There isn’t all that much of a doubt that the Florida State Seminoles and the Virginia Tech Hokies are two of the best three teams in the ACC this year. That being said, one of them will rule supreme in what could prove to be as crucial of a Thursday night NCAA football betting battle as we will see this year. All 12 members of the ACC are going to be watching this one, as this could change the entire course of the season in both the Atlantic Division and the Coastal Division. The Hokies will play host to the Seminoles in what could prove to be a preview of yet another ACC Championship Game in 2012.

Florida State Seminoles @ Virginia Tech Hokies Picks & Info
Florida State Seminoles @ Virginia Tech Hokies Date: Thursday, November 8th
Florida State Seminoles @ Virginia Tech Hokies Location: Lane Stadium, Blacksburg, VA
Florida State Seminoles @ Virginia Tech Hokies Spread: Florida State Seminoles (-3)

Florida State’s offense is going to have to be the difference in this game. QB EJ Manuel could be well on his way to a Heisman Trophy type of a season, and with the national spotlight shining in this standalone game on the college football TV schedule, there is no doubt that this could be the game that makes or breaks his campaign. This also could be vital from the standpoint that it might be the only thing separating the garnet and gold and a spot in the BCS National Championship Game. Barring a setback at home against Clemson or on the road against South Florida, NC State, or Miami (and yes, we know that that is a heck of a lot of “ifs”), this will likely be the only challenge left on the slate for the Noles. The defense took some massive strides last year, and though it is hard to measure exactly how many starters are really back from last year’s team, there is no doubt that there are at least 15 that are going to be back that were in the regular defensive rotation.

Florida State Seminoles vs. Virginia Tech Hokies Past Games (Since 1995)
2010: Virginia Tech 44 – Florida State 33 (ACC Championship Game)
2008: Florida State 30 – Virginia Tech 20
2007: Virginia Tech 40 – Florida State 21
2005: Florida State 27 – Virginia Tech 22 (ACC Championship Game)
2002: Florida State 30 – Virginia Tech 17 (Gator Bowl)
2000: Florida State 46 – Virginia Tech 29 (National Championship Game)

The Hokies could also reasonably be undefeated at this point too, though they have the unfortunate task of having to travel to Clemson and Miami in back to back weeks before this one kicks off, and it is hard to imagine many teams being able to get through that stretch of schedule without a blunder somewhere along the way. That being said, the V-Tech defense is going to have to be up to the challenge of containing the Seminoles. The Hokies really didn’t do a good job of that two years ago in the conference title game, but they did get their offense going full bore. The problem? QB Logan Thomas is now calling the shots and not QB Tyrod Taylor, and the rushing attack has really been diminished as well with RB David Thomas no longer in Blacksburg.

Florida State @ Florida State Free Picks^^: This is a tough call. Lane Stadium is used to hosting these Thursday nighters, and more often than not, the Hokies are the ones that come out on top in these situations. Florida State probably has the slightly better team, but we think that this game is going to mean more to V-Tech. Don’t be shocked if the Seminoles come back and win the war in the ACC Championship Game, where we expect these two teams to be meeting later in the campaign, but with the venue set in Blacksburg in primetime, we definitely want the field goal on our side.

^^Notice: The NCAA football picks & predictions listed on the sports betting blog are made by our staff writers early in the season and do not represent the Bankroll Sports expert handicapping team’s actual premium service releases. Click Here to receive our expert handicappers premium college football picks for the 2012 football season.

You can purchase our premium Florida State vs. Virginia Tech picks from our experts on 11/8/12

The Notre Dame Fighting Irish have been craving respect for years and years. This could be a difficult season, but it could just as easily be one in which a BCS bowl game might be on the line. If Notre Dame has eight wins coming into this contest with the USC Trojans, it could be well on its way to the Orange Bowl or the Sugar Bowl. For the Trojans though, this could be the second to last step between them and a perfect season and a bid in the BCS National Championship Game. If nothing else, there is a ton of history and tradition here between these two schools, and this year’s game at the LA Coliseum will certainly be a college football matchup that cannot be missed.

