SCOOPS’ WEEKEND COLLEGE FOOTBALL PICKS

LAST WEEK ATS: 6-5. SEASON ATS: 6-5.

The season is starting to get into full swing. We know a little bit about some teams; a lot yet to be displayed. We’ll find out about USC & Nebraska this weekend, and others attempt to munch on some cupcakes before the conference races begin.

Minnesota (-8) over FLORIDA ATLANTIC: My gut feeling is Minnesota either loses outright or wins this game by 14+. Considering the opponent, I tend to go with the conference team. The Gophers’ defense is atrocious. They are getting absolutely zero pass rush and the blitzes they run are having no result. Add to the fact that Brewster benched Duron Cooley in place of true freshman Curtis Thomas, giving the Gophers a defensive backfield where 3 of the most 5 played guys are true freshmen. Brewster’s philosophy is the right one: if we’re going to get burned and give up points, let’s do it with freshmen and hope they learn something along the way. The reason I like Minnesota is the offense is showing some life, Weber’s passing was better from week 1 to week 2 which should only improve more with week 3, and I still don’t think Dunbar has even scratched the surface with the playbook. There is practically no vertical game with the spread right now and not many quick slants over the middle have been shown, something that was a trademark with Dunbar’s offenses at Northwestern. And I still don’t think you see it this weekend. I see an efficient passing game mixed in with more Minnesota running. Scoops’ Pick: Minnesota 34, FAU 16.

MICHIGAN (-7) over Notre Dame: A battle of freshmen QB’s. I think the big difference is the supporting cast that’s around Mallett. But I do think Clausen has a bit more success this Saturday. Just not enough. Scoops’ Pick: Michigan 27, Notre Dame 17.

MICHIGAN STATE (-10) over Pittsburgh: Michigan State moves to 3-0 with the home win, getting ready for a road trip to Notre Dame, the team than began the downfall of John L. Smith. The offense is putting up points and will continue to do so. Scoops’ Pick: Michigan State 38, Pittsburgh 24.

IOWA STATE (+17.5) over Iowa: Jack Trice Stadium has been nothing but a house of horrors for the Hawkeyes. Even their wins haven’t been spectacular. It’s Iowa’s first real road test, and Gene C. will have the troops fired up. Iowa wins, most likely by more than a score, but 3+ scores isn’t in line for Jake Christensen’s offense. Scoops’ Pick: Iowa 24, Iowa State 13.

Ohio State (-4) over WASHINGTON: This one has potential upset written all over it. Ohio State is seeing a team with a pulse for the first time, while Washington already has a quality win under its belt over Boise State. I think the difference here is Ohio State’s defense should have enough success defending the Huskies’ passing attack. Scoops’ Pick: Ohio State 20, Washington 13.

PENN STATE (-34) over Buffalo: Buffalo is awful and Penn State will feast on them. Expect a few 30+ yard TD’s from the offense, a defensive TD, and possibly even a Williams punt return for a TD. PSU rolls. Scoops’ Pick: Penn State 48, Buffalo 7.

Illinois (-12) over SYRACUSE: The woes for the Orange continue as Juice & Zook head into the dome. Syracuse got skunked by Iowa and was a Washington whipping boy. Illinois should be a step below the others, and the margin may be a bit closer than the others, but the results are going to be the same. Scoops’ Pick: Illinois 38, Syracuse 20.

NORTHWESTERN (-16.5) over Duke: A battle of the intellectuals shall occur in Evanston this Saturday. Problem for the Blue Devils is Northwestern is more talented. Look for the Wildcat defense to have a better performance than they did against Nevada and the offense to continue to role. Scoops’ Pick: Northwestern 38, Duke 14.

NATIONAL GAMES:

FLORIDA (-8) over Tennessee: The Vols record of 1-5 at the swamp since Peyton Manning threw that lights out seam pass that nearly killed his WR should be enough to make people scared of the Vols. But throw in the fact that Tim Teabow is playing lights out football right now and that he’s only going to get better. Also, when in doubt when it comes to SEC football players running around and smacking each other, always go with the team that has the best athlete, and that’s Florida’s Percy Harvin. Scoops’ Pick: Florida 34, Tennessee 23.

OREGON (-16.5) over Fresno State: I think the triple OT loss at A&M is going to take its toll for another week. It’s also not good to toss in the fact that Oregon is cranking things up on offense and went into complete cruise control the 2nd half against Michigan last week. Dennis Dixon is the real deal and will be a killer in the Pac Ten this season. Scoops’ Pick: Oregon 41, Fresno State 20.

Southern California (-10) over NEBRASKA: This is Nebraska’s chance to make a statement. Unfortunately, USC is simply a better football team. It would be one thing for simply a higher ranked team to go into Lincoln, but USC’s players have played in so many crazy environments over the past Carroll years that it doesn’t even bother them anymore. USC’s defense eats up Nebraska and Booty pulls away in the late 3rd, early 4th quarters for the win. Scoops’ Pick: USC 34, Nebraska 17