WAKE UP TO WINNING! WEEK 3.

We've been pressed for time the last couple of days so we'll get right to it with our Winning Picks for Saturday. I hate it when real work interferes with the fun stuff, especially this time of year.  But enough whining. Let's do some winning! You still have plenty of time to call your favorite sports book, and you'll love our aggressive stance with several UPSET SPECIALS on the docket.

Your Weekend Winners...the Great Eight™

Tennessee @ #4 Oklahoma...if you're a Vol fan the one thing you should be looking for in this game is continued improvement with a young team. The last time Tennessee faced off with a top team, they were blown out of the water (see the 2013 Oregon game). But that was last season and we think the Vols have made strides in closing the talent gap with the elite schools. While the Vols have little hope of leaving Norman with a win, we don't think the Sooners will cover the spread of 19.5 points. If Tennessee's Worley can continue to play smart (protect the ball, hit open receivers) then the Vols can make this an interesting contest. We're taking Tennessee and the points!

#6 Georgia @ #24 South Carolina...the pups have had a tough time winning in Columbia and we think this game will be no different. Spurrier, who's lifetime record against UGA is 15-6, knows that a second SEC loss closes the door to winning the East, and his Gamecocks play their best when they have their backs to the wall. The key is the Cock defense containing the Dawg's stable of running backs led by phenom Todd Gurley. This will be interesting. In an UPSET pick, Cocks crow in Columbia.

#12 UCLA @ Texas...the Bruins gave up 469 yards in last week's close win over Memphis. The Tigers exposed some weaknesses that has to be giving Jim Mora indigestion. Meanwhile, new Texas coach Charlie Strong is still recovering from the butt kicking that BYU served up. Although he struggled against BYU, we're still pretty high on the Longhorn qb Tyrone Swoopes (6'4, 245 lbs) who is a very gifted dual threat quarterback. In another UPSET SPECIAL, go with Texas.

Georgia Southern @ Georgia Tech...believe it or not, this is the very first meeting of these two in-state schools. Paul Johnson installed the triple option at GSU way back in the 90's and had a remarkable record of 62-10 in Statesboro. Despite being favored by 22+ points, this is not a gimme win for Tech who is ranked 110th in giving up rushing yardage at 5.1 yards per carry. And the Eagles will be running the ball. The Bees will win but not cover. Take Georgia Southern and the points.

Kansas @ Duke...this would be a perfect match up if these two were facing each other on the hardwood with Coach K taking on Coach Self. But this is a gridiron dual featuring Charlie Weis and good guy, David Cutcliffe. Weis has yet to prove that he is an effective college head coach, and we've seen the remarkable job Cutcliffe has done at Duke. The Blue Devils will prevail in Durham.

#9 Southern Cal @ Boston College...the Men of Troy went crazy in their opening win over Fresno State with 701 yards of offense on a conference record 105 plays. They cooled a bit in their close win over Stanford but we think they'll rev it back up when they kickoff in Chestnut Hill. Look for this game to be decided by halftime. Trojans pluck the Eagles.

#20 Louisville @ Virginia...the Cardinals have rolled up 97 points in their first two games which is no real surprise with a Bobby Petrino offense. But this is the first road test for Louisville which faces a pretty stubborn UVA defense and embattled head coach, Mike London. The Cards are a slight favorite and they should have no problem dispatching the Wahoos. Take Louisville in this one.

Arkansas @ Texas Tech...the Razorbacks appear to be a much improved team from last season as they roll into Lubbock to take on the Red Raiders. The Hogs will rely on their ground and pound run game which is currently ranked 12th with an average of 324 yards per game. Meanwhile, Texas Tech prefers their "air raid" offense which averages 365 yards per game. Quite a contrast in styles. In another UPSET SPECIAL, we're calling the Hogs.

Let's check back on Monday to see how we did.

MAKE MO' MONEY WITH MARK™