for the on-the-field results for his Seminoles and I'm sure he's ready to hush the critics. Jim Grobe and the Deacons will also come correct, making this one a great battle to watch.

Rod's Reject - in a nailbiter - Florida State


Games Around The SEC

Kentucky (5-4, 1-4 in the SEC) at Vanderbilt (2-8, 0-6 in the SEC)

Rich Brooks and the Blue Cats hope to gain bowl-eligibility Saturday in Nashville against a team that has nothing left to fight for but pride. Believe me, Bobby Johnson won't let his Commodores just finish out the rest of the season without a fight, but his offense doesn't have a lot to attack with, making it difficult to win any more games. The Wildcats will struggle, but will pull away in the 2nd half.

Rod's Reject - Vanderbilt


Auburn (7-3, 3-3 in the SEC) at Georgia (5-4, 3-3 in the SEC)

Sanford Stadium is the scene for this clash and a lot will be on the line for both teams. Mark Richt and the Junkyards will have the home crowd on their side and Richt will hope the defense makes enough plays to keep the Bullies in the game. Gene Chizik has exceeded expectations this year at Auburn, and a win at Georgia will almost top things off. It won't be easy - for either one of 'em.

Rod's Reject - Auburn


Alabama (9-0, 6-0 in the SEC) at Mississippi State (4-5, 2-3 in the SEC)

Nick Saban and the Crimson Tide head right into a Starkville Trap Game Saturday night, and Dan Mullen will definitely have his Maroon Bullies ready for the fight. This has the potential to be the upset of the day, and will go late into the 4th quarter before this one's decided. The Crimson Tide escapes again...barely.

Rod's Reject - in a dogfight - Mississippi State


Tennessee (5-4, 2-3 in the SEC) at Mississippi (6-3, 2-3 in the SEC)

This one should probably be taken off the list as breaking news Thursday was that three UT players were arrested for robbery - good players, contributors, and I have no way of knowing right now if they will play or not. That being said, Lane Kiffin and the Volunteers have gone on a surge lately and things are running a little more smoothly for the Orange Nation. Houston Nutt and the Rebels haven't quite attained the goals they once sought after, but every game in the SEC is a pride game and I'm sure the Rebels will have plenty of that Saturday.

Rod's Reject - in a close one - Tennessee


Games Around The Nation

Iowa (9-1, 5-1 in the Big Ten) at Ohio State (8-2, 5-1 in the Big Ten)

Jim Tressel and the Buck Nuts have seen a vision materialize in the past week after Iowa got beat, and now is OSU's moment to achieve. Iowa, after such a terrific start to the season, suffered a loss last week, and also lost their starting quarterback. The Hawkeye defense is for real, and will shut down the Buckeyes most of the day, but I don't think Iowa can score enough points to match 'em.

Rod's Reject - Iowa


Stanford (6-3, 5-2 in the Pac 10) at Southern California (7-2, 4-2 in the Pac 10)

Jim Harbaugh and his California Trees head into Trojan-ville Saturday, hopin' to knock off the Trojans at home again. But Pete Carroll and his Horse Riders defend the home turf well, and won't let just anybody come into their house and rule. Watch out for Stanford...good quarterback, great runningback, and the team has the ability to pull this one off. But I think the thing that hurts them in this one is their defense.

Rod's Reject - Stanford


Utah (8-1, 5-0 in the Mountain West) at TCU (9-0, 5-0 in the Mountain West)

Another huge game this week - this one in the Mountain West Conference. The Utes roll into the Lonestar State ready for the upset, but Gary Patterson and the Horny Toads ain't gonna have none of it. Big time game for both, big time results for TCU.

Rod's Reject - Utah


The Big Two In South Carolina

Clemson (6-3, 4-2 in the ACC) at N.C. State (4-5 1-4 in the ACC)

Honestly, this is just the type of game where Clemson's season has crashed and burned in the past - and Dabo Swinney knows it. Convincing the Tigers to know it - and apply the solution - will be the test. But this week, Tom O'Brien and the Wolfpack, though they can move the ball and score points, really don't have a viable defense and will be starting a couple of new guys (freshmen) in the secondary - so they won't be able to hold the Tigers in check for four quarters. Lots of defensive injuries for the Pack, and too much Spiller and Ford, equals a rough day for the Wild Dawgs.

Rod's Reject - N.C. State


Florida (9-0, 7-0 in the SEC) at South Carolina (6-4, 3-4 in the SEC)

Conversely to the Clemson game above, this is exactly the kind of game where USC shows up, plays well, and gets reasonably close to a win. How close they get in this one depends on a lot of things. The Gamecock defense is good, but missing some key components, and the offense has struggled - now, they have to face one of the best defenses in the country. To pull the upset Saturday, the G-Cocks will need (a) a rock-solid kicking game, with a big return for a touchdown or either get very close to scoring, (b) the offense will have to keep the ball for periods of time versus 3-n-outs, and (c) the defense will have to come up with some big turnovers and turn them into points. I really like the Gamecocks' chances Saturday, except for the Gator defense being in the way. Without some key Gator turnovers and some luck in the kicking game, I think Florida will move to 10-0. And so it will be.

Rod's Reject - South Carolina


Other Losers Around The Country

West Virginia will lose to Cincinnati
Northwestern will lose to Illinois
Syracuse will lose to Louisville
Michigan will lose to Wisconsin
Indiana will lose to Penn State
Purdue will lose to Michigan State
Baylor will lose to Texas
Eastern Michigan will lose to Western Michigan
New Mexico will lose to BYU
Kansas will lose to Nebraska
Colorado will lose to Iowa State
Washington State will lose to UCLA
Idaho will lose to Boise State
Notre Dame will lose to Pitt
Arizona will lose to California
Arizona State will lose to Oregon
Missouri will lose to Kansas State
Texas A&M will lose to Oklahoma
San Jose State will lose to Utah State
Fresno State will lose to Nevada
UNLV will lose to Air Force
Troy will lose to Arkansas
Louisiana Tech will lose to LSU
New Mexico State will lose to Hawaii
Central Florida will lose to Houston
Texas Tech will lose to Oklahoma State
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Rod's Rejects - College Football Losers - Week #10

This week has a shortened version of the picks...didn't get back from a week-long business trip until late in the afternoon Thursday.

I don't have the stats from last week, though I don't think they were too great. I'll have the complete stats in next week's picks.

On to this weekend's games - hope your team wins.


Games Around The ACC

Wake Forest (4-5, 2-3 in the ACC) at Georgia Tech (8-1, 5-1 in the ACC)

Jim Grobe and the Winston-Salem Preachermen hit the revival circuit this weekend, and Atlanta is on the list for this week's stop. But I ain't sure the Deacons will get much of a warm reception. Paul Johnson and his Humble Bumbles are stingin' everybody they come in contact with this year, and I don't look for Saturday to be much different.

Rod's Reject - Wake Forest


Virginia (3-5, 2-2 in the ACC) at Miami, Fla (6-2, 3-2 in the ACC)

Al Groh and the Cavaliers pay a polite visit to South Beach in hopes of pullin' off a win, but they will have to fight a Strong Wind in order to do it, and I don't think that'll happen successfully for the Cavs. Randy Shannon and the Hurricanes have shifted to a Category 2 storm lately, but still have enough power to knock out the Charlottesville Gentlemen. And so it will be on Saturday.

Rod's Reject - Virginia


Duke (5-3, 3-1 in the ACC) at North Carolina (5-3, 1-3 in the ACC)

David Cutcliffe had his Blue Devils one win away from being bowl-eligible, and hope to take care of the 6th win this weekend at Chapel Hill, but Butch Davis and the Tar Heels have other plans about that. The Blue Goats have had a year that hasn't matched expectations, and currently stand in last place in the ACC Coastal. But some of the wounds could be healed with a victory over Duke...and I think that will happen.

Rod's Reject - Duke


Maryland (2-6, 1-3 in the ACC) at N.C. State (3-5, 0-4 in the ACC)

Wow...turnout for this classic oughta be off the charts. Both of these teams have struggled, with no clear sign of any turnarounds in sight. Ralph Friedgen and the Terps have belly-crawled all season long and hope to hang on to dreams of going to a bowl, but Tom O'Brien and the Wolfpack will end those dreams at Carter-Findley on Saturday.

