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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Rod's Rejects - College Football Picks 2009 - Week #4

The Reject Pickin' Machine lost a wheel last week and ended up in the ditch - record was 29-8, with the biggest shocker that Southern California lost.

This week, things get tougher. Though there aren't a lot of great games in the ACC, there should be a lot of close, hard-fought games that should be very exciting.

Overall, the picks are 95-19 (83%).

On to this week's picks - remember, the Reject is the loser.


Games In The ACC

South Florida (3-0) at Florida State (2-1, 0-1 in ACC)

The Big Bullies from Tampa take the dogey trail up to Tallahassee Saturday to lock horns with a bunch of risen Seminoles, but Jim Leavitt's herd are gonna be a horn short because quarterback Matt Grothe was lost for the season with a torn ACL. The Bulls will find it difficult to butt the tribe without its main ringleader. Bobby Bowden and the Seminoles went west last weekend and found out a lot about themselves, and they ain't about to come back home and lay a dud for the home crowd.

Rod's Reject - South Florida


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

Dave Wannstedt and the Big Cats from Steel-Town head into Raleigh, lookin' to pounce on a pack of wild dogs. But Tom O'Brien and the Wolfpack don't take kindly to any visitor tryin' to come bust up the pack, and they will be ready to defend the home turf.

Rod's Reject - Pittsburgh


Rutgers (2-1) at Maryland (1-2, 0-0 in ACC)

The Scarlet Knights get all armored-up and head to College Park with a spear sharp enough to puncture a turtle shell, and Ralph Friedgen and the Terps may not be strong enough to fend off the attack. The Ground Crawlers have been slow movers this year, and nothing on the radar says that's gonna change anytime soon. Maryland will be angry and hungry for a win, but I just don't think they'll have enough to get it done.

Rod's Reject - Maryland


Wake Forest (2-1, 0-0 in ACC) at Boston College (2-1, 0-1 in the ACC)

Prayer meeting on Saturday at Chestnut Hill as Jim Grobe and his Elders look to have a revival against a bunch of Nation Birds. But Frank Spaziani and the Golden Eagles have their own prayer request as they hope for some divine intervention for their offense. The Demon Deacons will put up a good fight, but its the Eagles who'll find their prayers answered.

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


Miami, Florida (2-0, 2-0 in ACC) at Virginia Tech (2-1, 0-0 in ACC)

The Big Wind from Coral Gables is making plenty of waves this year, and hope to make landfall again this Saturday in Blacksburg. But Frank Beamer and the Hokies have been known to put up some walls that will stop the surge from pouring in, and they will have to do just that to ride out the storm. Randy Shannon and the Canes are for real, but won't have quite enough gusts in them to blow over this bunch of Gobblers.

Rod's Reject - in an Upset - Miami, Florida


North Carolina (3-0, 0-0 in the ACC) at Georgia Tech (2-1, 1-1 in the ACC)

Butch Davis and the Blue Billies knock heads with a stubborn Bumble Saturday in Atlanta, and the bees will get mad as hornets when the Billies try to do their buttin'. Paul Johnson's Yellow Jackets got some Raid sprayed on them last week, and a tough, 3-game stretch may take its toll on the Big City Bees. The Tar Heels may have figured out how to stop the Jacket ground attack, and that will be the difference.

Rod's Reject - in an Upset - Georgia Tech


Games In The SEC

Arizona State (2-0) at Georgia (2-1, 2-0 in SEC)

Dennis Erickson and the Sun Devils from Tempe invade Sanford Stadium Saturday, and what they will find when they get their will make them want to lose their religion. Mark Richt and the Athens Clayhounds ain't got a lot on the stop side just yet, but the points sure do ring up for their offense. The Sun Devils are 2-0, with wins versus Idaho State and Louisiana-Monroe, but they will have a devil of a time with Georgia and they'll find out quickly that their pitchforks ain't gonna be sharp enough to get the job done.

