On to the dreaded college football picks, where last week we once again did better than break even, despite the fact that we somehow thought that Boston College and Steve Addazio could actually beat a dysfunctional Florida State at home. Silly us. Will try not to let that happen again.
Texas +7 over Iowa State
I know Texas has been a little bit of a disappointment. Or even a lot, depending upon your point of view. But the Longhorns still aren’t a bad team, and they can score. Iowa State isn’t bad, and the Cyclones are at home, but I just think this is a little too much to give in this spot. I think UT might actually win outright, so it might be worth looking into the money line as well if you’re so inclined.
Temple +5 over Tulane
A rematch of the first Sugar Bowl, back in 1935, when Pop Warner coached the Owls and they blew a 14-0 lead to lose 20-14. It happens. Maybe I’m nuts or maybe I’m too close to the Owls but this to me seems like a fairly even matchup. And the Owls are at home, where they’ve played better, especially on defense. Even though the last time they were home they got clubbed in the second half by Central Florida. They looked good last week in winning 17-7 at South Florida. The line has come down, for whatever that means. I’ll take the points and take my chances.
Two-team teaser: Notre Dame -1 over Navy and Florida -1 over Missouri
Not sure if both those teams cover, but I think they’re going to win. Even if Notre Dame will be playing in front of its first non-sellout at home since like Knute Rockne and the Gators are on the road. Missouri hasn’t been doing much lately, especially on offense, and Florida can stop people. Might not be pretty in either instance, but like I said I think my two teams at least get a 2-point win. Knowing me at least one of them will only win by 1. But if you’re feeling lucky you could even play this as a parlay. Hey, last week the three-team teaser I gave out had all of them covering (LSU, Minnesota and Notre Dame) without the need to move any points. Who knew?
Three-team teaser: Oklahoma -1.5 over Baylor, with Memphis -1.5 over Houston and Michigan -4.5 over Michigan State
I love Matt Rhule, and Baylor might play this one close, but I have to think the Sooners find a way to get it done. Memphis is away but is still a better team than Houston. So there. And while Michigan has had issues with its in-state rival before, this isn’t your normal MSU team. And Michigan seems to be getting better. I know 4.5 is a lot to lay in a teaser, but I don’t think Jim Harbaugh will let us down. At least not this time.
And just for yuks, let’s try another two-teamer. But not for a lot: Wake Forest (+40) over Clemson and Massachusetts (+47) over Northwestern
I think Clemson will win rather easily. But the Wakes aren’t bad, and I’m just hoping they can stay within 40. Just because. And it still might not be enough, which is why you go light if you go at all. UMass seriously stinks, but I’m not sure Northwestern should be favored by that much over anybody. I guess we’ll find out. And you could always make this a three-teamer by adding somebody else to the mix and get 43 and 50, respectively. Just saying.
Be back with the pro picks soon. So keep reading. And hopefully cashing. Just remember they call it gambling for a reason.
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