Got the winning starting early with Washington, and I expect to keep it going with a big Saturday. This will probably be my one post for today. Add me to your twitter feed to get any late additions for this afternoon/evening.
5 Star Plays
E. Carolina -4 vs UTEP
Top Plays
Boston College +7 vs Clemson
Minnesota +7 vs Iowa
UNLV +20.5 vs Utah St
UCLA/Colorado over 59.5
Leans
Mich St -2 vs Ohio St
Texas A&M -13.5 vs Arkansas
S. Carolina -21 vs Kentucky
Indiana/Northwestern over 59.5
Writeups
E. Carolina- this picked is based on the matchup but more importantly the schedule for E. Carolina. The Pirates are coming off 3 straight away games and return to campus with a conference game. Although they went 1-2 on the 3 games, they won the one that counts- a conference win vs. Miss. Now they return home with a chance to go 2-0 in their division and get an early lead. Couple that with the fact that these teams are pretty evenly matched and UTEP is not a real threat and I love E. Carolina to come out and take care of business. ECU will win this game by 10-14 points so lay the wood and take the money.
Boston College- Another nice home dog. The line has come down a lot probably due to the Sammy Watkins injury however I liked BC well before that announcement. BC has been more or less left for dead as the perception is that they need a coaching change. That may be true however they have been playing well and are catching Clemson at the perfect time. After a tough loss (but cover) vs Florida St, the Tigers will be in letdown mode so take advantage. Also this is a good spot to take BCon the money line (+195)
Minnesota- This is another perception pick. mos people don't think Minnesota is as good as their record and that Iowa will get things going. I am not so sure about either of those. Minn has played well in each of their games and are conforming to their coach's system in year number two. Iowa has not showed much. Also Minnesota has had recent success so they will be confident coming into this one. Take the points for sure and also consider a money line play as well (+220)
UNLV- I was all over the Rebels last week and will jump back on the bandwagon this week. They are on the road and playing a tough team in Utah St however I think they are still underrated and much better than their power number indicates. I don't think they will win this one but will keep it close and easily cover the big spread.
UCLA/CU- Give the Buffs alot of credit for stepping up. I like that their offense came alive and their defense was able to take advantage of mistakes by WSU. UCLA hit a wall last week and will be eager to get back on track this week. Neither team has a very good defense and I expect both teams to rely on their offenses to win. Look for both teams to get into the 30's and the winner to score 40, easily getting this game over.
Mich St- One of the marquee matchups today. I do like the Spartans to have learned what they need to do to beat a quality since their loss to ND. The Spartans defense will step up big and handle the OSU offense and the Mich St offense will do enough to get the win and cover the 2.
A&M- keep fading the Hogs. A&M will take advantage of an Arkansas team in turmoil.
S. Carolina- ditto to the above. The end is near for Joker Phillips after another brutal loss today.
Indiana/NU- biting on this one. NWU has a very good offense and despite their results, I am not sold on the NWU defense. I like a high scoring affair in this one.
Saturday, September 29, 2012
Thursday, September 27, 2012
Stanford & Washington Pick
Time to jump on a Thursday game. I have not liked the last 2 Thursday matchups but am ready for this one.
Top Pick
Washington + 7 vs Stanford
Solid start for Stanford notching the high profile win against USC. Washington is off to a respectable start however they were rocked on the road against LSU. I like the Huskies though to step up their offensive game tonight and move the ball in front of a fired up crowd. Stanford will attempt to run the ball and I like the Huskies to be able to hold their own against the Stanford run attack. The Huskies will be able to force enough 3rd and longs to give their offense decent field position.
I am not picking the Huskies to win as Stanford will be able to score enough to get the win but not enough to cover the spread against a dangerous Husky offense. Take the points in this one.
Top Pick
Washington + 7 vs Stanford
Solid start for Stanford notching the high profile win against USC. Washington is off to a respectable start however they were rocked on the road against LSU. I like the Huskies though to step up their offensive game tonight and move the ball in front of a fired up crowd. Stanford will attempt to run the ball and I like the Huskies to be able to hold their own against the Stanford run attack. The Huskies will be able to force enough 3rd and longs to give their offense decent field position.
I am not picking the Huskies to win as Stanford will be able to score enough to get the win but not enough to cover the spread against a dangerous Husky offense. Take the points in this one.
