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November 19, 2009
We’re back with another week of trying to predict the big upsets – or, at the least, pick teams that will cover the spread. The lone stipulation in choosing a game is that the spread has to be at least 7.5 points.

Check out our expert picks and cast your vote for the most likely upset.

SEASON TOTALS: Last week (five selections), there was one outright winner and two more that covered the spread. For the season (54 selections), there have been 10 outright winners plus 19 more that have covered the spread.
Olin Buchanan: Minnesota plus-10 at Iowa
Olin Buchanan: Minnesota plus-10 at Iowa
Rivals.com National Writer
Sure, Iowa has three more victories than Minnesota, but when the “Floyd of Rosedale” trophy is at stake the records are thrown out the window … or is it the sty? Anyway, this game might mean more to Minnesota than Iowa. Yes, the Hawkeyes can enhance their BCS bowl hopes with a victory, but last week, they suffered a disappointing loss to Ohio State in a game to decide the Big Ten’s BCS bid. If the Hawkeyes have any hangover, they could be vulnerable.
 vote
Tom Dienhart: Vanderbilt plus-16.5 at Tennessee
Tom Dienhart: Vanderbilt plus-16.5 at Tennessee
Rivals.com National Writer
Vanderbilt has played Tennessee close in recent years, thanks largely to the astute coaching of Bobby Johnson. Vandy won at Tennessee in 2005 to end a 22-game losing streak to the Vols. In 2007, the Commodores lost 25-24; last season, the Vols won 20-10. The Commodores are in a re-tooling mode this year, having lost seven in a row, and they are winless in SEC play. But like any rival, they remain potentially dangerous. And Vandy may be catching Tennessee at just the right time. The Vols are coming off a dispiriting 42-17 loss at Ole Miss. And the program is mired in controversy following the arrests of several players. Add it all up, and Vanderbilt has a chance to keep this game closer than many think.
 vote
David Fox: Kansas State plus-16.5 at Nebraska
David Fox: Kansas State plus-16.5 at Nebraska
Rivals.com National Writer
Only in the Big 12 North can a team clinch bowl eligibility and a spot in the conference championship game on the same day in late November. I certainly don’t think Kansas State is that strong, but if Iowa State can beat Nebraska in Lincoln, so can the Wildcats. Nebraska has a stout defense, but Kansas State has two legitimate playmakers in running back Daniel Thomas and wide receiver Brandon Banks. If those two can put Kansas State into the end zone a couple of times, that might be enough against Nebraska’s puny offense.
 vote
Mike Huguenin: Air Force plus-10 at BYU
Mike Huguenin: Air Force plus-10 at BYU
Rivals.com College Sports Editor
A 10-point spread is a lot against Air Force, which has allowed more than 17 points just three times in 11 games. TCU managed 20 on the Falcons, and Utah scored 23 – the most allowed by the Falcons this season – in overtime. As usual, Air Force runs the ball extremely well. BYU has a stout run defense, but it hasn’t seen a triple-option attack all season. Plus, BYU relies heavily on its high-powered passing attack. Well, Air Force leads the nation in pass defense, allowing just four TD passes and only 127.9 yards per game. Air Force might not win this, but the 10-point spread is awfully high.
 vote
Steve Megargee: Michigan plus-12.5 vs. Ohio State
Steve Megargee: Michigan plus-12.5 vs. Ohio State
Rivals.com National Writer
On the surface, there’s little reason to believe Michigan can win. Ohio State has beaten Michigan five consecutive times, including a 42-7 rout last season. Ohio State has won five in a row overall, and Michigan has dropped six of its past seven. But I’m betting Michigan will come into this game with quite a bit more incentive. Michigan is desperate to end its history of frustration in this rivalry, and needs a win to become bowl-eligible and to take the heat off Rich Rodriguez. While it would be foolish to think Ohio State would overlook its most heated rival, the Buckeyes could be at least a little emotionally spent after clinching a Rose Bowl bid last week with an overtime victory over Iowa. Michigan’s defense almost certainly will struggle – it always does – but if the Wolverines’ offense gets off to a fast start that makes the home crowd a factor in the game. The Wolverines could make this game much tighter than expected.
 vote

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