Rod's Reject - Arizona State


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

Frank Solich and the northern Bobcats go on the prowl in Knoxville Saturday, but they will find a lot of angry freedom fights pointing guns at 'em when they get there. Lane Kiffin and the Volunteers will be ready to get the Knoxville Navy back afloat, an will have an easy time doing it this weekend.

Rod's Reject - Ohio


Ball State (0-3) at Auburn (3-0, 0-0 in the SEC)

Don't look now, but the War Eagle is starting to soar as Gene Chizik and the Tigers have pounced out to an undefeated start, raising a lot of hopes on the Plains. The visiting Ball State Cardinals ain't gonna be able to do too much about crashin' the party, either. The War Eagles fly high, and begin preparations for a high-flying attack at Tennessee next week.

Rod's Reject - Ball State


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

Urban Meyer and the Toothy Crew look to leave last week's (and this week's) boxing match with Tennessee behind as they look to de-fur the Wildcats Saturday evening in Lexington. Rich Brooks and the Blue Cats will have their claws flared, ready to inflict some damage, but the Gators will start chompin' early, and it will last a while, too.

Rod's Reject - Kentucky


Vanderbilt (1-2, 0-2 in the SEC) at Rice (0-3)

The Ship Steerers set sail for Texas Saturday and all cannons will be aimin' to take down the Hooty Hoots from Rice. Lucky for Bobby Johnson and the 'Dores...the sights on the guns will be perfectly set to get the job done. Daid Bailiff's Owls ain't too good at flyin' away from danger, and they will find it even harder to dodge a cannon-shot in Houston Saturday night.

Rod's Reject - Rice


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

Dan Mullen and the Maroon Bullies hope to make headlines Saturday as they hope to skin the Tigers in Starkville, and they may actually make a few believers early in the game. But Les Miles and the Baton Rouge Bengals have too much pride to be chased and beaten by this bunch of Bulldogs, and whatever good the Bulldogs can do won't be able to last the whole game.

Rod's Reject - Mississippi State


Arkansas (1-1, 0-1 in the SEC) at Alabama (3-0, 0-0 in the SEC)

This mid-afternoon tilt will be the most interesting game in the SEC this week as Bobby Petrino and the Wild Hawgs try to snort up a win at Alabama. Well, you better believe the Hawgs have the potential to pull the upset as the Razorback Offense is serious stuff, but the Hawgs ain't rooted out too much on the defensive side, and that's what Nick Saban's Tide will take advantage of. The Crimson Tide will roll, but it ain't gonna be without a scare.

Rod's Reject - Arkansas


Other State Games in South Carolina

North Greenville (0-4) at Charleston Southern (0-3)

The Crusaders from the upstate head down I-26 Saturday in search of their first win of the season, but they're gonna run into a bunch of Buccaneers who are after the same prize. Jay Mills and the Ship Bandits have had to sail some rough waters this year (Florida, Wofford, South Florida), but the hard work pays off this weekend as the Bucs get their first in of the year.

Rod's Reject - North Greenville


Presbyterian (0-3) at The Citadel (1-1)

Harold Nichols and the Blue Stockings also make the I-26 trip this weekend as they invade South Carolina's Mother City to take on the Citadel, and they're gonna darn-near out of luck in trying to get their first victory of the year. Kevin Higgins and the Bulldogs went up to Ivy-Town (Princeton) last week and showed them who's boss, and I think they're gonna get the same results this weekend at Johnson-Hagood Stadium.

Rod's Reject - Presbyterian


Wofford (1-2) at Chattanooga (2-1)

Mike Ayers and the Terriers have had a hard time gettin' some wins this year, but that's gonna happen when you play at South Florida and at Wisconsin. The Terriers hit the road again Saturday for a quick trip to Chattanooga, and they might just find some success this week on the road. Russ Huesman and the Mocs ain't gonna be a pushover, and Wofford will have to play hard the whole game to get the win...and so they will.