Saturday, September 22, 2012
College Football Picks 9/22 - Part 2
Here are my late afternoon/evening picks. Enjoy what should be many entertaining games.
Top Picks
Rutgers +9.5 vs Arkansas
Notre Dame/Michigan over 50
Illinois -3 vs La Tech
Leans
Clemson +14.5 vs Florida St
UNLV +10 vs Air Force
Oregon -20.5 vs Arizona
Writeups
Rutgers- I have pretty impressed with the Scarlet Knights and I was all over Arkansas' meltdown last week. Yes, Arkansas is playing a much lesser opponent than Bama this week yet and they might have their qb back but this will not be a confident team. Rutgers will come in with swagger and will give the Razorbacks all they can handle. Don't be shocked if Rutgers gets the straight up win.
ND/Michigan- ND stepped it up on defense last week and handled Michigain St and many believe that they are for real this year. Michigan has been getting their season back on track after the Bama debacle. I see both teams coming into this game very confident and thinking they will win. Michigan will be looking to make it four in a row and they will not roll over and will challenge ND in the passing game. ND will be able to run the ball on Michigan and hit some play action. Look for an even game with the over coming in a close Notre Dame victory.
Illinois- The Illini will have their hands full with the Bulldogs but ultimately have enough brute strength and the homefield advantage to pull themselves through. Illinois will have much better qb play even if they need to go with their backup and the difference in this one will be the Illini's ability to run the ball. La Tech will become one dimensional and will not be able to keep up over the course of the game.
Clemson- Ok, was way off with Wake Forest last week but this week I do like Clemson to keep this one close. We all know the matchups and the difference in my mind will be the mental edge going to Clemson. They have been the big dog and Florida St will have come over some adversity in this game. I think that will be problematic and they will make some critical mistakes both on the field and on the sidelines. I think FSU will win but it will be well under the 2 TD's.
UNLV- the Rebels have been hanging tough but have not been able to break through. Playing Air Force is always a challenge but the Rebels will be ready for this one and will play well at home. Take the Rebs on the money line as well.
Oregon- Another Saturday another 50+ points for the Ducks. Zona is vastly improved however the Ducks have much better talent and will stretch this one out over the course of the game. The Ducks have been calling off the dogs pretty early with big leads so I am not crazy on this one.
College Football Picks 9/22 - Part 1
Here are the picks for the morning and early afternoon games. Will be back later with the winning side for ND/Michigan, Clemson/FSU and other afternoon/night games!
5 Star Plays
Georgia Tech -14 vs Miami
W. Virgina -25.5 vs Maryland
Top Picks
Florida -23 vs Kentucky
Ohio st -35.5 vs UAB
Lean
Colorado +12.5 Wash St (First Half)
Writeups
Ga Tech- Both these teams are 2-1 but there is a world of difference between them. Ga Tech will be primed in this game to make a big home statement by taking apart Miami. The Hurricanes are in a rebuilding mode and Georgia Tech despite a loss to Va Tech has a real shot at getting to the ACC championship game. Look for their option offense to control the tempo and when Miami has the ball, they will be under pressure to throw the ball and Ga Tech will be able to get a lot of pressure on the qb and will force bad decisions and turnovers.
W. Virginia- College football stats can really be misleading. For instance, Maryland currently has the 8th ranked offense in the nation. That will surely plummet after they get a beatdown from the Mountaineer offense. I love these types of matchups when a team with an anemic offense (Maryland) goes up against a team with a prolific offense (WVU) and the difference will come down to whose defense will be able to hold their own. In this case, WVU has enough on defense to handle the Terrapin offense while Maryland's defense will not be able to hold WVU's offense and this game will be an easy blowout win and cover for WVU.
Florida- I was on the wrong side last week with Florida/Tenn and like the Gators this week. Kentucky is struggling mightily and traveling to Gainesville to face a fired up team and crowd is no way to get healthy. The only concern I have is if Florida puts it on autopilot in the 2nd half and Kentucky can get a late cover. However I do like Florida to stretch this game out with suffocating defense and a quickly improving offense.
Ohio St- I was on the money predicting the Buckeyes to struggle last week against Cal. This will be a different story as there is a huge talent disparity between these teams and after a close game last week the Buckeyes will be focused in this one and will make quick work against UAB. Look for Ohio St to score on special teams and defense to ensure that the Buckeye's cover the big number.