Rod's Reject - Maryland


Games Around The SEC

Vanderbilt (2-7, 0-5 in the SEC) at Florida (8-0, 6-0 in the SEC)

Bobby Johnson and his Commodores sail into Gainesville Saturday on a ship that has already taken on way too much water, and lobbing a few cannons at the Gators ain't gonna make the boat float any better. Urban Meyer and the Toothy Crew continue on their march toward a National Championship, and this week's opponent provides no resistance toward that goal. My only warning about this game...I hope the Commodores are all wearing face shields with their helmets.

Rod's Reject - Vanderbilt


Tennessee Tech (5-3, 4-2 in I-AA Ohio Valley) at Georgia (4-4, 3-3 in the SEC>

Mark Richt and the Red Clay Hounds take a break this weekend as they welcome the Golden Eagles of Tennessee Tech. Watson Brown and his Birds aren't doing too badly in D I-AA, but count their biggest victories of the year against Southeast Missouri State by 12 points and Austin Peay by 8 points. The Bulldogs roll as they get ready for Auburn next week.

Rod's Reject - Tennessee Tech


LSU (7-1, 4-1 in the SEC) at Alabama (8-0, 5-0 in the SEC)

This Battle of the SEC West should be well worth watching, and honestly could go either way. Les Miles and the Bengal Tigers prowl into Bear-Ville Saturday and look to knock the king off of the mountain, but Nick Saban and the Ephalumps will be more than ready to defend their turf from the invading felines. Both defenses are pretty stout, and the offenses don't light up the scoreboard, but I think the home field is the advantage in this one.

Rod's Reject - in a doozy - LSU


Games Around The Nation

Ohio State (7-2, 4-1 in the Big Ten) at Penn State (8-1, 4-1 in the Big Ten)

This one will have huge ramifications on who wins the Big Ten this year, and it's a home game for the Nittany Lions, and that will make the difference. Jim Tressel and the Buckeyes will storm Happy Valley and will make things tough for Penn State, and the Nittany Lions will find out that OSU will be a tough nut to crack. But Jo Pa's cats will be able to get the job done...but it will take a while.

Rod's Reject - Ohio State


The Big Two In South Carolina

Florida State (4-4, 2-3 in the ACC) at Clemson (5-3, 3-2 in the ACC)

Bobby Bowden and his Seminoles gallop into Death Valley Saturday lookin' to for a place to throw down the spear and claim victory, but it'll be hard to find a place to do that against this bunch of Tigers. Dabo Swinney and the Pickens County Pride have kicked their season into another gear and look to finish strong and win the ACC Atlantic, and a win over Florida State will greatly help those chances. The Seminoles = pretty good offense and very leaky defense. The Tigers = sufficient offense, stout defense, great specialty teams. This one won't be as close as some people think as the Tigers continue their march to Tampa.

Rod's Reject - Florida State


South Carolina (6-3, 3-3 in the SEC) at Arkansas (4-4, 1-4 in the SEC)

Getting serious about a game and a season, the Gamecocks really need to win this week. There's already been some talk about the "November Slide" again, and last week's disaster in Knoxville didn't help matters any. Also, it's funny to me that people still talk about the "audacious, awesome, tough schedule" that USC faces at the end of the season - leaving Florida out, two of the other three teams don't even have winning records or even winning conference records (and Clemson is only 5-3), so please don't whine and tell me about how tough the competition is...it's really no tougher than anybody else's schedule in the SEC. That being said, Saturday's adventure in Fayetteville is a MUST WIN for the Gamecocks and they have a good chance of getting the "W." Bobby Petrino's Razorbacks can put up some points...and can give them up, too. I believe USC has the better defense, but what I don't like is USC's starting safety being left back in Columbia and not playing, USC's best rush-defensive end not playing, USC's best tackle not playing, and USC relying on a walk-on offensive lineman to start this weekend. USC is capable of winning, but I think the Gamecocks won't be able to get enough pressure on Ryan Mallett, and the defensive backs will be chasing receivers around all day. Not a good situation for USC this weekend. Lose this one, and the Gamecocks are staring at 6-6 again this year.

Rod's Reject - South Carolina


Other Losers

Louisiana Tech will lose to Boise State
Western Michigan will lose to Michigan St.
UConn will lose to Cincinnati
Syracuse will lose to Pitt
Northwestern will lose to Iowa
Illinois will lose to Minnesota
Louisville will lose to West Virginia
Indiana will lose to Wisconsin
Iowa St. will lose to Oklahoma St.
Baylor will lose to Missouri
Wyoming will lose to BYU
Navy will lose to Notre Dame
Rice will lose to SMU
Central Florida will lose to Texas
Army will lose to Air Force
Kansas St. will lose to Kansas
Furman will lose to Auburn
Memphis will lose to Tennessee
Northern Arizona will lose to Mississippi
Nebraska will lose to Oklahoma
San Diego St. will lose to TCU
Idaho will lose to Fresno St.
New Mexico will lose to Utah
Washington St. will lose to Arizona
Oregon St. will lose to California
Washington will lose to UCLA
Colorado will lose to Texas A&M
Arizona St. will lose to USC
Purdue will lose to Michigan
Eastern Kentucky will lose to Kentucky

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Rod's Rejects - College Football Losers - Week #9

Well, last week we had some hum-dingers, with Texas A&M upsetting Texas Tech and Clemson's big win over Miami. My two upset specials flunked the test (Michigan State over Iowa and South Florida over Pitt). But, overall, the pickin's were pretty good.

36-7 last week, bringing the yearly record to 259-52, still hanging around that 83% mark.

Plenty of good ones this week...pull up a coke and some chips and watch some football Saturday...or get out to some of the games themselves.

On to this week's lineup.

Games Around The ACC

North Carolina (4-3, 0-3 in the ACC) at Virginia Tech (5-2, 3-1 in the ACC)- Thurday Night

Butch Davis and his tough-luck Blue Billies head into Gobbler-ville for a Thursday night, prime-time showdown against the Hokies, but the Tar Heels ain't quite been up to prime-time playin' lately. Frank Beamer and his Big Birds get back on the field after about two weeks, looking to bounce from getting plucked at Georgia Tech. The Hokies are still in the ACC Coastal race...and they will still be in it after Thursday night.

Rod's Reject - North Carolina


N.C. State (3-4, 0-3 in the ACC) at Florida State (3-4, 1-3 in the ACC)

Tom O'Brien and his Wild Dawgs have looked a little mangy lately, and the schedule ahead don't allow any time for seeing the Vet about the problem. And when the Wolfpack limp into Tallahassee on Saturday, they might get the final shot they need to be put down for the season. Bobby Bowden and his Seminoles ain't set the world on fire themselves this year, but there's a bunch more pointed arrows in the quill than what the Wolfpack has in teeth. And so it will be.

Rod's Reject - N.C. State


Miami, Fla (5-2, 2-2 in the ACC) at Wake Forest (4-4, 2-2 in the ACC)

Weather warnings of a severe Hurricane outbreak for the 2009 college football season were found to be ill-advised, as Clemson ended all the rumors about the U being back (at least like they used to be). Now, Randy Shannon and his Big Wind look to rebound and kick up a little dust up in Winston-Salem on Saturday. Jim Grobe and his Preachermen have fallen short of their goals so far this year, but the season is long and there's still a little more time for the sermon to be preached before all is said and done. But that might take a big hit this weekend, as the Hurricanes look to get back up to full force.

Rod's Reject - Wake Forest


Central Michigan (7-1, 5-0 in the Mid American) at Boston College (5-3, 3-2 in the ACC)

Butch Jones and his Chippewas head into Chestnut Hill Saturday hopin' to beat an ACC team for the first time, but Frank Spaziani and his Eagles will have something to say about that. This one ought to be a very good game, and honestly, it could be anybody's game in the end. I think the Eagles are able to withstand the upset bid...barely.

Rod's Reject - Central Michigan


Duke (4-3, 2-1 in the ACC) at Virginia (3-4, 2-1 in the ACC)

David Cutcliffe and his surprising Blue Devils make the trip up to Charlottesville Saturday, lookin' to poke a few holes in the in the Cavalier ship, and they just might have a big enough poker to do just that. After a horrible start, Al Groh and his band of Gentlemen have at least evened things out a little bit, and could get to .500 overall and in the ACC with the win over the Dukies. I like their chances.

