Gridiron Picks – Week 9

Jeremiah Davis, sports editor (39-17)

Jake Calhoun, asst. sports editor (34-22)

Dan Tracy, senior sports reporter (39-17)

Jake Lovett, editor-in-chief (41-15)

 

Iowa State vs. No. 19 Texas Tech

Jeremiah Davis: Texas Tech — Struggled with this pick, but only because it wouldn’t be surprising to see Tech come out super flat after such a big win. Ultimately, the Cyclones haven’t shown the ability to pounce in that situation, so I can’t see them this time.

Jake Calhoun: Texas Tech — It plays into Iowa State’s favor that Texas Tech isn’t proficient on the ground, but Seth Doege can get it done in the air. Red Raiders by at least two touchdowns.

Dan Tracy: Texas Tech — A definite trap game for Tech. The Cyclones beat Texas last year after the Horns upset No. 5 Nebraska, but I don’t think they have the offensive rhythm to keep up with the Red Raiders. Clones leave Lubbock with the L.

Jake Lovett: Texas Tech — Last ISU victory in Lubbock? Never.

No. 11 Oklahoma vs. No. 10 Kansas State

Davis: Oklahoma — Yes, they lost to a 30-point underdog. But the Sooners are still a great team and will take care of business against the surprising Wildcats.

Calhoun: Oklahoma — Bill Snyder didn’t believe it when he was told Oklahoma had been upset last week, mostly because he was in bed before the game even started.

Tracy: Kansas State — Upset: noun- 1. this pick. Upset: adjective- 1. How Bill Snyder felt when Bob Barker retired from “The Price is Right.”

Lovett: Oklahoma — Bill Snyder taught Bob Stoops all that he knew during their time together at Kansas State. Since then, Snyder has forgotten everything he knew.

Baylor vs. No. 3 Oklahoma State

Davis: Oklahoma State — This is the closest the Cowboys have ever been to the top. A national championship berth is now a real possibility.

Calhoun: Oklahoma State — I still want to believe Robert Griffin III is superhuman. Keywords: “want to.”

Tracy: Oklahoma State — If it’s going to be a shootout, I have to take the team with Pistol Pete as their mascot.

Lovett: Oklahoma State — Oklahoma State stays perfect until it plays Oklahoma.

No. 4 Stanford vs. No. 20 USC

Davis: Stanford — I’ll admit, I know very little about Pac-howevermany football. But I do know Andrew Luck has a fantastic beard, and that it will probably be in Miami next year.

Calhoun: Stanford — Andrew Luck would sure look great in a Seahawks jersey.

Tracy: Stanford — The Trojans overcame the luck of the Irish last week, but I don’t think they can overcome the Luck at quarterback.

Lovett: Stanford — I think the rest of the Pac-12 misunderstood the “Suck for Luck” thing.

No. 9 Michigan State vs. No. 13 Nebraska

Davis: Nebraska — OK, ‘Huskers. I’ve picked you before, and you’ve let me down. Same theory as the TTU-ISU pick, only Nebraska is the type of team to actually pounce. ‘Skers in another close one.

Calhoun: Michigan State — Even Bo Pelini thinks Michigan State’s defense is brutal.

Tracy: Michigan State — No Hail Mary needed. Sparty wins by a touchdown in a low-scoring affair.

Lovett: Michigan State — The way Sparty played against Wisconsin surprised me. This game, though, will not.

BYU vs. TCU (in Dallas)

Davis: TCU — This matchup would be much more intriguing if it was a preview to a future conference game. TCU should handle business in this one.

Calhoun: TCU — The Horned Frogs don’t need no stinkin’ honor codes.

Tracy: TCU — Sources tell me that a source with TCU said that a source with BYU close to the situation told the source that the victory will be sourced to TCU … sources say.

Lovett: TCU — These Frogs are Horny for a win.

Georgia vs. Florida (at Jacksonville, Fla.)

Davis: Florida — This game is like a boxing match between two fighters who used to be relevant and are only fighting for attention and money. On a neutral field, your guess is as good as mine.

Calhoun: Florida — The Bulldogs have won five straight after dropping their first two. Number of ranked teams they’ve beaten in that stretch? Zero. Florida hasn’t beaten any ranked teams either, but I still like the Gators.

Tracy: Florida — Should be a good game between two SEC teams that don’t matter this season. Gators channel their inner-Tebow in a close one in Jacksonville.

Lovett: Georgia — I don’t trust John Brantley any further than Mark Richt can throw him.