No real updates out of the Thursday call with Edsall. We know Jordan Todman injured his elbow Saturday, but we don't know his status. Edsall wouldn't even say whether he (or Lutrus, for that matter) has practiced this week. I suspect there's a good chance Todman doesn't play Saturday. We'll know more at 6 p.m. tonight.

Of course, listening to Edsall, you could interpret it as if Todman wasn't even injured last week at Temple. "We'll do what we have to do to win the game," Edsall said. "It was more of a physical game for him, he took some shots we haven't seen him take. Credit Temple. They were running to the ball extremely well. But we'll do what we have to do. If we need to spell him, we'll spell him. But I think he came out of the game body-wise in pretty good shape. He took some shots to the body, and he's not any more worse for wear." Edsall also said UConn has a plan to address the "what if's", when specifically asked what happens at running back if Todman is unable to go.

Edsall also hinted he's made up his mind on the depth chart, specifically with regard to the return of Cody Endres and Erik Kuraczea this week. "I've made a decision, we still have to see what happens today (at practice)," said Edsall, who also mentions he thinks the two suspended players shook off the rust of 30 days with no practice well. We'll know.....Saturday, of course.

On to the picks...short and sweet this week. I'm writing Dave Solomon's Sunday column this week, so I'm pressed for time; and also trying to save some snarky material for the print edition. But I've thrown in some extra games as a bonus.

Game 1: BOSTON COLLEGE (+4) over Virginia Tech - They still playing football at BC? Thought it was just hockey only there.

Game 2: PENN STATE (-14) over Temple - Al Golden and Joe Paterno share game day coaching wardrobe secrets. Look for Al to break out the black cleats this week. Those white sneakers with that a shirt and tie are a big fashion faux pa (at least according to the always fashionable Mrs. Chip)

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Game 3: North Carolina State (+8) over GEORGIA TECH

Game 4: Buffalo (+20) over CONNECTICUT

Game 5: Oklahoma (-14) over CINCINNATI

Game 6: ARKANSAS (+7.5) over Alabama

Game 7: BOISE STATE (-17) over Oregon State - The best way to beat Boise State (according to the warped brain trust at Oregon State)? Spend $8,000 to paint your own practice field blue! There's money wisely spent.

Game 8: Stanford (-5) over NOTRE DAME

Game 9: ARIZONA (-7) over California

Game 10: TEXAS (-16) over California-Los Angeles (also known as UCLA)

Game 11: AUBURN (-3) over South Carolina

Game 12: LSU (-9.5) over West Virginia

Game 13: North Carolina (-2) over RUTGERS

Game 14: Oregon (-12) over ARIZONA STATE

Game 15: SOUTH FLORIDA (-27) over Western Kentucky

Game 16: SYRACUSE (-35) over Colgate: Syracuse played Maine last week, and follows up with Colgate on Saturday. Can't wait for next week's game against the Broome County Truck Driving and Tractor Combine Training Academy.

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Last week's contest results

1. Ian 9-2-1

Gary 9-2-1

3. B-Stew 8-3-1

4. Walt 7-4-1

5. Chip 6-5-1

Pete 6-5-1

Vinny 6-5-1

Caleb 6-5-1

9. Gabe 5-6-1

Rollo 5-6-1

11. Sammy 4-7-1

12. GovPhalen 3-8-1

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Standings

1. Ian 21-11-2

2. Chip 20-12-2

Gary 20-12-2

4. Gabe 19-13-2

Pete 19-13-2

6. sammy 17-15-2

B-Stew 17-15-2

8. Vinny from East Haven 16-16-2

Caleb Mandrake 16-16-2

10. GovernorPhalen 15-17-2

11. Uconnbob 12-9-1

12. Walt 7-4-1

13. Rollo V. 5-6-1

14. seanO 4-6-1

15. BostonDan 3-7-1