Colorado- Ugggh, what an ugly start of the season for the Buffs. With all of the criticism, I do like Colorado to bring their best effort against Washington St this week. I think their effort will keep them close for the first half. After that, look out but they will be spirited early and keep it under 12 for the first half.
5 Star Plays
Georgia Tech -14 vs Miami
W. Virgina -25.5 vs Maryland
Top Picks
Florida -23 vs Kentucky
Ohio st -35.5 vs UAB
Lean
Colorado +12.5 Wash St (First Half)
Writeups
Ga Tech- Both these teams are 2-1 but there is a world of difference between them. Ga Tech will be primed in this game to make a big home statement by taking apart Miami. The Hurricanes are in a rebuilding mode and Georgia Tech despite a loss to Va Tech has a real shot at getting to the ACC championship game. Look for their option offense to control the tempo and when Miami has the ball, they will be under pressure to throw the ball and Ga Tech will be able to get a lot of pressure on the qb and will force bad decisions and turnovers.
W. Virginia- College football stats can really be misleading. For instance, Maryland currently has the 8th ranked offense in the nation. That will surely plummet after they get a beatdown from the Mountaineer offense. I love these types of matchups when a team with an anemic offense (Maryland) goes up against a team with a prolific offense (WVU) and the difference will come down to whose defense will be able to hold their own. In this case, WVU has enough on defense to handle the Terrapin offense while Maryland's defense will not be able to hold WVU's offense and this game will be an easy blowout win and cover for WVU.
Florida- I was on the wrong side last week with Florida/Tenn and like the Gators this week. Kentucky is struggling mightily and traveling to Gainesville to face a fired up team and crowd is no way to get healthy. The only concern I have is if Florida puts it on autopilot in the 2nd half and Kentucky can get a late cover. However I do like Florida to stretch this game out with suffocating defense and a quickly improving offense.
Ohio St- I was on the money predicting the Buckeyes to struggle last week against Cal. This will be a different story as there is a huge talent disparity between these teams and after a close game last week the Buckeyes will be focused in this one and will make quick work against UAB. Look for Ohio St to score on special teams and defense to ensure that the Buckeye's cover the big number.
Colorado- Ugggh, what an ugly start of the season for the Buffs. With all of the criticism, I do like Colorado to bring their best effort against Washington St this week. I think their effort will keep them close for the first half. After that, look out but they will be spirited early and keep it under 12 for the first half.
Saturday, September 15, 2012
College Football Picks Part 3
Here are my picks for the evening games.
Top Picks
BYU -3.5 vs Utah
Tennessee -3 vs Florida
Notre Dame +5 vs Mich St
Lean
UCLA -17 vs Houston
Writeups
BYU- This game looks to be a bit of trap game and I won't be surprised if Utah gets off to a fast start playing in front of an intense home crowd. If BYU can avoid the knockout then their superior talent on both sides of the ball should get the road victory and cover.
Tenn- I expect a pretty to see a pretty gritty game and for both teams to play pretty tight. Ultimately, I think the qb play will be the difference. Tenn has the better, more experienced qb and he will be able to find one of the Vols playmakers in the second half for the decisive score that the vols will need. Florida will hang around however they were able to take advantage of an inexperience QB last week and won't have that luxury this week.
ND- All the talk this week has been about the dominance of Mich St RB Bell. He will have an impact however I look for ND's LB Teo to step and make a name for himself tonight. He gets a lot of publicity however I think this will be a key game for him and for ND's defense to show their toughness. MSU has not thrown the ball consistently and I think the ND defense will make them pay for that tonight and have a chance at the win and definitely will cover the 5.
UCLA- getting on the Bruins bandwagon a little late however unless they are in let down mode, they should have another big offensive game and do enough on defense to cover the big number.
Top Picks
BYU -3.5 vs Utah
Tennessee -3 vs Florida
Notre Dame +5 vs Mich St
Lean
UCLA -17 vs Houston
Writeups
BYU- This game looks to be a bit of trap game and I won't be surprised if Utah gets off to a fast start playing in front of an intense home crowd. If BYU can avoid the knockout then their superior talent on both sides of the ball should get the road victory and cover.