Rod's Reject - Chattanooga


The State of South Carolina - The Big Two

TCU (2-0) at Clemson (2-1, 1-1 in the ACC)

Gary Patterson and the Purple Frogs hop into Death Valley Saturday afternoon, lookin' to put a few of their Horns into the Tiger's Tail. But what they find when they get there won't make them feel too froggy. Dabo Swinney and the Tigers are still lookin' for their entire offense to click, and I don't think they will find all the answers this week against a tough TCU defense. But the Tigers have speed to burn, and a defense that ain't too shabby, either. When all is said and done, TCU will end up playin' a game of Frogger against the Tigers, and they ain't gonna be able to hop out of the way of the traffic quick enough. Splat...maw, get the spatula, there's a dead frog in the road.

Rod's Reject - in a close one - TCU


Mississippi (2-0, 0-0 in the SEC) at South Carolina (2-1, 0-1 in the SEC) - Thursday Night

Houston Nutt and the Rebel invade the Poultry Plant Thursday Night with a gaudy #4 ranking and one of the top gunslingers in the South in Jevan Snead. This bunch of Rebels are gonna be tough to deal with, and will bring plenty of ammo with them when they get here. Steve Spurrier and the Gamecocks have a great opportunity for a signature win, with a chance to beat a team ranked this high since 1981. Williams-Brice will be loud and the Yard Birds will be ready, and memories of beating #8 Kentucky in 2007 will be dancin' in everybody's heads. When it comes to these kind of games, though, you gotta look at who's got the advantage at quarterback, defensive line, and secondary. Two out of the three go to Mississippi for this game, with maybe the secondaries being equal. Injuries on the G-cock d-line, and too much Snead, will be too much for USC to overcome.

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


Other Losers

North Carolina Central will lose to Duke
Fresno State will lose to Cincinnati
Southern Miss will lose to Kansas
Indiana will lose to Michigan
Nevada will lose to Missouri
Illinois will lose to Ohio State
Bowling Green will lose to Boise State
Central Florida will lose to East Carolina
Army will lose to Iowa State
Marshall will lose to Memphis
San Diego State will lose to Air Force
Oregon will lose to California
Colorado State will lose to BYU
Washington will lose to Stanford
Louisville will lose to Utah
UTEP will lose to Texas
Purdue will lose to Notre Dame
Iowa will lose to Penn State
Washington State will lose to USC
Louisiana-Lafayette will lose to Nebraska
Western Kentucky will lose to Navy

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Rod's Rejects - College Football Picks - Week #3 for 2009

The Pickin' Machine kicked out some good deals last week as the Rejects went 34-4 (missing USC-Ohio State, Tennessee-UCLA, Mich. State-Central Michigan, Houston-Oklahoma State). Got lucky on a lot of 'em, but luck counts, I guess.

Anyway, this week's picks start to get interesting, especially with Tennessee vs Florida. We'll see what the picks say about that game...and the others.

Overall, after two weeks, the picks are 66-11 (86%).

On to this week's bunch of losers...remember, the Reject is the loser.


Games In The ACC

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

Pete Lembo and his Phoenix fly into Winston-Salem Saturday hopin' to rise up and make off with a win against Wake Forest, but Jim Grobe and the Demon Deacons have other plans. Elon ain't such a bad bunch, and will scare the devil out of the Deacons before all is said and done. But, the Preachermen will have plenty of faith that they can get the job done...and they will.

Rod's Reject - Elon


Duke (1-1, 0-0 in the ACC) at Kansas (2-0, 0-0 in the Big 12)

David Cutcliffe and the Blue Devils load up the bus and head out to Big K Country for a Saturday afternoon tilt with the Jayhawks, and they better have their pitchforks sharp when they get there. Mark Mangino and the Blue Birds will be ready to dig their claws into the Devil Derriere, and there won't be much that Duke will be able to do about it.

Rod's Reject - Duke


East Carolina (1-1) at North Carolina (2-0, 0-0 in the ACC)

Chapel Hill is the scene for Saturday's duel between the Pirates and the Tar Heels, as Skip Holtz and his Boat Thieves aim to knock the horns clean off the Blue Billies. But Butch Davis and the Heels don't take too kindly to rude visitors tryin' to make a mess of their home, so they will be more than ready for the battle. The Sea Bandits will give 'em a fight, but they will be the ones walkin' the plank when the final horn sounds.

