FAIRCHILD'S PICKS WEEK 3

Last weekend I would have gone perfect in my picks if Notre Dame could have just found a way to contain Shoelace in any form but as you know it wasn't meant to be. It still amazes me how quarterbacks have career days against the Irish on a regular basis. Until Notre Dame finds a defense that can hold a player under 500 total yards I will refrain from touting them as a top 25 team. Clearly they are not right now. But it's not about Notre Dame...it's about making some money on some picks. Here are my week 3 picks:

UGA vs Arkansas(+2.5)
This one is pretty much a toss up game. If it were in Arkansas then I believe the Razorbacks would be favored by at least a touchdown but since the game is in Athens the Dawgs are the slight favorite at -2.5. Take the Razorbacks as the road dog. Ryan Mallett threw for a bajillion yards last season along with 5 TD's in a narrow shootout last to the Ginger Ninja 51-42. Until Georgia's defense can prove me wrong I don't see them stopping a highly efficient offense that will put up at least 35 points. Georgia is dead last in the SEC in rushing and Aaron Murray still has no A.J. Green for crucial third-and-longs.

Arkansas wins easily. Hate to say it too but the hot seat is getting lukewarm for Mark Richt in Athens after this game.

Prediction – Arkansas 41 vs Georgia 24

Texas (-2.5) vs Texas Tech
The last time they played this game in Lubbock Michael Crabtree took over in a 39-33 victory. It was a great game but people tend to forget how many times Texas blew chances to win the game or at least prevent the Red Raiders from having a chance to win it at the end. Texas is the better team from top to bottom. Coach Tuberville is a great coach and will have the Red Raiders ready with a spirited first half but the depth at Texas takes over in the second.

Prediction – Texas 31 vs Tech 23

UF(-17.5) vs Tennessee
The Vols were manhandled at home last week to Oregon. Expect more of the same this week. I know the Gators have looked pedestrian so far especially on offense but the defense will put on a clinic today. I think they force at least 4 turnovers and Urban Meyer has a somewhat "statement" game for 2010. Prepare to Die UT.

Prediction – Florida 45 vs Tennessee 2

Iowa(+2) vs Arizona
Pardon the language but how in the fuck is Iowa an underdog in this game? Does Vegas know something that I'm not familiar with? The Hawkeyes are going to run all over Arizona and I don't even think this game will be that close.

Prediction – Iowa 28 vs Arizona 13

Clemson vs Auburn(-7)
The battle of the Tigers. This game will be known as Cam Newton's coming out party. The ACC is garbage and Clemson is a middle of the pack team this year. ACC teams don't do very good on the road and if you put them against a SEC team like Auburn then it could get ugly real quick. It will.

Prediction – Auburn 27 vs Clemson 14

Notre Dame (+3.5) vs Michigan State
The road team has won 7 of the last 9 meetings between these two bitter rivals. History shows when Notre Dame loses to Michigan the week before they usually bounce back against Sparty. The opposite happens when the beat Michigan. Well since ND lost last second again I expect a spirited Irish team this week with a healthy Dayne Crist. The offense will open up more and I think we finally see what Theo Riddick can do in this offense. Be on the lookout for Greg Jones of Michigan State. He might be the best linebacker in the country and he will be looking to cause some more blurry vision for Crist with some vicious hits.

Prediction- Notre Dame 31 vs Sparty 27