FOOTBALL PICKS Oct. 19
Ben Maitland, Sports Editor
-UVA over NC State: I want to believe the Cavaliers have finally found something promising as far as football is concerned. That huge win against Georgia Tech last week should carry over at home against the Wolfpack.
-No. 4 Wisconsin over No. 23 Michigan State: I erroneously went against the Badgers several weeks ago and paid the price for it. So this week, Russell Wilson leads his boys to a win against the Wolverine-killer Spartans.
-Jets over Chargers: Rex Ryan and the Jets finally figure out their situation and get some of their mojo back from last year. Rivers does all he can to keep the Chargers alive, but it's not enough.
-Lions over Falcons: Detroit bounces back after a tough loss to San Francisco. They have to utilize both the run and the pass to be efficient. Also, no handshake argument this week for Coach Schwartz.
Peter Mancuso, Asst. Sports Editor
-UVA over NC State: UVA is coming off a big win and NC State has been struggling in the ACC. Close game, but the Cavaliers pull this one out.
-No. 4 Wisconsin over No. 23 Michigan State: Russell Wilson is going to show why he is in the Heisman race in this game. The Badgers will finally have a close game but will prevail once again.
-Jets over Chargers: The Jets will play well at home and finally figure out how to stop the run. Rivers will keep the game tight, but not enough to beat the Jets.
-Lions over Falcons: The Lions are for real and will be more physical than the Falcons. The Lions are hungry after the close game with San Francisco last week.
Dr. Tim Pierson, Vice President for Student Affairs
-UVA over NC State: The ‘Hoos surprised a whole lot of folks knocking off GT last week and so I like the Cavs to keep it rolling this week at home.
-No. 23 Michigan State over No. 4 Wisconsin: While the BCS-minded Badgers look awfully tough this year, I like Sparty and that stingy defense and efficient leadership of QB Kirk Cousins, and the retro uniforms!
-Chargers over the Jets: This is a quarterback league and Phillip Rivers is an elite QB, while the Jets continue to struggle to find the magic they had last year.
-Lions over Falcons: This should be a great game as both teams play well in domes and have great QBs. Home Cookin' as the Lions bounce back under their feisty Coach Schwartz after the tough loss to the 49ers!
Kevin Green, Longwood Junior/Guest:
-UVA over NC State: Both teams have had their ups and downs, but I think Virginia will ride the wave of their upset of Georgia Tech with a potent ground attack.
-No. 4 Wisconsin over No. 23 Michigan State: Both teams have been on a roll lately, but Wisconsin's ability to run the football and the talent of Russell Wilson will put them over the top.
-Jets over Chargers: San Diego has been winning games ugly and their offensive struggles will be just what the Jets team and defense needs this week. Jets get back on track with a big win.
-Lions over Falcons: Detroit suffered a letdown loss, but I think they'll get back on track and beat the inconsistent Falcons team.