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


Middle Tennessee (1-1) at Maryland (1-1, 0-0 in the ACC)

Rick Stockstill and the Blue Raiders invade turtleville Saturday, and the Terps better be on full lookout or they will end up shell-shocked. Ralph Friedgen and the Ground Crawlers have gotten off to a slow start, and it will get a lot slower if they don't beat the Blue Raiders to the finish line Saturday afternoon. The Shells will be able to hold off the sword swingers, but it ain't gonna be easy to watch for Terp fans.

Rod's Reject - in a squeamishly close one - MTSU


Virginia (0-2, 0-0 in the ACC) at Southern Mississippi (2-0)

The Cavaliers have dry-docked so far this year, and things ain't gonna get any better for Al Groh and his bunch of Sword Toters Saturday and they set sail for Hattiesburg to take a stab at the Golden Eagles. Larry Fedora and the Birds are flyin' high and don't look to be brought down to earth just yet. The claws are sharp, and the Cavaliers will be the recipient of one too many scratches on Saturday.

Rod's Reject - Virginia


Gardner-Webb (2-0) at N.C. State (1-1, 0-0 in the ACC)

A good ol' fashioned dogfight will take place in Raleigh this weekend as Steve Patton and his Runnin' Bulldogs scamper into the den of the Big Wild Dog. Tom O'Brien got the Pack back on track last week, and will look to hunt down their prey this weekend, too. But the Bullies from Boiling Springs bring plenty of teeth to the fight, and it will be late in the day before this one turns into a Wolfpack W.

Rod's Reject - Gardner-Webb


Florida State (1-1, 0-1 in the ACC) at BYU (2-0)

The Mountain Cats from Provo play host to the Seminoles Saturday, and will try to dodge the arrows that will be thrown their way by the Tribe. Bobby Bowden and the Florida Tribe will circle the wagons and be fully prepared for the fight, but I'm afraid they're gonna run out of ammunition before its over. Bronco Mendenhall and the Cougars will end up losing a few lives, but the one they have left will make the difference.

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


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

Early fall Saturday's in Blacksburg were made for football, and Frank Beamer and the Big Birds will be more than happy to show Nebraska what it's all about. Bo Pelini and the Corn Feds will shuck off many of the Hokie attacks, but won't have enough pop in the corn to fend off all of 'em.

Rod's Reject - Nebraska


Games In The SEC

Southeastern Louisiana (2-0) at Ole Miss (1-0, 0-0 in the SEC)

Mike Lucas and the Lions roar into the Grove on Saturday with all intentions of stuffin' a musket up the Rebels...um...goalpost. But Houston Nutt and the Country Fighters have laid some well-coordinated battle plans for this year, and a sneak attack by the Lions ain't part of the strategy. The Green and Gold will be black and blue when this one's over...and the Rebels get ready for next Thursday's tilt with South Carolina.

Rod's Reject - HUGE - Southeastern Louisiana


Louisville (1-0) at Kentucky (1-0, 0-0 in the SEC

The Battle for the State of Kentucky takes place in Lexington Saturday, but I ain't sure the folks will get their money's worth. The Cardinals and Steve Kragthorpe don't run the air show like they used to in Red-Land, and Rich Brooks' Wildcats will make sure that stays the same this weekend.

Rod's Reject - Louisville


Louisiana-Lafayette (2-0) at LSU (2-0, 0-0 in the SEC

The Ragin' Cajuns roll into Batawn Roooge this weekend with high hopes of de-furrin' the Tigers, but Les Miles and the Bengals will have too much pride to let that happen. LSU struggled a little with Vandy last week, but that ain' gonna happen two weeks in a row.

