Week 3 picks - The Bearcat is Back

CINCINNATI -1 @ Oregon State

I don’t have anything against the Beavers; they were a regular pick for me last year and did well. You have to love ‘Quiz at RB and the Beavers are always tough to beat in Corvallis. Still, I think Cincy is on another level this year and deserves a top 10 ranking.

Last year the Bearcats won the Big East on the strength of their defense. This year the D remains strong but the offense has taken it up several notches, averaging 59 points in their first two games. Cincy Senior QB Tony Pike is an overlooked stud that looks very comfortable running their no-huddle spread offense. Pike reminds me of Graham Harrell with better arm strength. Star WR Mardy Gilliard may not be Michael Crabtree but he is one of the best WRs in the country. Look for the Bearcat passing game to feast on the Beavers’ secondary, which has four new starters this year.

NAVY +7.5 @ Pittsburgh

Navy continues to confound opponents with their triple option attack. This year, QB Ricky Dobbs has brought a passing game to the table that makes them more dangerous than ever. Pittsburgh isn’t too far from Annapolis, so you can expect to see a section of midshipmen in the stands. Navy beat the Panthers in Pittsburgh two years ago.

Its hard to know much about Pitt as they have only faced 1-AA Youngstown State and Buffalo so far. It’s probably safe to assume that Pitt is not any better than Ohio St. though, and Navy took them to the wire in Columbus before their potential tying two point conversion pass was intercepted.

VIRGINIA TECH -5 v. Nebraska

The Hokies matched up with Alabama pretty well for three quarters before getting worn down. They had comparable team speed to ‘Bama, which means the Hokies should have a noticeable team speed advantage against the plodding Huskers. Hokie QB Tyrod Taylor is constantly threatening to break out and maybe this could be the game where it finally comes together for him.

Nebraska hasn’t really gotten their season started yet after facing sacrificial lambs FIU and Arkansas St. at home in the first two games. QB Lee looked good against those cupcakes, but his first road start will be a whole ‘nother ballgame at Lane Stadium. Nebraska has not beaten a ranked team since 2006 and has not beaten a team ranked higher than #20 since 2001.

Last year VA Tech won by 5 in Lincoln; I think they can do better than that at home.