Picks of the Week

Last week was a winning one starting off 3-2, only 4 picks this week:

Northwestern -6.5 @ Duke - Northwestern pulled away from Syracuse last week and should continue their winning ways as I expect them to pull a couple of big wins in the Big Ten this season. Duke is still Duke and will not be able to keep up with the Wildcats.

California -13.5 @ Washington State - The Bears come off their win over Michigan State, which should have been more of a blowout had Coach Tedford not put Nate Longshore in the game who attributed to a 14 point swing when he threw an interception in the end zone while Cal was driving and also threw a pick six. The Cougars got beat up in Seattle by Oklahoma State and look like they are going through their growing pains with the coaching change.

West Virginia @ East Carolina Over 49 - Still not sure if East Carolina will be able to keep the momentum of the win over Virginia Tech, but I do know that West Virginia puts up points in bunches and East Carolina should be able to score as well. 49 seems too low for a West Virginia game.

Texas Tech @ Nevada Over 68 - This game features two teams with explosive offenses and it will likely be one of those games that is determined by whatever team has the ball last. Mike Leach's spread vs. Chris Ault's Pistol offense, should be great for those that love scoring.

Picks of the Week

Picks of the Week is back for its 3rd year, let's hope to continue the success:

Florida Atlantic +24 @ Texas – Rusty Smith is one of 10 returning offensive starters for the Owls who will face an inexperienced secondary for Texas which will allow the Owls to stay in this game.

Clemson -4.5 vs. Alabama – James Davis comes home to Atlanta to take on the Crimson Tide and he will not disappoint. Expect the dynamic duo of Spiller and Davis to have a big day and throw that in with the fact that the Tide are 2-8 ATS in their non-conference games in the last 3 years I like the Tigers to take it.

California -4.5 vs. Michigan State – The Bears ended a disappointing season with a come from behind win in the Armed Forces Bowl and look to bounce back to the form that led to them to the #2 ranking in the country. Kevin Riley is now at the helm taking over for Nate Longshore and Jahvid Best now gets to step in for Justin Forsett. Michigan State’s D won’t be able to keep up with the Cal O and I see the Bears rolling on.

Northwestern -11.5 vs. Syracuse – There haven’t been many teams in the country that have been worse than Syracuse in the past few years and it doesn’t look like it’s getting better when you have recruits decommitting from your program to go to Central Michigan. C.J. Bacher and Tyrell Sutton are back and that should be plenty to get the Wildcats over the Orange.

USC -19.5 @ Virginia – Those of you that know me semi-well know the severe dislike I have for USC and that’s probably understating it. But it’s mostly for the most ignorant and arrogant fanbase I have ever encountered. At the same time I cannot deny the great teams they have been fielding year in and year out and this year is no exception. Although the O isn’t as strong as it has been in the past, the D is exceptional and will be able to shut down anything and everything UVA throws at them. With the loss of Chris Long to the NFL and Jameel Sewell gone for academics I don’t see how the Hoos have any chance, USC wins big.

Picks of the Week

Last week was 2-4 bringing the season total to 31-24.

Virginia Tech -16 vs. Miami - The Hurricanes were embarrassed at home last week in the last game at the Orange Bowl and it doesn't get any easier as they have to travel to Blacksburg this week. The Hokies should have no problem covering after watching Miami play last week.

Missouri -7 at Kansas State - Chase Daniel has Missouri in the hunt for the Big XII and National Championships and I don't believe the Tigers will trip up this week before they play the Jayhawks next week. Kansas State has struggled since they beat Texas and I don't think they can hang with Missouri.

Georgia -6.5 (buying a point) vs. Kentucky - The Bulldogs are on a roll after beating up on Auburn and I don't expect it to stop. Dawgs beat up the Cats.

West Virginia -6 @ Cincinnati - These of two of my favorite teams from this season as I rode both of them for the majority of the year and here they are matched up against each other. West Virginia is looking like the team that led many to believe they could be in the hunt for a National Championship and I don't think Cincinnati has the athletes yet to get it done.

BYU -10 (buying half a point) at Wyoming - Wyoming was throttled by Utah last week so badly that their head coach gave the Utah head coach the finger. I see no reason why BYU can't do the same as the Cougars should win easily.