Tenn- I expect a pretty to see a pretty gritty game and for both teams to play pretty tight. Ultimately, I think the qb play will be the difference. Tenn has the better, more experienced qb and he will be able to find one of the Vols playmakers in the second half for the decisive score that the vols will need. Florida will hang around however they were able to take advantage of an inexperience QB last week and won't have that luxury this week.
ND- All the talk this week has been about the dominance of Mich St RB Bell. He will have an impact however I look for ND's LB Teo to step and make a name for himself tonight. He gets a lot of publicity however I think this will be a key game for him and for ND's defense to show their toughness. MSU has not thrown the ball consistently and I think the ND defense will make them pay for that tonight and have a chance at the win and definitely will cover the 5.
UCLA- getting on the Bruins bandwagon a little late however unless they are in let down mode, they should have another big offensive game and do enough on defense to cover the big number.
College Football Picks 9/15 Part 2
OK- Moving on to the afternoon games and both 5 star plays. Will be back once more for the night games.
5 Star Play
Missouri -3 vs Arizona St
Alabama -20.5 vs Arkansas
Top Plays
Northwestern -3.5 vs Boston College
Louisville -3.5 vs North Carolina
Lean
Navy +6.5 vs Penn St
Writeups
Missouri- OK, in the world of over reactions, cooler heads need to prevail in this pick. Yes, Missouri lost at home to Georgia and could not back up their big talk and yes there has been an offensive revival in the first 2 games for ASU but let's look a little deeper. ASU played an Illinois team that came in knowing that they were not going to win with their backup QB and played like it. Missouri battled Georgia and played pretty well until the wheels fell off later in the game.
The big key for me here is that ASU has been playing in the comforts of their own home and now is on the road. Home field is still a big advantage in college and most teams struggle in their first away game and I don't think ASU is an elite team that will be able to come into a hostile environment and dominate. Missouri will be highly motivated in this one and has in my opinion better talent. I am confident that Missouri wins this game in blowout fashion.
Alabama- Unless you are a bama fan, this will be an ugly, lopsided game. Unless Arkansas can play the game of their lives on the offensive line and at qb, this will be a thrashing by Bama. Arkansas' qb likely won't play and the backup will be running for his life. Look out below if you are a razorback.
Northwestern- I was wrong last week picking Vandy to win. Although Vandy had a strong first half, they really suffered when NWU regrouped at half time and made some impressive adjustments. BC is coming in with a pretty talented team however they really do not have enough weapons to take advantage of the Wildcat's defensive weaknesses. NWU's offense also really ran the ball well last week and if they can get the pass game going today, will have an easy time getting the win and the cover.
L'Ville- The Cardinals have gotten off to a nice start and will have a good test in UNC today. UNC suffered a tough loss on the road and will be facing an even better offense and defense this week in the Cardinals. This should be a back and forth game for a while however the home field advantage and L'ville's overall strength will lead to the victory and cover.
Navy- critical game for both teams. Navy has had to live with their poor performance for 2 weeks and will be a much better team. Penn St should be able to push Navy around a bit so this will be a close game either way but I like Navy to hang around and get the cover.
5 Star Play
Missouri -3 vs Arizona St
Alabama -20.5 vs Arkansas
Top Plays
Northwestern -3.5 vs Boston College
Louisville -3.5 vs North Carolina
Lean
Navy +6.5 vs Penn St
Writeups
Missouri- OK, in the world of over reactions, cooler heads need to prevail in this pick. Yes, Missouri lost at home to Georgia and could not back up their big talk and yes there has been an offensive revival in the first 2 games for ASU but let's look a little deeper. ASU played an Illinois team that came in knowing that they were not going to win with their backup QB and played like it. Missouri battled Georgia and played pretty well until the wheels fell off later in the game.
The big key for me here is that ASU has been playing in the comforts of their own home and now is on the road. Home field is still a big advantage in college and most teams struggle in their first away game and I don't think ASU is an elite team that will be able to come into a hostile environment and dominate. Missouri will be highly motivated in this one and has in my opinion better talent. I am confident that Missouri wins this game in blowout fashion.
Alabama- Unless you are a bama fan, this will be an ugly, lopsided game. Unless Arkansas can play the game of their lives on the offensive line and at qb, this will be a thrashing by Bama. Arkansas' qb likely won't play and the backup will be running for his life. Look out below if you are a razorback.
