Yeah, I know I'm a day early, but I have two reasons.  The first is that I wanted to predict the Bears game tonight and the second is that I don't want to offer my picks on Friday the 13th.  Even dogs have their superstitions. Like never walk under a fat dog or never sniff a dog's butt who is bigger than you are. Things like that.

I had a tough week last week, going 6-4 and really hitting the wall in the NFL games.  The Packers losing to the Bucs?  What's that all about?  And the Giants did it to me again.  They are so bad right now that they are a six point underdog to the bye week on Sunday.

I did go 4-1 on my college picks and successfully predict Stanford over Oregon.  Whose your doggy daddy now, huh?  The fat dog bet me a week of rawhide chews on that game, so I'll make sure I chew loudly right in his ear, provided I can find it in all that blubber.

You know the rules: Five college, five pro, straight up.  Let's rock and roll.

College

Michigan at Wisconsin: I don't think Michigan is as bad as they are nor Wisconsin as good as their record. Given this game is being played in Madison and given Rich Rod's team has been hurting lately, I was leaning toward Wisconsin. Michigan may still have one good game left in them, but I'm not totally convinced that this is it.  Wisconsin is capable of losing to them, so it won't be a big surprise if the Badgers go down.  Take Wisconsin in a squeaker.

Georgia Tech vs. Duke: The Blue Devils are trying to make it to a bowl this year, but I think Tech has too many weapons.  The only thing that might save the Dukies is Hurricane Ida. Take Georgia Tech.

Stanford at USC: Last week, I was all over Stanford.  This week, USC will be all over them.  Take USC.

Alabama at Mississippi State: This is a classic trap game for Bama, coming off the big ref aided victory over LSU.  However, MSU doesn't have the weapons to compete with them, so it's pretty much a lock for the Tide.  However, don't be surprised if this game is a lot closer than Coach Satan wants it which could effect Bama's BCS numbers.   Greg McElroy needs to kick it up about four notches if these guys want to beat Florida in December. Take Alabama.

Notre Dame vs. Pittsburgh: If you tell the bald guy I'll deny it, but that goofy, stuttering guy with the mustache that makes the bald guy start swearing and throwing things every time he sees him on TV has done a really nice job this season.  Notre Dame is banged up, their coach is in panic mode and they are coming off a loss to Navy.  I think the goofy, stuttering guy with the mustache has a pretty good team, perhaps much better than people give him credit for.  Take Pittsburgh.

Pros

Chicago at San Francisco: I'd like to believe in the Bears, but fixing a team with all of their weaknesses in four days would be a huge task for a good coach, let alone Lovie Smith.  The Bears can't block, they can't run, they can't cover anybody and they can't get to the quarterback.  They are an absolute mess and playing on the road in the Pacific time zone on short rest won't help.  Take San Francisco.

Detroit at Minnesota: Sure, Brett Favre has a groin issue, but don't worry, the bald guy says Peter King and Alex Marvez will be to rub it for him.  Detroit couldn't  win this game if Minnesota's bus to the stadium got lost and they had to play an inter squad game. The fat lady might as well sing the national anthem because that's the only time this game will be even.  Take Minnesota.

Cincinnati vs. Pittsburgh: The Steelers looked tough Monday night in Denver and they will be just as impressive Sunday at home against the Bengals.  The best thing that could happen is that Troy Polamalu hit Chad Ochocinco in the mouth and break his jaw so he'd STFU.  Take Pittsburgh.

Dallas at Green Bay: After last week's loss against Tampa Bay, the Packers will come back mad and really give it to Dallas.  Nah, just kidding Cheeseheads.  Your team is in for another long afternoon.  Take Dallas.

Philly vs. San Diego: Both teams need this game, but given the fact they are at home, slight edge to the Chargers.  Take San Diego in a close one.