Picks of the Week

A perfect week last weekend going 3-0 to bring the season record to 29-20. We've only got a few weeks left so here's to closing it out strong.

Arkansas at Tennessee - This game is a pick em and I'm going with the Razorbacks. Darren McFadden is finally getting healthy and showing the form that made him the Heisman runner up last season. He'll keep making his push for the trophy this year with a big performance in Knoxville.

Purdue -4.5 vs. Michigan State - Purdue is coming off a tough loss to Penn State but they should be ready to handle a Spartan team that has lost 3 straight. The secondary of Michigan State will not be able to handle the WR's of Purdue and Curtis Painter should have a big game.

Utah -13.5 vs. Wyoming - The Utes are rolling coming off 3 straight victories and host the Cowboys of Wyoming who just had a tough loss to San Diego State. I expect Utah to keep the streak going with another big victory.

Oregon State -5 vs. Washington - The Huskies finally ended their losing streak by beating Stanford last week but it will at one as the Beavers look to rebound from their loss to USC and become bowl eligible with one more victory.

Utah State +24.5 vs. Boise State - Utah State is having a rough season but they have kept fighting as many of their losses are very close. Combine that with the trouble that Boise State has when playing away from the blue turf and Utah State should be able to keep it close enough to cover.

Hawaii -17 vs. Fresno State - Hawaii is like Boise State, great at home and bad on the road. Continuing with that trend since Hawaii is still unbeaten and at home I expect them to try to put on a show because they know they still need to rise a bit in the rankings to guarantee a BCS bowl bid.

Picks of the Week

Another good enough week going 3-1 to bring the season total to 26-20. Here we go:

Oregon -6.5 (buying a point) vs. Arizona State - Oregon has been impressive all throughout this season and take on the surprising Sun Devils in Eugene. Just to be safe I'm buying the point to bring the line down to 6.5. Arizona State has not been tested this season and this will be their first true test heading to Autzen. I dont' believe they'll pass the test.

Missouri -4 @ Colorado - The Tigers continue to get the job done and I don't think that will change this week in Boulder. Chase Daniel has Missouri playing great ball and they will continue to try to stay on the fringe of the National Title chase.

Arizona -1 vs. UCLA - UCLA is about to go down the tubes and last week was just the start. When Kahlil Bell left the game last week the Bruins were unable to get anything done offensively. With Bell out for the season now it will continue to be tough for them, throw in the fact that Arizona is coming off of a big win over Washington with a late comeback I expect the Wildcats to keep rolling.

Picks of the Week

With the downswing I've taken lately a winning 3-2 week looks great, although it was one FG away from being 4-1. That brings the season total to 23-19 and here's this weeks picks:

Oregon -3 vs. USC - After seeing Oregon demolish opponents week after week and putting up points in bunches I am continually impressed by their performances. With USC coming to Autzen, I believe they will be pumped and ready to go, especially knowing that this game could give them an even greater argument at why they belong in the National Championship race.

West Virginia -6 @ Rutgers - As I've said all along West Virginia is a horse I've rode all year long, except their one loss against South Florida which I sat out, and I'm not going to bail on them now. They have been impressive in all their wins not only covering but doing so by the smallest of margins to make it tough on their bettors. With that said I fully expect a WVU win by 7 in the last minute just to make me sweat it out.

South Carolina +125 @ Tennessee - The Gamecocks are coming off their upset loss to Vandy and they should be fired up and ready to go. Throw in Steve Spurrier's rivalry with Tennessee and Phil Fulmer and the Cocks should take this game. Tennessee has not been impressive at all this year and the Volunteer faithful will be coming for his job after this one's done.

Washington State +190 vs. UCLA - This may be a surprising pick but it follows along with UCLA and how they do things. They'll win a big game like they did last week only to come out and lay an egg this week. There have been numerous reports that the focus in practice thsi week was nothing like it was against Cal and I completely believe it. Throw in the fact that it is a road game at the Paloose where the Bruins have struggled in recent years, only 1-5 against them in the last 6 years and the one loss was a miracle come back win two years ago, and I fully expect the let down to occur in Pullman.