Rod's Reject - Duke


Games Around The SEC

Eastern Michigan (0-7, 0-4 in the Mid-American) at Arkansas (3-4, 1-4 in the SEC)

Ron English and his dead-bird-flyin' Eagles somehow show up at Fayetteville Saturday for an Arkansas Homecoming that they won't soon forget. Seems as though there could be an opponent scheduled for homecoming that actually is able to make a game of it, at least for a quarter, but I guess a winless team is what's on the agenda. Bobby Petrino and the Hawgs won't have much of a problem with the Eagles, and they will tune things up for next week's showdown with the Gamecocks.

Rod's Reject - in a big way - Eastern Michigan


Tulane (2-5, 0-4 in Conference USA) at LSU (6-1, 4-1 in the SEC)

Bob Toledo and his Green Wave hope to make a big splash Saturday in Baton Rouge, but the Tigers are on much higher ground than Tulane can begin to reach. Les Miles and his Bengal Pride are still sniffin' around for the top spot in the SEC West, and don't plan to take a side track against a bunch of puddle makers like Tulane.

Rod's Reject - Tulane


Georgia Tech (7-1, 5-1 in the ACC) at Vanderbilt (2-6, 0-5 in the SEC)

At this time of the year, a team's record begins to really tell the type of team you have. If you check out the records of these two teams, the numbers tell you a lot. Paul Johnson and his Big City Buzz are flying 'round all over the place while Bobby Johnson's Commodores have been hard-pressed to get the ship going in the right direction. This time of year, things generally don't change much...and so it will be in Nashville.

Rod's Reject - Vanderbilt


Mississippi State (3-5, 1-3 in the SEC) at Kentucky (4-3, 1-3 in the SEC)

Dan Mullen and his Bulldogs have hung around with many opponents this year, but just haven't been able to get the whole bone chewed for a victory. Rich Brooks and his Blue Cats are starting to purr right along, and are hopin' to get one more win closer to going back to a bowl. The Wildcats get back home after a few weeks on the road, and the home crowd will make the difference.

Rod's Reject - in a close one - Mississippi State


Georgia (4-3, 3-2 in the SEC) vs Florida (7-0, 5-0 in the SEC) @ Jacksonsville

The Big Georgia-Florida Party kicks off at 3:30 Saturday, and this one oughta be worth watchin'. Mark Richt and the Athens Dawgs are lookin' for a little revenge from last year's blowout, but it will be hard to get against this stingy bunch of Gators. Urban Meyer and he Water Lizards have done just enough to get by over the last few weeks, and if they come out and play like they've been playing of late, the Dawgs will be more than capable of knockin' 'em off. But I think the Full Effect Florida shows up Saturday.

Rod's Reject - in a doozy - Georgia


Mississippi (5-2, 2-2 in the SEC) at Auburn (5-3, 2-3 in the SEC)

Houston Nutt and his Rebel Crew hit the trail to Auburn Saturday and will have a quick trigger finger in shootin' at anything that moves. Unfortunately for the Tigers, Auburn ain't done a whole lot of movin' lately and may not be agile, mobile, hostile enough to get out of the way. Gene Chizik and his Cat Pride have been clawed up over the last several weeks, and I ain't sure they've recovered enough to take down the Rebels.

Rod's Rejects - in a close one - Mississippi


Other Big Games Around The Nation

Texas (7-0, 4-0 in the Big 12) at Oklahoma State (6-1, 3-0 in the Big 12)

You could say this one is for all the marbles in the Big 12 South Division, and oh what a game this should be. Mack Brown and the Longhorns stampede into Boone Pickens-ville for a little evening soiree with a bunch of Cowboys, and it will end up being like a true western flick for sure. Mike Gundy and the Cow Pokes will almost have a good enough team to make hamburger out of the cattle, but may not have enough ammunition in the six-shooters to totally finish off the job. Having your best receiver out ain't good when you gotta play Texas. In the end, I think Texas will be a little too tough...them horns are big for a reason.

Rod's Reject - Oklahoma State


Southern California (6-1, 3-1 in the Pac 10) at Oregon (6-1, 4-0 in the Pac 10)

Pete Carroll and his Horse Riders gallop up to Eugene with a sharp, pointed lance aimed directly at a green and yellow Duck, but these birds haven't been real easy to pen up lately, and Saturday night won't be any different. Chip Kelly and the Water Fowl know this is a big game, and will do their best to peck out a win against the visitors from Cali, but will end up getting more feathers plucked than they can stand.

Rod's Reject - Oregon


The Big Two In South Carolina

Coastal Carolina (3-4, 1-2 in Division I-AA Big South) at Clemson (4-3, 3-2 in the ACC)

David Bennett and the half-feathered Chanticleers head into Death Valley Saturday only to be further plucked for this season. Tiger fans, here's all you need to know about the Chants...3-4 overall record. Losses this season have been to Kent State, Liberty (yep, Coastal loss to Liberty 58-13), Towson St., and Stony Brook. Biggest win of the season was over North Carolina A&T. Dabo Swinney and his Tigers made some big news last week as they took care of the Miami Hurricanes in a great game. Too bad that's going to be followed up with what will best be described as a B-Team scrimmage game. This one's over by the 10 minute mark of the 1st quarter, but I have a feeling Dabo will leave the stars in for a while to put up some gaudy numbers and try to catch up in the polls a little.

Rod's Reject - in a laugher - Coastal Carolina


South Carolina (6-2, 3-2 in the SEC) at Tennessee (3-4, 1-3 in the SEC)

HUGE game for the Gamecocks...if the Gamecocks can win and if Georgia loses to Florida, USC would be in sole possession of 2nd place in the SEC East. Gettin' a win over Tennessee is going to be a tall order, though. Lane Kiffin and is Volunteers have had their ups and downs on offense this year, but the defense has generally been pretty solid. Almost the same is true for the Gamecocks. So what will happen? Steve Spurrier and the Game-Chickens will come to play, and the Rooster Defenders will hold their own against the Vols. But I'm not sure the Gamecock offense will have spurs sharp enough to thoroughly dispose of UT. This game will be somewhat similar to the USC-Alabama game, probably low-scoring with good defense all around. The home field makes the small difference as the Vols barely put enough points on the board to get it done.

Rod's Reject - in a nailbiter - South Carolina


Rod's List of Likely Losers

South Florida will lose to West Virginia
Rutgers will lose to UConn
Syracuse will lose to Cincinnati
Indiana will lose to Iowa
Purdue will lose to Wisconsin
Akron will lose to Northern Illinois
New Mexico State will lose to Ohio State
Iowa State will lose to Texas A&M
Baylor will lose to Nebraska
SMU will lose to Tulsa
UAB will lose to UTEP
San Jose State will lose to Boise State
UCLA will lose to Oregon State
Temple will lose to Navy
Arizona State will lose to California
Illinois will lose to Michigan
Colorado will lose to Missouri
Kansas State will lose to Oklahoma
UNLV will lose to TCU
Northwestern will lose to Penn State
Utah State will lose to Fresno State
Kansas will lose to Texas Tech
Washington State will lose to Notre Dame
Minnesota will lose to Michigan State
New Mexico will lose to San Diego State
Wyoming will lose to Utah
Southern Miss will lose to Houston
Marshall will lose to Central Florida

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Rod's Rejects - College Football Picks - Week #8

Last week's picks churned out a 39-5 record, bringing the yearly total to 223-45 (83%). The biggest "oops" pick last week was picking Texas A&M to beat Kansas State (who, at the time, had averaged 15 points a game against FBS competition). You guessed it...Texas A&M got beat 62-14. Great Reject pick there.

Anyway, the ACC, SEC, and other key conferences have some important games this week, so let's get on with the show.

Key Games In The ACC

Maryland (2-5, 1-2 in the ACC) at Duke (3-3, 1-1 in the ACC)

Ralph Friedgen and the Terps mosey down to Durham to try to avoid being poked by the Pokers, and I ain't sure they're gonna be fast enough to get out of the way. David Cutcliffe and the Blue Devils throw the pitchfork around pretty good, and I don't think the Terps will be able to keep up.

