Mark's Week 6 Jessup Lockdown

In honor of O.J. Simpson, I'm not promising these games will be locked down today, but maybe 13 years from now, they'll prove right.

Oregon (+15.5) at USC

The Trogans' defense has held up solidly all season until last week. This week is probably an even bigger test for their defense, going against an Oregon team that is putting up 47 points a game and rushing for 300 yards per game. Last year Oregon pulled off the outright win, but that was at home. This year, Oregon will travel to SoCal and push the hungover Trojans into a close 4th quarter game. USC 35 Oregon 28.

Auburn (-4) at Vanderbilt

Vanderbilt's had a solid season and an impressive win at Rice, but it comes to a stop this week when Auburn comes to town. Vanderbilt will try to run a safe offense against this formidable derfense, but points will be few and far between. By the time they try to open it up in the second half, Auburn will be on its toes waiting for the big turnover and Rice's injured offense isn't going to be able to score when it needs to. Auburn runs away with this one 24 - 10.

New England (-3) at San Francisco

This isn't my most assured lock of the week, but I have a feeling Belichik was not only embarrassed by the outright loss to the Dolphins, he was embarrassed by the way in which he was outcoached by a first year head coach. Look for the Pats to come off of the bye week with several trick plays and a finally open Randy Moss. They'll pound the ball for the first half and then pour on the points in the second half with a flea-flicker or reverse to Moss. San Francisco is giving up 24 points a game and they're down a linebacker and a corner. New England 27, San Francisco 12

Upset Special

Northern Illinois (+500) at Tennessee

I know it's tough to go into the SEC and win on the road, but when Tennessee is limping and their QB is completing and appaling 50% of his passes for only 5 yards per attempt and has only 2 TDs to his 4 INTs, there's a good shot to upset them. Northern Illinois has a solid offense and their defense should be able to hold the Volunteers in check. Tennesee has only scored a total of 18 points in the past two games. NI has only allowed 3 points in thier past two games.
Northern Illinois 21, Tennesee 10