Northwestern- I was wrong last week picking Vandy to win. Although Vandy had a strong first half, they really suffered when NWU regrouped at half time and made some impressive adjustments. BC is coming in with a pretty talented team however they really do not have enough weapons to take advantage of the Wildcat's defensive weaknesses. NWU's offense also really ran the ball well last week and if they can get the pass game going today, will have an easy time getting the win and the cover.
L'Ville- The Cardinals have gotten off to a nice start and will have a good test in UNC today. UNC suffered a tough loss on the road and will be facing an even better offense and defense this week in the Cardinals. This should be a back and forth game for a while however the home field advantage and L'ville's overall strength will lead to the victory and cover.
Navy- critical game for both teams. Navy has had to live with their poor performance for 2 weeks and will be a much better team. Penn St should be able to push Navy around a bit so this will be a close game either way but I like Navy to hang around and get the cover.
College Football Picks 9/15 Part 1
I have a big slate today with a 5 star play for later today!
For now, starting with a couple of the early games. Will be back the rest of the picks.
Leans:
Wake Forest +27.5 vs Florida St
Cal +16.5 vs Ohio St
Writeups:
Wake Forest- I was close to making this a top pick but I really don't know how good Florida St is. I think Wake will be able to hang in there with them and cover but its possible that Florida St is really all that so take this one conservatively.
Cal- Time for Cal to step up. Ohio St should be ripe for a letdown as Cal is not coming in as a marquee matchup and the Buckeyes have had their way with their first 2 opponents. I am looking for a spirited performance from Cal and for them to give the Buckeyes a scare on the road. I will be putting a small amount on the money line as well (\+575).
For now, starting with a couple of the early games. Will be back the rest of the picks.
Leans:
Wake Forest +27.5 vs Florida St
Cal +16.5 vs Ohio St
Writeups:
Wake Forest- I was close to making this a top pick but I really don't know how good Florida St is. I think Wake will be able to hang in there with them and cover but its possible that Florida St is really all that so take this one conservatively.
Cal- Time for Cal to step up. Ohio St should be ripe for a letdown as Cal is not coming in as a marquee matchup and the Buckeyes have had their way with their first 2 opponents. I am looking for a spirited performance from Cal and for them to give the Buckeyes a scare on the road. I will be putting a small amount on the money line as well (\+575).
Saturday, September 8, 2012
College Football Picks 9/8 Part 2
Here is my afternoon slate.
Top Picks
Wyoming/Toledo over 58.5
USC/Syracuse over 66.5
Vanderbilt -3.5 vs Northwestern
Leans
Texas A&M pick vs Florida
Writeups
Wyoming/Toledo- Both teams are offense first teams with the hope that their defense can do enough to keep them in games. Look for plenty of big plays from both team's offenses and for this game to pick up velocity as both teams would like to capture a non conference victory to bolster their bowl chances.
USC/Syracuse- Both of these teams put on pretty impressive offensive shows while USC's defense looked stout Syracuse' defense was not very impressive. I do expect Cuse to be able to score on USC this week and for USC to pick up where they left off last week and this game to get over the big total.
Vanderbilt- The Commodores put on a good fight last week while NWU was able to pull off a last minute victory. NWU in the second really fell apart when their offense line was tested and their defensive backfield was challenged. I don't see the Wildcats improving much in a week in those 2 areas and for Vandy to take advantage of those deficiencies. This should be pretty close but Vandy will be able to make the plays on defense and in the passing game to get the win and the cover.
Texas A&M- Taking a little bit of a leap of faith with this pick as A&M has not played yet and that will be a disadvantage for the them. Nevertheless I do expect the Aggies defense to handle the Gators offense and for new head coach Sumlin's offense to be effective enough to get the win which is all I need.
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Top Picks
Wyoming/Toledo over 58.5
USC/Syracuse over 66.5
Vanderbilt -3.5 vs Northwestern
Leans
Texas A&M pick vs Florida
Writeups
Wyoming/Toledo- Both teams are offense first teams with the hope that their defense can do enough to keep them in games. Look for plenty of big plays from both team's offenses and for this game to pick up velocity as both teams would like to capture a non conference victory to bolster their bowl chances.
