**SEASON RECORD: 22-17** **[LAST WEEK][1]: 4-7**You know, when you’re picking games, bad weeks are inevitable. Last week was bad. But last week’s Big 12 picks were downright gag-inducing.But, honestly, if I had to do it all over again, I’d pick Oklahoma and Texas to cover against Colorado and K-State, respectively, nine times out of ten – the tenth time being when the OU and UT busses break down on the way to the games.I at least redeemed myself, though, in the national picks…especially with Illinois (+3) at home against Penn State. I’m kind of curious to know if Arrelious Benn somehow wound up on KUSports.com and read my prediction of him having his breakout game in orange and navy. He responded, with six catches for 84 yards and a TD, plus a 90-yard kickoff return for a touchdown in the Illini’s [27-20 upset win][2].OK, enough with the self defense.Before getting on to this week picks, here’s what we _did_ learn about the Big 12 North in terms of picking against the spreads…-Picking against Colorado at home against a double-digit line is going to be tough from here on out. People may underestimate the effect the altitude can have on opponents not ready for it. Not saying Oklahoma wasn’t ready, but it plays a role in the game. Also, Dan Hawkins’ kid ain’t bad.-Kansas State is fast. Texas is not as fast as it once was. Noted.-Nebraska’s killer instinct still hasn’t returned from its five-week vacay in the Bahamas. The ‘skers have covered the spread just once this year, and that was in their opener against Nevada. In four game since, they’ve won thrice against opponents with a combined record of 6-8 and an average margin of victory of just 7.3 points.On to this week’s action.**WEEK 6** **_Big 12 Tilts_** **Texas A&M (-6.5) vs. Oklahoma State** Oklahoma State responded to its coach getting [negative press][3] by thumping Sam Houston State. Even though they’re at home, I don’t see A&M doing the same after [Dennis Franchione’s odd week][4], as the last I saw of them, they were getting worked for 60 minutes straight against Miami. Also, last week might have helped boost Zac Robinson’s confidence a bit. **My pick: Oklahoma State (+6.5)****Kansas State (-3) vs. Kansas** I know, KU scores a ton. I know, KU hasn’t allowed a ton. I also know KU traditionally isn’t great on the road under Mark Mangino. Not saying they can’t be, but I, for one, need to see it to believe it. No crowning the Jayhawks just yet. **My pick: Kansas State -3****Colorado (-8) at Baylor** I’m calling for a Buffalo let down, even though Baylor burned me a week ago. **My pick: Baylor +8****Oklahoma (-11) at Texas (in Dallas)** The Sooners are still the best that the Big 12 has to offer. The Longhorns are still going to look like they’re far from it. Keegan will get his wish Monday, when Texas drops from the Top 25. **My pick: Oklahoma -11****Missouri (-7) vs. Nebraska** Read what I wrote above about Nebraska. **My pick: Missouri -7****Texas Tech (-25) vs. Iowa State** If I were a betting man, I’d call this the Lock of the Week. Especially if [Mike Leach does the local weather][5] on Friday. **My pick: Texas Tech -25****_Around the Nation_** **Rutgers (-3) vs. Cincinnati** Cincy has quietly been one of the most exciting teams in the nation. Heck, Ben Mauk may even be the city’s top quarterback right now at any level. The Bearcats are averaging 46.4 points per game in their 5-0 start under first year coach Brian Kelly (the man who orchestrated Central Michigan’s 10-win campaign a year ago). Rutgers may be licking some wounds still, too, from last week’s [34-24 loss][6] at home to Maryland. (It’s worth mentioning that in their next six games, Cincy plays Rutgers, Louisville, South Florida and West Virginia – time to see if they’re for real). **My pick: Cincinnati +3****Illinois (-3) vs. Wisconsin** OK, so Illinois beats a good-but-not-Top-10-material Penn State team, and now is favored by three at home against the No. 5 team in the nation? Explain to me in non-Illini-ese how that works. **My pick: Wisconsin +3****Tennessee (-2) vs. Georgia** What happened to these two? It’s only taken five weeks for them to fade into BCS oblivion. **My pick: Tennessee -2****LSU (-9) vs. Florida** Florida traditionally plays tough at LSU, and I’m a big Urban Meyer fan – hard to see his team dropping two in a row. Also, I disagree with the AP poll that LSU is better than USC. Consider this a semi-spite pick. **My pick: Florida +9****Ohio State (-7) at Purdue** Purdue is the KU of the Big Ten. And I like them in this one. It’s time for KU fans to get Purdue on the radar, because if the two were to meet in, say, the Insight or Alamo Bowl, it’d be a high-scoring holiday party. **My pick: Purdue (+7)****_KUSports.com editor Ryan Greene can be reached at rgreene@ljworld.com, or by phone at (785) 832-6357._** [1]: http://www2.kusports.com/blogs/greene_room/2007/sep/26/picks_12/ [2]: http://sports.yahoo.com/ncaaf/recap?gid=200709290026 [3]: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5VytIZZzee0 [4]: http://www2.kusports.com/news/2007/oct/01/keegan_aggie_coach_big_loser/?sports_columns [5]: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qSPcMXWJjUg [6]: http://sports.yahoo.com/ncaaf/recap?gid=200709290013
