Today’s Picks:

(1) Alabama (-7) against (10) Arkansas- This is the marquee game not only in the SEC but in all of college football today. Alabama faces their biggest challenge (to date) with the Razorbacks today and will need to be perfect to maintain their 1st place status. The real matchup today will be on defense for the Tide as they face the best passer in college football, in Ryan Mallett. Mallett is already over the 1,000 yard mark and has the quick strike capability that will keep Arkansas in the game until the very end. It will be a tough battle for Mallett and the Razorbacks as Alabama has one of the toughest defenses in the nation. Also working against the Razorbacks is the two-headed monster in the backfield of Mark Ingram and Trent Richardson (Eddie Lacy isn’t too shabby either), if Alabama can jump out to an early lead, their best defensive strategy is to keep the ball out of Mallett’s hands. In the end I think Alabama will retain their number 1 status with an impressive 35-24 victory.

(24) Oregon State (+18.5) against (3) Boise State- The Broncos are coming home to their blue field for the first time this season and I see them putting on a show for their fans. Oregon State is a good team, with two very dangerous weapons in the Rodgers brothers, but I don’t think they have a prayer against Boise State and Kellen Moore. The Broncos are a very talented team that should be able to overcome OSU’s solid defense. I also think Boise will be able to contain the Rodgers brothers and keep their game breaking ability in check. I think the Broncos easy win this one against a tough team to further their march as a National Title Contender. Boise State wins 45-21.

(22) West Virginia (+10) against (15) LSU- The Mountaineers are 3-0, but face their toughest test this week by traveling down to LSU. The Tigers are facing their toughest test as well, against a fully stocked ranked opponent, but do have the advantage of being at home. The LSU defense has been impressive so far this season, but they haven’t had to deal with the speed and talent that WVU brings to the table. Young quarterback Geno Smith has shown a lot of poise so far this season, and could give the Tigers problems. And no matter how good you are defensively you must keep track of of RB Noel Devine. On offense thus far LSU has been a pretty one dimensional team as quarterback Jordan Jefferson has been pretty ineffective throwing the ball. Look for WVU to force Jefferson to beat them by keeping players in the box to stop the run. While I like WVU’s chances to win the game, playing at LSU is really tough and could affect WVU’s offense. I think the Tigers squeak by here 23-20.