NFL AND COLLEGE THURSDAY NIGHT PICKS

NFL:

New York Giants (1 - 2) 20 @ Washington (1 - 2) 27:

My Washington team takes on the New York Giants in a big NFC East battle. Both teams share an identical 1 - 2 record.  It looks as if Washington might be better without RGIII than they were with him, but Kirk Cousins maintains he's just keeping the starter's place warm for him when he's ready to return from an ankle injury. The Giants weren't even competitive until last week's surprise win over the Texans. Maybe Eli Manning is getting comfortable in their new offensive system. I hope not, which is why I'll stay with the home team tonight.

College:

Texas Tech (2 - 1) 30 @ Oklahoma St. (2 - 1) 41:

Texas Tech had a week off to try to install something different on defense than the scheme that gave up almost 500 rushing yards in a loss to Arkansas. The Red Raiders fired their defensive coordinator, ostensibly for substance issues, but considering they're near the bottom in the FBS in points allowed, he may not have been around long anyway. This should be a good old-, no, wait, new-fashioned Big 12 shootout. The Cowboys gave Florida State all they could handle in the season opener and shouldn't have any difficulty scoring on Texas Tech. Of course, Oklahoma State isn't among the leaders in defense either, giving up 18 points a game against less than stellar opposition in their last two games. But at the end of the night, it will be the Cowboys collecting their first Big 12 victory of the season.