Beat Burger

A tough year for everyone

It's been a tough year here at the "Beat Burger" world headquarters, where computer rankings and Ouija Boards seem useless in trying to pick college football games.

But, it's been a tough year for everyone. What with collapse of our economic system, wars raging around the globe and Tommy Bowden having to resign as the football coach at Clemson.

Going into the home stretch of the regular season, I've managed to hold on to a record of 78-32 through 11 weeks. There was one week when I was 9-1, one when I was 5-5 and a lot of mediocre weeks in between.

I'm still waiting for another perfect week. So far, there have been two in the four-year history of the contest. Then again, I'm always capable of getting them all wrong, which hasn't happened yet, but it could.

As for "Beat Burger" bumper stickers, we've mailed out as many as 1,000 and as few as 14 in any given week. It's been that kind of year.

The picks

CLEMSON at VIRGINIA — Interim coach Dabo Swinney desperately needs to win out in his last two games if he wants to lay claim to the Clemson job. It could happen, but be wary of the Cavaliers, they're dangerous. CLEMSON by 6.

CITADEL at FLORIDA — Urban Meyer was joking when he said he was going to score 100 against the Bulldogs, wasn't he? Actually, doing so would cause a negative backlash against the Gators. Look for something more humane. FLORIDA by 58.

CHARLESTON SOUTHERN at COASTAL CAROLINA — CSU has had a tough year off the field and needs to evaluate its recruiting methods. Can they overcome adversity and finish with a winning record? CSU by 3.

S.C. STATE at NORTH CAROLINA A&T —The Bulldogs are undefeated in the MEAC this year and will stay that way. S.C. STATE by 16.

ARKANSAS at MISSISSIPPI STATE — A toss-up game in the SEC West between two teams going nowhere fast. When in doubt, take the home team. MISSISSIPPI STATE by 7.

N.C. STATE at NORTH CAROLINA — The Tar Heels are big favorites in this intrastate rivalry. But watch out for the Wolfpack. Upset Special of the Week: N.C. STATE by 2.

FLORIDA STATE at MARYLAND — Is Bobby Bowden still coaching in Tallahassee? MARYLAND by 7.

BOSTON COLLEGE at WAKE FOREST — The Ouija Board points to the Eagles so I'm going with the Deacons. WAKE FOREST by 9.

TEXAS TECH at OKLAHOMA — It's the end of the trail for the Red Raiders. OKLAHOMA by 7.

MICHIGAN STATE at PENN STATE — Is this Joe Paterno's last home game? If so, let's send him out in style. PENN STATE by 20.

Reach Ken Burger at 937-5598 or kburger@postandcourier.com.