Weekend Picks: Geauxin' to the Bayou Edition

Last night, I got to try out my Halloween costume a little early for a costume party downtown. I went as a blind ref (redundancy anyone?), complete with a cane. The problem was, the sunglasses I used for my costume literally made me blind. Therefore, I actually needed the cane to walk around the bar. However, I still feel I could have called a more accurate game than Penn Wagers.

Speaking of wagers, here's some picks you can bet on (great transition!).

Georgia heads to Baton Rouge to take on the Bayou Bengals in what is pretty much an elimination game in the SEC title chase. The Dawgs' biggest weakness is the o-line and the Tigers have a pack of genetic freaks playing on their defensive line. If Kirstan Pittman, Tyson Jackson and Ricky Jean-Francoise get loose, Matthew Stafford might want to invest in life insurance.

The Dawgs will probably try to use a lot of misdirection, screens and draws to keep the hungry animals off balance. If they can force the Tigers to play less agressive and dial down the blitzes, Stafford should be able to locate Mo Mass and AJ Green downfield on what has been a suspect LSU secondary.

Meanwhile, no word on whether or not Georgia has enough linebackers to play the game. The Dawgs' linebacker corps is thin, but Rennie Curran and Darryl Gamble have been playing lights out, especially in run defense. Georgia still can't muster anything resembling a pass rush, but Jarrett Lee and Andrew Hatch shouldn't beat Georgia through the air.

Les Miles is excited about his "pistol package," in which Charles Scott, Keiland Williams and human torch Trindon Holliday in the backfield at the same time. If the Georgia defense can stop the rush like they have been, they should be able to prevent the Tigers from putting up too many points.

Of course, Tiger Stadium is no cake walk. However, the Tigers play much tougher there at night. The 3:30 start time will beneifit the Dawgs, and Mark Richt is a magician on the road. This may be wishful thinking because I want to see a one-loss Georgia team head to Jacksonville, but I see the Dawgs pulling off the mild upset.

Georgia 20-LSU 14

Oklahoma State at Texas

Mike Gundy is a man! He's 6-0. Seriously, anyone see this coming? Me neither. Things are about to get real for the Pokes. Texas is playing extremely well right now and Colt McCoy is the new leader of the Heisman pack. The game's in Austin, the Horns are on a roll, and I just can't picture Oklahoma State in the BCS top 5. On a related note, if the Pokes do pull off the upset, how far do they climb in the polls? Who do they jump?

Texas 38-OSU 24

Virginia at Georgia Tech

I apologize for giving the rest of the ACC too much credit. Apparently, none of these mediocre squads can handle the Jackets. Make no mistake, the Jackets aren't a bad team. In fact, they are a pretty good team with a great defense. That said, they wouldn't be 6-1 in the SEC, Big 12, or probably not even the Big 10. They welcome a Virginia squad that is contending for the ACC title somehow, despite being awful. I won't pick against the Jackets anymore. Not because they're that great. I just don't think anyone else they play in the ACC is any better.

Jackets 30-Cavaliers 20

Penn State at Ohio State

Another game with BCS implications. The Nittany Lions haven't really been tested all year. Ohio State will provide that test in the Horseshoe. Even though Joe Pa has about as much say in running the Nittany Lions as the Queen does in England, the folks in Happy Valley would love to see him win a title so he could mercifully retire. Terelle Pryor and the Buckeyes have been heating up recently, lending support to people who actually think the Buckeyes could deserve a spot in Miami in January. As much as I enjoy the Joe Pa fairytale, these two teams are too evenly matched. Give the edge to the home team.

Ohio State 28-Penn State 24

Falcons at Eagles

Matt Ryan is the most impressive rookie in the NFL this season, that much is clear. However, winning in Philadelphia is a different animal. Brian Westbrook returns to the Eagles, giving Donovan McNabb a much needed offensive weapon. All signs point to an easy Philly victory, right? NOT so fast...

If Matt Ryan can win in Green Bay, he can win in Philly. This is a highly illogical pick. No one eve accused me of being sane.

Falcons 31-Eagles 28

That's it for the picks. However, I have great news OTR fan(s)! I'll be covering my first Georgia game of the year, as I will be heading to Red Stick along with the team. I'll be taking it in from the Tiger Stadium press box, as well as getting all sorts of quotes from players and coaches after the game. I'll be able to share those quotes with you, the loyal OTR reader(s).

Tell me what you think of the picks...please? Enjoy the great weekend of football and go Rays!