5th and inches - Week 8

OK boys and girls, an 8-8 mark last week against the number, so I didn't lose anything but some juice here and there, 11-5 on straight up winners/losers...yearly totals now are 51-33-1 and 76-23.

Let's roll.
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**Thursday**

#9 BYU (2) @ TCU (Versus) - Interesting game here, as BYU has kind of had TCU's number of late, winning 5 of 6 in the series over the last 10 years. Last year's game at BYU was a close one, and I suspect this one will be as well. TCU...23-20.

**Saturday**

#7 Texas Tech (21) @ Texas A&M (FSN HD) - We'd be remiss, of course, if we didn't revisit the last time these 2 played at Kyle Field...



...with that said, Jerrod Johnson could be a real difference maker in this one, depending on if he gets to play and how they use him. He had a big day last week vs. KState, but got behind early and had to try and rally all day. If Tech can get the pressure going with an early score, it's a game they should win comfortably. I still don't know about 3 TDs, though. Tech...41-27.

#11 Mizzou (ABC HD) @ #1 Texas (7) - Coming off the big emotional win over OU, it'd be easy for Texas to be flat, and for Mizzou to be refocused after losing to OK State. I suspect Texas won't be flat, however, and it should be a tight ballgame. A late score makes the difference here. Texas...37-27.

Baylor @ #8 OK State (17) - After the big win in Columbia, it would be easy to expect a letdown from the Cowboys this week. I don't see it, though. Robert Griffin is a good one for the Bears and will be for a long time to come, but there's still a long way to go. OSU...45-21.

#16 Kansas (ABC) @ #4 Oklahoma (17') - Kansas was much better last week than they'd been at Iowa State. OU was good, just got beat. Oklahoma...38-17.

Kansas State (FSN) @ Colorado (3) - Big road win for the 'Cats last week...'Buffs still looking for their first Big 12 win of the year. Colorado...27-21.

Nebraska (5') @ Iowa State (Versus) - I told you last week Nebraska was a better team than folks gave them credit for. ISU, coming home after the Baylor trouncing, I look for them to get dominated up front. Nebraska...31-17.

#18 North Carolina (5') @ Virginia (ABC/ESPN2) - Suddenly, Virginia has found some life with wins over Maryland and East Carolina. Carolina has been winning as well, but now lost their best playmaker to a knee injury. Add to it that they haven't won at Virginia since 1981, and this will be a trendy upset pick this week. Virginia...19-17.

Houston (13') @ SMU - The Ponies found something last week in pushing Tulsa. I think they'll just find themselves behind this week. Houston...40-27.

Army (TW-Buffalo) @ Buffalo (10') - I'm squarely on the Army bandwagon now. I think if you live in Buffalo, you can get this on Time Warner Cable. Also, I think you should move. Buffalo...24-20.

Miami (5') @ Duke (ESPN U HD) - Miami...versus Duke...only a 5-point favorite...and not the Miami from Ohio? Never thought I'd see it. Miami...27-13.

Michigan (ESPN HD) @ #3 Penn State (24) - There's nothing here that doesn't say "Take Penn State." PSU...38-13.

#22 Vandy (Raycom) @ #10 Georgia (15) - I think the Vanderbilt Reality Tour continues for a 2nd straight week. Georgia...35-14.

#12 Ohio State (3) @ #20 Michigan State (ABC/ESPN2) - Wow. This is a tough one. Michigan St. hasn't won in this series since '99. Ohio State is better with Pryor at QB. I might feel different if this were a night game. Ohio State...20-10.

#13 LSU (3') @ South Carolina (ESPN HD) - Something's bugging me about this game, and I think it could eventually turn weird. LSU...21-20.