Notre Dame Fighting Irish @ USC Trojans Picks & Info
Notre Dame Fighting Irish @ USC Trojans Date: Saturday, November 24th
Notre Dame Fighting Irish @ USC Trojans Location: Los Angeles Coliseum, Los Angeles, CA
Notre Dame Fighting Irish @ USC Trojans Spread: USC Trojans -13

Notre Dame will already know at this point what its season is going to be like. This might determine whether it gets to go to a bowl game or a BCS bowl bid, but there is no doubt that the National Championship is not in the picture. It is anyone’s guess as to whether it will be QB Tommy Rees or QB Andrew Hendrix by this point in the season, but either way, we know that the microscope is going to be on both of these athletes by November. Odds have it, both will have played and gone through many ups and downs, and whichever one is under center is going to know that he is in a lot of trouble going up against the stout USC defense.

Notre Dame Fighting Irish vs. USC Trojans Past Games (Since 1995)
2011: USC 31 – Notre Dame 17
2010: Notre Dame 20 – USC 16
2009: USC 34 – Notre Dame 27
2008: USC 38 – Notre Dame 3
2007: USC 38 – Notre Dame 0
2006: USC 44 – Notre Dame 24
2005: USC 34 – Notre Dame 31
2004: USC 41 – Notre Dame 10
2003: USC 45 – Notre Dame 14
2002: USC 44 – Notre Dame 13
2001: Notre Dame 27 – USC 16
2000: Notre Dame 38 – USC 21
1999: Notre Dame 25 – USC 24
1998: USC 10 – Notre Dame 0
1997: USC 20 – Notre Dame 17
1996: USC 27 – Notre Dame 20
1995: Notre Dame 38 – USC 10

This is the first time that we have taken a look at the Trojans in our Top 25 countdown of the best college football matchups of the year, and we have to say that it is obvious that we like what we see. This could be the final home game for QB Matt Barkley, though in all likelihood, the next week, he’ll be playing in the Pac-12 Championship Game at the Coliseum as well. He’ll want to put on a show, as will so many of the other members of the Men of Troy that are going to be leaving for the NFL after this upcoming season is over with. Barkley might also have a Heisman Trophy to go out and win, and you know with the national media all over this game and everything that this team does, every single snap is important. Don’t be all that shocked, especially up against a Notre Dame secondary that has the tendency of being suspect, if Barkley ends up with a huge game on what will be Senior Night.

Notre Dame @ USC Free Picks^^: ‘V’ is for victory, and there is no doubt that USC is going to be proving triumphant in this one. Notre Dame is overrated at this point, but by the end of the year, when the Trojans are either undefeated or on the verge of it, there won’t be a way that this point spread is below two touchdowns. Back the Men of Troy in what could be their final home game to blow the Irish out of the water by at least three scores.

^^Disclaimer: Our college football picks by our sports blog writers are independent of those from our Expert NCAA Football Handicappers. All NCAA football odds and lines in our Top 25 are from the month of August, and those lines could and likely will change by the time the game kicks off.

You won’t want to miss our Notre Dame @ USC picks when our expert college football handicappers have them posted on the week of 11/24/12.

Dating all the way back to the days of the old Southwest Conference, the Arkansas Razorbacks and the Texas A&M Aggies have been bitter rivals with one another. They were separated by conferences when the Big 8 and the SEC pillaged the Southwest, but they renewed their rivalry in 2009. Now though, they are back in the SEC West together, and the stakes really couldn’t be higher than they are right now. No matter how good or bad either of these teams turn out to be, every year, this is always one of the best games on the college football schedule, and that’s why it is our #12 game of our Countdown to Kickoff: The Top 25 Games of the College Football Season.

