My friend Michelle ran into Wisconsin Badgers football coach Barry Alvarez last night. The undefeated Badgers play #5, undefeated Purdue tomorrow. It'll be a battle between Purdue's 3rd ranked offense and the top ranked defense in the nation.

Michelle wished Coach Alvarez good luck and the Coach asked her to pray for the Badgers. I'm not a particularly religious person, but if Barry thinks prayer will make a difference, I'm willing to find the Lord.

One of the best things about this college football season is that it's a wonderful distraction from the political campaigns. I'm very interested in politics. I write for this blog. I was a political science major. I've already voted! And, even I'm sick of the campaign. I can't imagine how people that don't care feel.

So, today I'm taking a mini break from writing about the campaign and instead posting about some of the other things I care about. In that spirit, here are my picks for some of tomorrow's top games (keep in mind that I'm no Hank Goldberg, as you shall see even more clearly when the Breeders Cup comes around).

Missouri at Texas: Last week was the first time I've watched Longhorn football. I was completely unimpressed. I think they are a very poorly coached team. In their loss to Oklahoma, they committed way too many costly personal fouls. Not only that, they just gave up during Oklahoma's final drive. I don't think it's a question of their talent, it's a question of their heart and discipline. And that is a direct reflection of their coaching. I'll take Missouri in an upset.

Arizona State at USC: USC didn't look like a world beater against California to me. I think they too are ripe for an upset. The pick is Arizona State.

Virginia at Florida State: Honestly, I don't know jack about either of these teams. My pick is Florida State and here's why. 1) They won't lose at home. 2) If they win, they'll knock Virginia from the ranks of the undefeated. Then, Virginia will later do the same to Miami. These undefeated teams have got to lose sometime, why not now?

Michigan at Illinois: Illinois isn't nearly as bad as their record. They'll put the fear of God in Michigan before losing by a mere 3 points.

Wisconsin at Purdue: Are you kidding me? Of course I'm picking the Badgers. Orton will be effective between the 20s, but that's it. The defense will tighten up in the red zone. Purdue will clog the line and try to stop Anthony Davis, but unfortunately for them, John Stocco is getting better and better and, shockingly enough, the Badgers' passing game will be the difference. Badgers by 10.