Written by Mike Piper

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What a disaster last weekend was for Ohio sports fans. The Buckeyes continue to struggle in step-up games, losing a heartbreaker to USC. The Browns get lambasted in their lid lifter and, perhaps most disturbing of all, the king of handicapping in the 440, The Lead Man, was held to a pedestrian 3-3 mark. And anyone that's been reading this column the last three years knows, .500 is a disaster for The Lead Man, who has been helping our readers terrorize northeast Ohio bookmakers since 2007. Lead checks in with four strong plays for this weekend. What a disaster last weekend was for Ohio sports fans. The Buckeyes continue to struggle in step-up games, losing a heartbreaker to USC. The Browns get lambasted in their lid lifter and, perhaps most disturbing of all, the king of handicapping in the 440, The Lead Man, was held to a pedestrian 3-3 mark.

Aside from perhaps an ex-wife or a glasses-toting waiter - nobody likes to lose the juice. The Lead Man is no exception. This week he looks to step it up and get on that road to excellence LP fans have become accustomed to.

Incidentally, the NCAA board is as tough this week as any in recent memory ILO. Especially in regard to the feature games, as the Leadquarters has graded the lines very strong. This however, does not mean that the Lead Man will lie dormant this Saturday. Have no fear players, LP has managed to uncover a few tilts with a large enough edge to leave you having to plan a Monday trip to the window. On to the picks:

As you can probably imagine, young people and old people alike are constantly asking the Lead Man for advice. Well players, this week the Lead Man will give you the same piece of advice he'd give any young college lad cruising the campus on a Friday - Get on the Trojans. For those of us not mingling among those dim and loose college coeds over the weekend this means the Trojans of Troy. They welcome the UAB blazers into Movie Gallery Veterans Stadium this Saturday. Troy looks to get off the schneid after losing their first two games of the year. That includes last week's death roll at the hands of the Gators. UAB, losers of 19 of their last 21 on the road, will be a welcome sight for the men of Troy. UAB can move the ball, but they seem to be extending their proud tradition of turning the ball over into this 2009 season. The game should slow down for Troy coming off the Florida game. The combination of turnovers and a one dimensional offense equals hell in Troy for the Blazers.

Troy -6.5

The Bowling Green Falcons head to Joan C. Edward Stadium to take on the Thundering Herd of Marshall this weekend. Despite letting the game against Missouri slip away last weekend by allowing 14 fourth quarter points, BG has been playing well. They are 2-0 ATS this season and have covered against Marshall in each of its last 5 head-to-head tilts. Both squads like to move the ball via the forward pass, but the Leadquarters sees a distinct edge in the BG passing game vs. the Marshall defense. Marshall also has a few guys banged up after a rough contest against Virginia Tech last weekend. Marshall is going to have to apply pressure up front to stop the Falcons, and the Lead Man does not see that happening this weekend. Look for the Falcons to crest Saturday.

BGSU -3

Jay Cutler might want to throw an extra box of tissues in his locker for Sunday as his Bears welcome the Steelers Sunday evening. Why? Because the master of disguising coverages, Dick Lebeau is going to be on the Steeler bus. If Cutler was aggravated by Green Bay's 3-4 defense last week, LP hates to see how he'll react against the Steel City's 3-4. Not to mention the fact that the Steelers have the ability to apply a ton of pressure to a beleaguered Bear front and that the Steelers are coming in well rested, with a ten day lay off after their season opening Thursday game last week. Both teams are missing key players; the Steelers in Troy Polamalu and the Bears in Brian Urlacher. However, the Steelers have proven they can win without Troy, whereas the Bears are 0-7 in games that Brian Urlacher has missed because of injury. For the Bears to have a chance they need to establish Matt Forte. The Steelers aren't going to let this happen.

Steelers -3

Many locals feels the Browns are a mess, and rightly so. But if you care to feel a bit better about yourselves take a look at the Rams. The Rams, just horrible up front, can't protect Marc Bulger and can't open a crease for Stephen Jackson. Those are big problems if you want to move the ball as evidenced by them picking up the doughnut from Seattle last Sunday. On the other side of the ball the lack of Rams defensive talent and playmakers is just what the doctor ordered for Skins QB Jason Campbell. Look for him to gain the confidence he was unable to find amidst the NY Giant pressure last week and watch him avoid a repeat of last week's costly mistakes. For the Rams a new coach, a large roster turnover and numerous early season penalties lead LP to believe it's going to be quite a while before the St. Louis resembles a competitive NFL squad. Take the Skins and keep your shirt.

Redskins -9.5

Good luck players!