Picks of the Week

After an atrocious 0-5, the season record now stands at 20-17, let's see if we can turn it around:

Alabama vs. Tennessee Under 55.5 - Two bets here with Bama as a pick em and the under for the game as well. Bama has struggled the past two weeks to beat inferior teams but with the rivalry game this week I expect them to come out firing on all cylinders. Traditionally this game is very low scoring and I believe it will be with the quality of both defenses.

Cincinnati -9.5 @ Pittsburgh - Cincinnati is coming off their loss to Louisville, their first of the season. They will be ready to go to take on a Pitt team that has not played well all year long and I don't expect them to turn it around at this point.

Louisiana Tech +15.5 vs. Boise State - Boise State seems to struggle away from the Blue Turf and Louisiana Tech has given teams hard times when they play them at home so I believe this game will be closer than most think.

West Virginia -24 vs. Mississippi State - The Mountaineers should continue to roll as they take on the Bulldogs from Mississippi State. WVU has taken care of business easily for most of the season and I expect them to continue their trend of covering ATS.

Picks of the Week

Got back to a winning week going 3-2, to take the season to 20-12, here's this week's edition:

Northwestern -6.5 vs. Minnesota - The Wildcats come off their big win against Michigan State to face a Minnesota team that continues to struggle. I don't see how the Gophers will keep it close.

Wisconsin +7 @ Penn State - Wisconsin is on the road for a second week in a row this time to Happy Valley to face Penn State. This game will definitely be a close one and I can definitely see the Badgers winning this game out right.

Illinois -5 @ Iowa - The Fighting Illini are ranked and ready to continue their winning ways coming off their big win over Wisconsin. Iowa is having big time problems this year and it should continue as they face the Illini.

Indiana +3.5 @ Michigan State - Indiana needs one more win to become bowl eligible and its still October, who would've ever thought. That is enough for the Hoosiers to come out fired up and take on a Spartan team coming off their loss to Northwestern. IU will get ready to bowl after this game.

Boston College -13.5 @ Notre Dame - This is the weekly bet against Notre Dame because they are that bad bet. BC is undefeated and in the top 5 heading into South Bend where they have won their previous two trips. Matt Ryan will continue to lead his campaign for the Heisman and the Eagles roll.

Picks of the Week

After an atrocious 2-5 week we look to turn things around here with the season standings now at 17-10.

Cincinnati +4 at Rutgers - The Bearcats have been the one constant this season not only winning but covering every step of the way. They take on a Rutgers team that they defeated last year and is hurting after their loss to Maryland. I'm gonna keep riding the wave with the Bearcats.

Wisconsin +120 at Illinois - Yes I believe Wisconsin is a bit overrated, but an underdog at Illinois??? I just can't buy that, I'm taking the Badgers as I don't think Juice Williams is quite ready to take it to the next level yet, this week at least.

Indiana -13.5 vs. Minnesota - the Hoosiers picked up a big win at Iowa last week and should continue their winning ways against a bad Golden Gopher team as Lewis to Hardy will light it up.

Virginia Tech +5.5 @ Clemson - Clemson pulled their usual choke job once they get close to the top 10 and nows the part of the season where they fold and drop a few games in a row. I'll take the Hokies and the points.

LSU -7 vs Florida - Florida comes off the home loss to Auburn while LSU struggled for a half with Tulane. LSU is my #1 team in the country and they will play like it this week after they self destructed at Florida last year. The Glenn Dorsey will be causing problems for Tebow and co. all day and whether its Flynn or Perrilloux the Bayou Bengals have plenty of other weapons to put points up on the board.

Picks of the Week

Great week last week sweeping the slate going 5-0 and bringing the season to 15-5, I've got a lot of games I like this week so let's hope we can keep it rolling:

Alabama +1.5 vs. Florida State (Neutral Site) - The Crimson Tide should be fired up coming off the home OT loss to Georgia. Florida State has not shown much this year, losing to Clemson and ugly wins against UAB and Colorado. The Seminoles offense has not shown the improvement many expected with Jimbo Fisher heading there and I don't think it will change this week. The Tide will roll.

