The Wiz of Odds

Crystal Ball

A look at how prognosticators from around the country view the Week 2 games.

Double D, Boston Herald: The word here is give — as in give the points. Turner Gill's not in Buffalo anymore and the Ramblin' Wreck from Georgia Tech is coming to Lawrence. Take Georgia Tech and give the 14 points to Kansas.

Mike Hlas, Cedar Rapids Gazette: Hlastradamus says this isn't about the "U." It's about dotting the "i" in Ohio. Miami is about to play in front of more people than attend any two Hurricane games. Take Ohio State, playing at home, and spot the 8.5 points.

Lenn Robbins, New York Post: It's personal. South Florida showed his alma mater, Stony Brook, no respect last Saturday. Now the Bulls, all fat and happy after beating up on the Seawolves, must travel to Gainesville to play Florida. Load up the Brink's truck, drive to Vegas, take the Gators and lay the 15.5 points.

Jon Wilner, College Hotline: Florida State is getting 8.5 points against a leaky Oklahoma pass defense. Take the Seminoles and the points. In the Pacific 10, he's riding USC over Virginia and Stanford over UCLA.

John Tamanaha, NBC Sports: Tamanaha took one on the chin last week. He had Toledo and the points against Arizona. But he's up and off the deck this week and riding the West Virginia bandwagon against Marshall.

Brett McMurphy, FanHouse: He lost $80 of his imaginary $5,000 bankroll in Week 1, but promises that this week is the start of something big, beginning with Friday night's West Virginia-Marshall game.

Crystal Ball

A look at how prognosticators from around the country view the Week 1 games.

Double D, Boston Herald: Mississippi State, with a veteran offensive line and upgraded defense, is favored by 21 points over Memphis. This one is easy. Take the Bulldogs and give the points.

Mike Hlas, Cedar Rapids Gazette: Hlastradamus, the seer, soothsayer and purveyor of sad and moldering strangeness is back. Nebraska is laying 38 against Western Kentucky, but covering that should not be a problem.

John Tamanaha, NBC Sports: A tough opener for Arizona, which is favored by 12.5 at Toledo. Take the Rockets and the points.

Brett McMurphy, FanHouse: He starts with an imaginary $5,000 bankroll. His first investment is Southern Methodist, getting 14, at Texas Tech.

Doug Segrest, Birmingham News: You just can't beat the SEC. Vanderbilt, playing at home, is going to surprise Northwestern, 24-22.

Lenn Robbins, New York Post: The Pigskin Profit started 2-2 on opening night, but big things are ahead for him Saturday, including North Carolina over Louisiana State.

Tony Barnhart, Atlanta Journal-Constitution: The return of the Fearless Friday Forecast. He picked North Carolina to beat LSU a month ago, but the NCAA investigation of several Tar Heel players has changed his opinion. The Tigers win by seven.

Jon Wilner, College Hotline: Washington and UCLA are getting points on the road. Don't miss this chance. Take the Huskies and Bruins.

Chuck Carlton, Dallas Morning News: Is Boise State feeling the pressure? Monday's game against Virginia Tech might be the most important in Bronco history. That's why the Hokies are going to win.

Heisman Pundit: They won't be happy in Ann Arbor. Michigan is going to lose to Connecticut, 24-20.

College Injury Report: A look at who is hurt and who is healthy.

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Crystal Ball

A look at how prognosticators from around the country view this week's games.

Double D, Boston Herald: The Conference USA title game may not have the sex appeal of the Southeastern Conference title game, but what do you care? It's all about cashing a ticket, and there's not a better play on the board than Houston over East Carolina.

Tim Sullivan, New York Post: Cincinnati is undefeated and a victory from a berth to a Bowl Championship Series game. Pittsburgh is coming off a loss to West Virginia. Load up on the Bearcats, right? Not so fast. Cincinnati, in failing to cover the past three games, has given up an average of 34 points. The Panthers, playing at home, are the pick.

Reno Gazette-Journal: The sharpies in Reno are taking one underdog (Alabama) and two favorites (Cincinnati and Rutgers).

Phil Steele: His top 25 forecast calls for Clemson to defeat Georgia Tech, 31-24, in the Atlantic Coast Conference title game.

