Each week, Sports Editor Mark Podolski picks five games, four against the spread: one high school, two college and two NFL.

A rough 2-3 week has me flirting with .500 at 12-8, so I'm hoping for a rebound week:

HIGH SCHOOL (no betting line, of course)

Mentor at Solon: It doesn't get much bigger than this regular-season matchup. The Cardinals are averaging 44 points per game and haven't scored fewer than 38 in any game. With weather expected in the mid 60s and clear for this mega-contest, it's difficult to think QB Mitch Trubisky and Co. will be slowed down, although Solon's defense is said to be tough. The Comets have posted three shutouts and allowed 2 points in another. PICK: Mentor 38, Solon 27

COLLEGE

Ohio State (+11) at Nebraska: The Buckeyes are sticking with true freshman Braxton Miller at QB. As bad the OSU offense looked last week against Michigan State, it could get worse on the road and at night as the Cornhuskers prepare for their first-ever home Big Ten game. PICK: Nebraska 31, Ohio State 7.

Texas (+10) vs. Oklahoma at Dallas: History shows in this rivalry, the team expected to win usually does, but that doesn't always mean a win in Vegas. The Longhorns are on their way back, but not all the way back. I'll take the Sooners. PICK: Oklahoma 30, Texas 17

NFL

N.Y. Jets (+9.5) at New England: Last season, the Patriots blasted the visiting Jets, 48-3, in the regular season. In the playoffs, New York returned to New England and eliminated the Patriots. The Pats big, right? This game smells of, "If everyone bets one way, I'll bet the other way." PICK: N.Y. Jets 24, New England 21

Chicago (+6) at Detroit: If anything, the Lions are fun to watch, overcoming double-digits deficits the last two weeks to stay undefeated at 4-0. Motown will be rocking on Monday night for this one. PICK: Detroit 31, Chicago 24.

- Mark Podolski