Rod's Reject - Louisiana-Lafayette


North Texas (1-1) at Alabama (2-0, 0-0 in the SEC)

Todd Dodge and the Mean Green...err...ain't that good. They've already matched last year's win total, though, and will come into Tuscaloosa Saturday with a little bit of confidence (until the end of the 1st quarter). Nick Saban and the Tide will roll handily, and the Mean Green will get steam-cleaned by the Bama team...know what I mean?

Rod's Reject - North Texas


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

Everybody used to laugh at the Ship Steerers, but they run a pretty tight ship these days, and that ship ain't gonna be real nice to pets this weekend. Dan Mullen and the Maroon Bullies hope to come to music land and play a tune for the 'Dores, but Bobby Johnson's crew ain't gonna have none of it.

Rod's Reject - Mississippi State


West Virginia (2-0) at Auburn (2-0, 0-0 in the SEC

Bill Stewart and the Mountain Men invade the Plains Saturday, lookin' the sneak off with a win, but the War Eagle will be perched high in the tree and will be ready for the attack before it hits. But the Mountaineers weren't born yesterday, and they will know how to evade the Tiger Attack..barely.

Rod's Reject - in an upset - Auburn


Georgia (1-1, 1-0 in the SEC) at Arkansas (1-0, 0-0 in the SEC)

This one is a pick'em for a reason as this one may be the most entertainig game in the conference this weekend. Mark Richt and the Clay Hounds are all rowled up after a big win over South Carolina, but they better make sure their collar is fastened on when they hit Fayetteville Saturday because a bunch of Wild Hawgs will be ready to knock it slap off of 'em. Bobby Petrino and the Razorbacks will have their tusks sharpened this weekend, and their aim will be spot on.

Rod's Reject - in a close one - Georgia


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

Lane Kiffin and the Volunteers march into Gainesville Saturday, hopin' to put UT Football on the map...and they will, for all the wrong reasons. Urban Meyer and the Toothy Crew have some thick skin and some wide jaws...all the better to eat you with my dear. The Free Fighters will try their best to put a shot or two into the Gator Hide, but their ammo will end up bouncing off of the Gators without much damage. Could get ugly.

Rod's Reject - Tennessee


Other State Schools

Wofford (1-1) at Wisconsin (2-0)

Mike Ayers and the Terriers head into Madison Saturday with UPSET on their minds, but I'm not sure they'll have enough bite to get the job done. Bret Bielema and the Badgers might overlook the Terriers a little, but will have enough to fend off the upset bid.

Rod's Reject - Wofford


The Citadel (0-1) at Princeton (0-0)

Kevin Higgins and the Blue Bullies head up to Ivy-ville Saturday to open Princeton's football season, and a big dog-n-cat fight will be on the agenda. Roger Hughes and the Tigers ain't the biggest, baddest Cats on the street, but they will be good enough to ease by the Bulldogs. But it will be closer than you think.

Rod's Reject - The Citadel


Chattanooga (1-1) at Presbyterian (0-2)

Harold Nichols and the Blue Socks are still lookin' for their first win of the season Saturday, and this might just be the game to get it. Russ Huesman and the Mocs suffered through a 1-win season last year, and may not fare much better this year. The Mocs chunk it around the park a little, and PC has been vulnerable to the pass, so UT-C may be able to sneak this one out. But dont be surprised if they don't.

Rod's Reject - Presbyterian


The Big Two

Boston College (2-0, 0-0 in the ACC) at Clemson (1-1, 0-1 in the ACC)

Frank Spaziani and the Eagles fly into Death Valley Saturday with their claws aimed squarely at the hind quarters of a striped cat. But Dabo Swinney and the Tigers have been watchin' the skies and have seen the enemy coming way before kickoff. The Tigers took a tough loss last week in Atlanta, and they won't be caught offguard again so soon. The Eagles used to give Clemson all they wanted, and then some. But a few feathers have fallen of the Golden Birds, and that will be evident to all watchin' up in Tigerville. The Tigers roll and get ready for TCU next week.

