Paul's Picks

I had a brilliant performance two weeks ago to pull my season record to 22-23 and then had another brilliant week seven days ago only to have computer problems and not get the picks in on time. So here goes for this week:
Iowa (-10) at NORTHWESTERN:
Some programs just have the number of another. And no I am not speaking of dominance by a power over an also-ran but when a middling-to-good program consistently tops one considered better than them. Take the Wildcats, who have upset Iowa in four of the past five years. They have a very good team and must have learned from their late meltdowns against Michigan State and Penn State. The Hawkeyes are good but not 10 points on the road good. Pick: Northwestern +10
Kansas State at MISSOURI (-13)
Although Missouri has won four straight in the series the games have been closer than the score would indicate. KSU can run on anyone and veteran coach Bill Snyder did not let them bask in the sun this week after their big performance against Texas. Pick: KSU +13
Utah (-6) at NOTRE DAME
This is an odd spread, based solely on the hangover effect after Utah got whacked last week against TCU. But that would have been a factor if they lost close. By getting routed, the Utes need to show a national television audience that they are one of the better teams in the country. Last year they followed all three of their losses with impressive wins. Notre Dame meanwhile is struggling to keep healthy bodies on the field. Pick: Utah -6
Stanford (-6) at ARIZONA STATE
While this has the makings of a trap game, coming in between Stanford's huge win over Arizona last week and their rivalry game against Cal next week, coach Jim Harbaugh has these guys playing such hard-nosed football that it is not a worry. Last year the game in between their upset of Oregon and Cal was the USC game and all The Cardinal did was whack the Trojans 55-21. They are getting no mention nationally despite an excellent year and will take out their frustrations on the game Sun Devils.
Tulsa at HOUSTON (over/under 76)
Last year these teams combined for 91 points; in 2008 it was an even 100. Pick: Over 76