SEPARATION SATURDAY...WINNERS AND LOSERS

We're another week deeper into the season and it's usually around this time that the "real" winners begin to distance themselves from the wannabees. And that's what we have this weekend with several big matchups that will make or break a program for the balance of the season...and in a few cases, may break a career or two.

So far, we've been hitting big on our picks with a 85% success rate. This week we're putting our streak on the line with some pretty aggressive picks. Take a look. Call in your bets. And let's check back on Monday.

Your Weekend Winners are...

#9 Texas A&M at Ole Miss...the Aggies had a much needed bye week to heal up some of their palyers and to shore up their leaky defense that ranks 112th nationally. Meanwhile Ole Miss has dropped two SEC games in a row and their hoping a return to The Grove will be just what they need. Don't count on it. Ole Missy drops a third as Johnny Football puts on a show.

#25 Mizzou at #7 Georgia...we use to think that Georgia had an unlimited supply of talented playmakers. But thanks to Tennessee, the Dawgs will be missing a few more starters tomorrow when they face off with the Tigers. Tailback Gurley is questionable and Kevin Marshall is out for the season. So is top receiver Scott-Wesley and sure handed Michael Bennett. And let's not forget wr Malcolm Mitchell who suffered a torn ACL doing high fives in the end zone at the beginning of the season. Meanwhile, the Georgia defense is suspect having given up some big points last week to a Vol offense that has been pretty dormant when playing quality opponents. Meanwhile, Mizzou brings in its own explosive offense led by QB James Franklin. He may not be an Aaron Murray but he'll finish the drill in the Classic City. This game could get crazy aka LSU-UGA. UPSET ALERT: Tigers pull an upset in Athens.

Cal at #11 UCLA...the Golden Bears appear to be in a tail spin having lost nine straight games to FBS opponents. Meanwhile the Bruins are heating things up in the PAC-12. UCLA is a heavy favorite, and for good reason: Cal stinks. Put your money on the boys from Westwood.

Georgia Tech at BYU...this game depends largely on which Yellow Jacket team will show up in Provo: a potent offense that can rack up the yards and control the clock? Or, a team that's forgotten how to execute its bread and butter option ground game? Despite the defense playing better, we don't see the Jackets overcoming a Cougar defense that's ranked 17th in points allowed. Lay your cash on the Cougars.

#2 Oregon @ #16 Washington...the Ducks are undefeated but really untested. That changes today as they face a really good Huskie team in Seattle. This game could get silly. Oregon's offense is ranked #2 with 630 yards per game while Washington is ranked 5th at 557 yards. The outcome is going to be decided by which team's defense can come up with some critical stops. Washington has lost nine straight to the Ducks. On Saturday, this comes to an end. Take Washington and the points. UPSET ALERT: Huskies quell the quacks.

#17 Florida @ #10 LSU...this is a pretty good matchup of one of the best defenses (Florida) taking on an explosive offense (LSU).  While the Tiger defense has given up some large numbers (460+ yards in SEC games), we think Chief Chavis will dial up plenty of pressure on the Gators and their quarterback, Tyler Murphy. We're going with the Bengal Tigers in Baton Rouge.

#19 Northwestern at Wisconsin...the Wildcats lost late last week when Ohio State had a late surge that Northwestern couldn't answer. This week NU faces the Big Ten's best rushing attack as Wisconsin averages 300+ yards per game which features tailback Melvin Gordon. As much as we like the Wildcats, we gotta go with the Badgers. Cue the brats and brew; Wisconsin wins.

#12 Oklahoma vs Texas...that easy chair that Mack Brown has been sitting in is getting hotter by the moment so tomorrow is a must-win situation for the Longhorns if their coach has any chance of surviving in Austin. Sooner QB Blake Bell is playing well with ZERO INTs in 104 pass attempts - ranked 5th among FBS schools. Oklahoma is favored by 14 big points and we see know reason to go against that spread. Take the Sooners in this year's Red River Rivalry.

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