Tuesday Afternoon Linebacker

Last week TALB was 7-2 (straight up). I might have been a bit off in the margin predictions, but as any good sports writer will do; I’ll just brush that aside. The point is I was 7-2! On to the weekend ahead.

Around Florida
(20) Texas A&M at Miami (FL), Thursday 7:30 PM ET, ESPN
Miami is not very good, and TAMU is undefeated thus far. It’s in the OB. Let’s say…

TALB Pick: Miami (FL) close over Texas A&M

North Carolina at (23) South Florida, Saturday 12 PM ET, ESPN
I have to go with the Bulls on this one. They’re back home after the big victory over Auburn. They’re defending their first ever AP poll appearance. And UNC is just not very good.

TALB Pick: South Florida big over North Carolina

(3) Florida at Ole Miss, Saturday 12:30 PM ET, LF Sports
TALB Pick: Florida huge over Ole Miss.

Memphis at UCF, Saturday 3:30 PM ET, Local TV coverage
UCF has been on a hot streak of late. And Memphis lost to Ole Miss in their season opener. Never a good sign.

TALB Pick: USF average over Memphis

Florida State
Off this week. Next week is their much publicized clash with ‘Bama in Jacksonville.

St. Louis at Tampa Bay, Sunday 1 PM ET, Fox
After last week every Buc fan is on a high. And the Rams have been seive-like on defense. Which bodes well for the developing PiPP offense. On the other hand, Steven Jackson is due to break out of his slump. And the sometimes porus Bucs’ D might be the tonic.

TALB Pick: Bucs close over Rams

Miami at New York Jets, Sunday 1 PM ET, CBS
The one time I saw the ‘Fins so far this year they looked like crap. And the Jets were in the playoffs last year. And they’re at home.

TALB Pick: Jets close over Dolphins

Jacksonville at Denver, Sunday 4:05 PM ET, CBS
I got nothin’ on this one.

TALB Pick: Jacksonville closer over Denver.

Compelling College Collision
South Carolina at LSU, 3:30 PM ET, CBS
South Carolina is the chic pick as the dark-horse in the SEC East. LSU will put the smack down on them.

TALB Pick: LSU huge over South Carolina

Profound Pro Pick
Indianapolis at Houston, 1 PM ET, CBS
Houston is 2-0. Think about that for a second. Then think that they’re about to face the most competent offense in the NFL. Being at home and emotion should carry the Texans for a while through the game. But in the end the Colts will wear them down.

TALB Pick: Colts average over Texans