Paul's Picks

Another week, another round of agonizing choices. The biggest hurdle to overcome in selecting winners of college football games is the reality that it is impossible to see enough college football each week to truly know the teams. You can only gain so much knowledge from highlights or the Internet. But, one must plunge into the unknown to become a better person. And with that I present my selections for the week. I am using today's odds from The USA TODAY. My won-loss record to date is 7-8.
Temple at PENN STATE (-14)
Am I picking on the Nittany Lions by picking against them for the second time this month? Not really. This spread is based on a quick look at history in that PSU has beaten Temple 27 straight times since 1952, when Joe Paterno was a young assistant. But the Owls are an improving program and have not been this good since the 1970s when the pesky Owls lost to the mighty Lions by 1-pt in 1975 and '76 and by 3 in '78 (game was Penn State rout in '77). This time it will be by one score only with RB Evan Royster of Penn State narrowly topping Temple's Bernard Pierce in battle of talented backs. Pick: Temple +14.
North Carolina State at GEORGIA TECH (-8.5)
I have been waiting for three years now for coach Tom O'Brien to have his breakthrough season with the Wolfpack after his successful run at Boston College. With a 3-0 start to 2010, this might be the season but a fine showing in Atlanta is needed. QB Russell Wilson will put points on the board against a Tech defense that surrendered 3 TD passes to inexperienced Kansas QB Jordan Webb and then allowed UNC QB Tyler Yates (18-24/209y, TD) to look like an All American last week. Meanwhile the Wolfpack defense has played on a high level in this early season, inspired by return of LB Nate Irving from injury that robbed his 2009. Pick: North Carolina State +8.5
Ucla at TEXAS (-16)
In this age of scheduling a couple of layup games against little-known opponents, you have to give credit to UCLA for booking Kansas State, Houston and Texas for its non-conference slate. Credit, but not your hard-earned money. This is bad, bad match-up for a Bruins squad that is struggling to keep its offensive line healthy. The new Pistol Offense will look more like a pop gun, while the game UCLA defense will eventually be worn down. Pick: Texas -16
New Mexico at UNLV (-10.5)
With buzzards beginning to pick at the carcass that is New Mexico coach Mike Locksley's career as a head coach (he'll be scooped up for his recruiting skills...the latest rumors have Mike Leach landing here), the Lobos will have a tough time even matching last year's win total of 1. The Rebels will not win much more but they have a veteran defense that will shutdown the visitors and a much more relaxed situation with its new coaching staff. Pick: UNLV -10.5