Bend but dont break

A lot people have been describing Oregon's defense as a defense that "bends but doesn't break". Lets be honest about that description. People call a defense that when it sucks. The only reason Oregon's defense has avoided being called worse names is because of how fortunate they have been with regards to turnovers. Here is a breakdown of how lucky they have been.

Houston- Oregon got lucky when Houstons running back just dropped the ball twice early in the game. When Houston wasn't flat out dropping the ball, they still managed to gain 315 yards rushing and a staggering 545 total yards. Oh yea, Houston was replacing a QB who had started 51 straight games.

Michigan- They moved the ball easily on the first drive until Chad Henne randomly tried to throw the ball as far as he could. After driving for a TD, Michigan then replaced a 4 year starting tailback who has lost 1 career fumble with a backup who preceeded to drop the ball on his first carry. Despite these bonehead plays, Michigan still managed to gain over 300 yards of total offense in the FIRST HALF before bringing in a freshman QB to replace their starter.

Fresno State- Oregon's defense actually played fairly well in this game but it was against a team that scored 24 points against Sacremento State and an offense that was missing its two best running backs and two starting offensive lineman.

Stanford- Not only did Stanford manage to score 31 points in the first half, but they also had a back up running back run for over 110 yards IN THE FIRST HALF!!. Lets not forget that Stanford was also without their best offensive lineman who got injured in the first quarter.

Recap- The only way Oregon has stopped anybody this season is by getting turnovers, but unfortunately for them Cal is 7th in the nation in turn over margin. No freebies for Oregon in this one.

Picks- After last week my season record is back above .500 so there is still hope for all the poor Indians who's wageredd their life savings on my gambling picks. So without further delay here are the picks that will save a nation.

Arkansas State -4 vs Memphis
Boise State -10 vs Southern Miss
South Florida +7 vs West Virginia
Duke +24 @ Miami
Virginia Tech -17.5 vs North Carolina
Akron +13.5 @ Uconn
Indiana + 10.5 @ Iowa
South Carolina -14 vs Mississippi State
Temple +6 @ Army
Air Force +2 @ Navy
Ball State -16 vs Buffalo
Central Michigan -2.5 vs Northern Illinois
Michigan -16 @ Northwestern
Syracuse -1.5 @ Miami Ohio
Utah State +20.5 @ Utah
Oregon -4.5 vs Cal
Alabama +2 @ Florida State
Georgia -14.5 vs Ole Miss
Auburn +18 @ Florida
Oregon State -0 vs UCLA
Penn State -3.5 @ Illinois
Michigan State +7 @ Wisconsin
Nebraska -22.5 vs Iowa State
Texas -14.5 vs Kansas State
Nevada -3.5 vs UNLV
UTEP +1 @ SMU
Hawaii -24.5 @ Idaho
LSU -40.5 @ Tulane
CSU +10.5 @ TCU
Vanderbilt -20 vs Eastern Michigan
Western Michigan -1@ Toledo
Oklahoma -23 @ Colorado
Texas AM -16 vs Baylor
Virginia -6.5 vs Pitt
Houston -10.5 vs East Carolina
UAB +19.5 @ Tulsa
Lousiville -8 @ NC State
Georgia Tech +3 vs Clemson
Rutgers -16 vs Maryland
Ohio State -23.5 @ Minnesota
Washinton +20.5 vs USC
Purdue -22 vs Notre Dame
BYU -6 @ New Mexico
Arizona -2.5 vs WSU
ASU -14.5 @ Stanford
Fresno State -12 vs La Tech
Cincy -14.5 @ San Diego State
UCF -22 vs Lafayette
MTSU -11.5 vs FIU
Arkansas -36 vs North Texas
Troy -13.5 vs Monroe