Getting An Early Start

Wait a sec...Oklahoma State just scored again.  OK, here's the scoop for Week #12:



Air Force (5-5) vs. UNLV (2-7).  Falcons' annual trip to Sin City!  Rebels actually have a better conference record than "The Academy" (1-3 vs. 1-4), so game could be closer than it appears on paper.  But Vegas brings in the nation's longest road losing streak (14) so oddsmakers won't be giving them points.  Air Force had better not cough up the ball like it did last week or the Rebs could surprise.  PICK:  Air Force.

Army (3-7) at Temple (6-4).  Game will be held at Lincoln Financial Field in Philly.  Advantage:  Temple.  One of the first years of this blog, I followed the Owls as the worst team in the country.  They've come a long way since then, including being kicked out of two conferences (the Big East and Atlantic 10) and landing in another (Mid-American).  Most recently, alumna Dan Klecko (whose dad, Joe, also attended TU) was drafted by and played for the Patriots.  Anyway, Temple has a great defense and its 3rd quarterback of the year, Matt Brown, poses a run/pass threat.  And...Temple doesn't stink.  PICK:  Temple.

Navy (4-6) at San Jose State (3-7).  Whose defense can outlast whose?  Navy doesn't pass much, but when they do they often score, so Spartans can't concentrate solely on the run.  When SJSU has the ball, the Mids can't blink because PK Jens Alvernik can put up three almost at will.  On paper, it looks like Navy is the stronger team. But San Jose is on the road next week and may be more interested in giving its hometown fans a big final game.  Meanwhile, Navy may be looking ahead to Army.  PICK:  San Jose State in the upset.

BYU (7-3) vs. New Mexico State (4-6).  Surprisingly, BYU has never beaten New Mexico State!  (Of course, this is the first time the two have ever played each other.)  Actually, this one is pretty simple:  Aggies give up way too many points, and Cougars score a lot.  Another patsie for BYU, which finishes on the road at Hawaii next week.  Tough gig!  PICK:  BYU.


#10 Boise State (8-1) at San Diego State (6-3).  Another first-time meeting, as the Broncos see what they're made of after a costly loss last week at home.  Aztecs will benefit from the balmy San Diego weather as they host BSU, and their run offense is formidable.  Says here that the Broncs will rebound from disappointment and try to prove to a 2nd-tier bowl committee that they'll still be a great draw during the holidays.  PICK:  Boise State.

NEW FEATURE:  Qwik Piks.

Oklahoma State over Iowa State (because OSU hasn't stopped scoring since last week)
Nebraska over Michigan (because neither has to play Penn State again this year)
Notre Dame over BC (because it's the Irish' turn)
Oregon over USC (because my principal told me so)
Kansas State over Texas (because it's about time)