Arkansas Razorbacks @ Texas A&M Aggies Picks & Info
Arkansas Razorbacks @ Texas A&M Aggies Date: Saturday, September 29th
Arkansas Razorbacks @ Texas A&M Aggies Location: Kyle Field, College Station, TX
Arkansas Razorbacks @ Texas A&M Aggies Spread: Arkansas Razorbacks -3.5

The Hogs know that this is going to be a year with a heck of a schedule. The team has games in conference against Alabama and LSU at home, and Auburn, Texas A&M, South Carolina, and Mississippi State on the road. It’s not going to be easy to say the least. This is going to be a crucial game, because in all likelihood, Arkansas is going to be 0-1 already in the SEC, as its opener comes at home against Alabama on September 15th. Lose this one, and the likelihood is there that there is no chance whatsoever to get to the SEC Championship Game. Last year, this was the game in which QB Tyler Wilson really proclaimed his presence. He threw for 510 yards and three TDs, and he did so on the comeback trail, leading the team from down 35-17 at halftime to win with 25 second half points. Of course, the bad news is that most of Wilson’s receivers are now gone, but at least he is back and ready to give it another go at the Aggies. Remember that last year at that point, the Hogs were still trying to figure out how to find receivers aside from WR Greg Childs, and WR Jarius Wright had 13 grabs for 281 yards and two TDs. Someone else is bound to step up.

Arkansas Razorbacks vs. Texas A&M Aggies Past Games (Since 1995)
2011: Arkansas 42 – Texas A&M 38
2010: Arkansas 24 – Texas A&M 17
2009: Arkansas 47 – Texas A&M 19

Head Coach Kevin Sumlin knows that this is going to be one of the biggest games of his entire season this year. Just getting to a bowl game is going to be tough as could be, knowing that the team has to go 7-5 just to make it thanks to the fact that it has a pair of FCS teams on the slate. The Aggies might be 4-0 at this point (and that’s only if they avoid the upset at SMU and find a way to beat Florida in their SEC opener), but from here, there just aren’t all that many wins that we see on the schedule. With QB Ryan Tannehill gone, Texas A&M is going to struggle to find a pass happy offense. QB Johnny Manziel looks to be the man that is going to have the job at the outset of the season, and this is a heck of a lot to be putting on the back of a redshirt freshman in the SEC. There are going to be some growing pains for sure, and this is one of those games that could turn out to be a vital one in the youngster’s career. The entire offensive line is back in front of Manziel, which should help out quite a bit, and the defense brings back eight, but those eight were embarrassed in the second half by these Razorbacks last season.

Arkansas @ Texas A&M Free Picks^^: Even though this game is going to be played in College Station, we just don’t see how the Aggies are going to be able to keep up with the Hogs. Matters can really only get worse, not better for Texas A&M. If it loses to either Florida or SMU, its stock is going to slide. No one really figures on Arkansas beating the Tide, but if it did, that would be a huge boost in its stock as well. We can only see this point spread going up, not down, and for that reason, we are going to jump on board right now with the Razorbacks.

^^Note: These college football picks are independent of the picks of our Expert NCAA Football Handicappers. These NCAA football picks are made as of 8/12/12, though we will keep the college football matchup page updated for this clash on the week of the game.

When the Arkansas @ Texas A&M odds are on the board on the week of 9/29, we will have our college football picks that you won’t want to miss!

Last year was the first time that the Big Ten Championship Game was played in Detroit, and it featured the Michigan State Spartans and the Wisconsin Badgers. That being said, October 27th is going to be the first time that these two teams end up sharing the field together, and it might be a game with the same level of importance. Depending upon how the rest of the Big Ten schedule goes, this third meeting between these squads in the last 12 months might be the first of two meetings this year. The two could very reasonably meet again in the Big Ten Championship Game, but it is going to take a lot of work for both squads. This is a great matchup for our NCAA football picks, and it is deservingly the No. 16 game on our countdown on the Top 25 games in 2012.

