Yeah, I know.  You are not used to getting my picks this early.  But with the holiday on Thursday, I may not be in any shape to do picks later after I fight the fat dog for floor scraps.  The bald guy handles food like Rex Grossman handles a snap, and since he's doing most of the cooking, there is sure to be a bounty at his feet.  The fat dog may have the size advantage, but I'm quicker.  And meaner.  And tougher.  I mean, my name is Butkus, isn't it?

6-4 last week, 64-46 on the year.  Five college, Five pro, no spread. Let's make history, Pilgrims.

College

• USC at Arizona State (Thursday): There are two teams all year that I thought were frauds and one of them is Arizona State.  This game will mean more to USC than the Rose Bowl.  Take USC.
• Arkansas vs. LSU (Friday): Houston Nutt is on his way out at Arkansas while Les Miles may be checking the Michigan Real Estate Market.  Some say if LSU takes their eyes off the prize they can be had here, but I think their kids have seen what's happened to Oregon and Oklahoma and won't allow that to happen to them.  There are a lot of character kids on this LSU team.  Take LSU.
• Boise State vs. Hawaii (Friday): The Broncos are not as good as last year, but finally provide Hawaii with a division one level team to play with.  Take Boise State.
• Alabama vs. Auburn: I know it's the Arn Bowl and I know Alabama can't possibly play as badly as they did last weekend, BUT the game is at Auburn and Auburn's defense will flush John Parker Wilson out of the pocket so many times he'll think he's in a toilet.  Take Auburn.
• Missouri vs. Kansas.  Missouri is the last team that can keep Kansas out of the BCS Championship game because Oklahoma has too many injuries.  That said, if Kansas were to win against a good team, people might treat them with a little respect.  But, they won't.  Take Missouri.

Pro

• Green Bay vs. Detroit (Thursday): The Fudge Packers are on a freakin' roll.  Lions fans want the Fudge Packers defense to put a bounty out on Matt Millen.  Bottom line is, the Fudge Packers defense can and will shut down whatever Mike Martz can throw at them.  Take Green Bay.
• Minnesota vs. NY Giants: The Giants are playing great football right now and it will take a lot more than Purple Jesus (or one of his disciples) to knock them over right now.  Take New York.
  
• Baltimore vs. San Diego: This is sort of like watching two old prize fighters.  Both these teams are having off years, but the Chargers are probably the better of the two.  No wacky field goals this week, just good D and L.T. taking it to the (dog)house.  Take San Diego.
• Denver vs. Chicago: The Bears looked good on offense losing to Seattle last week.  Too bad they looked terrible on defense.  They play poorly at home and Denver has a decent running game and a smart quarterback. The Bears have no running game and Rex Grossman at quarterback.  Some picks just make themselves. Take Denver.
• Philadelphia vs. New England: Yup, NBC stands for New England Broadcasting Company.  Your second week in a row watching the Patriots.  You'll give up on this one early as New England plays with lesser opponents the way I play with a rawhide chew.  Take New England.