Pigskin picking

Anybody catch Arizona’s upset of second-ranked Oregon Thursday night?
The only thing more impressive than Arizona cornerback/punt returner Antoine Cason (two touchdowns) was the remarkable restraint shown by AU students after they began spilling out of the stands and on to the sideline in the final few minutes. With several thousand rabid -- and more than a few liquored-up -- students ringing the field, security could have been overwhelmed. But they waited until the clock expired before charging the field.
Can’t wait to see which ranked team gets toppled this weekend.
I actually nailed last week’s seismic upset -- Illinois over Ohio State -- to highlight a 12-6 week.
My record now stands at 107-45 by the grace of frequent appearances by Louisiana-Monroe and similar teams on the SEC schedule.
Here’s how I think it will go down this week ...

Tonight

No. 13 Hawaii (9-0) at Nevada (5-4)
The last two games will determine whether Hawaii winds up with an at-large bid to the Sugar Bowl. Hawaii quarterback Colt Brennan (3,296 yards, 28 TDs) needs just one touchdown pass to break the all-time Division I career record he shares with former BYU star Ty Detmer (135 career TDs). While Brennan was knocked out of last week’s game and missed Monday’s practice, he insists he’ll be back. Nevada, which lost 69-67 to Boise State last month in a four-overtime game, could provide a lot of resistance.
Prediction: Hawaii 51, Nevada 44

SEC

No. 22 Kentucky (7-3) at No. 8 Georgia (8-2)
Not sure what more Georgia coach Mark Richt can do to motivate his team, but this should be enough: If the Bulldogs win out, they’ll likely land in the Sugar Bowl.
Prediction: Georgia 28, Kentucky 24

No. 1 LSU (9-1) at Ole Miss (3-7)
LSU has won the last five games in the rivalry, but all but one of those victories were decided by three points or less. The Tigers hung on for a 23-20 overtime victory last season.
Prediction: LSU 21, Ole Miss 17

Louisiana-Monroe (4-6) at Alabama (6-4)
Last week’s loss to Mississippi State had to be demoralizing for the Crimson Tide, but it will have an opportunity to get back on track before the Iron Bowl.
Prediction: Alabama 24, Louisiana-Monroe 10

Vanderbilt (5-5) at No. 19 Tennessee (7-3)
Vanderbilt continues its quest for bowl eligibility for the first time in a quarter century. Tennessee, which has been up and down all season, appears to be over its inconsistency now that an SEC championship game berth is in sight.
Prediction: Tennessee 31, Vanderbilt 21

Mississippi State (6-4) at Arkansas (6-4)
Arkansas tailback Darren McFadden, who topped the 1,400-yard mark last week, continues to be effective despite the Razorbacks’ lack of a fearsome passing game. While Tennessee limited him to a pedestrian output last week, he should be able to get back on track against the Bulldogs.
Prediction: Arkansas 27, Mississippi State 24

Florida Atlantic (5-4) at No. 14 Florida (7-3)
Florida QB Tim Tebow has accounted for 42 touchdowns rushing and passing. He could have half that many by halftime.
Prediction: Florida 49, Florida Atlantic 17

ACC

North Carolina (3-7) at Georgia Tech (6-4)
Georgia Tech struggled to put away Duke last week, but the Yellow Jackets can depend on a healthy and productive Tashard Choice. They are a different team without him.
Prediction: Georgia Tech 21, UNC 16

No. 18 Boston College (8-2) at No. 15 Clemson (8-2)
Clemson hasn’t won an ACC title since 1991, but the Tigers are poised to end that troublesome drought this year. A win over slumping Boston College would send the Tigers to the league title game.
Prediction: Clemson 27, Boston College 23

Miami (5-5) at No. 10 Virginia Tech (8-2)
Virginia Tech freshman quarterback Tyrod Taylor brought the Hokies back from a seemingly impossible deficit against Florida State last week. Taylor could make a clean sweep through the state of Florida, which used to be an impossible task.
Prediction: Virginia Tech 28, Miami 14

Maryland (5-5) at Florida State (6-4)
Maryland upset Boston College last week. The Terrapins seem to thrive as underdogs.
Prediction: Maryland 20, Florida State 17

N.C. State (5-5) at Wake Forest (6-4)
N.C. State has finally shown some life after an awful start.
Prediction: N.C. State 26, Wake Forest 24

Duke (1-9) at Notre Dame (1-9)
The loser of this game will stand alone as the worst team from a Bowl Championship Series conference. They’re evenly matched, at least. Duke lost 41-24 to Georgia Tech last week, while Notre Dame was a 41-24 loser against Air Force. The Fighting Irish could go winless at home for the first time since 1933 and only the third time in school history. It’s enough to make them nostalgic for the days of Dan Devine.
Prediction: Duke 19, Notre Dame 17

National games

No. 7 Ohio State (10-1) at No. 23 Michigan (8-3)
Both teams are bruised up: Ohio State emotionally after a loss to Illinois and Michigan physically. Michigan tailback Mike Hart is questionable due to a severe ankle injury, while quarterback Chad Henne’s status is in doubt due to a shoulder injury. There’s no doubt, however, about the Buckeyes’ motivation. Win and its on to the Rose Bowl as the Big 10 champion.
Prediction: Ohio State 27, Michigan 17

No. 5 West Virginia (8-1) at No. 21 Cincinnati (8-2)
West Virginia has turned the ball over just 14 times this season, but Cincinnati is adept at forcing mistakes. The Bearcats lead the nation in interceptions (22) and takeaways (35). Of course, they can only force turnovers if they catch up to West Virginia QB Pat White and tailback Steve Slaton.
Prediction: West Virginia 34, Cincinnati 27

No. 3 Oklahoma (9-1) at Texas Tech (7-4)
While the Sooners can solidify their AP poll position, thanks to Oregon’s loss Thursday night, they rank fourth in the Bowl Championship Series standings. Texas Tech has lost three of its last four games.
Prediction: Oklahoma 38, Texas Tech 28

Iowa State (3-8) at No. 4 Kansas (10-0)
Kansas owns its highest national ranking since 1968 and a No. 3 ranking in the BCS ratings (which will surely improve with a victory).
Prediction: Kansas 41, Iowa State 27

No. 6 Missouri (9-1) at Kansas State (5-5)
Since Kansas State endured a 73-31 clubbing by a horrible Nebraska team, it makes you wonder what Mizzou will do. The Tigers already own a single-season school record with 411 points.
Prediction: Missouri 49, Kansas State 30