Oklahoma at Colorado - Over 55.5 - The Sooners have been putting up points like crazy and that will continue in Boulder.

California +7 (buying 0.5 points) @ Oregon - Cal is too good to be a TD underdog even at Oregon. The Ducks have put up points in bunches but I still believe they are a bit overrated. Cal knows the Ducks very well, especially with Tedford being the former OC under Bellotti. I think Cal will win outright which is worth the bet at +200, but 7 points is too much to pass up.

Texas -13.5 (buying 1 point) vs. Kansas State - The Wildcats upset the Longhorns last year and I think they will be out for revenge. That combined with the fact that Texas started to put up some points last week, albeit against Rice, I believe the Horns will be ready to make a statement before they head to the Red River Shootout next week.

Purdue -20.5 (buying 1.5 points) vs. Notre Dame - One of the rules of this year so far is bet on whoever is playing Notre Dame and we will continue that trend this week. Just to play it on the safe side I'm buying 1.5 points but the Boilermakers should win in a rout. Purdue has been scoring over 47 points per game and there is no way the Irish O can put up even half of that.

Cincinnati -13.5 (buying 1 point) at San Diego State - Another trend of the year has been to ride the Cincinnati Bearcats who are rolling with another blowout victory last week. This week they travel to face the Aztecs who have had a tough going this year. The Bearcats are starting to get national recognition and it will continue with the win this week.

Clemson -2.5 (buying 0.5 points) at Georgia Tech - After what was thought to be an impressive season opening win at Notre Dame, the Yellow Jackets have floundered and been very disappointing. The Davis/Spiller combo will be too much for them to handle as the Tigers pound the ground game to a victory.

Picks of the Week

Last week was a barely winning week going 3-2, bringing the overall season to 10-5. Let's hope we can make this week better.

Michigan State -11 @ Notre Dame - We all saw how bad Notre Dame was last week and it won't get any better with the Spartans coming to South Bend. Yes, the Michigan State team that has won 5 in a row in South Bend, expect the streak to continue.

West Virginia -23.5 (buying a point) vs. East Carolina - The line is actually set at 24.5 but I'm buying a point and going with the Mountaineers. WVU has been rolling all season long and covering as well so I will continue to roll with them.

Cincinnati -24 vs. Marshall - The Bearcats are also on a roll as they have easily handled every team they have faced so far this year. Marshall on the other hand is winless and struggling to even compete in their games. Expect more of the same as Cincinnati should take this going away.

Purdue -13.5 @ Minnesota - The Golden Gophers have struggled all year long with losses to Bowling Green and Florida Atlantic with their one win being a squeaker over Miami (OH). They have allowed over 36 points per game in this stretch, while Purdue rolls in undefeated and averaging almost 50 points per game. Not a good combination for the Gophers as the Boilermakers should blow this team out.

Oregon -17 @ Stanford - The Ducks look like they are a force to be reckoned with in the Pac-10 this season and they get to open up the conference slate at a Stanford Cardinal team that is coming off their first win of the year against San Jose State. 3 weeks ago UCLA blew this team out 45-17, and I expect a similar score, if not more from the Ducks as they should keep their momentum going into next weeks big showdown vs. California.

Picks of the Week

Was in Chicago during the week so I didn't have much of a chance to update and also give one of my plays of the week which was West Virginia -16.5 against Maryland which covered but here are the other picks of the week. Last week was a losing one at 2-3 to bring the record to 7-3.

Vanderbilt -5.5 vs. Mississippi - Both teams are coming off losses but Ole Miss is still struggling to get it turned around under the Orgeron. The Commodores have homefield advantage and the great duo of Chris Nickson to Earl Bennett and that will be the deciding factor.

Louisville at Kentucky - Over 77 - People who have been following Louisville know their offensive prowess as seen by their 131 points in two games. Those that watched last week also know how bad their defense is as they gave up 42 points to MTSU. This game could go either way but I expect a lot of points to be put up in this in-state rivalry. Andre Woodson and the Wildcats are hungry for a win over the Cardinals and the offense will give them a great chance to do it.

