Big Ten Upset: Minnesota Takes Down Iowa 27-24 in Minneapolis

Apparently, Iowa read the book on the Minnesota Gophers and took this game for granted.

There were few who thought it was possible that Minnesota could win against Iowa's strong defense, veteran quarterback play, and talented running game but, true to the mantra: "on any given Saturday", the Gophers gave a collective finger to all the doubters.

The 3-9 Gophers played with as much heart and determination as they have all season and overcame a late 4-point deficit to win the game 27-24 against the Iowa Hawkeyes—likely stealing away any shot the Hawkeyes had at a high-quality bowl bid.

What happened? Well, the easy answer was in the intro: Iowa was sleeping on the Gophers because of their record, and their seeming lack of anything resembling a consistent offense or defense this season. However, today, it became obvious that Minnesota wasn't willing to lay down and accept another loss—their pride was at stake, and they weren't willing to relinquish it for the 10th time this season.

Their defense stymied the run, holding Marcus Coker to just under 100-yards on the day, while Ricky Stanzi continued to disappoint with his uninspired quarterback play and inability to sustain a game-winning drive for his team. A late fumble by Coker simply added to the comedy of errors and put a sad cap on a season of heartbreak for the black and yellow faithful.

Kudos to Minnesota for FINALLY being on the winning end of a big game at home, but Iowa fans have to feel sick wondering what might have been—if only.

College Football ATS Picks: Will Wisconsin Be Able To Run Up The Score Against Michigan?

56-64 is where the Lady Sportswriter currently stands. However, there is still hope—at least that's the story we'll agree to stick to.

So, without further ado, here are 15 more spread picks for Saturday, November 20. All courtesy of VegasInsider.com.

1. Purdue at Michigan State: Michigan State (-20)

Purdue has not been very good on the road, against the Big Ten, this season and the Spartans have too much offense to be stymied.

The Lady's Pick: Michigan State

2. Wisconsin at Michigan: Wisconsin (-4)

The Badgers pounced all over Indiana last week and posted a score that could have been easily mistaken for a basketball game. Considering Michigan's propensity to not know how to play anything resembling a defense, it seems likely that the Badgers will be able to find some room to score big points again this week as well.

The Lady's Pick: Wisconsin

3. Ohio State at Iowa: Ohio State (-3)

Iowa plays well at home and I'm not convinced that Ohio State is the best team in the Big Ten.

The Lady's Pick: Iowa

4. Iowa State vs. Missouri: Missouri (-11)

The Cyclones only need one more win to make it to bowl eligibility and while it doesn't seem likely that they will get that win here, they will be motivated to play better than they did last week against a measly Colorado team.

The Lady's Pick: Iowa State

5. Oklahoma State at Kansas: Oklahoma State (-24)

It could be 34 and the Cowboys would still be the safer bet. Turner Gill has no offense on this team and he knows it. He's probably just hoping he can get enough out of the defense to keep it interesting—good luck.

The Lady's Pick: Oklahoma State

6. Arkansas at Mississippi State: Arkansas (-3)

The Razorbacks have their running game clicking now and that has just made Ryan Mallett that much more dangerous. The Bulldogs unraveling began last week in Tuscaloosa and continues today.

The Lady's Pick: Arkansas

7. Illinois vs. Northwestern: Illinois (-7.5)

The Illini have had trouble with mobile quarterbacks this season and they will have their hands full with Dan Persa today. Despite the goofy display of football we are likely to see—based on the fact that the field couldn't hold two fleas at a square dance—Persa should still be stellar.

The Lady's Pick: Northwestern

8. Virginia Tech at Miami: Virginia Tech (-2)

Virginia Tech looked skechy last week against Carolina, but don't expect that to happen two weeks in a row. They'll be back firing again.

The Lady's Pick: Virginia Tech

9. New Mexico State at Nevada: Nevada (-37.5)

The Aggies are awful, but you have to be cautious giving this many points to the Wolfpack at this point in the season. With Boise State looming large, Nevada could get caught sleeping a little bit—not enough to lose—long enough for the Aggies to cover.

The Lady's Pick: New Mexico State

10. West Virginia at Louisville: West Virginia (-4.5)

After a big win last week, the Mountaineers have to be feeling good about themselves, and that's just the kind of attitude that can set you up for a fall against a lesser opponent.

The Lady's Pick: Louisville

Lady's Luck Picks:

11. Oregon State (+3) vs. USC

12. South Carolina (-21) vs. Troy

13. Texas (-21.5) vs. Florida Atlantic

14. South Florida (+3) vs. Pittsburgh

15. NC State (+2.5) at North Carolina

Wisconsin Badgers Football: Ohio State Gets Bucked By The Badgers

The chants of "OVER-RATED" can already be heard, by the thousands, as the Wisconsin Badgers have just dethroned the, newly birthed, Ohio State Buckeyes from their spot as the No. 1 team in the country.

