Favorites to Land in Blacksburg and Week 10 Upset Alerts

Last week's article had some minor success, but it still isn't where I want to be. Picking outright upsets is difficult, but I like a challenge. That means this week I will aim to go undefeated.

I liked Virginia Tech to beat and cover against Boston College and they did. The Hokies played well and kept their postseason bowl dreams alive. I also guaranteed that Oregon would upset Arizona State last Thursday. Wow that game was exciting. I hope most of you followed my advice and stayed awake for that game.

Now to the losing side. Once again I was fooled by a school(s) from the Big 12. I thought West Virginia and Texas Tech would keep their matchups close, but I whiffed on that prediction. Texas Tech needs a defensive coordinator. My goodness they are horrible. The last disaster pick from last week was Vanderbilt. I knew I should of stayed away from that game as Houston manhandled the Commodores.

As always, comment below or contact me on Twitter @RooksReport if there is a game you want me to preview or break down. Thanks again for always reading. Now let's get down to business.

Favorites to Land in Blacksburg:

Please Note: I have not been able to find any odds posted on this. I have reached out to multiple sources, but have been unsuccessful. I will update article with odds as soon as I am aware of any.

1.) Rich Rodriguez (Arizona Wildcats HC): As they saying goes, it's all about who you know. Rodriguez is the nice guy that you can't be mean too. He is the coach that can give you one or two exciting years, but that's about it. Unfortunately for us Hokie fans, my sources tell me he is the first choice of athletic director Whit Babcock. Last week, the Arizona Wildcats were demolished by Washington 49-3. Just last year, the Wildcats were in the Pac 12 Championship. Things have turned bad over in Tucson. Is it because players and coaches know that Rodriguez is gone? Something doesn't look right over there. Arizona has had a lot of injuries, but a Rich-Rod team putting up three points. That is very strange. Rodriguez's buyout clause is rumored to be a handful, but if Babcock wants him, then Virginia Tech will pony up the money. Let me be clear, this is not my choice.

2.) Justin Fuente (Memphis Tigers HC): Mr. Fuente is who I think should be the guy that replaces Frank Beamer. The Tigers are 18-3 in their last 21 games and he would bring an offense to Blacksburg that fans and players have only dreamed of. Babcock will probably be competing with some other high profile schools, but he is second on the list if Rodriguez says no. If I am Babcock, I make Fuente an offer he can't refuse. This guy is only 39 and he has an eye for talent. He took the Memphis head coaching gig after learning under TCU coach Gary Patterson for many years and also heped TCU to a 2011 Rose Bowl Victory. He also coached and mentored current Cincinnati Bengal Andy Dalton. This type of coach comes around once in a blue moon. Fuente would come into the ACC and compete  for a conference championship right away. You can't do that at schools in the SEC or even the PAC 12. If Babcock has a shot at Fuente he better not pass it up. I think if he misses on this hire he may be out of a job the next time around.

3.) Matt Campbell (Toldeo Rockets HC): This wouldn't be a horrible higher, but it wouldn't make a big splash like Fuente. Campbell is another young coach at just 35 year old. From what I have been told, he is definitely on the short list and the third option. The current Toledo head coach is more of a defensive minded coach. He played defensive lineman at Mount Union. Toledo has had a wonderful season, even with their recent loss to Northern Illinois. The Rockets beat Arkansas in Fayetteville earlier in the season. With all that being said, I don't think Babcock can bring a defense oriented guy to Blacksburg. Virginia Tech needs to get better on offense to be able to compete with teams like FSU and Clemson. Let's also not forget Toledo gave up 35 points to Umass. Don't fall for it Babcock. As enticing as it may seem, don't go for Campbell.

Week 9 Guaranteed Upsets to Happen (3-9 YTD)

Navy +7.5 @ Memphis: How do you beat a team with a high scoring offense and a dominant quarterback? You keep the ball out of their hands. Memphis can score points in bunches, but their defense can't stop anyone. Navy's triple option is not what Fuente wants to see this week. This type of game planning can be difficult with just one week of preparation. Memphis is getting all the love in the news and analysts are already predicting how they can crash the college football playoff. Unfortunately that won't happen and Memphis will lose this week against Navy. Midshipmen with the upset.

Cincinnati +8 at Houston: Yes, thats right. I am not a believer in teams from the AAC. Some teams from smaller conference are talented, but just like every year, these cinderella stories tend to fade away. The Bearcats play fast and they can put up points against anyone. Their losses are against Temple, Memphis and BYU. Not horrible defeats and as far as I am concerned the Bearcats are due. Houston has a very talented roster themselves. Greg Ward Jr. is a dual threat quarterback who can hurt you with his arm and legs. The defense is very athletic and I think is more talented than the offense. I expect a shootout come Saturday, with Cincinnati pulling away in the last few minutes. Cougar head coach Tom Herman said a few weeks ago he wants more fans in the stands. He will get his wish this week, but Houston will lose for the first time this season.