Game Picks September 27th

#9 Miami(Fl) at #11 Virginia Tech
The Hokies run defense has just been awful in the early portion of this season(107th in the nation). If running backs Graig Cooper and Javarris James can get going for the 'Canes, it'll make it that much tougher to stop Miami's passing game which is on fire behind emerging Heisman candidate QB Jacory Harris. I think the Hurricanes are clearly the better team at this point and they go up to hostile Lane Stadium and get a statement win, 35-17.

Iowa at #5 Penn State
This is going to be a "White Out" in Happy Valley(no one quite pulls it off like Penn State)which will add to an already hostile environment. You'd think that Iowa has struggled in games at State College. You would be wrong. Iowa coach Kirk Farentz is 6-1 against Penn State, including 3-1 in Happy Valley. The Penn State linebacking corp is banged up with 2 key losses including Sean Lee and Iowa's defense is playing great right now(allowed just 253 yards to Arizona last week, including just 105 passing yards. I think Farentz improves his record to 4-1 in Happy Valley and the Hawkeyes win 20-17.

Arkansas at #3 Alabama
Hogs QB Ryan Mallet leads the nation is passing efficiency, however he cooled down considerably late in last weeks loss at home to Georgia and is facing a Crimson Tide defense that is vastly superior to anything he's seen so far. 'Bama's running game will have be strong led by RB's Mark Ingram and Trent Richardson which will open things up for QB Greg McElroy. Expect Alabama WR Julio Jones to have a monster day with something along the lines of 8 catches for 120 yards and 2 TDs. The Crimson Tide roll 38-17.

#6 Cal at Oregon
Autzen Stadium is one of the toughest places to go in and get a win. However, Oregon's pathetic offense(104th in the nation)will make it much easier as the Ducks will struggle to score points especially against Cal's excellent defense. RB Jahvid Best will strengthen his Heisman resume, QB Kevin Riley will be efficient, and the Golden Bears win easily 31-17.

#15 TCU at Clemson
This is a matchup between two of the country's best defenses along with 3 of the country's best defensive ends(Jerry Hughes for TCU and Ricky Sapp and Daquan Bowers bookending for the Tigers). The Horned Frogs have a steady QB in Andy Dalton while Clemson QB Kyle Parker has struggled. However, I think that CJ Spiller will still make his usual 5 electric plays and that, along with having the best home field advantage in the ACC, will help the Tigers pull off the upset 17-13.

Texas Tech at #17 Houston
Texas Tech's defense looked strong last week in Austin as the Red Raiders forced Colt McCoy into 2 interceptions. Despite that, this should be a high scoring affair and duel between QB's Taylor Potts and Case Keenum. Keenum has already outdueled Oklahoma State QB Zac Robinson this season and I think he goes to 2-0 in QB duels against Potts in the biggest home game for Houston in 18 years. The Red Raiders will have the lead at halftime but the Cougars offense will explode in the second half and Keenum will lead a late TD drive. Houston wins 45-42.

#22 North Carolina at Georgia Tech
The Yellow Jackets have to be thinking revenge after falling to the Tar Heels 28-7 last year in Chapel Hill. Tech has had 9 days off since being blown out in south beach by Miami(Fl) and will be trying to fix their offensive woes after struggling on consecutive Thursday nights against Clemson and Miami(Fl). North Carolina's defense has been flat-out dominant allowing just 11 points a game through their first three games led by LB Quan Sturdivant, who led the NCAA in solo tackles last year with 87. QB TJ Yates will make plays when he needs to and North Carolina picks up a win in Atlanta 24-18.