Rod's Reject - Boston College


Florida Atlantic (0-1) at South Carolina (1-1, 0-1 in the SEC)

Steve Spurrier and the Gamecocks finally make their way home Saturday as the host Howard Schnellenberger and the Florida Hooty-Hoots. The Yard Birds were within 4 yards of an upset special last week, but couldn't quite finish the job. This week, the G-Cocks will look to handle a team they should beat handily, which hasn't always been the case in Columbia. But there's something cookin' over Poultry Plant way, and it ain't the Chickens. This bunch of Birds seems to have a little cock to their walk, and they won't let the Owls hang around for too long. The Gamecocks go to 2-1 and get ready for a wild Thursday in Columbia when Ole Miss rolls in.

Rod's Reject - Florida Atlantic


Other Losers

Fresno State will lose to Boise State
Eastern Michigan will lose to Michigan
Navy will lose to Pittsburgh
Toledo will lose to Ohio State
Temple will lose to Penn State
Wyoming will lose to Colorado
Arizona will lose to Iowa
Utah will lose to Oregon
Washington will lose to USC
Kansas State will lose to UCLA
Michigan State will lose to Notre Dame
Minnesota will lose to California
Rice will lose to Oklahoma State
Tulsa will lose to Oklahoma
UConn will lose to Baylor
Texas Tech will lose to Texas

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Rod's Rejects - College Football Picks 2009 - Week #2

Welcome to Week #2 of the College Football season. The Rejects hit the Lotto last week, but could've cashed in more if a few ACC schools would have helped out (thanks Virginia and Duke).

Anyway, the overall record for Week #1 was (32-7, 82%). This week, things get a little tougher as a few SEC schools play each other, and there are a few big-time National Games this week.

So let's see what numbers we can hit this week.

Remember, the Reject is the Loser!!

Games In The ACC

Jacksonville State (0-1) at Florida State (0-1, 0-1 in the ACC)

The Chicken Scratchers from Alabama continue their ACC swing as they flock into Tallahassee Saturday night, but they ain't gonna find a nice place to roost. Bobby Bowden and the Florida Tribe will have all their arrows sharpened, especially since Miami dulled a few 'em off last Monday night. The Seminoles get back into the win column, and the chickens will barely make it out of Doak Campbell Stadium with a feather left in 'em.

Rod's Reject - Jacksonville State


Murray State (1-0) at N.C. State (0-1, 0-0 in the ACC)

Matt Griffin and the Racers from Murray speed into Raleigh this weekend, hopin' to run past a bunch of angry Wild Dawgs, and their gonna be successful...for a while. Tom O'Brien and the Wolfpack, though, are hungry for a win and are anxious to prove that last week's showing was a fluke. And so it will be.

Rod's Reject - Murray State


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

The Chapel Hill Blue Billies head North Saturday to butt heads with UCONN, and what they'll find when they get there will be a bunch of Huskies ready to put the dyna-bite on some Tar Heel behind. But I ain't sure that Randy Edsall and the Blue Dogs will have teeth sharp enough to get the job done. Butch Davis and the Blue Goats will have a battle, but will have big enough horns to finish the Dogs off, but it will take a while.

Rod's Reject - Connecticut


Marshall (1-0) at Virginia Tech (0-1, 0-0 in the ACC)

The Hokies return to Blacksburg Saturday with the goal of getting back in the win column after a bad headache-night in Atlanta, and Marshall looks to be just what they need. Mark Snyder and the Thundering Herd will do their best to trample the Big Birds, but Frank Beamer's flock will have more than enough gobble in 'em to quell the thunder.

Rod's Reject - Marshall


Kent State (1-0) at Boston College (1-0, 0-0 in the ACC)

Doug Martin and his Golden Flashes bolt into Chestnut Hill for a weekend battle with the Eagles, but the visit will be short-circuited as Frank Spaziani's Capital Birds will find the prey to their liking in a big way. The Eagles continue to tune up as the ACC season approaches, and they better get some wins now because the season ahead might be a long one for them. But it won't be long on Saturday.

