David Just, 28-7

Sports editor

#24 Michigan at Illinois

Everything I’ve read says there’s no better bet than a three-point underdog playing at home. And on my birthday, to boot.

Winner: Illinois 32, Michigan 28

Michigan State at #1 Ohio State

Everything else I’ve read says it’s generally safe to take a 17-point favorite playing at home. Sidenote: Are the Buckeyes the most surprising No. 1 team ever?

Winner: Ohio State 38, Michigan State 13

#18 Auburn at #5 LSU

My compliments to Grodsky for his pick of Kentucky over LSU last week, threatening my Writers’ Picks dominance. I know LSU will have no problem rebounding at home.

Winner: LSU 31, Auburn 17

#14 Florida at #8 Kentucky

Urban Meyer brought Cris Carter to practice last Monday to help the team grieve. After back-to-back losses, I expect Florida will turn it around, even if they are on the road.

Winner: Florida 23, Kentucky 17

#22 Texas Tech at #15 Missouri

This should be a good one, and Texas Tech earns the honor of being my upset pick of the week.

Winner: Texas Tech 38, Missouri 35

Steve Contorno, 25-10

Deputy sports editor

#24 Michigan at Illinois

Why has all the faith in the Illini been lost just because of a road loss. This is the Big Ten. Muck Fichigan!

Winner: Illinois 17, Michigan 13

Michigan State at #1 Ohio State

USC, LSU, and now Ohio State? Not a chance. MSU has been a nice surprise, but THE Ohio State has the offense to match the defense.

Winner: Ohio State 38, Michigan State 27

#18 Auburn at #5 LSU

As long as LSU doesn’t think they’re season is over after last week’s loss, they should be able to take care of Auburn.

Winner: LSU 24, Auburn 21

#14 Florida at #8 Kentucky

Kentucky has been on too big of a high. I’m not a big Tebow fan, but there’s no way Kentucky continues their recent tear.

Winner: Florida 31, Kentucky 21

#22 Texas Tech at #15 Missouri

Big time offenses square off in a big Big 12 clash with big implications. Did you ever think that could be said about these two teams?

Winner: Missouri 41, Texas Tech 33

Jason Grodsky, 24-11

Football writer

#24 Michigan at Illinois

Even with Mike Hart banged up, the Wolverines still have a stacked offense. And while Michigan has struggled against the spread offense, they have turned things around.

Winner: Michigan 28, Illinois 24

Michigan State at #1 Ohio State

Ohio State is on a different level than any other Big Ten team. With Michigan as its only test left, the Buckeyes could be heading for a return trip to the BCS National Title game.

Winner: Ohio State 35, Michigan State 14

#18 Auburn at #5 LSU

The SEC is the toughest conference in college football and LSU is still the best team, even with the hiccup at Kentucky last week.

Winner: LSU 28, Auburn 17

#14 Florida at #8 Kentucky

Florida came up short on the road at LSU, but the Gators will jump right back into SEC title contention by doing something the Tigers couldn’t do last week: beating Kentucky on the road.

Winner: Florida 21, Kentucky 17

#22 Texas Tech at #15 Missouri

In a battle of two of the most productive offenses in the country, the Tigers will prevail as Chase Daniel makes a strong case for Heisman Trophy.

Winner: Missouri 45, Texas Tech 38

Mike Theodore, 24-11

Football writer

#24 Michigan at Illinois

The Illini return home and make fans forget about last weekend and show the ABC audience that Mendenhall > Hart.

Winner: Illinois 35, Michigan 31

Michigan State at #1 Ohio State

Isn’t everybody sick of the Buckeyes? I certainly am, but I’m taking them in a laugher at home.

Winner: Ohio State 31, Michigan State 10

#18 Auburn at #5 LSU

Tough loss for LSU last weekend, but they’ll show no lingering effects and rebound at home.

Winner: LSU 28, Auburn 20

#14 Florida at #8 Kentucky

Thanks, Hawkeyes. College GameDay visits Kentucky and is rewarded with a shootout.

Winner: Kentucky 42, Florida 41

#22 Texas Tech at #15 Missouri

Home team again. I’m really going out on a limb. Credit two of my season losses to Missouri. Let’s hope it’s not going to be three.

Winner: Missouri 30, Texas Tech 20

Daniel Johnson, 27-8

Football columnist

#24 Michigan at Illinois

After last week’s heartbreaking loss, I expect Illinois to bounce back against Michigan. If the game were in Ann Arbor, it might be a different story, but expect Illinois to take advantage of the electric atmosphere on Saturday.

Winner: Illinois 24, Michigan 23

Michigan State at #1 Ohio State

Unless Javon Ringer can rush for 300 yards, MSU really doesn’t stand a chance in Columbus. Bucks win big on the play of Todd Boeckman and Chris Wells.

Winner: Ohio State 42, Michigan State 21

#18 Auburn at #5 LSU

I don’t care if Tommy Tuberville and the Auburn Tigers are riding high after last week’s late-game win against Arkansas, the other Bayou Bengals take this one in Baton Rouge. Geaux Tigers.

Winner: LSU 31, Auburn 24

#14 Florida at #8 Kentucky

As much as I hate SEC football for all the coverage that it gets, this is going to be one hell of a game. If Kentucky can beat Florida and LSU in consecutive weeks, they should be able to squeak this one out in Lexington. Barely.

Winner: Kentucky 30.5, Florida 30

#22 Texas Tech

I’ve seen the Missouri offense. I’ve seen the Texas Tech defense.

Winner: Missouri 42, Texas Tech 35