Well, that was more like it.
A 7-3 week finally pushed me back to the right side of the ledger. The Canes managed to oblige me (barely) on a 5-point line, and Army got me a cover by a single point. Still, I’ll take it. Wins aren’t easy to come by sometimes. As such, I now sit at 41-38-1 on the season.
Like usual, I’m going with lines off of DraftKings Sportsbook.
And now, on with this week’s picks…
Florida State at MIAMI -21
You know, this really needs to be a game where Miami puts its foot down. The Canes have forgotten how to not play down to their opponent and dominate, but FSU should give them as good of an opportunity to rectify that as they will get.
I think Miami’s defensive front gives whoever FSU trots out there at QB hell, and Cam Ward and the offense do enough to get into the 40s. Finally, a blowout again (it had better be).
Louisville at BOSTON COLLEGE +7.5
This feels like letdown/trap game for the Cardinals on a short week after the Miami loss. QB Thomas Castellanos is the real deal for the Eagles. I’ll take the touchdown and a hook at home.
OKLAHOMA +20 at Ole Miss
With OU’s offense, I have no reason to take these points. However, the Sooners’ defense should be able to keep up with the Rebels’ offense and keep this game somewhat competitive for four quarters. I think…
North Carolina at VIRGINIA -3.5
I’ve seen some good things this year from Virginia, including last week in a loss to Clemson. I’ve seen almost nothing good from Carolina. UVa clears this line at home.
ILLINOIS +21.5 at Oregon
That’s a lot of points for an Illini team who, while kind of streaky, have been solid this season with a win at Nebraska and a home. I’ll roll the dice, especially with the hook on 3 touchdowns.
WAKE FOREST -3 at Stanford
Ok, so Stanford is worse than I’d imagined. They are simply uncompetitive, and Wake’s offense should be enough to clear 3 points here.
Texas at VANDERBILT +18
I mean, yeah, Vandy looked bleh against Ball State last week, but many, that seems like too many points to lay. Texas is also coming off a tough loss to Georgia on Saturday night. Give me Vandy and the two and a half touchdowns here.
Penn State at WISCONSIN +6.5
This game just has close, “Nittany Lions get out of town on a walk off field goal” written all over it. Wisconsin has been playing MUCH better football since the start of the season. I don’t know who wins, but a touchdown less the hook plus a crazy Camp Randall crowd is enough for me to bite.
SMU at DUKE +11
A lot of points for the home team in what should be a competitive game. I know Duke’s offense has struggled, but their defense has more than made up for it.
Auburn at Kentucky; UNDER 44
I hate unders. HAAAATE them. But this one is different. Both of these teams are capable defensively, but their offenses are just gross, especially Kentucky’s. A snoozer in Lexington.
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.)