LeBron
Well, it has been painful watching the Cavs so far this year. They have won some games but the growing pains of mixing in the new guys and trying to find lineups that work have been hard to watch at times. I am confident that this team will figure it out and be rolling when playoff time arrives.
I simply can no longer pick games. If you followed my advice and picked against me you made some cash last week. 2-5. Simply miserable. Let's see if I can continue the streak.
Favorites are in bold
Minnesota Golden Gophers vs Illinois Fighting Illini in Minneapolis, TCF Bank Stadium
Spread: 7
Pick: Minnesota Golden Gophers
Illinois decided to play football last week. Don't worry, that won't last long. Minnesota has been playing well at home and should win this one easily. Give the 7, Gophers win 35-14.
North Carolina Tar Heels vs Duke Blue Devils in Chapel Hill, Kenan Stadium
Spread: 10
Pick: Duke Blue Devils
I know Duke is Duke, but they are improved this year and getting no love at all. This is a rivalry game and Duke can score some points, which has been UNC's achilles heel all year. Take the points, UNC wins late 24-23.
Penn State Nittany Lions vs Ohio State Buckeyes in University Park, Beaver Stadium
Spread: 4.5
Pick: Ohio State Buckeyes
The pressure is off, now the Buckeyes will roll. Penn State is not the power it has been the last few years. Look for a low scoring team as both teams have a good defense, but are inconsistent offensively. Ohio State wins this one, 14-9.
California Golden Bears vs Oregon State Beavers in Berkeley, Memorial Stadium - CA
Spread: 7.5
Pick: Oregon State Beavers
My Beavers are still getting no love. They are not the best team in the Pac-10, but if you are not careful, they will get you. Cal has had an up and down year and the down continues this week. OSU comes into Berkeley and gets the upset. Take the points, Beavers win 38-35.
Cincinnati Bearcats vs UConn Huskies in Cincinnati, Nippert Stadium
Spread: 17
Pick: UConn Huskies
I love the Bearcats this year. But UConn's defense has been tough even with their tragic loss at CB. This game is the national game and while I think Cincy does enough to win, this one will be close. Bearcats pull away late, 30-21.
Oklahoma Sooners vs Nebraska Cornhuskers in Lincoln, Memorial Stadium - NE
Spread: 4.5
Pick: Oklahoma Sooners
I know this is a rivalry game and a few weeks ago everyone thought Nebraska was back. Incorrect. Even with Bradford out, the Sooners will do enough on offense and defense to shut down the Huskers. Give the points on the road, OU wins impressively 48-23.
And the degenerate game of the week...
Houston Cougars vs Tulsa Golden Hurricane in Tulsa, Skelly Field at H.A. Chapman Stadium
Spread: 1.5
Pick: Houston Cougars
Tulsa was supposed to be good this year. They have not been. I know the Cougars haven't stopped anybody on defense this year, but Tulsa is bad enough they will stop themselves enough times to let Houston win. Houston big, 58-29.