Rod's Reject - Kent State


TCU (0-0) at Virginia (0-1, 0-0 in the ACC)

Disaster struck Charlottesville last week when I-AA powerhouse William & Mary took out the Cavaliers by 2 touchdowns. Things don't look to get much better Saturday as Gary Patterson and the Horned Frogs aim to do the same thing. The Sword Toters are strugglin', and a tilt against the Toad Warriors may not make their season any better. Me thinks the Cav fans will be hoppin' made when this one is all said and done.

Rod's Reject - Virginia


Stanford (1-0) at Wake Forest (0-1, 0-0 in the ACC)

Jim Grobe and the Preachermen are sayin' a lot of prayers this week in hopes of resurrecting their season after last week's loss against Baylor, but the trials won't be a lot easier this week as the Big Tree heads into Winston-Salem. Jim Harbaugh and the Cardinal ain't gonna be pushovers, and it will take some hard choppin' to finally put the Trees down. In the end, the Forest will top the Trees Saturday...barely.

Rod's Reject - in a close one - Stanford


Duke (0-1, 0-0 in the ACC) at Army (1-0)

West Point will be the scene for this classic air assault versus ground attack battle as David Cutcliffe and the Blue Devils hope to ride an air wave to victory. But Rich Ellerson and the Black Knights like the ground assault, and it's hard to tell which one will have the more potent weapons. This one is a pick'em for a reason.

Rod's Reject - in a close one - Army


James Madison (0-0) at Maryland (0-1, 0-0 in the ACC)

The ol' Dukes from Harrisonburg roll into turtle-ville to open their season, and the rattlin' you'll hear half-way through this game will be the ACC fans, once again cringing at the thought of losing to another FCS school. Ralph Friedgen and the Terps better bring the A game, cause if they don't, they will be making headlines for the wrong reasons.

Rod's Reject - in an uncomfortably close one - James Madison


Games In The SEC

Troy (0-1) at Florida (1-0, 0-0 in the SEC)

The Gators continue to swim through the easier part of their schedule and Larry Blakeney and the Trojans invade Swamp-Ville to serve as another appetizer for the Toothy Crew. Urban Meyer and the Swamp Lizards will put an end to the Trojan's chances early, and Orange-and-Blue-clads will begin early preparations for next week's game against Tennessee.

Rod's Reject - Troy


Florida International (0-0) at Alabama (1-0, 0-0 in the SEC)

Mario Cristobal and the Golden Panthers go Ephalump huntin' in Tuscaloosa Saturday, but their gonna find out that the thing will be too big to get their claws around. Nick Saban and the Red Tide will roll early and often, washing out any hopes the Cats may have about an upset.

Rod's Reject - Florida International


Vanderbilt (1-0, 0-0 in the SEC) at LSU (1-0, 0-0 in the SEC)

Nothin' like a Saturday night football game in Baton Rouge, and the Commodores are gonna find that out the hard way. Bobby Johnson and the Ship Steerers will have to navigate some rough waters to be able to sail through the Tiger Territory, and I ain't sure the boat will be able withstand the poundin'. Les Miles and the Bengal Tigers will take a few shots, but the damage won't be bad enough to put the Cats down for long.

Rod's Reject - Vanderbilt


Mississippi State (1-0, 0-0 in the SEC) at Auburn (1-0, 0-0 in the SEC)

Dan Mullen and the New-Pride Bullies from Starkville head over to Auburn Saturday for a fight with a bunch of Tigers, and those watching this one will get their money's worth...and then some. Gene Chizik and the War Eagle will end up defending the home turf, but it will take every one of their nine lives to get it done.

Rod's Reject - Mississippi State


UCLA (1-0) at Tennessee (1-0, 0-0 in the SEC)

A good helping of revenge will be on Tennessee's plate this weekend as Rick Neuheisel and the Bruins head into Knoxville. Though Lane Kiffin is new to the scene, the Volunteer players remember last year's overtime loss in Los Angeles. But this time, the Bruins are comin' to the South, and Tennessee's southern pride will show through when the final horn sounds.

