IOWA CITY, Iowa – I’m proud to say that my 87-year old mother is this week’s guest picker. She always has loved the Hawkeyes and isn’t ready to throw in the towel yet.

She and Tyler Devine both having Iowa winning on Saturday at Minnesota, while your’s truly is picking the Gophers because I question whether Iowa can stop Minnesota’s rushing attack.

Saturday’s game at TCF Bank Stadium in Minneapolis will mark the midway point of the regular season for the 3-2 Hawkeyes. Both teams have to win in order to stay alive in the West Division.

Pat Harty

Minnesota 27, Iowa 24: With his offensive line struggling to protect C.J. Beathard in the pocket, Kirk Ferentz inserts Ron Coluzzi at left tackle and tells him to kick anybody who comes near him.

Penn State 25, Maryland 19: I’m afraid to pick against my mother too many times because once in high school she made me tomato soup by using sour milk in order to punish me for coming in too late the night before.

Oklahoma 41, Texas 35: Oklahoma defensive coordinator Mike Stoops celebrates the victory by only having seven fits of rage on Sunday.

Alabama 33, Arkansas 28: Bret Bielema tells Nick Saban after the game that he should consider having his own TV showed called "Being Mean".

Washington 34, Oregon 31: The only thing quicker than some of Oregon’s skills players in recent years is the program’s fall from grace.

Last week: 3-2
Overall: 15-10

Tyler Devine

Iowa 28, Minnesota 27: Kirk Ferentz convinces Gary Barta to let him ride Floyd in the truck all the way back to Iowa City after the Hawks squeak out their fourth victory of the season

Penn State 23, Maryland 17: An actual Lion from Mount Nittany finds its way into the stadium, causing a Gladiator-like spectacle at Happy Valley. Luckily James Franklin used this as a training method during the offseason.

Oklahoma 45, Texas 35: Charlie Strong begs Bob Stoops at midfield to make room for him on the Oklahoma coaching staff after hearing rumblings that his job is in jeopardy.

Alabama 38, Arkansas 10: Bret Bielema accidentally screams "Roll Tide" before his team takes the field, demoralizing then as the Tide rolls on the road.

Washington 27, Oregon 20: Despite Oregon’s new flashing jerseys, Washington is not distracted and comes out on top bringing back memories of Rose Bowls of yesteryear.

Last week: 1-4
Overall: 14-11

Guest (Leona Harty)

Iowa 24, Minnesota 20: My youngest son has been a negative, Hawk-hating brat for all his life.

Penn State 17, Maryland 13: My grandson graduated from Penn State. This pick is for him and for him only.

Texas 28, Oklahoma 20: My youngest son used to upset me a lot so I’m picking the upset.

Arkansas 17, Alabama 14: What I said for the Texas-Oklahoma game also fits here.

Oregon 31, Washington 28: I’m usually asleep when these teams play.

Last week: 3-2
Overall: 10-15