By Zac Jackson
Fox Sports Ohio
October 23, 2010
Trying to build off a winning week. On to the picks...
Purdue at Ohio State (-24)
A revenge game for the Buckeyes on Homecoming Weekend. Here's the problem: They got the swag knocked right out of 'em last week in Wisconsin and have a long, long list of injured guys on defense. It's a team that wasn't meeting expectations and now has lost its shot at its only real goal, the national title. That sometimes leads to trouble and I think it might show up today. An ugly win coming.
Zac's Pick: Ohio State 27, Purdue 17
South Florida at Cincinnati (-8)
Yes, I know this was a Friday night game. I posted my pick on Twitter Friday afternoon to get it on record. I based my pick on the fact that I saw South Florida in person last week at West Virginia and they stunk. Flat out stunk. Horrid offense. And then they went into Cincinnati Friday night and put 38 on the Bearcats and won the game. What's that say about UC? Ouch.
Zac's Pick: UC 24, South Florida 14 (Final score USF 38, UC 30)
Kent State (-2.5) at Bowling Green
Wait, Kent State is favored on the road? A week after folding, again, and blowing a lead at Toledo? While dealing with one famous alum (James Harrison) trying to decapitate another (Josh Cribbs)? Kent is again failing to meet expectations and the coach's job might be in trouble, but there is talent on the roster -- and the fact that they're favored says a lot about how things are going in Bowling Green.
Zac's Pick: Kent 31, Bowling Green 26
Browns at Saints (-13.5)
Colt McCoy's second start comes in the crazy-loud Superdome against the defending Super Bowl champs, a team that appeared to get its swagger back last week. Yeah, this one might not be good. McCoy represented himself well last week and should be more comfortable/confident, but the Browns still can't make big plays and are bringing a slow defense trying to keep up with Drew Brees.
Zac's Pick: Saints 31, Browns 10
Bengals at Falcons (-2.5)
The limping Bengals aren't as good as they wanted everybody to believe. The Falcons are NFC contenders but seem tired; they got ran off the field in Philly last week, will play without top corner Dunta Robinson and face a Bengals team that's in an absolute must-win situation. Carson Palmer, do you have it in you? I'll say yes. Barely.
Zac's Pick: Bengals 20, Falcons 17
Last Week: 4-1 straight up, 3-2 ATS
Season Total: 21-10 straight up, 13-18 ATS
