Weekly Picks: Week 3

We've got a few games on the slate for this week, so let's go ahead and get started!

Game of the Week

9 Iowa vs. 24 Arizona

This is the only match-up of the week that includes two top 25 teams. It will be interesting because both teams are actually off to a fast start, which is rather unusual for both programs. Either way both programs are headed in the right direction. The teams are very similar as both teams possess a well-disciplined defense, but both have actually been showing consistency and command on offense. In the end, this will be a pivotal game for both teams as non-conference play is starting to wrap itself up.

Ali's Pick: I personally think that the pass rush of Iowa is going to be too much to handle for Arizona and Nick Foles is a very big target (6' 6") that can't be missed in the pocket. I also think the revamped run game of Iowa with a tandem of Jewel Hampton and Adam Robinson will wear that Arizona defense out and make this a quicker game than the Wildcats would like.

Iowa 31 -- 24 Arizona

Steve's Pick: While I hate Iowa, I can't deny the strength of their team this year. I have a funny feeling that they'll end the year playing in the Rose Bowl, finishing 2nd in the Big 10, while the Buckeyes trounce the Tide in Title Game. That being said, Arizona is a good team, and the Hawkeyes will be making a long trip. The length of the trip, and the home field advantage for the Wildcats will keep this game close, but Iowa will win it under the lights.

Iowa 23 -- 17 Arizona

Matt's Pick: Iowa will be too strong up front and I believe Ricky Stanzi has turned the corner on the interception bug. Combine that with the Iowa's running game and I think that spells bad news for Arizona. Arizona will keep it close at home for awhile, but Iowa will pull away in the 4th quarter.

Iowa 28 -- 14 Arizona

Most-Telling Games of the Week

12 Arkansas vs Georgia
Arkansas came into this season with a very potent passing attack and a Heisman hopeful in Ryan Mallett and Georgia started off the year in the Top 25. The fact is the Arkansas has yet to be tested while Georgia is coming off a very had fought battle with South Carolina. It will be interesting to see how each team handles the call this week as both teams look to get on a roll for conference play.

Ali's Pick: I personally think that Ryan Mallett is the real deal, and I saw him play when he was a true freshman at Michigan. A very fluid QB with a very strong arm, and I believe his time in this Arkansas offense has made him an even more efficient QB. In the end, I think this offense will prove to be too much for Georgia and Mallett will solidify himself a little more in Heisman talks early in the season.

Arkansas 34 - 17 Georgia

Steve's Pick: It doesn't matter that the Bulldogs are at home this game. The Razorbacks are in it to win it, and I'm taking Ryan Mallet's 6'6 frame and laser-rocket arm.

Arkansas 31 -- 21 Georgia

Matt's Pick I'm going with the upset in this one, Georgia has not started 0-2 under Mark Richt in the SEC. Arkansas's passing game will test the Georgia defense, but my gut tells me that Georgia knows they need to win the game or face a very long season.

Georgia 21--17 Arkansas

8 Nebraska vs. Washington
Another match-up containing an early season pick for the Heisman that pins Washington QB Jake Locker against one of the best defenses in the nation. This game is very important because it could make or break the season for either team. If Washington can pull the upset it will justify all the hoopla and excitement that Washington received in the off-season and positions them to make a great run at their first bowl game in years. If Nebraska loses, the Big 12 takes a big hit as Nebraska is one of the favorites to win their conference and the perception of league strength could shift again.

Ali's Pick: Washington is a very talented team with a lot of upside, but I do not think that this is the year they break out for a ten win season. While Washington has played higher quality opponents to open up the season, Nebraska has played less-talented programs to get ready for this one. Even though Nebraska is not as tested as UW, I do believe that their defense is legit as a majority of the scoring on them has occurred in the second half when the game was already in hand. Nebraska will show why they are a favorite to win the Big 12 and a dark horse to play for the National Championship this year.

Nebraska 28 - 10 Washington

Steve's Pick: Let's not forget that 2 seasons ago the Huskies lost every single game they played. Now, I believe that Jake Locker is a great Quarterback, but Nebraska will win this game big.

Nebraska 40 -- 13 Washington

Matt's Pick: This game will be close and I feel a shootout favors Washington with the more experienced quarterback. With that said, I do not feel this will be a shootout and Nebraska will hold on for the close win.

21 Nebraska -- 14 Washington

Teams on Upset Alert:

4 TCU vs. Baylor
TCU has positioned itself well to become the first Non-AQ (Automatic Qualifier) to contend for a National Championship by beginning the season with a convincing win over Oregon State, and can add to that argument with a win over a Big 12 team. Baylor, on the other hand, has been on the cusp of turning the corner the past couple of seasons, and I believe that they make some more strides this year. This will be interesting because TCU's offense is fueled by QB Andy Dalton, who makes things difficult for opponents with his decision making and mobility. I think this will be one of the biggest tests of the early season to see if either team can make a statement.

Ali's Pick: Here's the deal, TCU is a team that has a high powered offense that is fueled by the run. They like to win the battle in the trenches, ware a defense out, and play sound and disciplined defense. Here's the problem, Baylor possesses one of the best and most underrated defensive tackles in the country in Phil Taylor (6'4" 355 lbs) who is going to occupy two to three blockers at a time. This is going to free up other players on Baylor to make a play and shorten drives for TCU and Andy Dalton. I also believe that they lack the depth on defense to keep up with Baylor's offense and their mobile threat at QB. I see Baylor shocking everyone and coming out on top in this one.

Baylor 21 - 17 TCU

Steve's Pick: Disrespect for the Bullfrogs! Texas Christian has a great football team, and this Texan matchup will make for great football. Andy Dalton fuels an explosive offense, which will win a tight, hard fought game.

TCU 21 -- 20 Baylor

Matt's Pick: No upset here, TCU cruises

28 TCU -- Baylor 10
6 Texas vs. Texas Tech:
No matter what the stakes or when they play, this match-up will always be on upset alert. Texas wants to further position themselves as not only the top guns in the Big 12, but the top guns in the state of Texas, and it all starts with this match-up.Texas Tech finally has a coach as the same caliber of a Mack Brown and finally has an identity on the offense. They are no longer a system based team that only throws the ball, and they have developed that balance well by facing more competitive teams than Texas has to start off the season. Texas on the other hand, will have its third starting running back is as many games, and Garrett Gilbert is still adjusting to a starting role. It will be a fun one to watch tonight.

Ali's Pick: Texas Tech is breaking in a new offensive system and still searching for their identity on defense, but they definitely have a statement to make. I believe that Tuberville has been hyping this up even more especially because his lack of faith that the Big 12 will stick together and his natural disdain towards Texas for holding the conference together (for the time being). I know that he will do everything in his power to stick it to Texas in the Big 12. However, even though Texas is searching for continuity on offense and is in somewhat of a rebuilding mode, I do think that they will come out on top this weekend. I believe this one will have a little more firepower than some of the match-ups in the past and Texas wins its third game of the season.

Texas 27 - 24 Texas Tech

Steve's Pick: Tommy Tubs is a great coach. It's his birthday and the Red Raiders are at home. Texas has shown glaring weaknesses thus far, and though I love the Longhorns, I have to go with the Red Raiders. This will be the most fun game to watch tonight in a shootout.

Texas Tech 34 -- 31 Texas

Matt's Pick: Mack Brown is 3-3 in Lubbock against Texas Tech. I think Tommy Tubs keep it close for awhile but Texas will finally get it's offense going in the 2nd half.

Texas 31--21 Texas Tech


WE ARE..............................................

Let us know what you think in the comments section, and don't be afraid to post some of your own picks!