Picks for Dec. 2-3

A hiatus last week, but the 2-3 record the previous week dropped the season record to 28-26-1.  With the close of the regular season, need a big finish to make it a mediocre picking season.

at Oregon -31.5 UCLA - The Ducks throttled the Bruins in Autzen last year in a regular season game.  This year, it's back in Autzen, with the first Pac-12 Championship Game title up for grabs.  The loss to USC took some of the luster off the Ducks recent mini-dynasty of the Pac-12 and this game will give them a chance to clear everyone's thoughts of the Trojans and remind them who has won the last three.  Oregon big over the Bruins.

at Arkansas State -17.5 Troy - The Red Wolves have been a surprise this season and their only two losses are to Illinois (when they were good this year) and Virginia Tech.  They are also 9-2 against the spread.  Troy on the other hand is 3-8 against the spread.  The Trojans won't have the talent to keep up with Arkansas State and the Red Wolves will get that 10th win.

at Houston -12.5 Southern Miss - The problem for Southern Miss is that Houston is playing pretty good defense.  Couple that with the top-scoring offense in the country and Case Keenum's final game at home and you can expect the Cougars to keep the scoreboard turning.  Keenum throws for at least four touchdowns and Houston finishes the season 13-0.

LSU -12.5 Georgia - The Tigers have done it all year long and there's no reason to think they won't finish it off.  Georgia had a nice season after losing the opening two games to Boise State and South Carolina.  But they avoided LSU, Alabama and Arkansas in the regular season.  Now they play a quality opponent set on continuing their perfect season.  LSU's defense will be too much for the Bulldogs as they roll to the championship.

Wisconsin -9.5 Michigan State - The Spartans beat the Badgers earlier this year.  Michigan State needed a safety, a blocked punt returned for a touchdown, a blocked field goal and two Russell Wilson interceptions AND a tipped Hail Mary at the end of the game that required replay review to overturn the call on the field to give Sparty the win.  That isn't all going to happen again.  Badgers roll and return to Pasadena.