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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