Pocket Protector Pick of the Week:

Alabama (-3) over LSU
This is Saban’s much-publicized return to Baton Rouge.  Don’t believe the hype.  LSU is simply not that good, and Bama is on a collision-course with Florida for the right to play in the national title game.  The Tide win comfortably.

Score Prediction:  Alabama 24-10

Ohio State (-10) over Northwestern
The Buckeyes are said to still be seeking their offensive identity.  Here’s the identity I expect to see on Saturday:  Run Beanie right.  Run Beanie left.  Run Beanie up the middle.  Repeat.  Ohio State should lay the wood on the injury-riddled Wildcats.

Score Prediction:  Ohio State 31-13

Penn State (-7) over Iowa
Kinnick Stadium will be fired up for this one.  This Iowa team is built to keep games close:  clock-chewing running game plus bend-but-don’t-break defensive approach.  And the game will be close for a while, but in the end Penn State’s overall talent will prevail. 

Score Prediction:  Penn State 27-13

Florida (-24) over Vanderbilt
Urban Meyer understands that style points matter, especially in November.  Given the chance, they will run it up on Vandy.

Score Prediction:  Florida 38-10

Texas Tech (-3) over Oklahoma State
These are two teams that have had trouble getting over the proverbial “hump”.  After Saturday night, one of them will do just that.  Our money is on Graham Harrell getting the job done and cementing his case for the Heisman trophy.

Score Prediction:  Texas Tech 38-31