NFL AND COLLEGE THURSDAY NIGHT PICKS

A divisional matchup in the NFL and a game between top 20 teams in college will have many of us switching channels to catch all of the action tonight. Of course, there's always the DVR if you're adept at avoiding scores of the game you want to watch later. I say watch the NFL on CBS, since they're less likely to show the score of the college game as frequently. I use a strip of painter's tape on the bottom of my screen to cover any scores that run across there, especially on ESPN. Just a suggestion!

Tampa Bay (0 - 2) 17 @ Atlanta (1 - 1) 34: The Bucs had the supposed early season advantage of opening with two home games in sultry Tampa. But it didn't seem to do much good as they let both of them get away. Now the team that many thought would be vastly improved needs to win in what has been, except for last season's debacle, one of the toughest places for a visiting team to triumph. And going 0 - 3, with two division losses to begin the year, is a kiss of death in the NFL. It will be interesting to see how Tampa responds and whether the Atlanta defense can stop the Bucs. The Falcons will be facing a tough defense that's only given up 39 points in those two losses. I think there's a good chance that Atlanta rolls tonight over a frustrated Tampa team facing a short week on the road.

(5) Auburn 41 @ (20) Kansas State 28: In my opinion, the home team is perhaps the most overrated in the country. In wins against Arkansas and San Jose State, Auburn's offense has been virtually unstoppable. K-State rolled over a decent FCS foe in Sam Houston State, and then barely avoided an upset at Iowa State in week two. Both teams has last Saturday off, giving the Wildcats' legendary coach Bill Snyder an extra week to game plan. This game will generate a lot of interest as the debate continues to rage on regarding the SEC's supposed dominance among the college power conferences. This could be a high scoring affair, but in the end, the Tigers should help to solidify their conference's high standing. I just don't see the Wildcats slowing them down enough times to come away with a victory.