Michigan State Spartans @ Wisconsin Badgers Picks & Info
Michigan State Spartans @ Wisconsin Badgers Date: Saturday, October 27th
Michigan State Spartans @ Wisconsin Badgers Location: Camp Randall Stadium, Madison, WI
Michigan State Spartans @ Wisconsin Badgers Spread: Wisconsin Badgers -5

This is going to be the biggest test in the Big Ten season for QB Andrew Maxwell. We have already spoken about Maxwell as the new thing in East Lansing, and he and a very new crop of receivers will now have a bunch of games under their belts before having to go to Camp Randall. Maxwell knows that he is going to have to use his arms and his legs to be able to beat the Badgers, who always have one of the best and most ferocious defenses in the Big Ten, and in the country as a whole. Sparty is going to be counting on its defense as well, knowing that this unit returns so many big time starters like DE William Gholston, who might be one of the best pass rushers in the land. Against what could be a very raw Wisconsin passing attack, Gholston might really be able to be the difference maker.

Michigan State Spartans vs. Wisconsin Badgers Past Games (Since 1995)
2011: Wisconsin 42 – Michigan State 39 (Big Ten Championship Game)
2011: Michigan State 37 – Wisconsin 31
2010: Michigan State 34 – Wisconsin 24
2009: Wisconsin 38 – Michigan State 30
2008: Michigan State 25 – Wisconsin 24
2007: Wisconsin 37 – Michigan State 34
2004: Michigan State 49 – Wisconsin 14
2003: Wisconsin 56 – Michigan State 21
2002: Wisconsin 42 – Michigan State 24
2001: Michigan State 42 – Wisconsin 28
2000: Wisconsin 17 – Michigan State 10
1999: Wisconsin 40 – Michigan State 10
1996: Michigan State 30 – Wisconsin 13
1995: Wisconsin 45 – Michigan State 14

Wisconsin won the first Big Ten Championship Game last year, and it is making a habit out of making it to the Rose Bowl. Two straight appearances in the Rose Bowl is something that the Badgers have gotten used to, but they are going to be aspiring for even more this year. RB Montee Ball was a Heisman Trophy finalist last year, and he is going to be a huge back once again with three of his five offensive linemen returning. The difference is the passing game. QB Russell Wilson was a godsend last year for the program, but now, it is up to QB Joe Brennan to get the job done. Brennan might struggle early in the year, but the schedule is relatively easy to start. Hopefully that gives him the confidence that he is going to need to be able to hang in the pocket against the Michigan State pass rush.

Michigan State @ Wisconsin Free Picks^^: Last year, we saw Michigan State figure out how to win on the final play of the game against Wisconsin. The Badgers were the better team in that first game, and we think that they proved it the second time around in the Big Ten title game as well. Now could be the time that Wisconsin really shows that it is the better of these two teams once and for all. We just don’t see how the Spartans are going to be able to go on the road and win this one. The point spread should be at least seven in our eyes, so we are taking the Badgers.

^^Disclaimer: Our college football picks by our sports blog writers are independent of those from our Expert NCAA Football Handicappers. All NCAA football odds and lines in our Top 25 are from the month of August, and those lines could and likely will change by the time the game kicks off.

You won’t want to miss our Michigan State @ Wisconsin picks when our expert college football handicappers have them posted on the week of 10/27/12.

The Notre Dame Fighting Irish haven’t had all the luck in the world of late against the state of Michigan, losing three games in absolutely heartbreaking fashion on the road against these two main teams in the state. That being said, they are going to have another shot of beating the college football betting odds early in the season against the Michigan Wolverines, one of teams that has the potential to be in the Top 10 in the land. This should be a great battle between two top notch offenses, and we look forward to making our college football picks for this duel in South Bend.

