COLLEGE FOOTBALL: WEEK NINE THURSDAY AND FRIDAY PICKS

Last Week:  13 - 7        65.0 %
Overall:       184 - 56    76.7 %

 Thursday:

(25) Virginia Tech (5 - 2) 27 @ Pittsburgh (5 - 2) 21: The Hokies looked better last week in downing Miami, but they travel to another place that has not been particularly good to them throughout the years. Even going back to Big East days, Pittsburgh has given Tech fits at Heinz Field and before that old Pitt Stadium. The difference in this game should be Virginia Tech's defense, but that should have been the case a couple of weeks ago at Syracuse. Hopefully for Hokie fans, perhaps the team will play with a little more focus against a Panthers team that has the talent to win.

California (4 - 3) 31@ USC (4 - 3) 41: These two teams have very contrasting styles, with USC more controlled on offense while Cal is wide open. The Trojans, after to falling to 1 - 3, have won three in a row, but they'll need to make some big stops to slow down the Golden Bears. Cal has to rebound from a short week after getting upset at Oregon State last week and they probably haven't had enough time to find a defense to replace the one that's giving up over 40 points a game.

Friday:

(22) Navy (5 - 1) 28 @ South Florida (6 - 2) 24: These two teams like to run the ball and both are in the top twelve in rushing offense. Navy's big win over Houston has been diminished a little with the Cougars' loss last week to SMU, but South Florida's inability to stop the run has me leaning toward the Midshipmen to continue their very good season with a win in Tamps. The key will be Navy's ability to control the ball and limit the Bulls' chances on offense. This one should be pretty entertaining.

Don't forget to check out my new book, "Offsetting Penalties - A PK Frazier Novel" at  Amazon.com and listen to me Friday's at 8:40 am EDT/ 7:40 am CDT on Lou in the Morning, streaming live on www.WPFLradio.com, 105.1 FM. I can also be reached via email at kevin@pkfrazier.com.