The National Championship Issue: Nebraska will have to play a perfect game to beat Texas. That likely won't happen, so the wise choice is to think defense and take the under.

Jon Wilner, College Hotline: His five-star special is Cincinnati over Pittsburgh.

Tony Barnhart, Atlanta Journal-Constitution: Alabama is going to edge Florida in another instant classic.

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For complete TV listings, check Matt Sarzyniak's Sports.

Visit the Wiz's Resources page for all your reference needs.

Crystal Ball

A look at how prognosticators from around the country view this week's games.

Double D, Boston Herald: USC freshman quarterback Matt Barkley has gone from Heisman contender to his new nickname, "Boy Blunder." UCLA has won three in a row, all against Pacific 10 bottom feeders. The Trojans have the Bruins right where they want them — the L.A. Coliseum. Give the points and take USC.

Tim Sullivan, New York Post: Notre Dame has been in every game it has played. Aside from uncharacteristic blowout wins over Washington State and Nevada, every Fighting Irish tilt has been decided by seven points or less. Notre Dame is getting a bundle of points at Stanford. The Fighting Irish are the pick.

Jon Wilner, College Sports Hotline: Nevada can score with the best of them. Take the high-octane Wolf Pack and the points against Western Athletic Conference kingpin Boise State. In the Pacific 10, look for Stanford to hang 50 on Notre Dame.

John Werner, Waco Tribune-Herald: Baylor has nothing to play for, while Texas Tech is trying to improve its bowl position. Take the Red Raiders and give the points.

Reno Gazette-Journal: The sharpies in Reno are going with Auburn, Colorado and Oklahoma State.

Phil Steele: His top 25 forecast calls for Oklahoma to defeat Oklahoma State, 31-17.

Crystal Ball

A look at how prognosticators from around the country view this week's games.

Tim Sullivan, New York Post: Rutgers is quietly back in the top 25 and is 3-0 on the road, with an average margin of victory 14 points. That's enough evidence to take the Scarlet Knights and give the nine points at Syracuse.

Double D, Boston Herald: It's the last home game for Colt McCoy as he guides the Texas Longhorns against a Kansas team that has lost five in a row under embattled coach Mark Mangino. Lay the points and take the Longhorns.

Jon Wilner, College Sports Hotline: Iowa should be in letdown mode after losing in overtime at Columbus, and losing the Rose Bowl in the process. Take Minnesota and the points. In the Pacific 10, he's taking Arizona and the points against Oregon.

John Werner, Waco Tribune-Herald: It's quite possible that Texas A&M has the worse defense in the Big 12. But Baylor's defense is not much better. It adds up to a 38-28 Aggie victory.

Reno Gazette-Journal: The sharpies in Reno went 3-0 last week. The picks this week: Kentucky, Penn State and Northwestern.

Phil Steele: His top 25 forecast calls for Ohio State to slip past Michigan, 30-23, and Mississippi to upend Louisiana State, 27-17.

Crystal Ball

A look at how prognosticators from around the country view this week's games.

Tim Sullivan, New York Post: Clearly, Iowa had some quality bounces just to be undefeated before last Saturday. But let’s not forget: This team can still play defense. It can still run the ball. The Hawkeyes, getting a bundle of points, should get the cover at Ohio State.

Double D, Boston Herald: Arkansas is the Southeastern Conference's highest-scoring team, and quarterback Ryan Mallett should put up big numbers against a Troy team that is stepping up in class. Take the Razorbacks and lay the points.

Jon Wilner, College Sports Hotline: Stanford is the last team to beat USC at the L.A. Memorial Coliseum. The Cardinal has the best running back and quarterback in the game, and the healthier roster, and the momentum, and it believes it can win. Take Stanford and the points. His national picks include Pittsburgh over Notre Dame.

John Werner, Waco Tribune-Herald: Baylor is coming off a stunning road victory at Missouri, but Texas isn't the kind of team you want to play with a hangover. The Longhorns will have no trouble with the Bears.

Reno Gazette-Journal: The sharpies in Reno are letting it ride on Oregon State, Temple and Notre Dame.

Phil Steele: His top 25 forecast calls for Pittburgh to beat Notre Dame, 30-27, and Texas Christian to drill Utah, 34-7.