Is it fair to start wondering about Ron Rivera as an NFL head coach? He’s only been at the helm in Charlotte for 20 games, but his record is 7-13 and his team has consistently blown 4th quarter leads. He shows his inexperience in quality control situations, the most recent example coming in Atlanta with how his team mismanaged the end of the first half. More importantly, players like Jeremy Shockey last year and Greg Olsen and Steve Smith this year seem to be in his ear quite a bit. To me, that makes it seem as though some players aren’t sure if Rivera knows what to do in certain situations.

Maybe its too early to be wondering about Rivera as a head coach, and maybe he will learn how to handle these situations over time. But I’m beginning to have my doubts.

NFL Picks (11-4 last week, 39-24 for the season)
Rams over Cards
GB at Indy
Pit over Philly
Atl at Wash
Cincy over Miami
Balt at KC
NYG over Cle
Panthers over Sea
Bears at Jax
Vikes over Titans
Niners over Bills
Pats over Broncos
Saints over Bolts
Texans at Jets

through the first month of the season college football has lacked its typical drama. No shocking upsets, and not enough marquis games for my taste. Top teams like Alabama and LSU have beaten overmatched and overrated opponents, while many other nationally ranked teams have done the same. Sure, Stanford’s win over USC, FSU’s win against Clemson, and a couple of Florida’s victories have been exciting but you can pretty much count those on one hand. BUT…

…things are about to change. This weekend is as good as it gets for the sport. #4 LSU at #10 Florida, #8 West Virgina at #11 Texas, and #5Georgia is at #6 South Carolina. While most of the teams slept through September, it all changes this weekend. I can’t wait.

CFB picks 48-13 overall, 22-23 ATS (7-3/6-4 last week)
ECU +14
Army +9
VT +3.5
Duke -2
Clem -10.5
Md -4.5
UGA +3
Miami +12.5
FSU -13.5
LSU -3
WVU +7

TZ
twiiter.com/taylorZradio
taylorz@wfnz.com