Overturns, Forfeits, & Weeknight Picks

My college football week featured a turbulent range of emotions. Despite warnings signs and poor past performance, I went full speed ahead and picked six weeknight games. What a disaster. I did something that's difficult to accomplish - I lost all six. That being said, there is one result I disagree with. I picked Arizona State and was sure the Sun Devils were going to hold on against Oregon. The Ducks faced a fourth down in the closing seconds, trailing 41-34. Vernon Adams then heaved up a "500" throw as he was running for his life. Somehow, Oregon WR Dwayne Stanford caught it in the end zone to tie the game. In triple overtime, with the game tied at 55, Oregon WR Bralon Addison caught the ball just as his first foot was hitting the ground in the back of the end zone. The referees ruled it was a touchdown on the field, but the play was very close. After review, the call stood and Oregon was given the touchdown because there weren't clear camera angles to overturn the call. Watching at home and on Twitter, it was clear to me that Addison's foot was out of bounds. I was outraged. Arizona State proceeded to throw an interception and "lost" 61-55. I wasn't satisfied with the result though. I know I might get fined for saying this, but David Cutliffe's actions have given me confidence I'll avoid punishment. I DEMAND that Arizona State be awarded the victory after the fact. I am petitioning Pac-12 Commissioner Larry Scott (my new favorite name) to rectify this injustice. My friends Lauer, Pollack, Finebaum, Wilbon, Greenberg, and Smith all support my cause. I'll be waiting to hear back from the Pac-12 and will update my Pickens Stats Table when last week's game is properly corrected. If Arizona State isn't given the win by the conference, I hope Oregon does the right thing and forfeits. It's the honorable thing to do.

Saturday saved my weekend and gave me memories for years to come. Miami's incredible win from Duke was a special moment. I couldn't be happier for the players and coaches and hope it will mark the start of better things to come. My picks on Saturday were also miraculous and improbable. I was 11-4-1 and improved my Saturday record to 74-57-2 (56.5%) on the season. The newly introduced SCOTT Pick got off to a great start, going 3-1. I should self-ban myself from writing about weeknight matchups, but there are simply too many games to choose from this week. Baseball is over so there won't be any more distractions. Spend your Tuesdays with the MAC.

Tuesday

TOLEDO -7.5 vs Northern Illinois - 8pm

Toledo is undefeated and this game will likely decide the MAC West division. Toledo coach Matt Campbell is a rising star and I expect his QB Phillip Ely to play well against the Huskies. Northern Illinois has owned the MAC recently, but this is Toledo's year. NIU QB Drew Hare will put up points, but it won't be enough. The Rockets win by 10-14 at the Glass Bowl, one of my favorite small stadiums to visit.

Wednesday

BOWLING GREEN -20.5 vs Ohio - 8pm

Bowling Green's offense will continue to dominate opponents. Expect the Falcons to score 40+ on the way to another blowout win. BGSU's Matt Johnson is having a special season, completing 70% of his passes with 29 TD's and just 3 INT's. WR Roger Lewis will have another big game. Bowling Green fans should enjoy HC Dino Babers while they can, because he'll be getting a Power 5 job in a few months. Ohio enters the game coming off back to back losses by a combined 59 points to Western Michigan and Buffalo.

Thursday

BUFFALO -2.5 at Kent State - 7pm

Buffalo is a much better team. Kent State's two conference wins were close, low-scoring games against Umass and Miami Ohio. Against Illinois, Minnesota, Toledo, and BGSU, the Golden Flashes were held to seven points or less. Buffalo's offense will do enough to earn a win on the road, led by experienced QB Joe Licata.

KANSAS STATE +17.5 vs Baylor - 730pm

I'm excited to watch freshman QB Jarrett Stidham make his first start for Baylor. I think he'll be fine as the season progresses, but with this many points I have to pick Kansas State and Bill Synder coming off a bye week. The only time Baylor has left Texas this season was to play Kansas on the road. The crowd in Manhattan will be a factor, even with the Wildcats struggling at 0-4 in the conference.

ARKANSAS STATE +10.5 at Appalachian State - 730pm

Both teams are 4-0 in the Sun Belt. App State is coming off a dramatic triple overtime win over Troy. I like the dual-threat ability of Arkansas State QB Fredi Knighten. Appalachian State should win the game at home, but it will be close throughout.

MISSISSIPPI STATE -8 at Missouri - 9pm

This will be an easy win for the Bulldogs. Missouri's defense is tough, but the Tigers are a disaster on offense. Maty Mauk was suspended again this week so freshman QB Drew Lock will continue to start. Missouri has lost three straight games, scoring 3 points against UF, 6 points against Georgia, and 3 points against Vanderbilt. Mississippi State has too much talent on offense and will pull away in the second half behind the play of QB Dak Prescott.

Friday

TEMPLE -12.5 at Southern Methodist - 8pm

If Temple can avoid a hangover from a disappointing loss to Notre Dame, the Owls should steamroll SMU on Friday night. The Mustangs have lost six straight, allowing at least 38 points in every game. Temple's defense will slow down SMU and Matt Rhule's team will bounce back and stay undefeated in the AAC.