GRIDIRON: Picks

Editor’s note: This is week four of the Daily’s season—long Gridiron challenge. Each week, the Daily’s three football reporters and the sports desk’s columnist will choose the winner from seven college football games around the country and provide commentary on each game. Each week we will feature one guest pick, with this week’s guests being GSB President, Luke Rolling, and ISU wrestling coach Kevin Jackson.

Records:

Jake Lovett, sports editor — 14-7

Chris Cuellar, sports writer — 15-6

Jeremiah Davis, sports columnist — 13-8

David Merrill, sports writer — 15-6

Iowa State vs. Northern Iowa

Jake — Iowa State — Serious questions will abound if this game goes south. Or would it go north?

Chris Iowa State — Do you have friends at UNI? Do they look and act like high school kids? Exactly.

Jeremiah Iowa State — If this game is as close as the UNI-Iowa game last year, panic might start to set in around Ames.

David Iowa State — Being back at home is just the medicine the Cyclones need to get back on the winning track.

Luke Iowa State — UNI student body president Joel Anderson will look great in cardinal and gold on Monday after losing our bet.

Kevin Iowa State

Pittsburgh vs. Miami (FL) *Picks submitted Wednesday

JakePittsburgh —The Panthers need to redeem the Big East, or the conference might get annexed by the Big Ten. Or the FCS.

Chris Miami — Unless Mr. Marino has finished Nutrisystem ads and puts on a uniform, the Panthers don’t have a chance.

JeremiahMiami — The ACC has had a rough couple of weeks, but it’s still better than the Big East. Miami will make up for it with a big win on the road.

DavidMiami — As much as I personally hate the “U”, Pittsburgh just can’t match the skill and athleticism of the ‘Canes and that will show in the score.

LukePittsburgh — Pitt springs the upset and shows the Big East isn’t as down as many think after a rough Week 1.

KevinMiami

Arkansas vs. Alabama

JakeAlabama — If Mark Ingram isn’t in, Trent Richardson is. If Richardson isn’t in, Ingram is. Uhm. Yup. ‘Bama will be all right.

Chris Alabama — When Ryan Mallett gets sacked, does someone yell “Timber!” or does it happen too fast? We’ll find out soon.

JeremiahAlabama — Has a team ever been too good? Alabama has two running backs that could start anywhere in a heartbeat. No way they lose.

DavidAlabama — Arkansas almost got beat by an underachieving Georgia team last week. I think Alabama will show why the Razorbacks may be a bit overrated.

LukeAlabama — Without a healthy Mark Ingram this may have been close. With Ingram? Roll Tide.

KevinAlabama

Notre Dame vs. Stanford

JakeStanford — I think this sets a record for most Jesus references in one Gridiron. (see: below)

ChrisStanford — I’ll take Luck over Christ. Excuse me, that’s Crist. Still.

JeremiahStanford — Is anyone else bothered by the fact that Stanford’s mascot is a color? No? Just me? Okay, fine.

DavidNotre Dame — Stanford is a tough team, but the Irish are going to be ready to go for this rivalry game in South Bend. The Irish will do enough praying to touchdown Jesus.

LukeStanford — Stanford’s one of my NCAA video game dynasties. The Cardinal ride the arm of Andrew Luck to a comfortable victory.

KevinNotre Dame

Auburn vs. South Carolina

JakeAuburn — I just don’t even like this at all. Auburn is too good to lose at home. This makes me unhappy.

ChrisAuburn — The Gamecock bandwagon is getting a little too hefty. This is about the point that Spurrier’s visor wilts in the heat.

JeremiahSouth Carolina — Clemson almost made my Saturday night perfect. Spurrier and Co. will take care of that this week.

DavidSouth Carolina — Steve Spurrier really has his boys playing well to start the season and Auburn’s overtime thriller victory over Clemson won’t bode well for them.

LukeSouth Carolina — Like most Cyclone fans, it will be a while before I pull for the Tigers. South Carolina wins a tough road battle.

KevinSouth Carolina

Boise State vs. Oregon State

JakeBoise State — Oh, Chris. You so silly.

ChrisOregon State — Boise’s overconfidence and swagger are shattered when they realize they’re from Idaho. Upset Special!

JeremiahBoise State — Oregon State painted its practice field blue. It won’t help. Boise State just better hope OSU doesn’t lay an egg the next week like Va. Tech.

DavidBoise State — I picked against the Broncos in Week 1, I won’t make that mistake again. At least not this week.

LukeBoise State — I won’t watch; the blue field gives me a headache. Broncos in a close one.

KevinBoise State

LSU vs. West Virginia

JakeLSU — I’m not saying picking against LSU at home would be terrible or stupid, but I’m not doing it.

ChrisLSU — Noel Devine is electric. He’s also petite enough to fit entirely inside of the tiger chained up on the sidelines.

JeremiahLSU — West Virginia is the best team in the Big East. That makes them like the 10th best team in the SEC. No way they go to Baton Rouge and win.

DavidWest Virginia — The Mountaineers are starting the season strong and I think they can pull the upset in Death Valley.

LukeWest Virginia — LSU won’t win without a passing attack; another big win for the Big East.

KevinLSU