9/23-24 Weekend Football Picks

This is somewhat of an off weekend for big NCAA games, but there are several biggies on the NFL slate, so I'll be picking more NFL games than normal this go-round...enjoy!

NCAA Football

Notre Dame vs. Michigan St.- The Irish looked terrible last weekend, and my pick of them to thrash Michigan looks foolish. The Notre Dame D couldn't stop anyone, and the Spartans have a better offense than Michigan. The Notre Dame offense gets back on track this week, but it won't be enough...take the Spartans 38-24.

Kentucky vs. Florida- The Wildcat offense seems to be coming together a little better, and as usual, they will keep it close for a while, but the Gators have too much speed and talent on both sides of the ball; so, despite the natural letdown from their big victory over UT last week, the Gators take this one 41-21.

Tennessee vs. Marshall- Marshall isn't as good as it has been in the past, and Tennessee will be looking to rebound after pi$$ing away the Florida game last week. Ainge and Meachem will have a huge day, and Marshall will have no answers in Neyland Stadium, Vols win 31-10.

NFL

Denver at New England- I am very tempted to take the Broncos at home, but Jake Plummer has looked terrible so far this year. When in doubt, take the superior QB, and in this case, it's Tom Brady. The Broncos D is good enough to keep this close, but I think the Pats win a slugfest, 20-14.

Carolina vs. Tampa Bay- Same analysis here as with the last game, Jake Delhomme is better than Chris Simms, who is the 3rd worst QB in the league this year behind Daunte Culpepper and Aaron Brooks. Both teams have great defense, but Carolina gets Steve Smith back this week, and that will make the difference, Panthers win here 16-9.

Bengals vs. Steelers- The Bengals look very good, and I am picking them to win this game, but the Steelers could win just as easily due to all the injuries the Bengals have. Give the slight QB edge to Carson Palmer and the Bengals have a better running game, this could be the game that signals Cincy has arrived as an elite team, and I think they win 24-20.