Picks of the Week

With the beginning of college football season and the NFL season around the corner. TornBySports.com will be presenting the picks of the week, every week. Our writer’s will select the games we think Utah sports fans should be looking forward to. Then we will pick them and give you the edge at the water cooler throughout the week.

For each match up there will be the writer’s picks followed by whatever they wanted to share about it.

Utah vs Pitt

The Picks: Tyler – Utah, Grant – Utah, Amos – Utah,  Andrew – Utah, Matt M. – Utah

Tyler – Pitt’s inexperience on the offensive line and at QB is going to hurt them but not enough that Dion Lewis doesn’t score a time or two. Utah’s offense is strong and will be able to run enough to open some things up for Wynn to make some plays down field.

Grant – Kyle Whittingham said Dion Lewis reminds him of Jacques Rodgers. I was at the last Oregon State game against the Utes and Rodgers was amazing. I think Ute fans should apply Craig Bolerjack’s advice, “Buckle Up!”

Andrew – This game is sold out, and the Ute fan base is rowdy and ready to exit the conference with a bang! With all the momentum, Utah wins it, but by less than 7

Washington vs BYU

The picks: Tyler  - Washington, Grant – Washington, Andrew – Washington, Amos – Washington, Matt M. – BYU

Tyler – BYU lost too many skill positions from last season and will have a hard time moving the ball. Running two quarterbacks is going to be a failed experiment. Washington will be much improved in Sarkisian’s 2nd year. Jake Locker’s pass completion percentage rose 10% last year and it will get better again.

Grant – I think BYU will have a chance if they play the two quarterback system right; however, this is the first time they have ever done it. BYU will score but lose in the end.

Andrew – This one is hard to say. If Jake Locker is the man they say he is, Washington should handle the Cougars D, but don’t forget that the BYU QB situation isn’t too bad either. My head says BYU but I’m going with my gut and saying that Jake Locker, who is more experienced, leads his team to a win, but also by 7 or less.

Utah State @ Oklahoma

The picks: Tyler – Oklahoma, Grant – Oklahoma, Amos – Oklahoma, Andrew – Oklahoma, Matt M. – Oklahoma

Tyler – Utah State is improving under Gary Anderson but not enough to beat a very strong Oklahoma team. If Utah State wants any chance at winning this game, it’s got to be about turnovers. Borel can’t throw interceptions and the Utah State defense has to pull off a few of their own to make it close.

Boise State at Virginia Tech

The picks: Tyler – Virginia Tech, Grant – Virginia Tech, Andrew – Boise State, Amos – Boise State, Matt M. – Boise State

Tyler – All of the Boise State national champion talk finally ends as Virginia Tech takes this one from Boise. Virginia Tech has a quick defense that will be able to slow down Boise’s offense. Tyrod Taylor isn’t the only strong player on offense and will move the ball pretty well against Boise’s defense.

Andrew – Toughie. This game will decide if BSU can go to the National Championship game or not. That being said, I think Boise plays with more heart than any team in the country. BSU wins by 10 or more.

New York Red Bulls at Real Salt Lake

The picks: Tyler – RSL, Grant – RSL, Amos – draw, Andrew – RSL, Matt M. – RSL

Grant – RSL will keep the winning streak alive. As a sports fan I am drawn between watching this match and BYU. Thierry Henry’s first match in Utah means the fans and players are going to want to make a statement. If you thought Beckham was good, Henry is better.

Andrew – Real Salt Lake really loves and uses the home field advantage. They are 8-0-3 at home, while NY is 4-4-3 in road games. Home field gives the win to RSL 3-2.