Michigan Wolverines @ Notre Dame Fighting Irish Picks & Info
Michigan Wolverines @ Notre Dame Fighting Irish Date: Saturday, September 22nd
Michigan Wolverines @ Notre Dame Fighting Irish Location: Notre Dame Stadium, South Bend, IN
Michigan Wolverines @ Notre Dame Fighting Irish Spread: Notre Dame Fighting Irish -2.5

The Wolverines know that this might be the make or break point of their season, and that’s definitely something that cannot be underestimated. One would like to figure that they are going to be 0-1 after taking on Alabama in the first week of the season, and this could be the difference between being 3-1 and ranked in the Top 10 or Top 15 in the land and being 2-2 and having zero chance of doing anything more than going to the Rose Bowl this season. QB Denard Robinson has had some simply awesome games against the Fighting Irish over the course of the last two years, including leading that tremendous comeback that won the first ever night game played in the Big House a season ago. He’s got a lot of his offensive weapons back, namely WR Roy Roundtree and RB Fitzgerald Toussaint. Roundtree only had one catch against Notre Dame last year, but it went for 16 yards and the game-winning touchdown with just two seconds left to play.

Michigan Wolverines vs. Notre Dame Fighting Irish Past Games (Since 1995)
2011: Michigan35 – Notre Dame 31
2010: Michigan 28 – Notre Dame 24
2009: Michigan 38 – Notre Dame 34
2008: Notre Dame 35 – Michigan 17
2007: Michigan 38 – Notre Dame 0
2006: Michigan 47 – Notre Dame 21
2005: Notre Dame 17 – Michigan 10
2004: Notre Dame 28 – Michigan 20
2003: Michigan 38 – Notre Dame 0
2002: Notre Dame 25 – Michigan 23
1999: Michigan 26 – Notre Dame 22
1998: Notre Dame 36 – Michigan 20
1996: Michigan 21 – Notre Dame 14

This is the type of game that Notre Dame really badly has to win this year. There have just been too many losses like this over the course of the last few years, and the possibility is there that this could be a brutal start to the season. Remember that a game in Dublin against Navy isn’t all that easy, and a home game seven days later against Purdue could be dangerous. Then add in a game in East Lansing… Could the Irish really drop to 0-4 with this one? It’s not likely, but even dropping to 2-2 could be brutal with games still to play on the road against Oklahoma and Southern Cal. But still, the offense has the potential to be dangerous against a Michigan defense that really likely overachieved last year. TE Tyler Eifert should have a heck of a season, and this might be his showcase game. QB Tommy Rees and QB Andrew Hendrix might both end up coming into play this game, but whichever one is under center could play and have the chance to play well.

Michigan @ Notre Dame Free Picks^^: Still, we are really wondering why the Golden Domers are favored in this game. Notre Dame has lost three in a row in this series, and yes, we know that that is a motivating factor to come out even stronger. That being said, we think that Michigan has the potential to be a Top 15 team in the land this year. The Fighting Irish just don’t in our eyes. Take any points that you can get on your side now, knowing that the opinion of Michigan can really only improve if its plays well against Alabama, while Notre Dame’s can only get worse if it loses a game that no one thinks that it should lose against Navy or Purdue.

^^Note: These college football picks are independent of the picks of our Expert NCAA Football Handicappers. These NCAA football picks are made as of 8/12/12, though we will keep the college football matchup page updated for this clash on the week of the game.

When the Michigan @ Notre Dame odds are on the board on the week of 9/22, we will have our college football picks that you won’t want to miss!

From the 1990s through right around 2000, the Florida State Seminoles and Florida Gators always knew that their rivalry game was going to be one for the ages. The road to the National Championship quite often went through one of these two teams, and sometimes both. Both know that they are going to have a chance to play in a BCS bowl game this year, and many think that the Seminoles could legitimately be National Championship contenders as well. This is going to be a heck of a battle in Tallahassee, and it is a game that you won’t want to miss. The whole state of Florida will be watching, as the men in blue and orange fight it out with the men in garnet and gold. Don’t miss our Florida @ Florida State picks for Rivalry Week on the college football betting odds.

