Few things in life will teach you more, than failure. Back-to-back weeks we have failed you with our pick of the week. We made up for it by giving you some gutsy calls that paid off in a big way but missing on the headliner stings. We pick ourselves up by our bootstraps and come fully loaded this week with all the winners, INCLUDING our pick of the week!
PICK OF THE WEEK: Arkansas at Georgia (-18.5) (O/U 48.5)
I was surprised when I first saw this spread, to be honest. Georgia has been on fire ever since upsetting Clemson on the opening weekend. It feels as if people are underestimating Arkansas. The Razorbacks’ defense is legit. Georgia wins the game, but I like Arkansas to keep the game much closer than the spread would suggest.
Picks: Arkansas +18.5, Over 48.5
Virginia at Miami (FL) (-5) (O/U 62)
Virginia at Miami (FL) is a fascinating game of two teams–both of whom thrashed at different times in 2021. Virginia lost back-to-back games by 20 points. Meanwhile, Miami only has wins over Appalachian State and Central Connecticut so far this season. I’ll take the Hurricanes at home to continue the Virginia freefall.
Picks: Miami (FL) -5, Under 62
Iowa (-3.5) at Maryland (O/U 47.5)
A battle of two Big Ten unbeaten teams as Iowa travels to face Maryland. Iowa has been very impressive with victories over two top 25 teams already this season. Maryland has been flying under the radar with a prolific offense that accounts for over 500 yards per game. I believe the Terrapins pose some unique challenges to the Hawkeyes and could pull the upset. I’ll take the points at home.
Picks: Maryland +3.5, Over 47.5
Boston College at Clemson (-16) (O/U 46.5)
Clemson is on the verge of falling out of the Top 25 for the first time I can remember following last week’s loss to NC State. Clemson has looked out of sorts all season long. I don’t see how anyone could have confidence in the Tigers giving three scores.
Picks: Boston College +16, Under 46.5
Indiana at Penn State (-12) (O/U 53.5)
Indiana has had two showcase games to show the nation what they could do, and on both occasions, the Hoosiers fell flat. Penn State has looked solid at each turn. The Nittany Lions are too strong on both sides of the ball for Indiana.
Picks: Penn State -12, Over 53.5
Louisville at Wake Forest (-7) (O/U 61.5)
Following their opening loss to Ole Miss, Louisville has settled things down and has looked explosive on offense. Speaking of explosive–Wake Forest has scored no less than 35 points in any game this season. If people are not paying attention to what Wake Forest is doing, they might be surprised to see the Demon Deacons in the Top 25. Wake is on a roll, and I’m sticking with them.
Picks: Wake Forest -7, Over 61.5
Ohio State (-15) at Rutgers (O/U 58)
The Buckeyes are back on the right track following an upset loss to the hands of the Oregon Ducks earlier this season. Ohio State has as many explosive weapons on offense as any team in the country. I don’t imagine Rutgers has anywhere near enough firepower to keep up with Ohio State in this one.
Picks: Ohio State -15, Over 58
USC (-6.5) at Colorado (O/U 51)
The 2021 season has gone south for the USC Trojans in a hurry. On the other hand, Colorado comes into this game on a three-game losing streak. USC has so much more talent on their roster than Colorado it should be an embarrassment if this game is close. Favored by less than a touchdown, I will take the Trojans and give the points.
Picks: USC -6.5, Under 51
Cincinnati (-2) at Notre Dame (O/U 50.5)
A battle of top ten teams, I am looking forward to Cincinnati/Notre Dame on Saturday. Cincinnati has been tremendous all season long, beating opponents by multiple scores in every game. Notre Dame, on the other hand, struggled out of the gate. The Fighting Irish closed like wildfire against Wisconsin a week ago. I believe the Cincinnati pass defense suffocates the Notre Dame passing attack, and the Bearcats remain undefeated.
Picks: Cincinnati -2, Over 50.5
Oregon (-8) at Stanford (O/U 57.5)
Stanford has been a place, in the past, where previous Oregon teams have stumbled. I believe Oregon is starting to feel it a bit more now that they upset Ohio State Buckeyes on the road. Oregon has too much offense for Stanford to contain. Eight points is a bit tricky, but I’ll take Oregon and give the points.
Picks: Oregon -8, Under 57.5
Ole Miss at Alabama (-14.5) (O/U 57.5)
If the Ole Miss Rebels want to make a statement to college football, now is the time. Matt Corral, Lane Kiffin, and company have put some impressive early-season numbers, but they haven’t faced anything like Alabama. Florida showed a few holes in the Crimson Tide armor. I don’t believe Ole Miss can win the game, but they can keep it close enough to cover.
Picks: Ole Miss +14.5, Over 57.5
Texas (-5) at TCU (O/U 65.5)
This game feels like a trap! The Texas offense has stepped it up as of late–for the first time in a long time, I am buying the Longhorns’ resurgence. TCU feels as if they are reeling following the loss to SMU. I’ll take the road favorite to cover.
Picks: Texas -5, Under 65.5
Auburn at LSU (-3.5) (O/U 54.5)
It might be odd to see that Auburn, the nationally-ranked team, is the underdog in this one. LSU has settled down with three consecutive victories following their opening loss to UCLA. In the Bayou on a Saturday night, you know the LSU Tigers crowd is going to be hype. I’ll take LSU to get it done.
Picks: LSU -3.5, Over 54.5
Michigan at Wisconsin (-1.5) (O/U 43.5)
How will Wisconsin respond after one of the most disastrous fourth quarters in recent memory? This is the game that feels like the spot where Michigan will have a letdown. I said last week that I no longer doubt the Wolverines–I will stick to my word. Michigan wins outright on the road.
Picks: Michigan +1.5, Over 43.5
Mississippi State at Texas A&M (-8) (O/U 46)
Texas A&M’s offense has not been the explosive, dynamic group that we thought they would be preseason. Mississippi State has been on the wrong end of back-to-back tough losses. I like the Bulldogs defense and running game to keep this one close–give me the points.
Picks: Mississippi State +8, Under 46
Fresno State (-10) at Hawaii (O/U 65.5)
Any chance we get, we are going to bet the Fresno State Bulldogs. We were high on Fresno State coming into the season, and we have not lept off the bandwagon yet. I like the Bulldogs piling the points and winning going away in this spot.
Picks: Fresno State -10, Over 65.5
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