The Andrew Extravaganza

There aren't as many marquee matchups this week so I have decided to give some love to the little guys. Conference USA, the Mountain West, and the WAC are all represented this time. My computer locked up halfway through the entry writing process so I've gone to an abbreviated write up rather than type all the details in a second time. It was so much easier that I might skimp on lesser matchups in the future.

AT
#8 Texas (5-1, 2-1) vs Texas Tech (4-2, 2-1)
Line: Texas by 2.5
Offensively, these two teams are complete opposites. Texas tries to win by running with QB Vince Young (331-1 rushing) and Cedric Benson (988-9) while Tech relies almost exclusively on the arm of QB Sonny Cumbie (2521-16-12) and his platoon of wide receivers. On defense both teams have allowed opponents to run on them, but have limited the damage done through the air. There are two locks in this one: Cumbie will throw for 300+ yards (he has every game so far- including a game at OU) and Benson will get 100+ rushing (the only game he didn't was vs OU- he had 95 yards). UT will win if they can avoid falling behind early and pressure Cumbie into a few picks. I don't think Tech can stop Benson, but I think if Cumbie can play his game they can turn it into a shootout and force Texas to pass. Tech always plays the Horns tough, so I wouldn't be surprised if Texas lost on the road, however...
Pick: Texas wins SU and ATS

AT
Fresno State (3-2, 0-2) vs #19 Boise State (6-0, 3-0)
Line: Boise St by 10
This was supposed to be a matchup of two undefeated teams, but that was ruined when Fresno State was upset by UTEP at home and on the road at Louisiana Tech. The Broncos have had a couple of close calls too, escaping with a 1 point victory over visiting BYU and winning at Tulsa by 3. This game will see a bunch of points being scored and a bunch of mistakes being made along the way. Bulldogs QB Paul Pinegar has been awful (741-5-10) and Broncos QB Jared Zabransky has been far from flawless (1576-10-8). The Boise State Broncos have two huge edges in this one: they are at home on their smurf turf where they almost never lose and they a much better defense.
Pick: Boise St wins SU and ATS

AT
Houston (1-5, 1-2) vs TCU (3-3, 1-2)
Line: TCU by 6.5
The Cougars decided last year's rare winning season and bowl appearance was too much fun and decided to get paid this year. The result was a game at Oklahoma and a game vs Miami in Reliant Stadium. They also have had to contend with a tough conference schedule. QB Kevin Kolb (1421-4-2) can be effective, but hasn't had enough time to throw this season. But it doesn't really matter who the Cougars have, TCU is way too explosive on offense for this game to be close. QBs Brandon Hassell (961-7-1) and Tye Gunn (628-5-1) lead an offense that also features RB Lonta Hobbs (567-10). UH has played very spirited football and hasn't quit trying yet, but they just can't match up with the Horned Frogs.
Pick: TCU wins SU and ATS

AT
San Diego State (2-4, 0-2) vs New Mexico (3-4, 1-2)
Line: New Mexico by 4.5
The Aztecs gave Michigan a close call earlier in the year, but just haven't been able to finish some games. The team was stunned last week by an officials ruling on a fumble that allowed Colorado State to win the game. On top of this, their starting QB Matt Dlugolecki was injured in that game. Redshirt freshmen QB Kevin O'Connell (275-2-2) will get the start against the Lobos. The only thing that New Mexico has going for it is RB DonTrell Moore (607-2). O'Connell should be able to throw on the 3-3-5 of New Mexico and win on the road as underdogs.
Pick: San Diego St wins SU and ATS

AT
Boston College (4-2, 1-1) vs #24 Notre Dame (5-2)
Line: Notre Dame by 11
This is the annual battle for McCatholic school bragging rights. The teams are about even offensively, but the Domers have a much better defense.
Pick: Notre Dame wins SU and ATS

AT
Alabama (5-2, 2-2) vs #11 Tennessee (5-1, 3-1)
Line: Tennessee by 7.5
Bama has accused Phil Fulmer of ratting them out to the NCAA to avoid sanctions on his own program. Lucky for Fulmer they aren't playing this one in Tuscaloosa. Bama has become one-dimensional since losing QB Brodie Croyle to injury. Tennessee has stayed with true freshmen QB Eric Ainge and have the inside track to winning the SEC East.
Pick: Tennessee wins SU and ATS

AT
#22 Oklahoma State (5-1, 2-1) vs Missouri (4-2, 2-1)
Line: Mizzou by 3.5
I really like RB Vernand Morency and QB Donovan Woods, but the Cowboys are really banged up on defense. The Tigers are almost a mirror image of the A&M team that beat Oklahoma St in Stillwater last weekend. It should be a close one, but Mizzou gets the win.
Pick: Missouri wins SU and ATS

AT
#13 Michigan (6-1, 4-0) vs #12 Purdue (5-1, 2-1)
Line: Purdue by 4
I picked Purdue to cover at home against Wisconsin last week, but I'm going with a road upset for Michigan this week. The Wolverines defense is almost as good as the Badgers', but UM's offense is better and improves each week as freshmen QB Chad Henne and RB Michael Hart gain experience.
Pick: Michigan wins SU and ATS

AT
UCLA (4-2, 2-1) vs #21 Arizona State (5-1, 2-1)
Line: Arizona St by 7.5
The Bruins just don't play defense. Sun Devils QB Andrew Walter should have time to throw thanks to Hakim Hill's ability to run on UCLA. The Bruins have a good offense too, featuring QB Drew Olson and RB Maurice Drew. If Arizona State can turn the page on that ass kicking that USC dropped on them last week, they have the weapons to win in a high scoring game.
Pick: Arizona St wins SU and ATS

AT
Colorado (4-2, 1-2) vs #17 Texas A&M (5-1, 3-0)
Line: A&M by 20
Don't the record fool you, Colorado is bad. They should end the season with enough wins to become bowl eligible (6), but it isn't a lock. As much as dislike A&M fans and the team, it's good for the Big XII to have them playing well again. QB Reggie McNeal is exciting to watch and should put up big numbers against the Buffs defense. I still think the Aggies have question marks on defense though. Look for a 42-17 final score.
Pick: A&M wins SU and ATS

Did you notice that you picked the same for SU and ATS for every pick?

You must do a lot of reading to keep up with all these teams. Good work.

I spend more hours reading stats, articles, and rosters than I care to admit. But it's not like I don't have the time.

I was tempted to pick Fresno St to cover at Boise St, but their passing game has been too inconsistent.

Alabama could cover too because they have a history of playing the Vols tough and they have a good defense up against a Freshmen QB (he has played very well, but in the three Tennessee games that I've watched, Ainge has had plays where he threw across his body like Favre.)

In the other games that could be close the spread is pretty small.