USC/Syracuse- Both of these teams put on pretty impressive offensive shows while USC's defense looked stout Syracuse' defense was not very impressive. I do expect Cuse to be able to score on USC this week and for USC to pick up where they left off last week and this game to get over the big total.
Vanderbilt- The Commodores put on a good fight last week while NWU was able to pull off a last minute victory. NWU in the second really fell apart when their offense line was tested and their defensive backfield was challenged. I don't see the Wildcats improving much in a week in those 2 areas and for Vandy to take advantage of those deficiencies. This should be pretty close but Vandy will be able to make the plays on defense and in the passing game to get the win and the cover.
Texas A&M- Taking a little bit of a leap of faith with this pick as A&M has not played yet and that will be a disadvantage for the them. Nevertheless I do expect the Aggies defense to handle the Gators offense and for new head coach Sumlin's offense to be effective enough to get the win which is all I need.
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College Football Picks 9/8 Part 1
Here are my picks for the morning and early afternoon games.
Top Picks
Miss St -3 vs Auburn
E. Carolina +21 vs S. Carolina
Leans
Miami, Fl +6.5 vs Kansas St.
Miami, Oh -18 vs S. Illinois
Wake forest +9.5 vs North Carolina
Writeups:
Mississippi St- If you look through my posts from last season, I was pretty high on the Bulldogs and they really did not get it done. I also recognize that establishing a winning/championship program is a process and Miss St was not quite ready this year. I do think they are ready to take a step this year and win the games in the SEC against the middle of the road teams such as Auburn, especially at home.
Auburn kept the magic going last year and played better than expected. This year though, I don't see their talent level much better than last year and I like for a lot of those close wins from last year to turn into close losses this year. 3 points is not a big hurdle for the highly motivated home team today.
E. Carolina- I am jumping on the Connor Shaw not play will have a big impact bandwagon in this one. S. Carolina has a lot of talent but they looked like a different team against Vanderbilt offensively without Shaw. Sure the back up QB's have gotten work in practice and it will be a big drop off. There will be also a big dose of Marcus Lattimore for E. Carolina to handle however I don't think he alone will be enough offense to cover the 3 TD number.
E. Carolina has a pretty dynamic offense and will put up enough points to cover in this one.
Miami, Fl- The tables have turned on this game since a year ago. Last year Miami was a top 20 team and had a home game against unranked K St. Of course they got stomped and the wheels came off. This year, Miami is kind of forgotten and considered in a rebuilding mode. I think they have more talent than people think and they without any pressure on them, will give K. St a run for their money in this one.
K. St is still solid however they are not much different than last year and teams will be able to better game plan for them. Look for Miami to start that trend.
Miami, Oh- The Redhawks played a pretty respectable game last week against the Buckeyes and left some plays on the field. If they had converted better they could have put a lot more pressure on OSU. This week they are playing a team on the other spectrum of the college football world. The Redhawks will easily make the plays against the mismatched Salukis and put up big numbers.
18 is not nearly enough in this one, lay the points.
Wake Forest- Taking a bit of flyer on this one. Both teams had easy times last week and I like the home dog to be very competitive in this game. Should be a fun one to watch and the Deacons will do enough to have a chance to win at the end and covering the 9.5
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Top Picks
Miss St -3 vs Auburn
E. Carolina +21 vs S. Carolina
Leans
Miami, Fl +6.5 vs Kansas St.
Miami, Oh -18 vs S. Illinois
Wake forest +9.5 vs North Carolina
Writeups:
Mississippi St- If you look through my posts from last season, I was pretty high on the Bulldogs and they really did not get it done. I also recognize that establishing a winning/championship program is a process and Miss St was not quite ready this year. I do think they are ready to take a step this year and win the games in the SEC against the middle of the road teams such as Auburn, especially at home.
Auburn kept the magic going last year and played better than expected. This year though, I don't see their talent level much better than last year and I like for a lot of those close wins from last year to turn into close losses this year. 3 points is not a big hurdle for the highly motivated home team today.
E. Carolina- I am jumping on the Connor Shaw not play will have a big impact bandwagon in this one. S. Carolina has a lot of talent but they looked like a different team against Vanderbilt offensively without Shaw. Sure the back up QB's have gotten work in practice and it will be a big drop off. There will be also a big dose of Marcus Lattimore for E. Carolina to handle however I don't think he alone will be enough offense to cover the 3 TD number.
