"It's not like they're some big, powerful team..."

Let me start off by thanking the bartender at Tasty World last night.While taking an an awesome Lingo show, I ordered a few Maker's and Cokes. They were extremely potent, and I attended my web design class this morning with a bit of a buzz.

Along with Ryan of 2 Guys, 1 Blog, I made my podcasting debut last night. Anything you wanted to know about Athens-area high school football, we got you covered. You can check it out at www.onlineathens.com/underthelights.

Tomorrow, OTR hits the road for Columbia to take in the Dawgs vs. Cocks game. Like I said, it will be our first road trip and I'll be sharing it with you on Sunday.

Obviously, No.2 Georgia's visit to South Carolina is of great interest to me. The Dawgs seemingly beat Georgia Southern and Central Michigan by a combine score of 324-5. But the cupcake party is over. There are no more directional schools on Georgia's schedule.

Last year, the Cocks came into Athens and defensively dominated a sluggish Georgia team. Afterwards, The Ole Ball Coach said, "It's not like they're some big, powerful team. They lost to Vanderbilt and Kentucky."

Funny you should bring that up, Steve. Your team just got spanked by those same Commodores...for the second year in a row. Carolina joins a distinguished group of teams that own an active losing streak against the Dores, including Duke and Cincinnati. Georgia's Knowshon Moreno racked up 168 yards and three TDs last week, and also hurdled over CMU's Vince Agnew like he was a parking cone. Moreno will face a much stiffer test this week, as Carolina's Eric Norwood, Jasper Brinkley and Emmanuel Cook lead one of the country's best defensive units.

Offensively, the Cocks are a mess. They have no quarterback. Their only receiving threat, Kenny McKinley, is out. Carolina's only hope is a 10-6 victory. Forget about it. The 7-point spread on this thing is more of a sure thing than Paris Hilton after two drinks. Go bet your life saving: Georgia wins this by at least 13. We'll call it:

Georgia: 27-South Carolina: 10

Georgia Tech at Virginia Tech

Despite swirling rumors, Paul Johnson is not throwing his name into the mix for November's presidential election. Many on North Avenue were talking about Johnson's intent to run as a member of the "Savior of Irrelevent Football Programs" party. However, Johnson has at least 13 National Title rings to collect before he can lead the free world. The Jackets head to Blacksburg to visit VA Tech. The Hokies looked awful against ECU. Georgia Tech looks awful every time they put on the mustard-yellow. The Jackets went on the road last week and looked unimpressive in eeking out a win over BC. Sean Glennon will prove he is capable of yielding positive yards, and the Hokies will win another mind-numbing ACC football game.

Hokies: 24-Jackets: 13

No.5 Ohio State at No.1 Southern Cal

ESPN has deemed No. 1 USC's game against No. 5 Ohio State the "Collision at the Coliseum." Forgive me for not caring. Beanie Wells was the only thing seperating Ohio State's offense from being painfully average. Todd Boeckman belongs in a museum, as he is a statue. An inaccurate statue that struggles in big games. I could see Terrelle Pryor coming in and giving the Buckeyes a shot, but not much of one. Mark Sanchez has to simply play half as well as he did against mighty Virginia. Joe McKnight will have his work cut out for him against Animal's nephew. All in all, the most exciting thing about this game will be the celeb spotting on the sidelines. I hope Jeremy Piven is in the house.

USC:33-OSU:17

Falcons at Bucs

If the Falcons start 2-0, will the universe collapse upon itself? We'll find out Sunday. The Dirty Birds head to Tampa to face...Brian Griese? Griese is still in the league? If Matty Ice can play as well on the road as he did at home against the Lions, and Michael Turner posts half of his rushing total from last week, the Falcons should win easily. Something tells me to expect a close one from this game.

Falcons: 20-Bucs: 17

Patriots at Jets

Bell Belichick may want to listen to Radiohead's Karma Police. Fate is finally frowning on the NFL's golden franchise. Tom Brady's knee is devoid of anything functional that ends in a "CL". The Pats turn to Matt Cassell, who hasn't started since high school. Seriously. Of course, Tom Brady rose to glory and model romancing because established QB Drew Bledsoe got hurt. Maybe the same thing happens here. Brett Favre makes his first home start for the Jets. Maybe he wears his Wranglers. Not having Brady hurts, but the Pats are too balanced.

Pats: 31-Jets: 24

There are the picks folks. Tell me what you think. Be sure to tune in Sunday for a recap of the trip to Columbia. Also, check out jbandlav.blogspot.com and check out their picks. Lav will be making the trip to Columbia with me so we'll cook something up for our loyal readers.