Ouch all around.
The Cavs got beat yesterday and I got worked on my picks. Now 18-16 on the year. That's okay though because the Cavs will beat the Mavs today and I will make a furious comeback in college basketball. College football, though, I am done until bowl season. Come get drunk and watch the Cavs beat down the Mavericks with us at the Clevelander. On to the picks.
Favorites are in bold
Pittsburgh Panthers vs Youngstown State Penguins in Pittsburgh, Petersen Events Center
Spread: 16.5
Pick: Pittsburgh Panthers
YSU is not good. Pitt is playing well after a first game scare. Lay the points, Pitt wins 79-58.
Louisville Cardinals vs UNLV Rebels in Las Vegas, Thomas & Mack Center
Spread: 4
Pick: UNLV Rebels
Something is up with this line. Vegas is begging you to take the Cardinals, but I love UNLV getting points at home. Not only take the points, but I think UNLV wins outright. Take the points, Rebels win 65-61.
Tulsa Golden Hurricane vs Missouri State Bears
Spread: 5.5
Pick: Missouri State Bears
I love when MVC schools get points at home. Especially when it is the other teams first road game. Tulsa has been impressive against inferior opponents. Take the points, I think Missouri State will win at home 65-63.
Cleveland State Vikings vs Wichita State Shockers in Cleveland, Wolstein Center
Spread: 2.5
Pick: Wichita State Shockers
Sorry CSU, but until you prove you can win a game versus a reasonable team, I am going to pick against you. You will be good again soon and I love forward to you proving me wrong. Until then Shockers win 68-55.
Northeastern Huskies vs Wright State Raiders in Boston, Matthews Arena
Spread: 3
Pick: Northeastern Huskies
Northeastern has played a tough schedule so far, hence the 1-2 record, but don't be fooled, this team is good, especially at home. Lay the points, Huskies win 75-64.
Boise State Broncos vs North Texas Mean Green in Boise, Taco Bell Arena
Spread: 1.5
Pick: Boise State Broncos
Don't ask me why. Boise is good at home and North Texas is not going to be mean in the horrendous Boise weather. They just want to go back to Texas and fast. And they will, but with the L. Lay the points, Boise wins 93-78.
Temple Owls vs St John's Red Storm in Philadelphia, The Palestra
Spread: 6
Pick: Temple Owls
St John's somehow beat Siena yesterday despite a large first half advantage. Temple is good this year and is going to destroy the Red Storm in an essential home game. Lay the 6, Temple covers 68-55.
Northwestern Wildcats vs Iowa State Cyclones in Chicago, UIC Pavillion
Spread: 2
Pick: Iowa State Cyclones
I know NW is playing in its own backyard, but has someone in Vegas not watched the Cyclones play. Future NBA first rounder Craig Brackins may drop 30 today on and undermanned and undersized Wildcats team. Take the two, but this game is not even close. ISU wins 75-60.
And even though I said I was done, just to add salt to the wound two college football picks.
Favorites are in bold
Clemson Tigers vs South Carolina Gamecocks in Columbia, Williams-Brice Stadium
Spread: 3.5
Pick: South Carolina Gamecocks
Love when the 'Cocks are getting points, especially at home. If they can limit the turnovers they can win this rivalry game. USC wins 21-17.
Florida Gators vs Florida State Seminoles in Gainesville, Ben Hill Griffin Stadium
Spread: 24.5
Pick: Florida State Seminoles
Seminoles have been decent as of late and have proven they have a good game in them. The Gators will be emotional, but if FSU can weather the early storm and make a few plays, this game will be close down to the wire. Take the points, Gators eke one out 35-34.