E. Carolina has a pretty dynamic offense and will put up enough points to cover in this one.
Miami, Fl- The tables have turned on this game since a year ago. Last year Miami was a top 20 team and had a home game against unranked K St. Of course they got stomped and the wheels came off. This year, Miami is kind of forgotten and considered in a rebuilding mode. I think they have more talent than people think and they without any pressure on them, will give K. St a run for their money in this one.
K. St is still solid however they are not much different than last year and teams will be able to better game plan for them. Look for Miami to start that trend.
Miami, Oh- The Redhawks played a pretty respectable game last week against the Buckeyes and left some plays on the field. If they had converted better they could have put a lot more pressure on OSU. This week they are playing a team on the other spectrum of the college football world. The Redhawks will easily make the plays against the mismatched Salukis and put up big numbers.
18 is not nearly enough in this one, lay the points.
Wake Forest- Taking a bit of flyer on this one. Both teams had easy times last week and I like the home dog to be very competitive in this game. Should be a fun one to watch and the Deacons will do enough to have a chance to win at the end and covering the 9.5
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Monday, September 3, 2012
Virginia Tech vs Georgia Tech Pick
One final match up to round out the first week of college football and it is a good game
Top Pick
Virginia Tech -7 vs Georgia Tech
Va Tech brings in a pretty formidable team this year (they pretty much do year in and year out) and like my Alabama pick yesterday, I think the timing of this game gives Va Tech a pretty big edge. Georgia Tech runs the option (which I am a big fan of) but it since it is so geared the running game, the passing game gets short shrift. Add that to fact that Ga. Tech has very little experience at wide receiver and you have a recipe for disaster.
If this game were to be played in October or November then I think Ga Tech would have the kinks worked out but tonight look for the Hokies to stop the run and then for the Yellowjacket offense to get really bogged down trying to pass.
Va Tech's offense will be able to do their part as well and allow the Hokies to get the win and the cover.
Top Pick
Virginia Tech -7 vs Georgia Tech
Va Tech brings in a pretty formidable team this year (they pretty much do year in and year out) and like my Alabama pick yesterday, I think the timing of this game gives Va Tech a pretty big edge. Georgia Tech runs the option (which I am a big fan of) but it since it is so geared the running game, the passing game gets short shrift. Add that to fact that Ga. Tech has very little experience at wide receiver and you have a recipe for disaster.
If this game were to be played in October or November then I think Ga Tech would have the kinks worked out but tonight look for the Hokies to stop the run and then for the Yellowjacket offense to get really bogged down trying to pass.
Va Tech's offense will be able to do their part as well and allow the Hokies to get the win and the cover.
Saturday, September 1, 2012
College Football Picks 9/1 Part 2
OK looking good on the part 1 picks. I will keep the good times rolling with these sides tonight.
Top Pick
Wyoming +31 vs Texas
Leans:
Alabama -13 vs Michigan
Hawaii +42.5 vs USC
Writeups:
Wyoming- The Cowboys are a pretty solid team that put together a nice season last year. They are going up against Texas who of course is coming off a really bad season and are universally picked to be much improved this year.
I do like Texas' defense and have no doubt they will play well but I doubt Texas' offense and their ability to put up enough points to cover this big number. I expect Wyoming to score 10-17 points and I don't see Texas scoring more than 35 so take the points and be prepared to have to hold on at the end to get the cover.
Alabama- I have to have a side in this game. If this game was a little later in the year, then I might be more inclined to take Michigan however with this being their opener i think that favors the Crimson Tide. As has been well documented, the SEC always has a big speed advantage over the Big 10 in the defensive lines vs offensive lines. With Michigan having gone up against their own team only so far they will not be ready to handle the speed differential. Denard Robinson will make some plays but most of the game he will be running for his life or getting knocked down. Alabama will handle their business in this one.
Hawaii- A little scary pick here however I don't see Lane Kiffin purposely running up the score needlessly in this one and take a chance on getting a key player hurt. USC will probably get a 40+ lead at some point and then I think they will call off the dogs and Hawaii will get the cover in the 4th quarter.
Top Pick
Wyoming +31 vs Texas
Leans:
Alabama -13 vs Michigan
Hawaii +42.5 vs USC
Writeups:
Wyoming- The Cowboys are a pretty solid team that put together a nice season last year. They are going up against Texas who of course is coming off a really bad season and are universally picked to be much improved this year.