Georgia Tech -6.5 vs. Boston College - After their big opening week win at Notre Dame, the Yellow Jackets rolled through Samford to set up this weeks ACC showdown against the Eagles in Atlanta. Tashard Choice should have another big game and the Jon Tenuta led D should give BC plenty of problems.

USC -9.5 @ Nebraska - The Cornhusker faithful have been waiting for this big time statement game to tell the nation that they are back. Unfortunately it won't happen this week against USC. Many people point to Sam Keller's prior experience against USC but you still must remember he lost a 18 point first half lead the last time he played them. Also with the USC coaching staff familiar with him they will be able to have the schemes ready to confuse him. Whenever USC is on upset alert they always come out with the big W. If you look at all their losses the past few years they are in conference games and to under the radar teams such as Oregon State last year. The Trojans should roll in this one.

Cincinnati -7 @ Miami (OH) - The Bearcats led by Brian Kelly have jumped out to a great start this season only allowing 6 total points along with the big 34-3 win over Oregon State last week. Cincinnati should keep rolling against a Miami (OH) team that struggled to beat Ball State.

Picks of the Week

So it looks like the College Football gods gave me a good week so I wouldn't give up completely on the sport, although I would've given it all up for the Michigan win. So I started the season with a bang going 5-0. So without further adieu, here's this week's picks.

West Virginia -24 @ Marshall - The Mountaineers rolled up the points on Western Michigan last week and I expect nothing less this week. This year's WVU squad could be like the 2005 Texas squad led by Vince Young that seemed to cover the spread and the over every single week.

California -14 @ Colorado State - The Golden Bears rolled on last week against the Vols and they should do the same to the Rams who lost a close one in OT to their instate rival Colorado last week.

TCU +9 @ Texas - the Horned Frogs come off the shutout win over Baylor while the Longhorns struggled with Arkansas State last week. This is a big game for TCU and I expect them to come out and give the Horns everything they got and possibly even win but I think the points are the way to go.

Hawaii -27.5 @ Louisiana Tech - Not many saw Colt Brennan put up 416 yards and 6 TD's in the first half and he will be able to continue to rack up the yards against the Bulldogs. Hawaii should roll them easily.

LSU -11.5 vs. Virginia Tech - The Bayou Bengals easily dismantled the Mississippi State Bulldogs last week and should be hyped up and ready to go for this big game on Saturday night primetime. The Hokies struggled to put away East Carolina last week and will have difficulties trying to put hold this high powered LSU offense.

Picks of the Week

Here we go on the eve of the first full day of College Football Picks of the Week is back. Last year's record was 35-26, nothing great but at least it was on the positive side of the scoreboard so here we go with the start of the 2007 season.

Oregon -16 vs. Houston - I like Oregon in the friendly confines of Autzen Stadium, a very difficult place to play, especially for a new starting QB at Houston as Kevin Kolb and his 4 years of starting experience are off to the Philadelphia Eagles. Expect the Ducks to roll in this one.

Georgia Tech +2 @ Notre Dame - Count me among those that expect Notre Dame to struggle this year. A new QB will be unveiled, most likely Demetrius Jones according to internet rumors, but whoever it is will have to take on a nasty Jon Tenuta defense that will be all over the ND offense. Throw in Tashard Choice returning and the fact that Reggie Ball is gone and I think the Yellow Jackets will pick up a big opening week win.

California -6 vs. Tennessee - I was hesitant on this game at this line, then came the news of Erik Ainge's broken pinky and I feel much better about it. Combine that with the explosiveness of the Cal offense and I believe the Bears, who are hungry to get revenge for last season's opening week debacle in Knoxville, will be fired up and hit the Vols straight out the gate.

Texas Tech -9 @ SMU - Mike Leach offenses usually put up scores in bunches and I expect nothing less on Monday as the Red Raiders take on the Mustangs. Throw in the return of starting QB Graham Harrell it should be more of the same.

West Virginia -23.5 vs. Western Michigan - The Mountaineers open up their season against the Broncos and I believe they will come out firing on all cylinders much like another team in their conference Louisville did last night. I expect Pat White and Steve Slaton to start their Heisman campaigns in impressive fashion and make it an easy win.