Even though I will not be at the bar this Saturday, you should come down and join us for all the exciting games of the college football Saturday at the Clevelander. See the Buckeyes, the shootout in College Station, and stay for the nightcap in the desert. All the games will be here and the beers will be flowing, so let’s get drunk Cleveland.
So far on the year I am 4-5-1 on my picks. Lots of juicy lines this weekend. Let’s take a look.
Favorites are in BOLD
Maryland Terrapins vs Temple Owls in College Park, Byrd Stadium
Spread: 9
Pick: Temple Owls
Despite the departure of Al Golden, the Temple program keeps rolling along. Maryland still may be without the services of their starting WRs, who were suspended indefinitely last week versus WVU. Take the points in this game, Maryland wins 31-28.
Illinois Fightin’ Illini vs Western Michigan Broncos, in Champaign, Memorial Stadium
Spread: 12.5
Pick: Western Michigan Broncos
Western Michigan has prospects Alex Carder and North Ridgeville product Jordan White on offense. Illinois is coming off a big, nationally televised win over Arizona State and next week Big 10 play begins. Watch out Illini. WMU keeps this one close, take the points, Illinois wins 35-28.
Florida State Seminoles vs Clemson Tigers, in Clemson, Memorial Stadium
Spread: 3
Pick: Clemson Tigers
Again, same story. Florida State had a huge game last week versus Oklahoma that they lost. The schedule makers did them no favors by turning them around and sending them to Death Valley to play a confident Tigers squad. Add in a QB injury issue for the Seminoles and all signs point towards trouble. Take the boot, I think Clemson pulls the upset and takes care of business at home, 31-27.
Alabama Crimson Tide vs Arkansas Razorbacks, in Tuscaloosa, Bryant-Denny Stadium
Spread: 12
Pick: Arkansas Razorbacks
This is going to be a challenge for the Tide, because they are going to have to score some points to beat Arkansas. They do have a great defense, but Bobby Petrino is one of the greatest offensive minds in the NCAA. Look for the Razorbacks to come out firing early. Take the points, Bama wins 31-21.
Oregon Ducks vs Arizona Wildcats in Tuscon, Arizona Stadium
Spread: 15.5
Pick: Oregon Ducks
I know Oregon did not look good versus LSU, but since then they have been destroying lesser opponents. Arizona, no matter what people try to tell you about Nick Foles, is a lesser opponent. This line has already moved 2 points, but I don’t care. Oregon is going to destroy the Wildcats. Lay the points, Ducks roll 63-20.
Arizona State Sun Devils vs USC Trojans in Tempe, Sun Devil Stadium
Spread: 2.5
Pick: Arizona State Sun Devils
USC may just be the worst 3-0 team in all of America. Arizona State is not much better, but they are at home. This is their first road game, at night, at one of the biggest party schools in the land. Dennis Erickson is great ATS at home. Lay the 2.5 points, ASU wins 27-24.
Nebraska Cornhuskers vs Wyoming Cowboys in Laramie, War Memorial Stadium
Spread: 23.5
Pick: Wyoming Cowboys
Another look ahead game here. First road test for the Huskers, whose ‘Blackshirt’ defense has looked porous so far this year. On the horizon for the Huskers lurk a road trip to Madison and the Buckeyes to start off their first year in the Big 10. I’m not sure how you get to Laramie, but it can’t be a fun trip. Take the points, Huskers win sloppy, 48-28.
South Carolina Gamecocks vs Vanderbilt Commodores in Columbia, Williams-Brice Stadium
Spread: 16
Pick: Vanderbilt Commodores
The Gamecocks haven’t stopped anyone at all this year. That will continue on Saturday. Vandy comes in 3-0, with some wins over some not so stellar opponents, but again USC couldn’t stop East Carolina from dropping 35+ on them. Take the points, ‘Cocks win 42-38.
Oklahoma State Cowboys vs Texas A&M Aggies, in College Station, Kyle Field
O/U: 69.5
Pick: Over 69.5
Don’t like defense? This game is for you. Both of these teams have a lassiez-faire attitude towards defense and it will show this weekend. Look for a shootout. I know the number is high, but it may be over by the end of the 3Q. Take the over, Cowboys win 49-40.
Mississippi State Bulldogs vs Louisiana Tech Bulldogs in Starkville, Davis Wade Stadium
O/U: 57
Pick: Over 57
Don’t let last week’s result fool you, MSU can score. La. Tech has been in a few shootouts themselves. Mississippi State should easily win this game, but they will give up some points. Take the over, MSU wins 51-27.
And for the degenerate game of the week…
Miami (OH) Redhawks vs Bowling Green Falcons in Oxford, Yager Stadium
Spread: 4
Pick: Miami Redhawks
Miami, depsite being 0-2, has played both Mizzou and Minnesota (fired up to play for HC Jerry Kill who had a seizure on the sideline the previous week) very tough. I got nothing on either team, I just think Miami is better than its record and the line is too short. Lay the points, Redhawks win 28-19.