Rod's Reject - Maryland


Georgia Tech (6-1, 4-1 in the ACC) at Virginia (3-3, 2-0 in the ACC)

Paul Johnson and the Humble Bumbles buzz into Charlottesville Saturday, taking dead aim at a bunch of revitalized Cavaliers. Al Groh and his Sword Toters got off to a rough start this year, but have bailed out a lot of the water that was in the boat. But the Cavaliers better be ready, because this bunch of Yellow Jackets have what it takes to punch a few more holes in the ship...and so it will be.

Rod's Reject - Virginia


Wake Forest (4-3, 2-2 in the ACC) at Navy (5-2)

Nice out-of-conference match as Jim Grobe's Demon Deacons hit the travel circuit, trying to have a Deacon revival after last Saturday's debacle at Clemson, but the Preachermen may not find this part of the country too much to their liking, either. Ken Niumatalolo and his Annapolis bunch can sho nuff tote the rock, and the Deacs ain't been too spiffy stoppin' such an attack. Trouble brewin' in A-town for Wake.

Rods Reject - Wake Forest


Boston College (5-2, 3-2 in the ACC) at Notre Dame (4-2)

Frank Spaziani and his Nation Birds swoop into Hail Mary country, hopin' to pop some claws into a wounded bunch of Irish, but it's gonna be a tough job to finish off. Charlie Weis and his Golden Tops left a lot of their emotions on the field last Saturday when they fell short against Southern Cal, but I think they will rebound to pluck just enough feathers out of the Eagle to get the win...barely.

Rod's Reject - in a close one - Boston College


Key Games In The SEC

Arkansas (3-3, 1-3 in the SEC) at Mississippi (4-2, 1-2 in the SEC)

Bobby Petrino and the Wild Hawgs hit The Grove Saturday, hopin' to put a Tusk or two into the Rebel Rear, and they just might do it. Houston Nutt and his Firebrands ain't quite hit all their targets like they were supposed to do this year, but they still have a couple of rounds of ammo left, and they might just find a bulls-eye on the backside of the pigs.

Rod's Reject - in a close one - Arkansas


Louisiana-Monroe (4-2, 3-0 in the Sun Belt) at Kentucky (3-3, 1-3 in the SEC)

Rich Brooks and his Blue Cats came back from the road last week with a win against Auburn, and they will want to keep uncle mo on their side of the fence. Charlie Weatherbie and his Warhawks, though, ain't just gonna let the Cats take this one without a fight. Kentucky will be sleep-walking for a while, but will wake up in time to swat the birds featherless.

Rod's Reject - LM


Florida (6-0, 4-0 in the SEC) at Mississippi St. (3-4, 1-2 in the ACC)

Urban Meyer and his Toothy Crew slither into Starkville and will quickly be stalking it's prey from the get-go. Dan Mullen and the Maroon Bullies will try to make a fight out of this one, and will do so for a while. But points don't come in buckets for the Bulldogs, and it won't take the Gators too long to sink its teeth into the hometown dogs...and they ain't gonna let go.

Rod's Reject - Mississippi St.


Tennessee (3-3, 1-2 in the SEC) at Alabama (7-0, 4-0 in the SEC)

Lane Kiffin and the Volunteers hope to put Alabama on Upset Alert this Saturday as they travel into Tuscaloosa for a mid-afternoon battle with Nick Saban and his bunch of Pachyderms. The Crimson Tide ain't always real smooth and pretty offensively, but they know how to smack you in the mouth on defense. The Free Fighters will be tough on defense, too, so expect a low-scoring affair, but with Bama getting a few more points when it counts.

Rod's Reject - Tennessee


Auburn (5-2, 2-2 in the SEC) at LSU (5-1, 3-1 in the SEC)

Baton Rouge will be the scene for this Tiger Tangle as Gene Chizik and his Auburn Tigers come calling on LSU. Les Miles and his Bengals have been pretty tough this year, and I don't think things will change too much Saturday. Another great defensive game, with LSU able to scratch and claw their way out with a win...a close win.

Rod's Reject - Auburn


Other Big Game Around The Nation

Louisville (2-4, 0-2 in the Big East) at Cincinnati (6-0, 2-0 in the Big East)

Steve Kragthorpe and his low-flying Cardinals flap into Ohio Saturday, lookin' to find some homecoming-buster magic against the Bearcats. But Brian Kelly and his Furry Creatures ain't ready to hibernate yet, and should show up ready to make a short snack out of the skinny birds. Bearcat Homecoming - successful.

Rod's Reject - Louisville


Iowa (7-0, 3-0 in the Big Ten) at Michigan State (4-3, 3-1 in the Big Ten)

Sparty hopes to shock the college football world Saturday as Kirk Ferentz and his midwest Hawkeyes head into Green-ville, and this one should be worth watching. Mark Dantonio (a former Gamecock) will have his Spartans fully armed and ready for this Big Ten battle, and the hometown crowd should be ready also. Michigan State has struggled a little overall, but been pretty good in the Big Ten. Iowa has been unbeaten...until Saturday.

Rod's Reject - In an Upset In Some Circles - Iowa


Penn State (6-1, 2-1 in the Big Ten) at Michigan (5-2, 1-2 in the Big Ten)

Rich Rodriguez and the Wolverines hope to set a trap for the Nittany Lions Saturday as Penn State heads into Michigan to do battle at the Big House. Joe Paterno and his Mountain Cats ain't gonna fall for it, though, and will show up with claws fully sharpened and ready. This one's gonna be real interesting, and wouldn't shock me if Michigan finds a way to win. But I think PSU's defense will be the difference.

Rod's Reject - in a close one - Michigan


Texas (6-0, 3-0 in the Big 12) at Missouri (4-2, 0-2 in the Big 12)

Mack Brown and the Longhorns make a stampede toward Mizzou, with a top priorit of avoiding the surprise upset. Gary Pinkel and the Tigers will be fully prepared to pull off the shocker, but I don't they will have quite enough skill to get the job done. Texas starts off slow, and that may cost them by the time the games over. But I think they are able to hang on for the close win.

Rod's Reject - Missouri


TCU (6-0, 2-0 in Mountain West) at BYU (6-1, 3-0 in Mountain West)

This one's for King Of The Hill in the Mountain West conference, as the winner stays on track for a really big bowl game. Gary Patterson and his Horned Frogs hop into Provo for a Gameday Saturday and hope to sneak out with a win. But Bronco Mendenhall and his bunch of Mountain Cats ain't just gonna let that happen without a fight. But...I think it will happen.

Rod's Reject - in a good one - BYU


South Florida (5-1, 1-1 in the Big East) at Pittsburgh (6-1, 3-0 in the Big East)

Jim Leavitt and the Big Bulls hit the trail to Pitt-ville Saturday in what will be one doozy of a game. Dave Wannstedt and the Panthers will be ready for the visitors...for a while, anyway. It will take a little while for the Bulls to get up steady on all 4 hooves, but when they do, the Panthers might be in trouble. The Bulls pull off a Big East stunner.

Rod's Reject - in an Upset - Pitt


The Big Two In South Carolina

Clemson (3-3, 2-2 in the ACC) at Miami, Fl (5-1, 2-1 in the ACC)

Dabo Swinney and the Pickens County Pride saunter into South Beach for a Saturday afternoon tilt with the Big Wind in what should be a defensive doozy of a ballgame. Both of these teams are pretty stout on the D-side, while they're pretty comparable on offense. Mike Shannon and the Hurricanes will be ready to storm the Tigers, but Clemson will be more that up for that challenge. When all is said and done, I think Miami gets a little bit more done on the O-side, but it ain't gonna be by much.

Rod's Reject - in a nailbiter - Clemson


Vanderbilt (2-5, 0-4 in the SEC) at South Carolina (5-2, 2-2 in the SEC)

Bobby Johnson and his Commodores continue to look for a favorable port to park their battered ship, but there ain't no ports in Columbia, and that ain't good for Vandy. The Ship Steerers do have some good things going on defensively, but so far this year, there ain't been no ammo in the guns on offense. Steve Spurrier and his Yardbirds had a good game last week against Alabama, with the defense playing good enough to win. But the Gamecock offense, like Vandy, don't need triple-digit availability on the scoreboard, and points ain't just gonna fall out of the sky against this Vandy defense. But over the course of the game, look for the Gamecocks to slowly take over this one, but it won't be until the second half.

