Every week, Maxwell Award winner, Heisman Trophy finalist, former NFL starting quarterback and CBS Sports analyst Brady Quinn will be here offering his picks on some of the closest, most-competitive college football games.
We have already seen some surprises, but you can set your mind at ease this weekend with these straight-up winners.
Last week: 2-1 | Season: 18-14
No. 11 Oklahoma State at TCU: The Cowboys are one of the best teams in the country that no one is talking about. If not for a botched call giving Central Michigan an unnecessary free play, Oklahoma State would be 9-1 and perhaps the toast of the Big 12. Quarterback Mason Rudolph has been efficient in the passing game, and no one has been able to check James Washington on the outside. The Horned Frogs will have to devote a couple defenders to Washington's side of the field. TCU has dealt with a number of injuries on defense, which will make it all the more difficult to stop a rushing attack that features true freshman Justice Hill, who compiled 126 yards and a touchdown last week. The Cowboys are also top 15 in the country in turnover margin. TCU QB Kenny Hill doesn't have much room for failure, and he's already thrown 10 interceptions this season. Expect to see Oklahoma State capitalize off TCU's mistakes. Pick: Oklahoma State
SportsLine ATS projection: Oklahoma State +4.5 -- Analysis
Texas Tech at Iowa State: Matt Campbell's team got a close win over an improving Kansas team for Iowa State's second victory of the season, but I don't see any upsets taking places in Ames, Iowa, this weekend. If not for a failed extra point conversion, Texas Tech took one of the best teams in the country (Oklahoma State, as mentioned above) into overtime. Quarterback Patrick Mahomes is one of the most electrifying players in the country. Iowa State will score points. The Tech defense has struggled this year, but I don't believe Iowa State will have the ability to keep up with the production of the Red Raiders' offense. Pick: Texas Tech
SportsLine ATS projection: Iowa State +3.5 -- Analysis
No. 22 Washington State at No. 10 Colorado: Both teams have a lot to prove to the College Football Playoff Selection Committee. Each only has one win against a Power Five team with a winning record. WSU is still in the hunt in the Pac 12 North and could seal with a win in Boulder, Colorado. The Buffaloes need this game to knock USC out of possible contention for the Pac 12 South and put the division title on the line next week against Utah.
Mike Leach's typical "Air Raid" system has been anything other than that this season. To complement the prolific passing game led by QB Luke Falk, the Cougars are running the ball 8 percent more than a year ago, once every four plays, and averaging more than 50 additional yards on the ground per game. Their defense has also improved mightily after opening up the season with two losses to Eastern Washington and Boise State.
Colorado has one of the most balanced offenses in the Pac-12 and a quarterback who rarely makes mistakes. Sefo Liufau has three playmakers on the outside that WSU will have to figure a way to slow down. Devin Ross, Bryce Bob and Shay Fields make up a group that's primarily responsible for the big plays in the passing game. The Colorado defense hasn't given up more than 24 points since their win over Oregon earlier this year. I think this will be a close game, but the Buffs and the coach of the year candidate Mike McIntyre pull it off. Pick: Colorado
SportsLine ATS projection: Washington State +6.5 -- Analysis