Florida Gators @ Florida State Seminoles Picks & Info
Florida Gators @ Florida State Seminoles Date: Saturday, November 24th
Florida Gators @ Florida State Seminoles Location: Bobby Bowden Field at Doak Campbell Stadium, Tallahassee, FL
Florida Gators @ Florida State Seminoles Spread: Florida State Seminoles -6.5

Florida had as disastrous of a season as it could have had last year, and the end result was that the team just barely squeaked into a bowl game. The second year for Head Coach Will Muschamp could be a struggle as well, though we think that the squad is going to be able to do a lot more in the SEC this time around than it did last year against a horrifying schedule. The combination of QBs Jacoby Brissett and Jeff Driskel will really have to pick it up from where they were last year, though the fact that the two sophomores are going to take over under center isn’t that much of a loss, considering how poorly QB Jeff Brantley played last year. The running back position, one of which was so deep at Florida for so many years, just isn’t that deep any longer with both RBs Chris Rainey and Jeff Demps gone for the NFL. Instead, Muschamp is going to be relying on his defense to slow down the Noles. The 10 returning starters will make this team improved for sure, but we just don’t know if these 10 have it in them to be able to slow down the garnet and gold offense.

Florida Gators vs. Florida State Seminoles Past Games (Since 1995)
2011: Florida State 21 – Florida 7
2010: Florida State 31 – Florida 7
2009: Florida 37 – Florida State 10
2008: Florida 45 – Florida State 15
2007: Florida 45 – Florida State 12
2006: Florida 34 – Florida State 7
2005: Florida 34 – Florida State 7
2004: Florida 20 – Florida State 13
2003: Florida State 38 – Florida 34
2002: Florida State 31 – Florida 14
2001: Florida 37 – Florida State 13
2000: Florida State 30 – Florida 7
1999: Florida State 30 – Florida 23
1998: Florida State 23 – Florida 12
1997: Florida 32 – Florida State 29
1997: Florida 52 – Florida State 20 (Sugar Bowl)
1996: Florida State 24 – Florida 21
1995: Florida 35 – Florida State 24

Many think that this is the year that Florida State can really contend for the BCS National Championship this year, but we have heard of that a heck of a lot of late. FSU has been able to get to the top of the charts in the ACC, but this is the most experienced team that we have seen since Head Coach Bobby Bowden left the program. QB EJ Manuel is in his senior year, and he has an offensive line in front of him that has a lot of experience. The receivers and the running backs have a lot of potential, and the defense returns eight starters from a unit that, at times, was dominating last year. The entire front seven is back, and though the secondary took a big time shot with the dismissal of DB Greg Reid, and that is going to be difficult to overcome. With Florida running the football so much though, the front seven is going to be all that more important.

Florida @ Florida State Free Picks^^: Laying 6.5 is going to be a bit much, but we think that this number is only going to be going up, not down. We just don’t know if the Gators have the ability to come on the road and win a game against a National Championship contender. If Head Coach Jimbo Fisher can keep his team together and ready for the big time scene, this should be a game that should be won by at least 10.

^^Notice: The NCAA football picks & predictions listed on the sports betting blog are made by our staff writers early in the season and do not represent the Bankroll Sports expert handicapping team’s actual premium service releases. Click Here to receive our expert handicappers premium college football picks for the 2012 football season.

You can purchase our premium Florida vs. Florida State picks from our experts on 11/24/12

Every single year, the Bedlam matchup is one to watch. Points are usually all over the board, and upsets are quite frequently the norm. The National Championship picture could come into focus when these two teams meet up with one another, but for sure, the Big XII title will be on the line. The Oklahoma Sooners and Oklahoma State Cowboys truly hate each other, and that will probably never change. This year though, the game could take on an entirely new meaning with the way that the Big XII has been reformed with new teams. Don’t miss the college football odds or our Oklahoma vs. Oklahoma State picks for this great clash in Rivalry Week!