Rod's Reject - Vanderbilt

Rod's List Of Other Losers

Illinois will lose to Purdue
Bowling Green will lose to Central Michigan
Indiana will lose to Northwestern
Minnesota will lose to Ohio State
UConn will lose to West Virginia
Iowa State will lose to Nebraska
Eastern Michigan will lose to Ball State
Miami, Ohio will lose to Northern Illinois
Baylor will lose to Oklahoma State
Kent will lose to Ohio
Buffalo will lose to Western Michigan
Washington will lose to Oregon
Texas A&M will lose to Texas Tech
Kansas will lose to Oklahoma
San Diego State will lose to Colorado State
Air Force will lose to Utah
Idaho will lose to Nevada
UCLA will lose to Arizona
Washington State will lose to California
Tulane will lose to Southern Miss
Rice will lose to Central Florida
SMU will lose to Houston
New Mexico State will lose to Fresno State
Oregon State will lose to USC
Arizona State will lose to Stanford
Hawaii will lose to Boise State

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Rod's Rejects - College Football Picks - Week #7

Okay, first of all, sorry the picks are a little late getting posted this week. Long, difficult week at the real, paying job, plus a mother-in-law that was in the hospital and had surgery this week means you put first things first and get some rest where you can. Work week is now over and my mother-in-law is home from the hospital, so the week has ended up well.

Now it's time for some football.

Last week's picks churned out a 32-6 record - two that really stunned me were Georgia-Tennessee and SMU beating East Carolina.

For the 2009 season, the overall record goes to 184-40 (82%).

Got some good games this week, so let's get right to it.

Games Around The ACC

N.C. State (3-3, 0-2 in the ACC) at Boston College (4-2, 2-2 in the ACC)

These two teams help make up the ACC Atlantic Division, and that division is struggling this year - only two of its teams (Boston College and Wake Forest) even have winning records. So this game, regardless of the outcome, will continue to muddle up an already-muddled-up division race. Tom O'Brien and his Wolfpack head up to Chestnut Hill and will be ready to have a successful bird hunt. But Frank Spaziani's group of Eagles haven't gotten shot out of the sky too many times this year, and I don't think they will get hit on Saturday. The Eagles ain't lookin' to get pounded on for two weeks straight, and they will make sure they show up with their claws sharpened and in full attack mode.

Rod's Reject - N.C. State


Virginia (2-3, 1-0 in the ACC) at Maryland (2-4, 1-1 in the ACC)

Al Groh and the Sword Toters set sail for Terp-ville Saturday, hopin' to stay undefeated in the ACC Coastal Division, and all indications are that they might have a good chance of doing just that. Ralph Friedgen and the Ground Crawlers are still struggling this year, and besides one hiccup game, haven't shown many signs of beatin' that hare to the finish line. Chances don't look a lot better this week.

Rod's Reject - Maryland


Miami, Fla (4-1, 2-1 in the ACC) at Central Florida (3-2, 1-2 in Conference USA)

Randy Shannon and the Big Wind blow into Orlando this weekend and will leave a lot of damage behind when the storm finally clears. George O'Leary and the Golden Knights will be in full armor for this Sunshine State Showdown, but will end up with plenty of dings and dents in the metal when all is said and done.

Rod's Reject - UCF


Virginia Tech (5-1, 3-0 in the ACC) at Georgia Tech (5-1, 3-1 in the ACC)

Got to give the Yellow Jackets some love - nothing like scheduling your Homecoming game against the two-time defending ACC champs!! Frank Beamer and his Hokies venture into the Big City Saturday to see what they can scratch up against Georgia Tech, and I ain't sure they're gonna like what they see when they get there. Paul Johnson and his bunch of Humble Bumbles have been swarmin' pretty good lately (averaging over 472 yards per game over the last 3 games), but they may not have it as good against this bunch of Gobblers this weekend. Great game to watch - oughta be a good one.

Rod's Reject - in a slobberknocker - Georgia Tech


Key Games Around The SEC

Kentucky (2-3, 0-3 in the SEC) at Auburn (5-1, 2-1 in the SEC)

Rich Brooks and his Wounded Wildcats limp into Auburn this weekend with a few teeth knocked out, some fur missin', and an ear that's been half-chewed off, but they will be ready to give it their all against the Tigers. Gene Chizik and his Cats got their noses rubbed in it last weekend, and will come out ready for the fight against the Cats. The Tigers will come out on top, but it ain't gonna be easy.

Rod's Reject - Kentucky


Georgia (3-3, 2-2 in the SEC) at Vanderbilt (2-4, 0-3 in the SEC)

Had to double-check the win-loss record to make sure I was actually lookin' at the record of Georgia and not some other team. Mark Richt and his Dawgs have tee-teed on the carpet a little this year, but if there's ever a week to try to get things straightened out, it's this week. But Bobby Johnson and his Ship Steerers ain't gonna be no pushover, at least when it comes to the Commodores defense. Vandy ain't got much ammo in the cannons on offense, but will put up enough defense to make the Dawg fans squirm a little. Might be a little closer than some prefer, but the Dawgs will end up with the win.

Rod's Reject - Vandy


Arkansas (3-2, 1-2 in the SEC) at Florida (5-0, 3-0 in the SEC)

Bobby Petrino and the Wild Hawgs roll into Gator-ville Saturday with high hopes on knockin' the king off the mountain, and will actually be successful...for a while. The Hawgs bring the air show on offense, but may get grounded this weekend when they try to same routine against this bunch of Gators. Urban Meyer and the Toothy Crew remember the Mississippi disaster last year, and will be determine not to allow such a repeat this year...at least this week, anyway. It will take a little while, but eventually the Gators will lock the Hawgs in the death roll...and won't let up.

Rod's Reject - Arkansas


Other Key Games Around The State

Charleston Southern (2-3, 0-0 in Big South) at Gardner-Webb (3-2, 1-0 in Big South)

Buc fans will have to get up early this weekend as this game kicks at 11:30 a.m. - so get out your Frosted Flake and enjoy the first half during breakfast (by the way, this one will be televised regionally on SportsSouth). Tough road game for the Buccaneers as they take on a stubborn bunch of Bulldogs at Boiling Springs, NC. Steve Patton and his Runnin' Bulldogs will be ready, but will have to face a Bucs team that's ridin' a two-game winning streak, and beat Gardner-Webb at home last year 13-10 on a late CSU field goal. However, last year the Bucs got a lot of turnover help from the Bulldogs - and won't be that fortunate this year

Rod's Reject - in a close one - Charleston Southern


The Citadel (2-3, 0-2 in Southern Conference) at Western Carolina (0-5, 0-3 in Southern Conference)

Kevin Higgins and his Blue Bullies hit the road for Cullowee Saturday for a 4 p.m. kickoff to try to get their first conference win of the year, and this might be a good spot to get it. The Bulldogs hit some big numbers last year as they beat the Catamounts 34-14, and the Bulldogs should have enough bark and bite in them to turn in another similar performance. The Purple Cats have struggled this year, especially on offense, and the Bulldog defense will make sure that stays the same this weekend.

Rod's Reject - Western Carolina


Appalachian State (3-2, 2-0 in Southern Conference) at Wofford (1-4, 0-2 in Southern Conference)

(This game has a 3:00 p.m. kickoff and will be televised by SportsSouth.) Jerry Moore and his Mountain Men head into Spartanburg with a little 3-game winning streak, lookin' to run it to 4 games with a win against Wofford. Mike Ayers and his Terriers have had a rough time so far this year, and having to deal with the Mountaineers this weekend sure doesn't make it any easier. The Terriers are a little one-sided on offense, to say the least, as they are 3rd in rusing in the country in FCS (formerly Division I-AA) with 232 yards per game, but last in passing. The Terriers will play this one much closer than last year's 70-24 debacle, but they won't be able to get the win.

