:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/67678306/1229133135.jpg.0.jpg)
W.O.O.F. That’s all that can describe my last effort at picking games. Monstrous woof.
After a week off that was unrelated to hiding in shame (personal time with family, which is always a great thing), it’s time to see if we can wipe away the stink of a 1-7 week that has unceremoniously dropped a once-promising start to the season to a 10-16 mark.
New week. Let’s just win this week. Keep chopping wood. Finally, there is a near-full slate of action, as the B1G joins the college football season. Again, it’s really, REALLY hard to gauge teams in their first week, but that doesn’t mean we won’t try.
Georgia Southern at COASTAL CAROLINA (-6). Alright, Chanticleers. Now that you’re in the Top 25, we’re all paying attention now. Defending the option is always a little concerning, and Ga Southern isn’t intimidated going on the road, winning last year at App State. However, Coastal has been really good offensively this year, and they do enough to win by at least one touchdown.
ALABAMA (-21.5) at Tennessee. This game is going to be very, VERY ugly. To borrow a quote from the neighboring App State fan at the 2016 Miami game, Bama absolutely fills their butts with mud, probably by the second quarter. This line should be closer to 30. Easiest 21.5 points you’ll ever lay.
Iowa State at OKIE STATE (-3.5). Big 12 has been all kinds of a hot mess this year, but I believe in the Cowboys and Chuba Hubbard more than anything else in this matchup, so I’ll lay the 3.5.
Notre Dame at PITTSBURGH (+10). This is going to be a four-quarter fight. Pitt can neutralize the Irish rushing attack, and Joey Yellen acquitted himself nicely last week if Kenny Pickett can’t play. I’ll take 10 points here all day.
PENN STATE (-5.5) at Indiana. We’ll see if Penn State can live up to their lofty ranking and expectations. They’re strong on both lines and should control the lines of scrimmage in this game, although Indiana should be able to keep up somewhat through the air. Still, I’ll take the team that can run and control the clock, and that’s Penn State.
Virginia at MIAMI (-13). Who will be under center for Virginia? Doesn’t matter that much to me, as the Canes will bully their way to an early, comfortable lead and force the Hoos to become one dimensional, which plays right into Miami’s pass rush and continually-improving secondary. I’ll lay 13.
BAYLOR (+9) at Texas. The Bears haven’t played since October 3. The Texas defense hasn’t played anything that could be considered mildly-competent defense since September 12. So, I guess it’s a wash, and I’ll take 9 points in what should be a close game.
Syracuse at Clemson; OVER 62. I think Clemson might hit this number themselves, so hey, any points from Syracuse is gravy. The Tigers are going to pour it on every week to stay #1, so.....good luck, Orange.