GAZETTE/KCRG Pick 'ems

Northern Illinois at Iowa

MARC MOREHOUSE - The Heat Miser left an indelible mark on me as a child. Don't let him get to you today. Remember, everything he touches melts in his clutches. Iowa 24, NIU 13

MIKE HLAS - The average high temperature for Aug. 31 in Iowa City is 81 degrees. So chill out, homies. Iowa 27, NIU 24

SCOTT DOCHTERMAN - Oasis sang “Wonderwall.” DeKalb, hometown of Northern Illinois, has its own very popular Oasis. I'm sure Iowa fans will have a “Champagne Supernova” in the parking lot. Iowa 24, NIU 14

SCOTT SAVILLE - The Hawkeyes have really improved depth at several positions and that will be key in the 102 heat index. Iowa can go 8 deep on the defensive line and that will help them stay fresh against dual threat QB Jordan Lynch. Iowa 24, NIU 17

BETH MALICKI - This summer I crashed a party with a bunch of Hawkeye football players. OK, it was a charity thing at a local school, but I can call it a party because there was pizza and a craft with yarn. Iowa 21. NIU 21

BOB BROOKS - First win for the Hawkeyes in turnaround season. Predicting eight wins plus a bowl game win. Iowa 28, NIU 14

NICK PUGLIESE – No one is picking Northern Illinois, so there. NIU 24, Iowa 21

J.R. OGDEN – I'm still not convinced all is well at the compound, aka Hawkeyeland. Northern Illinois 24, Iowa 14

JEFF JOHNSON – 95 degrees, 70 bucks a ticket, massive hassle finding parking. No, you won't find me anywhere close to Iowa City tomorrow. Iowa 23, NIU 14

JEREMIAH DAVIS – To categorize this as a gimmie would be foolish, but Iowa should be able to find a way to win. Iowa 17, NIU 13

SAM LOUWAGIE – Hawkeye offense sputters and Lynch does just enough for the Huskies. NIU 21, Iowa 17

ROB GRAY – Huskies have Jordan Lynch at quarterback and an improved profile. But what goes up must come down in the world of #MACtion. Hawkeyes, with many somethings to prove, get some things done on offense (!). Iowa 30, NIU 20

Northern Iowa at Iowa State

MOREHOUSE - My name remains mud with the UNI Alumni Association. ISU 30, UNI 14

HLAS - For the first time in 40 years, ISU, UNI and Iowa are coming off a losing season. Whose bright idea was that? ISU 35, UNI 28

DOCHTERMAN - I've often wondered what kind of traveling trophy Iowa State and UNI should have. But then I start thinking about something else and lose my train of thought. ISU 27, UNI 17

SAVILLE - The Panthers are like the little engine that could. Iowa State has improved talent level across the board and they will be tough to beat at home. ISU 34, UNI 24

MALICKI - This game is sold out, much like bottled water and misting fans at your favorite local box store. ISU 31, UNI 17

BROOKS - Will Sam Richardson be the star for ISU? For this game, yes. UNI will make 'Clones earn this win. ISU 35, UNI 21

PUGLIESE – No one is picking Northern Iowa, so there, part two. UNI 28, ISU 27

OGDEN – Big game for both programs. UNI is better, but ISU is a little bit better. ISU 28, UNI 21

JOHNSON – Cyclones sell more season tickets than ever after a 6-7 season. AD Jamie Pollard is a genius. ISU 31, UNI 17

DAVIS – With the depth of talented playmakers, Iowa State should be able to outlast a talented UNI squad. ISU 31, UNI 20

LOUWAGIE – Cyclones roll in intrastate rivalry. ISU 31, UNI 14

GRAY – The Cyclones are bigger and stronger and deeper, but not necessarily faster than the Panthers. Does heat - and delving into the respective depth charts - favor ISU? I think so. Cyclones rule the trenches, rush for 180-plus yards, win. ISU 31, UNI 17.

LSU at TCU

MOREHOUSE - I'll eat gator. I haven't yet, but I will. LSU 20, TCU 17

HLAS - LSU and TCU? I prefer HLV and BGM. LOL. LSU 28, TCU 17

DOCHTERMAN - LSU fans eat alligator and have a live tiger named Mike for a mascot. TCU fans aren't that crazy. LSU 31, TCU 21

SAVILLE - It's the Horned Frogs, Beth. Make sure you don't mess that one up. LSU 28, TCU 17

MALICKI - Remember folks, my husband picks the score and I write the quips. He also accepts all complaints; compliments go to me. LSU 28, TCU 27

BROOKS - If LSU is to challenge Alabama, this is a must win on the road. LSU 24, TCU 18

PUGLIESE – Nah, can't go there. LSU 31, TCU 21

OGDEN – Two team that have never been in my kitchen. LSU 14, TCU 13

JOHNSON – BCLUW and AGWSR played prep football against each other Friday, so it's only appropriate these teams play Saturday. LSU 38, TCU 17

DAVIS – This game was a toss-up, and in the end it's SEC versus Big 12. When it doubt, go with the SEC. LSU 30, TCU 28

LOUWAGIE – Tigers win late. LSU 24, TCU 20

GRAY – Tigers Coach Les Miles calls TCU a "very, very significant challenge," and he's right. It's a win-win matchup for re-tooled LSU (if it wins) in Jerry's World. Big recruiting base. Casey Pachall makes possible triumphant return for Horned Frogs. TCU 22, LSU 19.