ekblaw@uiucdcs.CS.UIUC.EDU (11/15/85)
Well, here we are again. Last week, the race for the SouthWest Conference title really heated up! That could become the most exciting conference race this year! Too bad there are so few weeks left in the season. As always, I'll start with the Big Ten and then pick random national games. Big Ten: ------- Indiana at Illinois: Indiana has improved, but not that much! Illinois hasn't lost at home for three years, since a 1982 loss to Michigan. Indiana is certainly not going to break that streak. This is the last home game of the year, though, so many of the second stringers and seniors will be playing. This is prevent Indiana getting blown away. Illinois by 14. Iowa at Purdue: How's this for an exciting game? Iowa is tough, but Purdue is unpredictably good sometimes. I think this will be a close game, but Iowa should squeeze it out. Iowa by 7. Michigan at Minnesota: Curtains for the Gophers. They sailed early in the season with easy conference games, but the last three weeks have been time to pay the piper. Michigan will be their third loss in four weeks. Michigan by 6. Northwestern at Michigan State: Pity Northwestern. They have an improved team at a time when nearly all of the rest of the conference (with the possible exception of Indiana) does, too. They're a good team, but are still losing terribly in the conference. MSU will do it to them as well. MSU by 13. Wisconsin at Ohio State: Pity Wisconsin, too. They had some bad luck in the games against the weaker teams in the conference, and they are not quite up to power against the stronger teams. This has been a terribly unfortunate year for the Badgers. All I can say for them is not to let it get them down. Regroup over the spring and come back stronger next year. Ohio State by 10. Top Ten: ------- Notre Dame at Penn State: Fellow netters, this one's going to be a squeaker! Penn State is at #1 (rightfully so) but The Irish are tough as nails! If this doesn't get national coverage, the sportscasters are dead! This game will be close and tough. I almost hate to make a prediction. I'm tempted to go for a tie, but I don't think that's a good bet. My prediction is below, but it's really anybody's ball game. Penn State by 1. Air Force at BYU: I'm been asked why I don't comment on the strength of the strength of Air Force. I have always disliked the miltary academies, but I am forced to admit the ability of the Air Force football the last couple of years. They are presently unbeaten, and I have to let them continue that streak. Air Force by 4. Top Twenty (also SEC): --------------------- Auburn at Georgia: Oh, boy, did I hear it from Dawgs fans last week! I patted Georgia on the back, complemented their ability, turned around and chose Florida, and the Dawgs pounded them! Okay, I can admit when I've made an error. I now make up for it this week. Georgia by 10. Southwest: --------- Arkansas at Texas A&M: This, mates, is a toughie! However, I have to pick Texas A&M. They have a thing about fighting hard at the end of the season, especially since the conference title is still up for grabs! Texas A&M by 3. Rice at Baylor: I'd like to go with Rice, but I don't think so. I'm a Chicago Bears fan and I had a teddy bear when I was young. I have a soft spot in my heart for bears. Sentiment forces me to pick the Baylor Bears. Baylor by 2 (sentiment or no, I'm no fool on the spread!) That's my ten picks for this week. Have a good weekend, folks! Robert A. Ekblaw