Now this is more like it.

There’s nothing like putting a bad week of picking behind you than a sparkling 10-1 mark (except maybe perfection). I was in so much of a hurry to put two weeks ago behind me that I went ahead a week and gazed into the crystal ball a week in advance to see Auburn’s fortunes against West Virginia (for the record, the Tigers had a bye week, but I still think my pick will stand).

For the year, yours truly has accumulated an overall record of 77-12. Not too shabby, is it? Anyway, let’s see what I can do this week.

Spring Garden at Skyline: The Panthers pounced on Woodville last week, so that tells me they’ve gotten back on course after Cedar Bluff handed it to them two weeks ago.

This week, Spring Garden travels to Skyline in a game that means little. The Panthers have already locked up the third playoff spot in Class 1A, Region 6 while Skyline, well, can’t wait to end another dreadful season.

I look for Trey Littlefield and company to have another big outing … Spring Garden 48, Skyline 7.

Collinsville at Valley Head: As far as Collinsville is concerned, this one is a playoff game.

The winner of this match-up virtually assures itself of the final playoff spot in Class 1A, Region 6.

The Panthers come in with momentum. It’s been a while since they’ve been in this situation, but I think that momentum can carry them on to a playoff berth. Coach Alan Beckett’s team wins a nail-biter … Collinsville 22, Valley Head 21.

Cedar Bluff at Gaylesville: The pressure is pretty much off for the Tigers. They’re locked into the second playoff spot in Class 1A, Region 6 after their loss to Gaston.

The pressure, however, is still on the Trojans. Their playoff hopes are sinking fast. They have to win out and have help in order to make it.

Sorry, Trojans. I just don’t see a playoff berth this season, and I don’t see a win against Cedar Bluff … Cedar Bluff 35, Gaylesville 14.

Piedmont at Glencoe: The Bulldogs suffered their worst defeat of the season at the hands of No. 2 Leeds last week. Despite being shut out, the Bulldogs are still the second-seed in Class 3A, Region 5, which is nothing to sneeze at.

I think Piedmont will get back on the winning track and finish up region play strong at Glencoe … Piedmont 32, Glencoe 16.

Cherokee County at Ashville: The Warriors have showed no signs of slowing down in the latter part of the season. In some areas, they’re getting better as the weeks roll along and that’s bad news for their opponents.

I think this team will finish the regular-season undefeated, starting with a big win over Ashville … Cherokee County 41, Ashville 14.

Westbrook Christian at Sand Rock: The most intriguing match-up of the week is this one.

The Wildcats are coming off a big overtime win against Fyffe, which should have them pumped up for the rest of the season.

Sand Rock head coach Russell Jacoway said following the win that Westbrook’s offense scares him. I think he’ll find the right schemes for his defense to run during practice and help keep the Wildcats undefeated … Sand Rock 28, Westbrook Christian 21.

College Football

Auburn at West Virginia (Thursday): It didn’t take long for the Tigers to take drastic measures to save their season. Auburn fired offensive coordinator Tony Franklin after his system was proved to be performing poorly.

Auburn’s offense fared no better against Arkansas two weeks ago. The Tigers lost 25-22 to drop to 4-3 and is now in jeopardy of not making a bowl game with the meat of their schedule coming up.

On Thursday night, the Tigers travel to Morgantown in a non-conference battle with West Virginia. While the Mountaineers have had some struggles of their own, they haven’t had near as many as the Tigers. Sorry Auburn, but I just don’t see things turning out well, even with a bye week … West Virginia 38, Auburn 17.

Troy at North Texas: The Trojans experienced life without quarterback Jamie Hampton last week, and did admirably in a win over Florida International. The Tigers have a long road trip this week, but I think the Trojans march on to victory … Troy 26, North Texas 17.

Jacksonville State at UT-Martin: Gamecock quarterback put to rest a five-interception outing two weeks ago with a four-touchdown performance in a 31-21 win over Murray State last weekend.

I look for Perrilloux to have such another performance, with Cherokee County’s own Maurice Dupree to be the beneficiary of a lot of his passes … JSU 34, UT-Martin 24.

Alabama at Tennessee: What’s with Alabama’s offense in the second half lately? The Tide jumps out to a big lead and then struggles to put its opponent away. If Alabama isn’t careful down the stretch, it could suffer a heartbreaking defeat.

One such team that would love to hand it to them is the Vols. I’m sure they remember last year’s romp in Tuscaloosa, but this is a team that has a lot of struggles. It isn’t one of the better teams in the SEC.

I don’t so much think Alabama will find a way to win as much as I think Tennessee will find a way to lose on Saturday … Alabama 27, Tennessee 23.

Bonus College Pick

Georgia at LSU: Entering the season, a lot of people thought this may be a preview of the SEC Championship game. It still could be, provided a couple of things happen in the standings.

Georgia has so many weapons on offense, led by quarterback Matthew Stafford and running back Knowshon Moreno. I think they’ll find it tough to find a rhythm against a stout Tiger defense. And remember, LSU is at home … LSU 32, Georgia 24.