I didn’t get to 8 wins this week, but 7 isn’t half bad. 15-5 the last two weeks has me galloping up to the big-boy playground with arms raised in all my glory. To keep my roll on, I’ve picked 10 glorious games that are set to make mo money, mo money, mo money! The plan has been flawless of late, so check out the recipe for Week 7.
Virginia Tech Hokies @ Boston College Eagles (+3): Boston College really hasn’t impressed all season. But that’s not how they do their business. The Eagles win football games. Only once this season has that not been the case. The Hokies are always overrated, and this is no different. The Eagles, with a big win over Clemson, a 4-1 record, and coming off a bye week will surprise a lot of people when they dismantle the Hokies.
Temple Owls @ Clemson Tigers (-44): I think Clemson is one of the few teams I’d take over the Owls with 44 points to poach. Coach Bowden and his offensive game plan has never been one to let up on his opponent, and after injuries and a couple tough games slowed down his offensive production for much of last weeks game, his Tigers pounced back with 24 points in the 4th quarter alone. Expect a lot of that against Temple, a team that prides themselves on giving up 3 or more touchdowns in multiple quarters of a football game.
Wake Forest Demon Deacons (+4) @ North Carolina State Wolfpack: Sure, the Deacons collapsed last week against Clemson, but I don’t think that will end their season. Wake’s coach doesn’t strike me as a front runner, and attitude reflects leadership, so they’ll be ready for a big rebound game against the Wolfpack. NC State has stepped up their game the last couple weeks, with big wins against Boston College and Florida State, but they’ve had a lot of help along the way. After that huge comeback win over FSU, I’m expecting a bit of a let down at home here. Wake is too good for anyone to come in expecting an easy win.
Syracuse Orange (+25.5) @ West Virginia Mountaineers: It doesn’t always work like this, and Syracuse hasn’t played a team as good as WV, but they haven’t lost a game by more than 10 points all season. They aren’t as bad as many think, that’s for sure. Iowa only beat them by 7, a good Wake Forest team only won by 10, and Pittsburgh snuck out with a 10-point win as well. West Virginia will stay undefeated, but the Orange will come to play ball.
South Florida Bulls (-2) @ North Carolina Tarheels: I really don’t see enough from Carolina to bet on them winning against any team better than sub-par. The Bulls are 4-2 overall and 3-2 ATS, and look like a decent football team. Neither of Carolina’s quarterbacks has more touchdowns than interceptions. In 4 losses this season, NC has lost 3 times by 20 or more. The Tarheels should be good on the hardwood this season, but the grass will remain a struggle.
Minnesota Golden Gophers (+8.5) @ Wisconsin Badgers: The Badges are solid, but not much better than a good Gophers team. I know, it’s not often that one would call a 2-4 team good, but Minnesota has played tight with every opponent, sans CAL. Even the Michigan game (14 point difference) was closer than the score. With a rushing attack second to none, and Cupito starting to become a force, it wouldn’t surprise me if the Gophers unraveled the Badgers in Wisconsin. The Badgers may be 5-1, but wins over Bowling Green, Willford, SD State, Indiana, and Northwestern do less for me than Minnesota’s 4 losses. Don’t be a tool, take the Gopher’s fool.
Rutgers Scarlet Knights (+2.5) @ Navy Midshipmen: The Midshipmen are 5-1, their only L coming by one point at the hands of TULSA. However, Rutgers’ improving program is undefeated on the season, a feat I expect to continue past Week 7. I love taking undefeated underdogs. A repeat of last seasons’ 31-21 win by the Knights looks like a safe bet here. The fact that 60% of the public has the Knights makes me think twice, but this time, viva la public, take down the Casino!
Marshall Thundering Herd (+4) @ Southern Methodist Mustangs: I like Marshall in this one. I’m not sure why, maybe it’s the trust in the Herd’s football program, or the fact that SMU is bound to lose, because .500 isn’t a record they should have for long. Marshall has been bad, but a nice W will turn their season right back around. Expect that.
Iowa State Cyclones(+19.5) @ Oklahoma Sooners: They Cyclones have lost 1 game by more than two touchdowns. Brett Meyer can toss a football and run well enough to keep the Sooners honest. The Cyclones spread the ball around, so don’t believe for one second that Oklahoma will be able to shut down the Cyclone offense. 3 players have over 320 yards receiving, they’ll get plenty of good looks on Saturday. If the Sooners want to guarantee themselves victory, they’ll give the ball to Adrian Peterson 30+ times. That should slow down the game enough for Iowa State to cover easily.
California Golden Bears (-8) @ Washington State Cougars: On their way to a 4-2 record, the Cougars have only lost one game by a greater margin than 6 points, an opener against Auburn that was much closer than the final score indicated. However, the CAL Bears have really turned up the volume and are ready to take down the Cougars. Everything in CAL is working right now, as they are my favorite to take the Pac 10 title.