Weekly Picks

Bob's Picks for Nov. 14, 2009: Point Spreads always are based on Danny Sheridan's Wednesday spreads in USA TODAY.

Bob's picks last week Against-the-Spread (ATS): 1-1, Season: 19-20

All 2009 Games

Last Week ATS:

Favorites covered 20 (40%), failed to cover 30, 1 Push

Season ATS:

Favorites covered 203 (47.4%), failed to cover 225

Just Horsin' Around

There are so many attractive lines this week that it seems proper to just horse around and go for six big picks. If I can win at least five of them, I'll venture past the awful break-even mark I've been lounging on all season.

Here are my picks for the week of November 14:

All Saturday games:

Tennessee (+4.5) at MISSISSIPPI

Some experts had Ole Miss in the top five at season's start, but the Rebels have spit the bit. Although they might have one big game in them, it is hard to see how Jevon Snead can suddenly become the star quarterback that finished last year, especially against an ever-improving Tennessee defense. Some prized Tennessee recruits are facing an armed robbery charge this week, but intense coach Lane Kiffin is the type not to let his squad suffer a letdown when the Vols are one win from locking up a bowl berth. Mississippi's best defender, end Greg Hardy, is out injured. Pick: Tennessee +4.5

Nebraska -4 at KANSAS

Nebraska has a remedial offense but a defense that might rank with the best in school annals. Kansas, losers of four straight Big 12 games, can't stop anybody's offense lately and also has spit the bit. Pick: Nebraska -4

Stanford +10.5 at SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

As much as we like Stanford's style of pounding big thoroughbred Toby Gerhart at every defense, he appeared to be about out of gas at the end of the big Oregon upset last week. Can he bounce back after 233 carries in nine games? I can't see how the Cardinal team can be way up again so soon. Back home and ready to right the ship defensively, USC looks to return to old form. Pick: USC -10.5

Arizona (-1) at CALIFORNIA

The Bears were slow from the starting gate against Oregon State. Then they lost their best player, Jahvid Best, to a very scary injury. Best is at home recuperating. Don't look now, but the over-achieving Arizona Wildcats can get to their season finale against USC with the Rose Bowl on the line. I'll bet they wish they could have a do-over on that freak, edge-of-shoe, game-losing touchdown interception return perpetrated by Washington. Pick: Arizona -1

Houston (-4.5) at CENTRAL FLORIDA

What?! Houston, winners over Texas Tech, Oklahoma State, and Mississippi State and sitting on an 8-1 record (Can you say, "New Years Day Bowl Game?"), are a measly favorite over Central Florida, that has only one win over a winning team, and that's scrawny Marshall at 5-4? A friend of mine would call this a "Vegas Sucker Bet." I call it insanity. Is Las Vegas simply horsing around to see if we're paying attention late in the season? Pick: Houston -4.5

Tulane (+2.5) at RICE

I'll own up to having watched more horse racing than Tulane games this year, an accidental five seconds of last week's Breeder's Cup vs. zero seconds of the Green Wave. Then my natural finger twitch snapped in on the TV remote and it was back to the Big Ten Network for Northwestern-Iowa. I always say, never pick a team (Tulane) you haven't given the eyeball test. But, there are 20 Texas high schools capable of beating 0-9 Rice, despite last year's 10-win season. I hate to admit that, because I've always liked the Owls, going way back to the days of Frank Ryan, King Hill, and Buddy Dial. Really, is Las Vegas just horsing around with Rice as a favorite…over anybody? Pick: Tulane +2.5

Paul's Picks for Nov. 14, 2009

Paul's picks last week Against-the-Spread (ATS): 2-2, Season: 20-16

International Bowl Here I Come!

Barely above .500, I am targeting enough wins to become eligible for a minor bowl game. I must remain focused despite minor injuries and other distractions.

Here are my picks for the week of November 14:

Smu (-7) at UTEP

Bob and I are all over Conference USA this week. The Mustangs have become competitive in year two under June Jones, but face a Miner team that has done a better job this season in the spoiler's role than as favorite. Pick: UTEP +7

Unlv (+17) at AIR FORCE

With the Rebels playing out the string in the fifth year under coach Mark Sanford, it is difficult to see them muster much of a challenge to an Air Force program that has won six of last seven in the series. The Falcons have been very good under coach Troy Calhoun at beating the teams they are supposed to beat. Pick: Air Force -17

Florida (-15.5) at SOUTH CAROLINA

Every time I pick South Carolina to step up in class and deliver a big win they disappoint me. The Gators meanwhile have already wrapped up their spot in the SEC championship game, yet will find motivation from their desire to continually embarrass former Florida coach Steve Spurrier while quieting naysayers. Pick: Florida -15.5

Utah (+19.5) at TCU

The Horned Frogs are playing at such a high level that it is difficult to pick against them. But being favored by nearly three TDs against their nemesis, Utah, winners of five of six in the series? The Utes will do their best to control the ball, limit mistakes and get in the heads of the TCU players. The pressure is on TCU with conference title, BCS bowl berth and any chance to get into the BCS title game riding on this game. Pick: Utah +19.5