I've had my share of humble pie the last few weeks. Just once, I'd like for someone else to be humbled by my prowess at picking winners. But it probably won't happen this week.

There's plenty of hyperbole being tossed around this week in the national media about the Patriots-Colts game, but we've got our own game that has the makings for a clash of the titans. If there was a local talk radio show devoted to local sports, I think the Bakersfield at Liberty game would rule the airwaves.

So that's where we'll start with my picks for Week 9 of Beat the Experts:

Bakersfield at Liberty: This has the characteristic of one of those low-scoring contests between defensive juggernauts. Well, usually those games turn into shootouts and I think the Drillers have more weapons on offense.

Bakersfield Christian at Tehachapi: Using a football cliche, Bakersfield Christian was popped in the mouth a few times last week against Taft. Tehachapi plays basically the same brand of football. Warriors control the clock and pound the ball down Eagles' throat, err ... gizzard.

Centennial at West: Vikings have won last two meetings with Golden Hawks but West's loss to North might raise some doubts in locker room. Centennial is too strong mentality to have a letdown.

North at Stockdale: Stars have played four teams in Bob Barnett's Central Section rankings. That tough schedule could be part of reason North has won three of last four games.

South at Ridgeview: South hasn't won three regular-season games since 2003. That ends tonight.

Bakersfield College at Allan Hancock: Hancock has had the tougher schedule but I'm still picking the Renegades because of Jacob Bower and the offense.

Arizona State at Oregon: Sun Devils because I use to live in Arizona. That's it. How's that for an educated pick.

LSU at Alabama: Nick Saban vs. Les Miles. Mentor vs. apprentice. LSU clearly has a more talented football team but that's because it pays more. Taking the Tide because Saban should know how to beat his old team.

Oregon State at USC: Saw a statistic that said Pete Carroll is 20-0 in November. That's impressive. Of course, the Trojans have their Booty back.

Wisconsin at Ohio State: This isn't an easy road toward the BCS title game but clearly the Buckeyes have been down this road before.

New England at Indianapolis: I've disclosed my loyalties on here before but I'll do it again. I've been a Colts fan since the Mayflower trucks made the fateful trip to Indianapolis. My son and I will both be rooting for the Colts, errr ... the Rebellion against the Empire.

Carolina at Tennessee: Panthers haven't lost on the road this season, and a healthy David Carr should be able to complete a few passes to Steve Smith.

Jacksonville at New Orleans: Didn't realize this until just now but I'm picking against two AFC South teams. Just old habit. Drew Brees and the Saints have it figured out.

Dallas at Philadelphia: Too bad Michael Irvin isn't still in the league. He could have stopped at Andy Reid's "drug emporium" before the game for a pick-me-up. 

San Francisco at Atlanta: Joey Harrington is the quarterback in Atlanta. That's all you need to know.