Rod's Reject - Wofford


Other Key Games Around The Nation

Oklahoma (3-2, 1-0 in the Big 12) vs Texas (5-0, 2-0 in the Big 12) at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas

Bob Stoops and the Sooner Schooner roll into Dallas Saturday for a close-to-noon showdown with the Longhorns. Mack Brown and his Steers have a lot on the line with their #3 ranking and will do everything they can to keep it, but it won't be easy against this bunch of Okies. This one will be worth watching, and could come down to the last drive of the game. When all is said and done, and all the smoke is cleared, though, you're gonna see what you thought was unthinkable - Oklahoma with 3 losses.

Rod's Reject - in a close one - Oklahoma


Southern California (4-1, 2-1 in the PAC 10) at Notre Dame (4-1)

Pete Carroll and the Horse Rider thunder into South Bend Saturday for their annual tussle with the Golden Domers and will bring with them everything in the arsenal. However, Charlie Weis and his Irish are 'bout tired of getting hammered in this affair and will have full intentions of changing the direction of this series. And they will. But only for about a half. Then the Trojans will charge ahead and finish the job, but it won't be easy.

Rod's Reject - Notre Dame


The Big Two in South Carolina

Wake Forest (4-2, 2-1 in the ACC) at Clemson (2-3, 1-2 in the ACC)

Jim Grobe and his Deacons head south to Pickens County Saturday, hopin' to give a good sermon to a bunch of wounded cats. But Dabo Swinney and his Tigers have had enough of people preachin' to them about all their wrong-doings, and they will want to come out at Death Valley at Noon on Saturday to hush all the critics. That's gonna be tough to do, though, as the Demon Deacons will bring a pretty good congregation with them. But the Tigers feel their season slipping away and they know they still have a lot to fight for. When the final horn sounds in Tiger Town, the orange-clads will go home happy, and the ACC Atlantic Division will really be a mess, but the Tigers will be closer to the top of it.

Rod's Reject - Wake Forest


South Carolina (5-1, 2-1 in the SEC) at Alabama (6-0, 3-0 in the SEC)

Steve Spurrier and his Barnyard Flock hope to rattle the world Saturday as the fly the coop and land in Tuscaloosa to do battle with the Crimson Tide, and this one oughta live up to all expectations. The Gamecocks are off to a terrific start and are bringing with them the 'New Carolina' attitude that they hope will change end-of-season slump they've suffered over the past few years. But trying to beat this bunch of Pachyderms ain't the best way to get that done. Nick Saban and the Tide are strong everywhere and finding a spot to pick on will be tough for the G-Cocks. I think the game is tight for a while, but the difference will be along the lines of scrimmage. And though USC's future looks bright, Alabama is a little ahead when it comes to o-line and d-line play - and that will be the difference.

Rod's Reject - in a good one - South Carolina


Rod's List of Other Losers

Middle Tennessee will lose to Mississippi
UAB will lose to Mississippi
Purdue will lose to Ohio State
Minnesota will lose to Penn State
Texas Tech will lose to Nebraska
Missouri will ose to Oklahoma State
Iowa will lose to Wisconsin
Northwestern will lose to Michigan State
Army will lose to Temple
Western Michigan will lose to Central Michigan
Wyoming will lose to Air Force
Miami, Ohio will lose to Ohio
Utah State will lose to Nevada
Marshall will lose to West Virginia
UCLA will lose to California
Tulane will lose to Houston
Kansas State will lose to Texas A&M
Rice will lose to East Carolina
Akron will lose to Buffalo
Colorado State will lose to TCU
New Mexico State will lose to Louisiana Tech
Hawaii will lose to Idaho
San Diego State will lose to BYU
Stanford will lose to Arizona
Memphis will lose to Southern Miss
Louisville will lose to UConn
Colorado will lose to Kansas
SMU will lose to Navy
UNLV will los to Utah
Delaware St. will lose to Michigan

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Rod's Rejects - College Football Picks - Week #6

Glad you're back this week to check out Week 6, but the ACC is absolutely blowin' a hole in my record. Last week's picks turned out a 26-7 finish, with 3 of the losses in the ACC (Virginia-UNC, Wake Forest-NC State, Florida State-Boston College).

Trouble on the horizon...I'm pickin' some more ACC games this week - uh ohhhhh!!

Anyway, the year's total comes to 152-34, still clickin' along at 82%.

Some good games comin' our way this weekend, so pull up a chair and grab the chips...Saturday's gonna be a great day for college football.

This Week's Games In The ACC

Boston College (4-1, 2-1 in the ACC) at Virginia Tech (4-1, 2-0 in the ACC)

Frank Spaziani and the Eagles are flyin' a little higher than they were supposed to this year, and they're lookin' to get to another level Saturday when they target Blacksburg as the next landing spot. But they are gonna run into a bigger, meaner bird when they get there. Frank Beamer and the Hokies are pretty good at protecting their Turkey Coop, and that ain't gonna change this weekend.

Rod's Reject - Boston College


Georgia Southern (3-2) at North Carolina (3-2, 0-2 in the ACC)

Butch Davis and the Tar Heels have stepped in it so far this year, and if they ain't careful, they will end up wallerin' in a pile of it this weekend. Chris Hatcher and the Statesboro Birds don't plan on showin' up to Chapel Hill just to get the money, and the Blue Billies would be wise to figure that out before the game starts. Seems like an easy win for the Heels, but nothin' has come easy for them yet this year.

Rod's Reject - Georgia Southern


Indiana (3-2, 0-2 in the Big Ten) at Virginia (1-3, 1-0 in the ACC)

Bill Lynch and the Hoosiers ramble into Charlottesville Saturday for a mid-afternoon tilt with Virginia, and will be more than ready to take care of business and head back to the mid-west with a victory. But Al Groh and the Sword Toters are on a little bit of a winning streak (yep, a 1-gamer), but it does help your confidence just a little. Hard to really figure this one, but I think the Cavaliers will show up to play.

Rod's Reject - in a close one - Indiana


Duke (2-3, 0-1 in the ACC) at N.C. State (3-2, 0-1 in the ACC)

Ahh, a little Tabacky Road Rendevous. Blue Devils, Wolfpack, 3-pointers (hold up, gettin' ahead of the sports season). David Cutcliffe and his Blue Lucifers travel down the road about 33 miles to Raleigh where there will be a pack of mean dogs waiting for their arrival. Tom O'Brien and the Wolfpack dropped the ball last week against Wake Forest, and will be ready to get back on the winning track versus Duke. That ain't gonna be easy, but they will get it done.

Rod's Reject - Duke


Maryland (2-3, 1-0 in the ACC) at Wake Forest (3-2, 1-1 in the ACC)

Ralph Friedgen and the Ground Crawlers got up off the turf last week and showed up to win a game, and now the Terps look to keep the mojo going Saturday. But Jim Grobe and the church-goers have some other plans, as they look to continue their season's revival with another key win. The Terps had a good game last week...ain't convinced that can do it two games in a row.

Rod's Reject - Maryland


Florida A&M (4-0, 2-0 in the MEAC) at Miami,Fla (3-1, 2-1 in the ACC)

Joe Taylor and the A&M Rattlers slither into Miami Saturday, ready to inflict pain and suffering on the Hurricanes, but they will find out that it's kinda tough to bite something you can't catch. Randy Shannon and the Big Wind are pickin' up some steam, and the storm is growin' bigger...I don't think the snakes will be able to survive the wind damage when all is said and done.

Rod's Reject - Florida A&M


Georgia Tech (4-1, 2-1 in the ACC) at Florida State (2-3, 0-2 in the ACC)

With all the craziness going on in Tallahassee this week, seems like they ought give me a pass for pickin' this one, because Lord only knows which Seminole team will come to play. Paul Johnson and his Atlanta Buzz will swarm into Seminole-ville, fully prepared to render the Tribe senseless, but Bobby Bowden is one of the best at circlin' the wagons, and he'll need all his skill and ability to pull this one off.

Rod's Reject - in a knockdown-dragout - Georgia Tech


This Week's Games In The SEC

Vanderbilt (2-3, 0-3 in the SEC) at Army (2-3)

Bobby Johnson and his Ship Steerers hit the waves and prepare for an all-out attack against the Black Knights, and most of the shots will hit the mark. Rich Ellerson and the Cadets are some tough fighters, and will battle all game long, but won't have enough amunition to keep the Commodores from seizin' the fort.