Rod's Reject - UCLA


Key National Games

Notre Dame (1-0) at Michigan (1-0)

This one kinda lacks the luster that it used to have, but it should be a great game to see. Though Charlie Weis and his Golden Domers put the hammer on Michigan last year, the Wolverines have another year under their belts and should make this one a whole bunch closer. Rich Rodriguez continues to re-build the Ann Arbor program, and a win in this one would really help the process.

Rod's Reject - in an upset - Notre Dame


Southern California (1-0) at Ohio State (1-0)

Pete Carroll and the Trojans head east to invade "The U" Saturday, and the Buckeyes will be fully prepared for the assault. Jim Tressel and the Buckeyes scraped out a tough win last week, and many people are doubtin' on OSU based on that performance. But don't be fooled...the Bucks will make the Horse Fighters nuts by the time this one's over, and the Trojans will be lucky to get back to the Big City with all four hoofs intact.

Rod's Reject - in a close one - USC


Other State Schools

Charleston Southern (0-1) at Wofford (0-1)

Both of these schools took on the Big Boys last week (Florida and South Florida) and both came back from the Sunshine State 0-1. Things get a little more normal for both this week as Jay Mills and the Buccaneers hit the road again, this time to Spartanburg, hopin' to swashbuckle the Terriers. But Mike Ayers and the Pups have other ideas on how this one will go, and I think those plans will be on the money.

Rod's Reject - Charleston Southern


Elon (1-0) at Presbyterian (0-1)

Pete Lembo and the Phoenix head South to Clinton Saturday, hopin' to put a few runs in the Blue Hose, and they will. Harold Nichols and the Garnet and Blue will struggle this year, and better years will definitely be in the future. But that won't be the case Saturday as Elon comes away with a victory.

Rod's Reject - Presbyterian


The Big Two

Clemson (1-0, 0-0 in the ACC) at Georgia Tech (1-0, 0-0 in the ACC) - Thursday Night

The Tigers and the Yellow Jackets will have the Nation's Eye Thursday Night as they do battle in the Big City. They will not disappoint the audience. Dabo Swinney and the Pickens County Cats look to get their Paws on the Yellow Jacket Ground Attack, but the Big City Bumbles ain't gonna be that easy to grab. Paul Johnson and the Buzz will have to withstand a few swats by the Tigers, and they will, but it won't be easy. A late night in Hotlanta sees the Yellow Bumbles putting the stinger in the Tiger's Tail, but it ain't gonna happen til the end.

Rod's Reject - in a close one - Clemson


South Carolina (1-0, 0-0 in the SEC) at Georgia (0-1, 0-0 in the SEC)

Mark Richt and the Athens Dawgs wet on the floor last week and got scolded by the Cowboys, while the Gamecocks squeaked out a low-scoring sparring match in Raleigh. Both will be prepared for this conference-opening showdown as fur and feathers will fly when toe meets leather Saturday Night. Steve Spurrier and the Yard Birds haven't been able to scratch the board for many points recently, and this game ain't gonna be much different. The scoreboard totals stay low for both sides, and I think the homefield advantage will be the difference in Athens. If you like good ol' slobberknocker, defensive football, you better tune in. The Gamecocks represent the state well, but it won't quite be enough.

Rod's Reject - in another classic - South Carolina


Other Rejects

Syracuse will lose to Penn State
Western Michigan will lose to Indiana
Central Michigan will lose to Michigan State
Arkansas State will lose to Nebraska
Wyoming will lose to Texas
Houston will lose to Oklahoma State
Tulane will lose Brigham Young
East Carolina will lose to West Virginia
Louisiana Tech will lose to Navy
Eastern Washington will lose to California
Idaho State will lose to Oklahoma
UTEP will lose to Kansas
Rice will lose to Texas Tech
Miami, Ohio will lose to Boise State
Purdue will lose to Oregon
San Jose State will lose to Utah
Western Kentucky will lose to South Florida
Iowa State will lose to Iowa

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