Terrelle Pryor went back to being the guy everyone once thought he was—mediocre and inconsistent—throwing no touchdowns and completing less than 50 percent of his passes. He wasn't the leader that people thought he became after leading the Buckeyes to that 2009 Rose Bowl win last year, but rather the guy who had trouble beating Navy, at home, to begin the 2009 season.

As for Wisconsin, they simply took the home field and used it to their advantage, as John Clay ran and powered his way to another 100 yard performance and two touchdowns.

What does this mean for Ohio State?

Well, for one, it means they will no longer be the No. 1 team in the country, but they aren't out of the game just yet, there is still plenty of time to prove that their play earlier this season was no fluke—if they can win out and avoid the lackadaisical attitude that can sometimes taint the focus of a team that has gone from undefeated to defeated.

That said, Wisconsin should be careful not to enjoy this win too much as they are still apt to trip up somewhere along the way—perhaps at Iowa next week?

Boy, this has been one crazy Saturday.

What say you? Who should be the No. 1 team come Sunday night?

College Football Odds (ATS): Alabama Will Roll, Michigan Will Rebound

It was yet another average week for the 'Lady', as the site finished the weekend slate at 5-5, bringing the season total to 27-28.

You can revisit last week's picks here.

The BCS will release it's first set of rankings this Sunday, so expect a lot of good play from teams auditioning for a place in the top 10.

That said, it's time to offer another round of picks.

(All lines are courtesy of  VegasInsider.com).

1. Alabama vs. Ole Miss: Alabama (-20.5)

This actually seems like a ton of points to lend the Tide's way—even if they are playing in Tuscaloosa. That said, the Rebels aren't very good on defense.

Look for both Mark Ingram and Trent Richardson to get something they didn't last week—running room—and look for the Tide to take out their frustration on the Rebels.

The Lady's Pick: Alabama

2. Michigan vs. Iowa: Iowa (-3)

As impressive as Iowa has been all season, save the loss to Arizona in week three, Michigan's offense is going to be tough to stop at home. Sure Michigan State came in and shut Denard Robinson down, but the Spartans have played the Wolverines well over the last few seasons and that loss wasn't really all that hard to see coming.

That said, Iowa has been nearly as effective, defensively, on the road as they have been at home.
Expect Mr. Robinson to rebound and steal a win from the Hawkeye's.

The Lady's Pick: Michigan

3. Virginia Tech vs. Wake Forest: Virginia Tech (-22.5)

Wake Forest is atrocious, there is little doubt about that, but they have played a better brand of football over the last couple of weeks, and have nothing to lose by giving it all they've got against a Hokie squad that, honestly, still isn't all that impressive.

The Lady's Pick: Wake Forest

4. TCU vs BYU: TCU (-28)

TCU is good. BYU is bad. There is not much else you can say about these two teams or this match-up.
BYU's coach is currently wearing two hats (head coach and defensive coordinator) and that has to be tough, considering he's got a true freshman quarterback trying to run the offense.

The Cougars are a mess right now and, even though it seems crazy to think they will get beat by 28 points, that's what is likely to happen.

The Lady's Pick: TCU

5. Texas Tech vs. Oklahoma State: Texas Tech (-3.5)

Texas Tech is still trying to find themselves under Tommy Tuberville, and it's not clear that they are anywhere near close to doing that right now—despite their 3-2 record.

The Lady's Pick: Oklahoma State 

6. Rice vs. Houston: Houston (-9)

As terrible as the defense of the Cougars is, the Owls might be worse. If Houston quarterbacks, David Piland or Terrance Broadway, want to get their respective games going, then this is the week to do it.

The Owls have little in the way of offense and don't defend well against the pass—a recipe for disaster when you're opponent specializes in air raids.

The Lady's Pick: Houston

7. Wisconsin vs. Ohio State: Ohio State (-4)

Hmmm, wonder what Bielema's card will tell him to do this week?

He better have a definite plan of action against the Buckeyes ,or he'll be the one feeling some kind of wronged after this game.

The Lady's Pick: Ohio State

8.  Auburn vs. Arkansas: Auburn (-3.5)

Auburn has been getting by on the grace and talent of Cam Newton—no doubt about it. However, the cardiac cats will have to go into arrest at some point, and it's highly possible that the Razorbacks will be just the team to send them rushing for the nearest ambulance.

The Lady's Pick: Arkansas

9. Georgia Tech vs Middle Tennessee State: Georgia Tech (-19)

This pick could come back to haunt me later, but, Dwight Dasher could end up being a problem for that developing Yellow Jacket defense. He's much better than he showed last week, and this could be just the game he needs to get his game back on the right track.

Georgia Tech will definitely win, but not by 19. 

The Lady's Pick: Middle Tennessee 


10. Florida vs. Mississippi State: Florida (-9)

Mississippi State might be scrappy but their quarterback situation leaves much to be desired. Expect the Gators to get back to their winning ways this weekend.

The Lady's Pick: Florida