Rod's Reject - Army


Alabama (5-0, 2-0 in the SEC) at Mississippi (3-1, 1-1 in the SEC)

Nick Saban and the Pachyderms mosey into Rebel-ville Saturday and the Rebels will have all gun sights aimed square and the big animal. Houston Nutt and his Renegades will be fully armed for the battle, and will lob everything they have at the Tide, but it won't be quite enough. The Tide survive and get ready for next week's game against South Carolina.

Rod's Reject - Mississippi


Houston (3-1, 0-1) at Mississippi State (2-3, 1-2 in the SEC)

Kevin Sumlin and the Texas Cats go on the prowl, and they will find some possible prey when they get into Starkville Saturday. But Dan Mullen and the Bulldogs ain't just gonna lay down and roll over for the visitors. MSU has a good chance to pull this one out, but I think the Cougars will be a bit too fast and will ding the scoreboard a few more times than the Bulldogs, and the Bullies won't be able to catch up.

Rod's Reject - Mississippi State


Georgia (3-2, 2-1 in the SEC) at Tennessee (2-3, 0-2 in the SEC)

Mark Richt and the Red Clay Hounds are still lickin' a few wounds left from their dog-n-cat battle with LSU, but the scars will be healed up and the Dawgs will be ready to scrap again Saturday in Knoxville. Lane Kiffin and the Volunteers got a few muskets short of a full brigade, and that will make a difference this weekend. The Free Fighters' shots will find their mark on the Dawgs, but they won't have enough ammo to put the Bulldogs down for the count.

Rod's Reject - Tennessee


Auburn (5-0, 2-0 in the SEC) at Arkansas (2-2, 0-2 in the SEC)

Bobby Petrino and the Razorbacks have rooted in and are prepared to take on the invading Tigers, led by Gene Chizik. The Tigers have surprised some in the SEC West this year, and still sport an undefeated record. But back-to-back away games in the SEC usually takes its toll, with the second one being the toughest. And it doesn' help that the Tigers have to find a way to stop this bunch of Hawgs. All good things must come to an end, and so it will be Saturday.

Rod's Reject - in an Upset - Auburn


Florida (4-0, 2-0 in the SEC) at LSU (5-0, 3-0 in the SEC)

Baton Rouge is the site for the big showdown as No. 1 Florida tangles with No. 4 LSU. Urban Meyer and the Giant Water Lizards hope to have a big dish of Bengal Tiger on the supper menu Saturday night, but this bunch of Tigers ain't gonna be that easy to catch and skin. Les Miles and the Striped Cats will have their claws sharpened and ready, and will cut the Gators many times. But the Gators will survive the attack and move on - barely.

Rod's Reject - in a doozy - LSU


Games Involving Other South Carolina Teams

The Citadel (2-2, 0-1 in the Southern Conference) at Elon (4-1, 2-0 in the Southern Conference)

Kevin Higgins and the Charleston Bullies head up to North Carolina Saturday, lookin' to throw water on the Phoenix fire, but Pete Lembo and the Fire Kings have been burnin' too brightly lately to let a little water put a damper on things. The Bulldogs are game for the fight, they just ain't gonna have quite enough to finish the job.

Rod's Reject - The Citadel


Presbyterian (0-5, 0-1 in the Big South) at Old Dominion (3-2)

Harold Nichols and the Blue Socks hit the road yet again as they hit the trail to Virginia to take on the Old Dominion Monarchs. It's been a tough, learning year for the Blue Hose, and the class only gets harder this Saturday. The future looks good for PC, just have to work through the tough parts for it to pay off in the end.

Rod's Rejects - Presbyterian


Other Key National Games

Michigan (4-1, 1-1 in the Big Ten) at Iowa (5-0, 1-0 in the Big Ten)

Rich Rodriguez and the Skunk Bears waddle into Corn Country, hopin' to take a killer swat at a bunch of Hawkeyes. But Kirk Ferentz and his Yellow Birds are a little too quick this year to get caught in mid flight, and so it will be Saturday night. The Wolverines are makin' strides and are continuing to improve, but stealin' one at Iowa at night ain't the easiest thing to do. Tough, close game, but Iowa sneaks out with the win.

Rod's Reject - in a close one - Michigan


Wisconsin (5-0, 2-0 in the Big Ten) at Ohio State (4-1, 2-0 in the Big Ten)

Bret Bielema and the Badgers roll into the Horseshoe Saturday with all intentions of shakin' the nuts out of the trees, but that will be easier said than done. Jim Tressel and the Buckeyes have gotten things squared off since the loss to Southern California, and they ain't ready to cough up another loss just yet. But this one's gonna be closer than most think, and all those at the Shoe Saturday will be sittin' tight for a while.

Rod's Reject - Wisconsin


The Big Two In South Carolina

Clemson (2-3, 1-2 in the ACC) - Idle. Next Game - October 17 vs Wake Forest


Kentucky (2-2, 0-2 in the SEC) at South Carolina (4-1, 1-1 in the SEC)

If this is supposed to be the New Carolina, this is the type of week where you show it. Classic trap game as the Gamecocks look forward to Alabama, while welcoming in a team that has two straight losses. Steve Spurrier and the Yardbirds better come to the Willy-B fully flocked Saturday as they will get the best shot from Rich Brooks and his Blue Cats. The Gamecocks have the capability to handle this bunch of Cats, and they will. But I think it will be a little closer than most expect.

Rod's Reject - Kentucky


Other Losers Around The Country

Louisiana Tech will lose to Nevada
Syracuse will lose to West Virginia
Michigan State will lose to Illinois
UConn will lose to Pitt
Purdue will lose to Minnesota
Miami, Ohio will lose to Northwestern
Iowa State will lose to Kansas
Ball State will lose to Temple
New Mexico will lose to Wyoming
Kansas State will lose to Texas Tech
Colorado will lose to Texas
Texas A&M will lose to Oklahoma State
Washington State will lose to Arizona State
UCLA will lose to Oregon
Baylor will lose to Oklahoma
Rice will lose to Navy
Air Force will lose to TCU
SMU will lose to East Carolina
Hawaii will lose to Fresno State
UNLV will lose to BYU

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Rod's Rejects - College Football Losers - Week #5

Had a little short in the Pickin' Machine wires last week - South Florida, Georgia Tech, TCU, South Carolina, and Iowa, among others, made the week's numbers less than stellar.

Still, finished up 31-8, bringing the year's total to 126-27 (82%).

Got some good ones in the hopper this week, though USC and Clemson should skate by rather easily against their opponents.

By the way, we have a guest picker this week - see the Clemson-Maryland write-up for his pick. And if you'd like to pick a game, do the write-up and send it in. I can't say for sure I'll use it, but odds are good that I will.

Anyway, on to this week's picks!!


This Week's Games in the ACC

Virginia Tech (3-1, 1-0 in the ACC) at Duke (2-2, 0-0 in the ACC)

Frank Beamer and the Blacksburg Birds swoop into Durham Saturday with plans on taking a couple of pecks out of a Blue'd Devil. But David Cutcliffe isn't going to just let his Lucifers get nibbled at so easily. The Hokies are struttin' some pretty big feathers these days, and will look to do so again this weekend. It will take a little scratchin' on the Devils to get it done, but they will.

Rod's Reject - Duke


Virginia (0-3, 0-0 in the ACC) at North Carolina (3-1, 1-1 in the ACC)

Al Groh and his Shipwreck set sail for Chapel Hill, lookin' to get the boat back on course, but there will be rough waters to steer through when they get there Saturday. Butch Davis and his Tarheels got their horns dulled by a Humble Bumble last week in Atlanta, but they made it back to their North Carolina goat pen in time to get them sharpened up a little. It won't take a very sharp horn to sink the Cavaliers Saturday - the Sword Toters will throw up the S.O.S. sign as they continue to see their ship take on water.

Rod's Reject - Virginia


Oklahoma (2-1, 0-1 in the Big 12) at Miami, Fla (2-1, 2-1 in the ACC)

Bob Stoops and the Sooner Schooner get hitched up and roll into South Beach, hopin' to rope the Big Wind, but their gonna find out that it's gonna be a little tough to get a handle on. Last week, Randy Shannon and his Hurricanes got stormed by Virginia Tech, so they will come out and throw a big gust at the Okies, and it will hit the mark. Probably one of the better games of the day.

