Campus Confidential

An adjustment is not benching your starting quarterback for a series.

It's what Wake Forest did to shut down Xavier Lee in the second half. It's paying extra attention to Greg Carr when he runs more than 20 yards down field, knowing another jump ball would be coming.

Has Florida State existed in a lethargic state for the last two years? There's just no offense. The penalties are pathetic. Worst in the country. It's a mess. I mean, how bad was that third down facemask by Alex Boston? He's a fifth-year SENIOR and he shot his whole team in the foot when there was plenty of time to mount something together.

On a positive note: How money is Sam Swank?

But I just want to say it again: Florida State was overall pathetic. I'm this angry and I care nothing for Florida State football. The Seminoles bring in too much talent to be this mediocre. But they'll still go up to Blacksburg and beat Virginia Tech. I'm tired of talking about this game.

As for the rest of the weekend, it's finally safe to say that this weekend's schedule really raise the hair on the back of my neck. There's only a handful of games that have "big picture" implications, but if the upset trend continues, who knows what we'll be saying on Sunday and Monday. Normalcy has been as disciplined as Florida State, so I won't assume too much.

No. 11 Missouri at No. 6 Oklahoma (-12)
This could be game #1 between this pair as both are on the fast track to winning their respective divisions of the Big 12. Unbeaten Missouri has its toughest test, but has cleared its other hurdles including Nebraska and Illinois. Once again we're looking at a game where the key is defense. Oklahoma plays it well, Missouri doesn't. The Tigers were able to outscore Illinois, but the Sooners are a Top 15 offense and defense. Sounds overwhelming. Can Mizzou's No. 4 offense, led by QB Chase Daniel, create enough opportunities?

I think it's a tall order on the road. I'm going to say Missouri to cover, but OU finds a way to win a close one. This is definitely the best game of the week on paper and worth watching.

No. 19 Wisconsin at Penn State (-7)
Two teams that have completely let me down. The Nittany Lions are fighting for their conference lives, but with two losses on the slate, it's a long way to the top. Both of these schools are very mediocre on offense and because of that I think Penn State, who has been playing great defense all year, can neutralize P.J. Hill - but Dan Connor & Co. better be ready for a healthy dose. I can see this line being a push, but Wisconsin has been a dog against the spread this year (1-4) because everything is close. Penn State's offense has been so asleep at times this year that I think it'll be another close one. Badgers cover, but pick up a second straight loss.

No. 1 LSU at No. 17 Kentucky (+9.5)
Ahhh, memories.

I'm sure every NFL scout will be watching to see how Andre Woodson responds to this insane defense. My guess? Another so-so outing. And when Woodson has so-so outings, the Wildcats don't win games. LSU to cover…the Tigers are tired of close games.

Louisville at No. 15 Cincinnati (-10)
The Cardinals are one of those groups where you keep thinking it'll eventually click. That the defense and offense will both say "hey, we're in this together!"

Louisville just looks completely awful and uninspired. I think a lot of that has to do with Bobby Petrino - that was a huge loss for UL and now he's wallowing in the NFL hoping he doesn't get embarrassed on Monday night. Cincy is a perfect 5-0 against the spread this year for three main reasons: 1. Ben Mauk, their quarterback, 2. A No. 1 turnover margin rating, 3. Their rushing defense.

No. 3 can be skewed. Leading games, teams are trying to pass their way back into it and abandoning the run, so who knows there (Cincy is awful against the pass).

Louisville is still the country's second-rated offense, but the team's kryptonite? Facing another good offense - which Cincy has.

With all of that said, I am going say…wow, this is tough. Cincy to cover, but it could go either way. It wouldn't surprise me to see UL actually win this.

No. 22 Auburn at Arkansas (-3)
Another who knows game. The SEC has been insane this year and it's not fair that I have to pick these games.

It's easy to pick Auburn for the "upset." I mean, at 4-2, one of their losses came against a pretty good team. Their wins…well, look no further than at Florida. The defense is top 15 and playing well…but that offense is pretty gross.

Honestly, another coin flip. I'll take Auburn to win.

Purdue at Michigan (-5.5)
The question posed this week was "What does Michgian have to do to get back into the Top 25?" Well, if the Wolverines win this one, time to start considering them.

It's definitely Mike Hart time. If he gets 25 carries for 130 and a score, UM will have no problem covering at home. I'm banking on that. UM to cover.

As for a lock of the week, I like Miami to cover the 2.5 it's giving Georgia Tech. While both are unpredictable, I think Miami is quite salty about last week's embarrassing loss in Chapel Hill and will run it all afternoon.

Happy watching. Shameless plug: If you have XM, check out Ch. 144 between 4-7, might hear a guy you know.