This Week's Picks

Alright! Week four of college football, and here are my usual predictions and picks. THIS edition includes one big upset pick, a little later in the post.

THE University of Alabama opens up their SEC play with a trip up to Fayetteville to face the 10th-ranked Arkansas Razorbacks.
In a game to be nationally televised by CBS, all the hype seems to be about Ryan Mallett's arm and the Hogs' high-powered passing attack. Much like last year, I expect The Tide to be all up in his grill, and I hope our young secondary can cover their speedy receivers. Look for the Bama 'D' to put a 'Colt McCoy' on Mallett.
Offensively, I see The Tide's initial plan to be a grinding, power ground-control strategy to keep the Razorbacks off the field. Possibly two 100-yard rushers...? If it does, however, turn into a foot-race.... I still like our chances. A poised McElroy and fleet of hungry receivers?
Pick: ALABAMA 42, Arkansas 20.
(EDITOR'S NOTE: This season, as in the past, I WILL be continuing my ritual of consuming representations of our opponent. This week I will be having bacon and other forms of pork yet to be determined!)

Everyone Else

SEC:

South Carolina 24, auburn 21 Spurrier is a little more slick.

Florida 31, Kentucky 24 Gators start to gel after tense 3 1/2 quarters.

Georgia 24, Mississippi State 17 MSU comes alive, but Georgia finally puts one together.
LSU 31, West Virginia 28 Tigers pull one out in raucous Baton Rouge night game.

tennessee 5, UAB 3

Fresno State 28, Ole Miss 14 Akbars are in trouble.

National:
TCU 31, SMU 14
Texas 31, UCLA 14
Penn State 21, Temple 10
Oregon 28, Arizona St. 20
Stanford 35, Notre Dame 21
Oklahoma 49, Cincinnati 24

UPSET ALERT!

Oregon State 31, Boise State 27 Mike Riley is the giant-killer.

On a totally relevant and related note, I've been calling local talk and sport radio stations with picks and commentary using the name "Cook". I then, to their surprise, do a long Beano Cook impersonation to spice up the shows.
A little self-gratification, if you will.