Rod's Reject - in an upset - Oklahoma


Florida State (2-2, 0-1 in the ACC) at Boston College (3-1, 1-1 in the ACC)

Bobby Bowden and the Florida Tribe head due North as they aim their arrows square at the Boston Birds. Frank Spaziani and the Eagles will have all intentions of swoopin' down on the Seminole attack and headin' it off before it ever gets started, but they ain't gonna be swift enough to get it done. Florida State seems to be alternatin' good weeks and bad weeks...this week will be a good 'un.

Rod's Reject - Boston College


North Carolina State (3-1, 0-0 in the ACC) at Wake Forest (2-2, 0-1 in the ACC)

The ACC Atlantic Division starts to shake out this week as Tom O'Brien and his Wild Dawgs invade Preacherville with all intentions of interuptin' any sermon that the Demon Deacons may be plannnin' on preachin'. But Jim Grobe and the Saintly Ones don't take too kindly to such visitors, especially when they're hairy and have bad breath. But the Wolfpack will make themselves part of the congregation, and will end up bein' part of the service when all is said and done.

Rod's Reject - in a close one - Wake Forest


This Week's Games in the SEC

Alabama (4-0, 1-0 in the SEC) at Kentucky (2-1, 0-1 in the SEC)

The Crimson Tide takes one of the best teams in the country into Lexington Saturday with all intentions of staying undefeated...and they will. Rich Brooks and the Wildcats got skinned last week against Florida, and things don't look to get too much better this week. The Tide rolls in...and the Cats roll over.

Rod's Reject - Kentucky


Mississippi (2-1, 0-1 in the SEC) at Vanderbilt (2-2, 0-2 in the SEC)

Houston Nutt and the Rebels unloaded their muskets last week and came up empty in Columbia, so they look to re-load and take aim at a bunch of Sea Men in Nashville Saturday Night. This time, they will hit the target. Bobby Johnson and the Ship Steerers defend well, but generally don't have a lot of ammo to toss at the enemy. And when the Commodore Cannons come up short, the Rebels will be ready to inflict the final shot.

Rod's Reject - Vanderbilt


Texas A&M (3-0, 0-0) at Arkansas (1-2, 0-2 in the SEC)

The Aggies are makin' some news as they start off 3-0, and Mike Sherman and his troops believe that 4-0 will come when they tangle with the Wild Hawgs at Cowboys Stadium. But Bobby Petrino and his Razorbacks, though the record doesn't show it, have some pretty lethal tusks that can be very dangerous for a bunch of collies, and so it will be Saturday. The Aggies will be tough, but the Tusks will be tougher as the Air Show lights up the skies for Arkansas.

Rod's Reject - in a doozy - Texas A&M


Georgia Tech (3-1, 2-1 in the ACC) at Mississippi St. (2-2, 1-2 in the SEC)

If you like good, old-fashioned, slobber-knocker football, this one is the one for you this weekend!! Paul Johnson and his Hotlanta Humbles buzz into Starkville Saturday with aims on plantin' many stingers into a Bulldog Behind, and many will be direct hits. Dan Mullen and his Maroon Mutts ain't that bad, though, and will fight tooth and nail to pull this one out. Don't be surprised if they do, but I think the Yellow Jackets will prove that they have a little too much for Mississippi State when the final horn sounds.

Rod's Reject - in a close one - Mississippi State


LSU (4-0, 2-0 in the SEC) at Georgia (3-1, 2-0 in the SEC)

Les Miles and the Bayou Bengals take their #4 ranking into Athens Saturday and look to show off their prize for the Bulldogs, but Mark Richt and the Red Clay Hounds ain't gonna be real impressed with the undefeated Tigers, and will commence to show LSU what the Dawgs are all about. Georgia will need to improve the defense this week to have a chance, and I think they will. For the second week in a row, the #4 team in the nation goes down.

Rod's Reject - LSU


Auburn (4-0, 1-0 in the SEC) at Tennessee (2-2, 0-1 in the SEC)

Gene Chizik and the War Eagle soar into Knoxville Saturday with high expectations, but if they ain't careful, they will be headed back to the Plains half-plucked. Lane Kiffin and the Free Fighters will plan an all-out assault to pick the birds out of the sky, but I ain't sure they're gonna be shootin' with real bullets. The Tigers will outlast the attack, and end up putting just enough on the scoreboard to sink the Knoxville Navy.

Rod's Reject - in an upset - Tennnessee


Other Games Around The Nation

Ohio State (3-1, 1-0 in the Big Ten) at Indiana (3-1, 0-1 in the Big Ten)

Jim Tressel and the Tree Nuts head into Hoosierville Saturday Night, lookin' to continue their 2-game winning streak. The Buckeyes have thrown up two straight shutouts, and hope to make this one their third. But the Bucks better beware...Jim Lynch and the Hoos can put some points on the board, and this one will be at night at their own house. Closer than you thnk...

Rod's Reject - Indiana


USC (3-1, 1-1 in the PAC 10) at California (3-1, 0-1 in tha PAC 10)

Pete Carroll and the Horse Riders head into Berkeley to grapple with an angry bear, and they better watch out because the Bears will want to go in the for kill quickly after last week's debacle against Oregon. California Coach Jeff Tedford and his Bears will want to get the taste of last week's loss out of their mouths, and the opportunity will be there for them to do just that. The Trojans battle hard, but it won't be enough.

Rod's Reject - in an upset - USC


Other Games Around South Carolina

Presbyterian (0-4) at Stony Brook, NY (1-3)

Don't know a lot about the Stony Brook Seawolves, but I do know that Presbyterian and Head Coach Harold Nichols are anxious to get a win this year. The Blue Hose are still building, and that will take some time, but traveling up to New York for a game won't help the process any.

Rod's Reject - Presbyterian


Appalachian State (1-2) at The Citadel (2-1)

The Mountaineers have started off a little behind schedule, but the competition has been stout. And when they invade Charleston Saturday, they will be more than ready to get back into the win column. Kevin Higgins will have the Bulldogs ready, and don't be surprised if this one comes down to the wire.

Rod's Reject - in a close one - The Citadel


The Big Two In South Carolina

Clemson (2-2, 1-1 in the ACC) at Maryland (1-3, 0-0 in the ACC)
Guest Picker John Salter, Charleston, SC

Ralph Friedgen and his Terrapins are living in a thin shell these days and forget the hot seat, the turtle soup is about to come to a boil for Friedgen. The big Terp may be the next coach in the ACC to be cooked by mid-season. Clemson's big cats are hungry and prowling for a big meal after the fatal invasion of frogs from Texas. Back in the town of Bedrock Wilma and Betty pushed shopping carts around on the backs of turtles. Come Saturday it'll be a yaba-Dabo good time as Swinney's cats push the Terps all around the Park.

John's Joker - Maryland


South Carolina State (3-0, 1-0 in the MEAC) at South Carolina (3-1, 1-1 in the SEC)

Buddy Pough and the Orangeburg Bullies hit I-26 toward Columbia for a Saturday Night Showdown at the Willy-B. The Bulldogs are an FCS (I-AA) school, but will come into Columbia with something to prove...that they can play with the big boys. Watch for State's RB, Will Ford, he'll get his yards as he is one of the best in the South. Steve Spurrier and the Gamecocks are coming off of an electric Thursday night win versus #4 Mississippi, and are in prime shape to have a little bit of a hangover. But the Yard Birds claim to be a New Carolina, which means this one shouldn't be close in the 4th quarter like many have been in the past. I'm buyin' - this group of Chickens will come out ready to fight and will end up pullin' most all the fur out of the Bulldogs as the G-Train rolls on!!

Rod's Reject - South Carolina State

Other Losers

Colorado will lose to West Virginia
Utah State will lose to BYU
Michigan will lose to Michigan State
Syracuse will lose to South Florida
Arkansas State will lose to Iowa
Miami, Ohio will lose to Cincinnati
Illinois will lose to Penn State
UCLA will lose to Stanford
Washington will lose to Notre Dame
Air Force will lose to Navy
New Mexico will lose to Texas Tech
UTEP will lose to Houston
Washington State will lose to Oregon
SMU will lose to TCU
Kent State will lose to Baylor
Marshall will lose to East Carolina
Northwestern will lose to Purdue

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