College Football: Week 9 Pick'em

Last Week's Win/Loss: 6-4

Total Win/Loss since Week 2: 47-23

Purdue at Illinois

Alex's pick: Purdue

Why: After an embarrassing loss to Ohio State, Purdue will clean its act up in a big way. On the road against a surging Fighting Illini team, the Boilermakers win by 6

#5 Michigan State at #18 Iowa

Alex's pick: Iowa

Why: With Michigan State sliding by opponents the past three weeks, Iowa poses a huge roadblock to the undefeated Spartans. Iowa's front seven will shut down the running game of Sparty, and Ricky Stanzi will propel the Hawkeyes to a bounce-back win against Michigan State.

#6 Missouri at #14 Nebraska

Alex's pick: Nebraska

Why: Missouri was primed to beat #1 Oklahoma last week, however Nebraska seems locked and loaded for a resurgence as the top dog in the Big 12. After a disappointing loss to Texas, Nebraska outgunned a strong Oklahoma State team that was then undefeated and raising Big 12 championship talk. Similarly to Oklahoma State, Missouri is undefeated and coming off a string of impressive victories. At Lincoln, Nebraska, this game has upset written all over it...even if it shouldn't be called an upset. 

#15 Arizona at UCLA

Alex's pick: Arizona

Why: With so many weapons to go to on offense, it doesn't matter who is playing quarterback for the Wildcats. Nic Foles returns from injury, and it is unclear whether or not he will start this Saturday, however, the balanced attack of Arizona should be able to put up points against an otherwise unimpressive UCLA defense. Rendering 60 points to the Oregon Ducks last week, UCLA will be sure to come back furious and fighting from the first whistle, yet Juron Criner's effectiveness at receiver should draw double teams from safety and corner, leaving the middle of the field wide open. If the Wildcats utilize the middle of the field and play ball-control, this game could easily get out of hand. Arizona by 17

Georgia at Florida

Alex's pick: Georgia

Why: Disappointing starts by both of these SEC East teams seem to be the storyline here. Florida especially cannot put together any sort of consistency, and has fluttered all season long offensively. Losing Tim Tebow's physical skill hurts, but what may be the biggest concern is the lack of leadership in the Gators locker room. The void in leadership seems to be the biggest reason for late game lapses, lack of discipline, and failure to capitalize in key situations. A.J. Green and Janoris Jenkins will prove to be the matchup to watch this weekend; Green looks to continue his impressive senior campaign and improve his draft stock in this SEC showdown. Aaron Murray has shown vast improvements since week 1, and his mobility in the past weeks has put Georgia in a position to make an SEC East title run. Georgia by 7

#25 Baylor at Texas

 Alex's pick: Baylor

Why: Texas has no identity on offense; when you have no identity, anyone can beat you...even Iowa State. Baylor's qb Robert Griffen is a machine when it comes to offensive production, and I believe there is nothing standing between him and another big time performance. The offensive line for Baylor has dominated at the point of attack lately (averaging over 290 rushing yards in their last two games), and Texas' front seven on defense has shown many inconsistencies. Baylor runs away with this one by 17

#13 Stanford at Washington

Alex's pick: Stanford

Why: A matchup of NFL 1st round quarterbacks, Andrew Luck and Jake Locker, this Stanford v. Washington matchup could come down to the wire. Seemingly unshakeable Andrew Luck has not let down the scouts who so highly rated him this preseason; Jake Locker on the other hand, after a series of inconsistent flashings of optimism and doubt, has scouts worried about his NFL "readiness". In a game that is sure to sport a number of scouts, both quarterbacks have a primetime light to showcase their talents. Winners of the last two team meetings, I feel Stanford's physical style of play will overpower the Washington Huskies. Stanford puts the Washington Huskies winless in the last 3 years against the Cardinals, Stanford by 3. 

Kentucky at #23 Mississippi State

Alex's pick:Mississippi State

Why: Although the bell cows have been banned by the SEC, don't expect to see this raucous crowd to go down without a fight. Keep those ears ready for some noise makers of Mississippi sorts, as Mississippi State and their strong running attack look to defend their home turf against the Kentucky Wildcats. Mike Hartline of Kentucky has been very impressive as of recent weeks, upsetting SC and showing off his rocket arm. Look for Mississippi to grind 'em out in this SEC fist fight that should stay under 30 points total scored offensively. Mississippi State by 10.

#8 Utah at Air Force

Alex's pick: Utah

Why: Air Force puts up a good fight every week; they just seem to lack the firepower on offense. Utah continues to stake its claim in the BCS picture with a defining win, leading up to their matchup with top 5 team TCU. Utah by 21

#2 Oregon at USC

Alex's pick: Oregon

Why: Darren Thomas and LaMichael James pose the nastiest 1-2 punch since Pat White and Noel Devine. The balanced power of the Ducks offense will overtake a rather underwhelming USC ballclub. Oregon by 28