Oklahoma State Cowboys @ Oklahoma Sooners Picks & Info
Oklahoma State Cowboys @ Oklahoma Sooners Date: Saturday, November 24th
Oklahoma State Cowboys @ Oklahoma Sooners Location: Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium, Norman, OK
Oklahoma State Cowboys @ Oklahoma Sooners Spread: Oklahoma Sooners -10

The Cowboys are going to know at this point in the year whether they are going to have a realistic chance of competing with the Sooners or not. RB Joseph Randle was asked to do a lot last year in pass protection and in receiving the football, but this time around, he is probably going to asked to be a lot more of a pure rusher in a fast paced offense. We know that QB Clint Chelf is going to have all the pressure in the world on his back to be able to keep up with the powerful offenses and experienced quarterbacks that the Big XII has to offer, and this is going to be his biggest challenge yet, assuming that he can nail down the starting job once and for all. He does have a good defense working for him, and though this unit has to be on the field quite a bit with the speed at which the offense operates, it is a real question as to whether the eight returning starters can really pick up the slack, especially against what is perceived to be such a potent offense.

Oklahoma State Cowboys vs. Oklahoma Sooners Past Games (Since 1995)
2011: Oklahoma State 44 – Oklahoma 10
2010: Oklahoma 47 – Oklahoma State 41
2009: Oklahoma 27 – Oklahoma State 0
2008: Oklahoma 61 – Oklahoma State 41
2007: Oklahoma 49 – Oklahoma State 17
2006: Oklahoma 27 – Oklahoma State 21
2005: Oklahoma 42 – Oklahoma State 14
2004: Oklahoma 38 – Oklahoma State 35
2003: Oklahoma 52 – Oklahoma State 9
2002: Oklahoma State 38 – Oklahoma 28
2001: Oklahoma State 16 – Oklahoma 13
2000: Oklahoma 12 – Oklahoma State 7
1999: Oklahoma 44 – Oklahoma State 7
1998: Oklahoma State 41 – Oklahoma 26
1997: Oklahoma State 30 – Oklahoma 7
1996: Oklahoma 27 – Oklahoma State 17
1995: Oklahoma State 12 – Oklahoma 0

Perhaps the reason that QB Landry Jones came back to school for his senior year was the idea of beating Okie State and winning the BCS National Championship. The two won’t necessarily go hand in hand, but after last year’s embarrassment in Stillwater, a game that was supposed to be close from the get go, you know that Jones and his offensive mates are going to be psyched up and ready to go for this one. The Sooners have 15 returners between the offensive and defensive side of the ball, and including basically the entire offensive line, which is going to be chock full of NFL stars after this year is over. Basically the entire secondary is back, too. Though that sounds like a good thing, we are still wary though, as we know that this unit struggled in a big time way in 2010 and 2011, and it will have to step it up in a big time way to be able to win this game against a game set of Cowboys.

Oklahoma State @ Oklahoma Free Picks^^: Now that this series is back to being in Norman this year, we really think that the Cowboys are going to be in for a real beating. The Sooners should be National Championship contenders this year, and this is the game that they are going to have to win to set themselves up to be in a position to get the job done. Jones and his experienced set of returners should be able to overwhelm Okie State in what will be the last home game for at least 11 (and potentially many more) of the team’s 22 starters. The Sooners take this by at least two touchdowns.

^^Disclaimer: Our college football picks by our sports blog writers are independent of those from our Expert NCAA Football Handicappers. All NCAA football odds and lines in our Top 25 are from the month of August, and those lines could and likely will change by the time the game kicks off.

You won’t want to miss our Oklahoma State @ Oklahoma picks when our expert college football handicappers have them posted on the week of 11/24/12.