After my first losing week in some time (3 straight 7-3 or better weeks in a row prior to last weeks 4-6) I’m ready to climb back on the horse, or galloping parade of horses that got me here. With a nice season and a winning record on my mind, read my week’s picks to see how I’ll climb back from a down week. This week I’m putting a (*) next to my top 5 bets of the week, hope this helps you cash in on game day.
Clemson Tigers (-4) @ Virginia Tech: (*) When it comes right down to it, the Hokies just aren’t as good as the Tigers. Tech has been known to have a solid program, but their struggles late in the season are well documented over the years. Clemson has one (single point) loss on the season. There’s no doubt in my mind that the Tigers are the best team in the ACC. This is a tough road test, but Clemson should end the game up a touchdown or two in Virginia.
Oklahoma Sooners (+2) @ Missouri Tigers: (*) With everyone riding the Tigers’ 7-1 record all the way to the bank, Oklahoma will do their best to tip bandwagon. Even without Adrian Peterson, Oklahoma is the more talented program here. As an underdog, they’re money. If you can name one solid school Missouri has taken down, I might think about rethinking this bet. Since you can’t, and it wouldn’t really matter if you did, I’m taking the Sooners all the way in this one.
North Carolina State Wolfpack (E) @ Virginia Cavaliers: (*) I just haven’t seen Virginia do much to justify them wining this game. I think they are decent at best, where NC State has the talent to go bowling if they can get it together. North Carolina, Duke, and Wyoming. Those are where the 3 Cavalier wins have come from. Those 3 teams are 5-17 combined. 4 of those wins coming from Wyoming. Right, like I said, who have the Cavs beat? NC State took down Boston College and FSU. NC State should walk over Virginia.
Northern Illinois Huskies (+16.5) @ Iowa Hawkeyes: All in all, I see no reason the Huskies can’t upset the Hawkeyes in Iowa. These are the things NIU has going for them: Drew Tate won’t start or play for the Hawkeyes, so the Huskies 117th ranked pass defense won’t be under constant attack – Senior running back, Garrett Wolfe, leads the country in rushing – And they get more than two touchdowns to play with. Those are three things that have me leaning on the Huskies on the road.
Northwestern Wildcats (+33) @ Michigan Wolverines: Not once this year have the Wolverines won a game by more than 26 points. So is 33 pushing it against a Wildcats team that has played tough lately, and is known for gritty play against tougher competition? Yeah, you bet it is. Last weeks’ 38-41 loss to Michigan State had to be crushing for the Wildcats, but I still don’t expect a huge margin of victory from Michigan.
Vanderbilt Commodores (-9) @ Duke Blue Devils: Do you guys think you saw something from Duke when they nearly took down Miami last week? Please, if you actually think that had anything to do with Duke’s solid play, hold your breath. Duke is terrible, no win terrible, can’t wait ’till basketball season terrible. Expect nothing more but an easy double digit win out of those Commos.
Bowling Green Falcons (-19) @ Temple Owls: It has occurred to me that Bowling Green hasn’t beaten any team by more than 11 points this season, and those teams weren’t very good, either. However, this is the first time they have played the Owls this season, hence it will be the first time they win by more than 3 touchdowns. Last season BG won 70-7 in this game. Yeah, no joke, or big joke, either way, 70-7. Temple has 1, maybe two losses by less than 20. I like my chances with the better of the bad.
Illinois Fighting Illini (+22) @ Wisconsin Badgers: (*) Once again, Illinois has lost one game by more than 17 points this season. Wisconsin is much better than I imagined, but Illinois knows how to keep it close, and they’ll do it again on Saturday. After walking over Purdue, Wisconsin’s let down is almost sure to happen. Take Illinois!
Wake Forest Demon Deacons (-8.5) @ North Carolina Tar Heels: Don’t be persuaded to take the terrible tar foots just because Duke nearly took out Wake earlier this season. Wake is much, much, much better than North Carolina. This is one game I think Vegas sill definitely lose some money on. 80% of the peeps are rolling with the Deacons, and for damn good reason. Every once in a while Li’l Davey will slay Goliath, just don’t expect that from a Tar Heel team that can’t wait to go watch the cute little cheer leaders bounce around during college basketball games where their school is actually good.
Miami Hurricanes @ Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (-5): GT are you with me? Oh yeah! The Hurricanes have calmed down a little bit lately, losing their Hurricane title and turning into a heavy rain cloud. 5 whole points isn’t enough to keep me on Miami’s root list. The Canes are headed downhill in a hurry, while Calvin Johnson and the Jackets are sure to come out attacking a relatively weak Miami squad.
Nebraska Cornhuskers (-5.5) @ Oklahoma State Cowboys: (*) OK State just doesn’t have the tenacity to go toe to toe with Nebraska. Although they lost last week against the Longhorns, the Corns showed me they can ball, something OK hasn’t shown me in quite some time. Oklahoma State hasn’t beaten anyone, and frankly, the teams they’ve lost to aren’t that good either. In what should be a killing at the hands of the Huskers, expect an easy cover in Oklahoma.