Benster and D Pick Your Games -- Week 8

Sorry we're late, folks, but I was watching my uncle in a play last night. But we know you can't really get the weekend started until you hear from the Benster, so we do have picks.

I know I feel that way, Benster. So, what have you selected for today?

Michigan State Spartys (-3 1/2) vs. Minnesota Golden Gophers. I wonder how Adam Weber will do, because his top wideout, Eric Decker, is down and out for the season. And that will put more pressure on the ground game and I think Sparty will win. Sparty the Spartan 28, Goldy the Gopher 21.

The Gophers are in trouble, young fella. The new offense is frankly offensive and they've turned a confident Adam Weber into a guy who doesn't know what he's supposed to do. And since he doesn't have a lot of talent around him without Decker, this won't be good. Tim Brewster might be in trouble, and soon. Spartans 27, Gophers 14.

Purdon't Boilermakers (+7) vs. Beloved Wisconsin Badgers. Way to go, Purdon't! I'm down with the upset of The Ohio State University, but you are going to be facing a desperate team, who is playing at home. Good luck winning today. Bucky Badger 31, Purdon't 10.

The Badgers come off a bye and have had a chance to refocus after two tough losses. I don't see a team left on the Badger schedule that they can't beat. And that would include the erratic Boilermakers. Wisconsin 27, Purdue 17.

Florida Tebows (-14 1/2) vs. Georgia Bulldogs at Jacksonville. Are you ready for a party? They call this game the World's Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party and I wouldn't be surprised if College Gameday was there. I've said it before -- Florida is awesome, even though I've hit them more than once with the Benster Curse. The Dawgs are gonna be roadkill. Florida 51, Georgia 2.

Really? Georgia's having a down year, but 51-2? I always enjoy your especially insane picks, Seabiscuit. Florida will win, but they'll have to earn it -- Georgia will see to that. Florida 27, Georgia 20.

Cleveland Burnt Siennas (+13) vs. Bear Down Chicago da Bearz. There's no Cedric Benson on the Browns. They are playing musical chairs with their quarterbacks and they don't have Braylon Edwards. All they have is Joshua Cribbs, a kick returner. Da Bearz can relate to that, because a few years ago all they had was Devin Hester. But now Hester has some help. Look for the Bears to run through the Browns defense like it was Swiss cheese. Bear Down Chicago da Bearz 40, Cleveland Burnt Siennas 7.

Hard to argue with your logic, Grasshopper. The Browns are really pretty awful this year. It's a nice gift for the Bears to have this game at this time. They need to rebound and they will here. Da Bearz 31, Cleveland 3.

St. Louis Sheep (+4) vs. Motor City Kitties. This game might set pro football back 50 years. Which works out well, because the Lions were actually good 50 years ago. I might just keep a tab on this game just to see what the final score is. Or, if anyone scores at all. Motor City Kitties 3, St. Louis Sheep 2.

So you're expecting a pitcher's duel, then? You might be right. The NFL has some really bad teams this year. And these are two of them. I really hope that they Lions aren't charging full price for this game. Favor the home team in this matchup of stink. Lions 14, Rams 9.

Minnesota Vikings (+3) vs. Glorious Green Bay Packers. In case you've been living under a rock, Number 4 is coming back to Green Bay tomorrow. And the crowd will be ready. I don't know which way to lean in this game, because even though I think A-Rodg will get knocked around a little bit, the Vikings won't have Antoine Winfield, which will hurt them because Greg Jennings will have some room to operate this time. Green Bay Packers 30, Minnesota Vikings 30.

A tie, huh? That would be interesting. A few thoughts here. Favre will play well enough and the Vikings will move the ball some on the Packers defense, but it won't be so easy. The key is Adrian Peterson. If the Packers can slow him down on the potentially wet turf at Lambeau, the Vikes may have some issues and Favre might start to try to take matters into his own hands. And all Packer fans are painfully aware of what happens in those circumstances. On offense, the Packers will get help from being at home. Jared Allen is a holy terror on artificial turf, but he is much less effective on grass. He'll probably get to Rodgers at least once or twice, but if Rodgers has time to operate, the Vikings will get scorched. Packers 31, Vikings 24.

In closing, welcome home, Brent. Now get off my lawn! Ben out!