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| LSU takes on Auburn Saturday afternoon. (AP photo) |
Last Week: 3-4 (spread); 4-3 (overall); 0-1 (upset picks)
Craig Carroll's Week: 4-3 (spread)
This Season: 28-20-1 (spread); 40-9 (overall); 4-2 (upset picks)
Craig Carroll's Season: 27-21-1 (spread)
No. 20 Auburn at No. 1 LSU, 3:30 p.m., CBS
The Skinny: LSU will be without three players, including Tyrann Mathieu, the team’s best defensive player, as they violated the team’s drug policy. Spencer Ware, the team’s leading rusher, and defensive back Therold Simon are also suspended. While that shouldn’t stop the Tigers from winning the game, it will give Auburn hope in keeping the game close enough to scare LSU on its home field. Mathieu, remember, was getting a lot of Heisman buzz before this incident. The Pick: LSU (-21.5) wins it 30-17.
The Skinny: Wisconsin has looked unbeatable, scoring over 50 points a game and beating opponents by more than 40 each time out. But this will be the first true test of the season for the Badgers. Michigan State not only boasts the nation’s second-best defense, but was the last team to beat Wisconsin in conference play – a home win last year. In fact, Wisconsin hasn’t won in East Lansing in 9 years. It will be up to QB Russell Wilson and RB Montee Ball to keep Wisconsin’s offense rolling. The Pick: Wisconsin (-8) wins it 38-21.
No. 25 Washington at No. 8 Stanford, 8 p.m., ABC
The Skinny: Stanford and Heisman trophy favorite Andrew Luck haven’t played anyone this season with a winning record, but that changes tonight when an improved Washington squad comes to town. The Huskies are 5-1 with its lone loss coming against Nebraska. They also bring with them a talented QB of their own, Keith Price, and an offense that can stay with the high-octane Stanford offense led by Luck, the likely top pick in the NFL Draft come April. The Pick: Stanford (-21) wins it 42-24.
North Carolina at No. 7 Clemson, 12 p.m., ESPN
The Skinny: Clemson kept its undefeated season alive last week with a huge second-half comeback against Maryland, and the Tigers have a freshman to thank for it. Sammy Watkins broke C.J. Spiller’s school record with 345 all-purpose yards and the receiver had three total touchdowns, including an 89-kick return to put Clemson in the lead. North Carolina will pose a challenge in this game, as QB Bryn Renner is one of the best in the ACC, but Clemson is the superior team. The Pick: Clemson (-10.5) wins it 37-24.
No. 13 Nebraska at Minnesota, 3:30 p.m., ABC
The Skinny: This game could take a turn for the worse quickly, as Nebraska is one of the best team’s in the country, while Minnesota could be one of the worst. The Gophers are 1-5 and allow 35 points per game on defense. The offense isn’t any better, averaging 18 points with a quarterback who is completing less than 50 percent of his passes. Nebraska’s offense is explosive with QB Taylor Martinez and RB Rex Burkhead. The Pick: Nebraska (-25) wins it 45-14.
No. 22 Georgia Tech at Miami, 3:30 p.m., ESPN
The Skinny: Georgia Tech saw its undefeated season come to a sudden and surprising end last week against Virginia, but the signs may be there that the Yellow Jackets might not be as talented as their record suggests. Before losing to Virginia, Georgia Tech barely defeated Maryland the week prior. That, of course, is when the schedule became a little more difficult for the Jackets. Suddenly, that 6-1 record doesn’t look so good. Miami is 3-3 but always plays big in big games. The Pick: Miami (-2.5) wins it 28-24.
Southern Cal at Notre Dame, 8 p.m., NBC
The Skinny: This game hasn’t been relevant since Reggie Bush pushed Matt Leinart into the end zone to give USC the win over Notre Dame back in 2005. That’s a long time ago. Both teams aren’t very good this season but this still should be an exciting game. The Pick: Notre Dame (-9) wins it 31-28.
Here are Craig Carroll’s picks for the week:
Auburn, Wisconsin, Washington, Clemson, Miami, Nebraska, Southern Cal.
For Craig Carroll's take on his picks this week click here.
Auburn, Wisconsin, Washington, Clemson, Miami, Nebraska, Southern Cal.
For Craig Carroll's take on his picks this week click here.
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