Games To Watch: Week No. 10

#11 Virginia Tech versus Georgia Tech
Thursday at 7:30 on ESPN
The Hokies couldn’t finish last week against Boston College. This week they face a less formidable opponent in Georgia Tech. Still they’ll need to play all four quarters to put away the Yellow Jackets who, averaging 219 rushing yards per game, can pound it out on the ground. Win and Virginia Tech ties for first-place in the Coastal Division of the ACC.
Picks—Randall: Virginia Tech Erick: DNP* Chris: Virginia Tech

#21 Wisconsin versus #1 Ohio State
Saturday at 12:00 on Big Ten Network
When Wisconsin came to Beaver Stadium, Penn State looked impressive, beating the Badgers 38-7. Ohio State just dominated Penn State in Beaver Stadium last week. That’s not good for Wisconsin who is only the second ranked team the Buckeyes have faced. Like their matchup last week, on paper the Buckeyes opponent matches up pretty closely. You get the feeling, though, that that matchup will translate onto the field much the same way the Penn State game did. Ohio State looks to set a Big Ten record with 20 straight conference wins.
Picks—Randall: Ohio State Erick: DNP Chris: Wisconsin

#3 LSU versus #21 Alabama
Saturday at 5:00 on CBS

The hype of this game focuses on Nick Saban going head-to-head against his old school, but there’s a lot on the line for both Alabama and LSU. A ‘Bama win gives them control of the SEC West. An LSU loss knocks them out of national title contention. Some twenty of these Tigers were signed by Saban before he left for the Dolphins. Those Tigers score more points, but ‘Bama has been right in a few thrillers already this season, down to the very last second. That’s all it took for LSU to edge Auburn, and you can’t help but wonder if on the road Les Miles will cut this one as close as he did a couple weeks ago.
Picks—Randall: Alabama Erick: DNP Chris: Alabama

#4 Arizona State versus #5 Oregon
Saturday at 6:40 on ESPN

The Pac-1o doesn’t have a title game, but if it did, this would be it. Oregon’s offense is pretty much a track team. They’re lightning fast. But Dennis Erickson has coached the Sun Devils to an undefeated season up to this point. Many times, though, Arizona State has been behind only to rally late. Something says that tactic won’t work against Oregon; you don’t want to be down at any time against the Ducks. Plus, Sun Devil QB Rudy Carpenter is nursing an injured thumb that may limit his game.
Picks—Randall: Oregon Erick: DNP Chris: Oregon

Florida State versus #2 Boston College
Saturday at 8:00 on ABC
Boston College has a solid quarterback. Florida State, not so much. One thing’s certain: Xavier Lee won’t be making any appearances in this game. Lee’s suspended for violating team rules. Here’s shocking news: if Florida State’s defense has a breakout game, the Seminoles can beat Boston College. Nothing would get their season back on track quicker than upsetting No. 2. The Seminoles are overdue for a breakout game, and this could be it. They ought to seriously consider pulling a page out of Mark Richt’s book on Saturday night.
Picks—Randall: Florida State Erick: DNP Chris: Boston College


* DNP means that analyst did not make a pick for the game