After dominating the marquis evening matchups last week, let's get right down to the important games of this week.
OKLAHOMA (-6.5) over Texas - It's hard for two teams to look as similar as these do at first glance. However, I give the Sooners more credit for beating TCU and having a balanced offense. Colt McCoy hasn't had to run the ball against a dominant defense yet, and could get his bell rung a few times. Oklahoma has already played a couple talented teams and still won easily. In spite of playing at the neutral Cotton Bowl, this game is rarely close, and I'll guess the Sooners by 17.
Lsu (+6.5) over FLORIDA - This could be the matchup of the two most exciting coaches in the game. Both love new formations and taking chances. We'll see the pistol, the spread, and the single wing. This pick is risky with the Tigers bringing an untested QB into the Swamp, but I think the Gators have really struggled to find their stride so far. The loss to Ole Miss didn't look like a fluke, and 21 late points shouldn't obscure how close their last game was at Arkansas. The Gators will have to prove they're better than what they've shown for two weeks, while LSU had an extra week to prepare.
Clemson (+2) over WAKE FOREST - Over the last two seasons when Wake has been good, they're 0-2 vs Clemson, losing 27-17 and 44-10. Tommy Bowden has had two weeks to yell at his underperforming kids, and I think it's about time that Clemson remembers how talented they are. Granted, Wake has played better football against better opposition this year, but the Navy game was really, really bad. Between Navy and FSU, I think Wake had 10 turnovers, and they are definitely missing their offensive coordinator from last year. This offense just doesn't have the same deception and invention it did previously. Knowing full well that Clemson might not show up and then it'll be like last week with the Terps, I'm calling for a relatively easy Tiger victory.
And now the other games:
GEORGIA (-12) over Tennessee - The Dawgs have revenge on their minds, for the Alabama game and for the last time Tennessee came to town. The Vols aren't that good.
ILLINOIS (-12) over Minnesota - This really seems like a gift to bettors everywhere.
Kansas State (-3) over TEXAS A&M - I think it's going to be a long year for the Aggies.
Purdue (+18.5) over OHIO STATE - I'll believe the offensive firepower when I see it. Buckeyes should still win.
Arkansas (+19) over AUBURN - By how many points does the Auburn D/ST have to outscore the Razorbacks offense to cover this spread? Auburn's last 4 games have been decided by 1, 6, 2, and 1 point(s) respectively.
Last Week: 5-4
Season: 21-13-1
2 Responses:
UPDATE: Auburn fired their OC, but claim that they will still run his spread offense. Not sure how that's going to work out...
Don't sleep on Minnesota there. They are an improved ball club, especially on defense. I expect them to lose, but it is not the gift you may think it is.
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