The losing streak is over.
After two ugly weeks, we came in last week at 6-5 to move the season record to nine games under .500. You have to crawl before you walk.
Clemson is off this week after two emotional weeks. The Tigers managed to maintain their focus and remain unbeaten to set up the biggest game in the ACC to date against N.C. State at Death Valley on Oct. 20. To prepare for that game, I am hearing the Tigers are stocking up on laptops and towels.
South Carolina, with backup Michael Scarnecchia at the controls, pulled out a monsoon-soaked victory over Missouri last Saturday. Word is Jake Bentley returns to starting quarterback this week against Texas A&M. It will be interesting to see if a quarterback controversy develops in Columbia.
This week presents Georgia its biggest challenge to date -- a trip to the Bayou to face LSU. The Dawgs got a break when CBS decided to make the game a 3:30 kickoff instead of a night game.
Let's get to this week's selections. All picks are against the spread and for entertainment purposes only.
Oklahoma State at Kansas State +6.5 -- This is tougher than it looks. Oklahoma State has hit a wall. The offensive line is struggling, which has put a damper on the Pokes' high-powered offense. Kansas State is 0-3 in the Big 12. The Little Apple can be a tough place. Pick -- Oklahoma State
Duke at Georgia Tech -2.0 -- Paul Johnson has got the triple option cranked up. I see the Jackets staying on their current roll. Pick -- Georgia Tech
Texas A&M at South Carolina +2.0 -- If Bentley, who missed last week with a knee injury, struggles in his return to quarterback, will there be a quick hook? The Aggies knocked off previously-unbeaten Kentucky in overtime last Saturday. Jimbo is building some momentum. Pick -- Texas A&M
Georgia at LSU +7 -- This was going to be a marquee game before the Tigers got knocked out of the ranks of the unbeatens by Florida. It is still a big game. It is still Georgia's biggest test to date. I think it is going to be close. Pick -- LSU
Tennessee at Auburn -16.5 -- Phew. Don't look Ethel. I am going to take Auburn because I have to pick one or the other. Pick -- Auburn
Baylor at Texas -14.5 -- Can Texas handle success? Baylor has shown a pulse, but I don't believe the Bears have enough to beat the Horns. Pick -- Texas
Washington at Oregon +3.5 -- Danger game for the Huskies. Give me those points. Pick -- Oregon
Virginia Tech at North Carolina +5.5 -- The Hokies folded like a cheap suit in the second half against Notre Dame. The Heels had last Saturday off after absorbing a Thursday night beating in Miami. It's mid-October so no one in Chapel Hill is thinking football. Pick -- Virginia Tech
Miami at Virginia +5.5 -- I will ask the same question about Miami I asked about Texas. Can the Hurricanes handle success? Virginia has been up and down, but the Cavaliers also have been more competitive. Based on talent alone, the pick has to be the Canes. Pick -- Miami
West Virginia at Iowa State +6.5 -- West Virginia slopped through a victory over Kansas last Saturday. Mountaineer quarterback Will Grier tossed three interceptions against the Jayhawks. The Mountaineers will have to be sharper in Ames. Pick -- West Virginia
For The Week -- 6-5
For The Season -- 25-36-1
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