Arizona at No. 5 UCLA

My first time doing the staff picks and I get handed the easiest prediction of the year. There’s no way the Giants can win, right? I mean, the odds of that seem about as likely as seeing Bill Belichick crack a smile. But, as an avid Dolphins fan, I still must hold out hope that the lone undefeated season will continue to belong solely to the 1972 Miami team. Besides, aren’t we ready for a new Super Bowl hero? Adam Vinatieri is no more and it won’t take Lawrence Tynes three tries to pull win the game this time.
Arizona 87, No. 5 UCLA 81, OT

-Jeremy Hawkes

The Wildcats will have a glaring disadvantage based on their away record in Pacific 10 Conference record (1-2). Arizona has been consistent with upping its performance in the second half, but with the Bruins ranked No. 5 in the country, the Wildcats will have a tough time keeping up, especially if Kevin Love and Darren Collison are on fire. If Jerryd Bayless and Chase Budinger keep hitting those outside shots and Jordan Hill continues to dominate in the paint, this game may turn out to be closer than anticipated.
No. 5 UCLA 84, Arizona 70

-Kara Bauman

Two high-powered offenses will go head to head, both of which are playing very well in conference play. If the Wildcats can continue to shoot the ball like they have as of late, 51 percent against Cal from the field, 55 percent against Washington State, and 62 percent against Washington, they will be able to take control of the game. If the Wildcats can continue to shoot well from beyond the arc (over 50 percent the last two games) as well as from the free throw line, they will have a big game against UCLA who is dominant at home (8-1).
Arizona 78, No. 5 UCLA 74

-Nick Sturiale

No. 14 Stanford at No. 9 Washington State

This one’s a toss up in my mind. Then again, 90 percent of the Pac-10 matches this year may as well be decided by the flip of a coin. Washington State has the home court advantage and has yet to lose there this year. However, they looked vulnerable on their Arizona road trip. Stanford is always a threat thanks in large part to the Lopez twins, and has played great basketball since their early season lapse at Siena. But if the big brothers get in foul trouble, then they are a different ball team.
No. 9 Washington State 74, No. 14 Stanford 71

-Jeremy Hawkes

With an undefeated record at home, No. 9 Washington State has the upper hand on No. 14 Stanford, even with their 7-foot Lopez twin towers. The Cougars plays at a slow and defensive-minded game, and may play slower than the average bear, but they will manipulate this to their advantage. It will probably be a low scoring game; I’m throwing it out there – neither team will strike above 70.
No. 9 Washington State 65, No. 14 Stanford 59

-Kara Bauman

This game could very well be the best game of the week. Both teams are coming off of big wins and will be looking to move up in the Pac 10, the most wide open conference in division one basketball. Washington State is dominant at home (6-0) and is going to take this one in a close one.
No. 9 Washington St. 68, No. 14 Stanford 66

-Nick Sturiale

Super Bowl XLII: N.Y. Giants vs. New England Patriots

My first time doing the staff picks and I get handed the easiest prediction of the year. There’s no way the Giants can win, right? I mean, the odds of that seem about as likely as seeing Bill Belichick crack a smile. But, as an avid Dolphins fan, I still must hold out hope that the lone undefeated season will continue to belong solely to the 1972 Miami team. Besides, aren’t we ready for a new Super Bowl hero? Adam Vinatieri is no more and it won’t take Lawrence Tynes three tries to pull win the game this time.
Giants 38, Patriots 35

-Jeremy Hawkes

I’m putting my money on the Patriots. It could be Eli Manning’s interception problem, or it could be all of the other statistics comparing the two QBs. I’m favoring Tom Brady. He’s got double the experience, and the Patriots haven’t lost a game all season. In order for the Giants to win, they’ll have to run the ball (cue Brandon Jacobs having the best game of his life), New England’s Laurence Maroney will have to call in sick, and Brady will have to choke and/or get hit by a bus.
Patriots 31, Giants 26

-Kara Bauman

The Giants are on a hot streak and don’t expect it to end anytime soon. Eli Manning has proven himself to be an elite quarterback, one who can lead his team in crucial postseason play. The Giants have the best defensive line in football, led by defensive ends Osi Umenyiora and Michael Strahan who are going to put plenty of pressure on Brady whose mobility is limited due to injury. The keys for the Giants are to not turn the ball over and to keep the ball on the ground as much as possible.
Giants 34, Patriots 31

-Nick Sturiale