Week feature some big games that could impact the college football playoff picture. Here goes!
Thursday, October 26
No. 20 Stanford (-20) at Oregon State: Oregon State is a mess right now. This game couldn’t have come at a better time for the Cardinal. Bryce Love and company should roll in a game that could come in handy in the standings next month.
Friday, October 27
Tulane (-11) at No. 24 Memphis: Memphis is legit but don’t sleep on Tulane. They can keep up with the Tigers offensively and they play good defense. I think Memphis wins this game but it be by one score. I am taking the Green Wave as a road dog.
Saturday, October 28
No. 5 Wisconsin at Illinois (+26): Wisconsin will win this game but not by four scores. They are too much of a ball control team to blow a conference opponent. I am taking the Illini as a home dog.
No. 8 Miami at North Carolina (+20.5): Miami has been sneaking by teams the last three weeks. I know some people might be tempted to take them as a road favorite against a bad and banged up North Carolina team but don’t do it. They will not cover. Take North Carolina. They are a safer bet at home than you think.
No. 11 Oklahoma State at No. 22 West Virginia (+7.5): Oklahoma State struggled with Texas last week. They have come back to earth offensively. That is not good when you have to play West Virginia in Morgantown. Luckily for the Cowboys, the Mountaineers are awful defensively. This will be a shootout. I like West Virginia +7.5 as a home favorite.
No. 2 Penn State at No. 6 Ohio State (-6.5): Ohio State has had two weeks to prepare for Saquon Barkley and the Nittany Lions. One has to wonder if Penn State emptied the tank last week against Michigan? I think they did. This will be a stiff road test. I like Ohio State as a home favorite. They have had two weeks to prepare for this game and they will make it count.
No. 3 Georgia at Florida (+14): You know Florida will come to play against their rivals. Come on! Its the world’s largest cocktail party! The Gators will be up for this and they will be ready to play despite outside distractions. All that being said. I think Jake Fromm and the Bulldogs will win this game but it will be tight. I like Georgia by 10. Which means you take Florida.
No. 4 TCU (-6.5) at No. 25 Iowa State: Look, I am a big Matt Campbell fan. He has done a tremendous job with the Cyclones but even I don’t believe in him this much. There is no way Iowa State wins this game right? Right? I am putting my money on Kenny Hill and the Horned Frogs but I am nervous.
No. 14 NC State at No. 9 Notre Dame (-7): I am on the Irish bandwagon until they lose. I think they are one of the best teams in the country and they are proving it. N.C State has lived up to the pre-season hype but I just don’t see them going into South Bend and winning. Sorry Wolfpack faithful. Take the Irish as a home favorite.
UCLA (+17) at No. 12 Washington: I don’t know what to make of Washington after they lost to Arizona State. I still their skill offensively and I think they are nasty defensively but that loss to ASU left a bad taste in my mouth. I think they win this week but not by three scores. Put the money on the Bruins as a road dog. The Rosen One will give Washington’s defense fits.
No. 16 Michigan State at Northwestern (+2): Northwestern is tough at home. Just ask Penn State and Iowa. That is why I am putting my cash on them as a home dog. I think they will upset Sparty and ruin their redemption tour. I am a hypocrite, I know. Last week I was tongue bathing Michigan State. Now I am picking against them.
Houston (+10.5) at No. 17 USF: I think the Bulls will win this one but it will be close. Houston has too many good athletes and are too explosive on offense to get blown out. I am taking the Cougars as a road to cover but lose.
Austin Peay at No. 18 UCF (No line available) It’ll be a blow out. There!
Duke at No. 13 Virginia Tech (-15.5): Duke has stopped playing all of a sudden which isn’t a good thing when you have to play in Blacksburg this week. I like Va Tech in this one. The Fighting Fuentes will cover with ease.
Georgia Tech (+14) at No. 7 Clemson: Clemson is a wounded animal (no pun intended) right now and the last thing they want to deal with is the flexbone triple option. They don’t have a choice. Georgia Tech is coming and they are bringing the option with them! O.k. That was a bit dramatic, but you get my point. Anyway, I am putting my money on the Jackets as a road dog. Clemson got exposed defensively against Syracuse and Georgia Tech can take advantage of many of the same issues they had in that game. I think Clemson wins but Tech will keep it close.
Texas Tech at No. 10 Oklahoma (-20): Oklahoma needs a statement win again. This would be a good week to get it. Texas Tech has improved defensively but they can still be generous at times. Baker Mayfield would love to light up his former team. He will. Texas Tech can score but they can’t keep up with Oklahoma in Norman.
No. 15 Washington State at Arizona (+3): You remember the last time Washington State went on the road right? They got thrashed by Cal. I don’t see them getting thrashed in this one but I like Arizona to pull off the upset at home. I am putting my money on Rich Rod’s Cats.
No. 21 USC at Arizona State (+3): See the game above. I like Arizona State to upset SC. The Trojans are in trouble folks.