The Gazette's Pigskin Pick'ems

The panel of local 'experts' is one again assembled to make predictions on the big games this weekend.

Iowa at Wisconsin

Morehouse

- Wisconsin loses, Wisconsin Wife burns me in effigy. Except she doesn't know what “effigy” means and I'm running around in burnt boxers. Iowa 20, Wisconsin 19

Hlas

- Wisconsin's fight song is “On, Wisconsin!” North Korea's is “On, Third World Nation Ruled by a Cuckoo Bird Dictator!” They're both catchy. Wisconsin 14, Iowa 13

Pugliese

- There used to be a great bar in Appleton, Wis., called Cleos that had a million Christmas lights. Then, the fire marshal shut it down. Same way Iowa will shut down Wisconsin today. Iowa 24, Wisconsin 14

Campbell

- Don't look for Bret Bielema to be going green in the near future. He figures he got way too much Greene last year at Kinnick. Iowa 24, Wisconsin 21

Malicki

- I was in Wisconsin last weekend for my son's soccer tournament. My kids adored the veterans museum, thanks to the automatic weapons frozen in mannequins' hands. Iowa 28, Wisconsin 24

Brooks

- Bucky Badger waiting in weeds. Hawks will have to be at their best. Tough Iowa ‘D' should take the day. Iowa 24, Wisconsin 21

Baylor at Iowa State

Morehouse

- For the record, I'm with Paul Rhoads and his “no sweat pants” decree. Now, can someone please tell Wisconsin “Give me sweat pants or give me death” Wife for me? Iowa State 38, Baylor 31

Hlas

- Let me get this straight. The Cyclones are playing a mid-October game at night and not because of a TV deal? When did Bud Selig become the Big 12 commissioner? Iowa State 40, Baylor 39

Pugliese

- Cyclones turn out the lights on Baylor. Iowa State 28, Baylor 17

Campbell

- Hlas, Halas. Halas, Hlas? And Malicki wonders why the guy knows so much football. Add an “a” to his name and he is Papa Bear's long lost son. Iowa State 35, Baylor 31

Malicki

- I stayed at the Quality Inn and Suites in Ames for a journalism awards banquet this spring. I ate my weight in fries and BBQ at Buford's Steakhouse right there in the hotel. Iowa State 31, Baylor 27

Brooks

- Cy should not let this game get away. Team is improving, running back having fun. Big game for new coaching staff. Iowa State 28, Baylor 24

USC at Notre Dame

Morehouse

- Pete Carroll, Rush chairman, damn glad to meet you. USC 35, Notre Dame 17

Hlas

- I need to see a football game at Notre Dame someday. I also need to get a haircut, rake some leaves, climb Mount Everest ... I better scratch that Notre Dame thing. USC 31, Notre Dame 19

Pugliese

- Irish fans will wish they had something to light up after this game. USC 31, Notre Dame 20

Campbell

- If Michigan beat Notre Dame and Notre Dame beats USC does that mean Iowa ... don't go there. Isn't going to happen. USC 35, Notre Dame 31

Malicki

- I visited Notre Dame as a high school junior. My grandma went with me and insisted I pose next to all the saintly statues and in a few churches. The pictures are heavenly. Notre Dame 5,000, USC 8Brooks - Trojans get usual greeting in South Bend. Notre Dame improved, but not enough to beat USC. USC 31, Notre Dame 21