Happy Friday everyone.
With another slate of games coming up, it’s time to delve into more lines and make some picks. Last week was a wash at 5-5, which puts my overall season mark at 56-52-2. With the Canes on their second bye week of the season, I’ll be looking elsewhere this week.
As usual, I’m going with the lines over at DraftKings Sportsbook.
And now, on with this week’s picks.
Wake Forest at UNC; OVER 64
These are two teams with terrible defenses and more than capable offenses of getting over this mark easily. I’m surprised it’s not closer to 70, honestly.
Clemson at PITT +12
The Tigers rebounded last week with a nice defensive performance in a 10-point win at Virginia Tech, while Pitt lost a close one to Virginia at home. Still, I feel like these teams are a little bit more closely matched than almost two touchdowns, especially in Pittsburgh. I’ll go with the home dog and points here.
TEXAS -12.5 at Arkansas
I’ll believe what Arkansas has been trying to tell us lately: that they’ve become a very poor team. The Horns flex and win by 3+ scores.
TENNESSEE +9.5 at Georgia
The Vols appear likely to have QB Nico Iamaleava available for the game, which is a difference maker. Still, he’s not as much of a difference maker as their incredible DL, which should be able to limit Georgia’s rushing attack that’s without their top 3 running backs and harass Carson Beck. Vols not just cover, but get the win on Saturday night in Athens.
MISSOURI +14 at South Carolina
The Gamecocks are hot, but this feels like too many points to me for a team that’s in the CFP rankings. I think USCe wins, but the Tigers cover the 2 touchdowns.
OREGON -13.5 at Wisconsin
The Badgers have folded and failed to cover against the other top 10 teams they’ve faced at home (Alabama and Penn State). That continues on Saturday. Ducks big.
LSU -4 at Florida
There’s plenty to like about Florida here. DJ Lagway is playing for the Gators, and LSU is coming off a deflating loss. However, the Tigers have too much talent, and Garrett Nussmeier will be able to carry the Tigers to just enough to cover this mark.
Ohio State at NORTHWESTERN +28.5
I know the Buckeyes have turned it on lately, but playing at Northwestern has been wonky for the Buckeyes over the years, although I know this game is at Wrigley Field and not at Ryan Field. I think Ohio State wins – don’t get me wrong – but getting over four touchdowns is too much to pass up.
VIRGINIA +21.5 at Notre Dame
The Cavaliers pulled off a big upset last weekend that put the Miami Hurricanes’ path to the ACC championship game back in their own hands. I don’t think they have it in them to win in South Bend, but I think they have more than enough ability to keep this game inside of three touchdowns. Again, give me the points in another big spread this week.
SYRACUSE +10 at California
I really don’t get this line. Syracuse is a decent team at 6-3. Cross country trip or not, I think this one is a four-quarter fight, so I’ll take the double-digit points here.
Odds/lines subject to change. T&Cs apply. See draftkings.com/sportsbook for details.
(Remember to wager responsibly. I am not responsible for your choices. These are simply how I see things playing out.)