Jim Shay, 27-23

Sports editor

#10 Ohio State at Illinois

If the Illini aren’t refocused after the WMU debacle, Pryor and Beanie will tag team them up and down the field.

Winner: Ohio State 31, Illinois 14

#25 South Carolina at #4 Florida

“I’ll send you to the best college there is.” “Really?” “In South Carolina.” “I will not be a Gamecock!” “You will, too! Go Gamecocks!”

Winner: Florida 34, South Carolina 17

California at Oregon State

How can you pick against a running back named Jacquizz?

Winner: Oregon State 27, California 24

Minnesota at Wisconsin

The sort of game that puts you right back to sleep on Saturday morning.

Winner: Wisconsin 13, Minnesota 10

#16 North Carolina at Maryland

“Now entering the game at tight end for the Tar Heels … Tyler Hansbrough?”

Winner: Maryland 28, North Carolina 21

Wes Anderson, 30-20

Football writer

#10 Ohio State at Illinois

Up to this point, my picks dictated the Illini would be 9-1. Boy, is my face red.

Winner: Ohio State 34, Illinois 17

#25 South Carolina at #4 Florida

I’m pretty sure we need a recount on the Gators’ loss to Ole Miss. They must have forgotten to add about 40 points or so.

Winner: Florida 42, South Carolina 21

California at Oregon State

The magnitude of this Pac-10 showdown makes you want to jump up and say, “Meh.”

Winner: California 33, Oregon State 28

Minnesota at Wisconsin

No Eric Decker no Paul Bunyan’s Axe for the Gophers. Now how are they supposed to chop all those oversized logs?

Winner: Wisconsin 24, Minnesota 10

#16 North Carolina at Maryland

Stuart Scott vs. Scott van Pelt? I mean, come on, this one’s easy.

Winner: Maryland 23, North Carolina 14

Daniel Johnson, 27-23

Football writer

#10 Ohio State at Illinois

I am 1-0 when I pick us against OSU when I probably shouldn’t, as per last year. And I think everyone will pick OSU.

Winner: Illinois 31, Ohio State 28

#25 South Carolina at #4 Florida

It’s a slow week for college football when we only have one SEC pick.

Winner: Florida 42, South Carolina 28

California at Oregon State

… and no Big 12 picks. – Go Beavers.

Winner: Oregon State 31, California 21

Minnesota at Wisconsin

Tune in next week for the riveting season finale to The Gauntlet: Writers’ Pick Edition. — Lose, Badgers, Lose.

Winner: Minnesota 31, Wisconsin 27

#16 North Carolina at Maryland

I won’t tell you who, but someone gets drunk and calls their ex from the phone room. Go Heels.

Winner: North Carolina 28, Maryland 13

Laura Hettiger, 25-25

Football writer

#10 Ohio State at Illinois

The hardest pick of the season … Come on Illini, don’t make me regret this.

Winner: Illinois 24, Ohio State 21

#25 South Carolina at #4 Florida

Sorry, Coach Spurrier. Your current Gamecocks just won’t compare with your former Gators.

Winner: Florida 35, South Carolina 14

California at Oregon State

The Beavers beat the Trojans, and the Trojans beat the Bears, but the Bears are going to have an easy day crushing the Beavers.

Winner: California 28, Oregon State 10

Minnesota at Wisconsin

Who cares about this game, both teams beat Illinois. But without Decker, the Gophers will have another bad weekend.

Winner: Wisconsin 21, Minnesota 17

#16 North Carolina at Maryland

The basketball dynasty has had a Cinderella football season, and it will continue with a win over an ACC opponent.

Winner: North Carolina 24, Maryland 13

Kyle Betts, 31-19

Football columnist

#10 Ohio State at Illinois

If you thought Juice looked uncomfortable against WMU’s defense, just wait until Saturday.

Winner: Ohio State 31, Illinois 21

#25 South Carolina at #4 Florida

The last time the Gators scored less than 42 points in a game was more than a month ago.

Winner: Florida 42, South Carolina 17

California at Oregon State

Believe it or not, the Beavers can still make it to the Rose Bowl … plus they have the tie-breaker over USC.

Winner: Oregon State 21, California 20

Minnesota at Wisconsin

Chalk up another win for the rodent kingdom.

Winner: Minnesota 24, Wisconsin 20

#16 North Carolina at Maryland

UNC has only lost two games by a combined total of six points. They’ll win the close one this time.

Winner: North Carolina 20, Maryland 17