I do like Texas' defense and have no doubt they will play well but I doubt Texas' offense and their ability to put up enough points to cover this big number. I expect Wyoming to score 10-17 points and I don't see Texas scoring more than 35 so take the points and be prepared to have to hold on at the end to get the cover.
Alabama- I have to have a side in this game. If this game was a little later in the year, then I might be more inclined to take Michigan however with this being their opener i think that favors the Crimson Tide. As has been well documented, the SEC always has a big speed advantage over the Big 10 in the defensive lines vs offensive lines. With Michigan having gone up against their own team only so far they will not be ready to handle the speed differential. Denard Robinson will make some plays but most of the game he will be running for his life or getting knocked down. Alabama will handle their business in this one.
Hawaii- A little scary pick here however I don't see Lane Kiffin purposely running up the score needlessly in this one and take a chance on getting a key player hurt. USC will probably get a 40+ lead at some point and then I think they will call off the dogs and Hawaii will get the cover in the 4th quarter.
College Football Picks 9/1 Part 1
Here is part 1 of my Saturday picks. Will be back with the late afternoon/evening games.
Top Picks:
Northwestern +1 vs Syracuse
Illinois -9.5 vs W. Michigan
Nebraska/S. Miss over 53.5
Leans:
Colorado -6 vs Colorado St
Writeups:
Northwestern- Lot of action on this game and it probably will come down to the end. Last year was a bit of lost season for both teams and there is pressure on both coaches to have better seasons. NU is better prepared to get off to a quick start as they have their offense pretty much in place while Syracuse will need to work some new players in.
Defensively, NU is still not a strong team but Syracuse does not have the weapons ready to exploit their weaknesses.
Illinois- I debated whether to make this a 5 star play. Illinois' new head coach is in a good spot. Ron Zook left a talented roster and if he can get his system in place, the Illini will be dangerous this year. The only question for me on this one is how well has Illinois acclimated so far. If they have the new offense and defensive in place then this game could be a blow out as their is a pretty big talent differential between the two teams.
Nebraska/S. Miss- These teams in their recent history have been defensive oriented however that has begun to change recently. Nebraska has a pretty dynamic offense and has gotten off to fast offensive starts the last few years. S. Miss under their new coach is a bit of a wild card but defense alone is no longer their calling card.
I think this game will hit the over pretty easily as Nebraska's offense in particular should be effective.
Colorado- Although Colorado is in rebuilding mode, Colo St is in a deep rebuilding mode as their talent level has dropped and they have a new coach who is bringing a new philosophy. Don't expect a stellar game from either side and Colorado is in the 2nd year of their coach and over the course of the game, they will eventually pull away and cover the number.
Top Picks:
Northwestern +1 vs Syracuse
Illinois -9.5 vs W. Michigan
Nebraska/S. Miss over 53.5
Leans:
Colorado -6 vs Colorado St
Writeups:
Northwestern- Lot of action on this game and it probably will come down to the end. Last year was a bit of lost season for both teams and there is pressure on both coaches to have better seasons. NU is better prepared to get off to a quick start as they have their offense pretty much in place while Syracuse will need to work some new players in.
Defensively, NU is still not a strong team but Syracuse does not have the weapons ready to exploit their weaknesses.
Illinois- I debated whether to make this a 5 star play. Illinois' new head coach is in a good spot. Ron Zook left a talented roster and if he can get his system in place, the Illini will be dangerous this year. The only question for me on this one is how well has Illinois acclimated so far. If they have the new offense and defensive in place then this game could be a blow out as their is a pretty big talent differential between the two teams.
Nebraska/S. Miss- These teams in their recent history have been defensive oriented however that has begun to change recently. Nebraska has a pretty dynamic offense and has gotten off to fast offensive starts the last few years. S. Miss under their new coach is a bit of a wild card but defense alone is no longer their calling card.
I think this game will hit the over pretty easily as Nebraska's offense in particular should be effective.
Colorado- Although Colorado is in rebuilding mode, Colo St is in a deep rebuilding mode as their talent level has dropped and they have a new coach who is bringing a new philosophy. Don't expect a stellar game from either side and Colorado is in the 2nd year of their coach and over the course of the game, they will eventually pull away and cover the number.
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