Pick Six: NCAA Week 7
I guess lightning can, indeed, strike the same place twice. Last week the Pick Six went 5-1, meaning our record the past two weeks is 11-2. Not too bad! This week we’ve identified more matchups that are alleged locks. I think this really will be the week we go undefeated. I can feel it. Can you?
Last week was so close to being perfect, with our only miss being Washington…and it was an ugly loss. Outside of that we were on the money. Tennessee rolled over LSU. Oklahoma State was able to handle Texas Tech. Ole Miss put up 52 points against Vanderbilt. USC stayed hot against Washington State. Then, we closed it out with an Oregon win versus Arizona. Will this week be as easy? I’m thinking so.
Penn State @ Michigan Line: UofM -7
Two top 10 teams collide at the Big House this weekend, in what’s sure to be an exciting game. Both teams come into the game undefeated, although neither one has really played a tough opponent, yet. This will be a test and will impact our picks for the rest of the season most likely. I’m betting that Michigan can pull it off at home. They’ve been slipping lately and haven’t looked as dominate the past few weeks. I want to see them have explosive plays outside of the run game. If Penn State takes away the run, Michigan could be in trouble. Penn State has more experience at QB and that’s always a major plus. I think the Michigan defense can slow them down enough to win, though. Excited to see how this one plays out. It’s the first major test for both teams this season, and Franklin has yet to lay his seasonal egg, I think it happens today.
Pick: UofM -7 Michigan 26 Penn State 17
Auburn @ Ole Miss Line: MISS -15.5
Ole Miss continues to put up points, making it hard to bet against them. After putting up 52 last week I think they can keep the momentum going. Auburn is giving up more points per game than they are scoring, that’s not a great stat. Ole Miss should be able to run the ball all over this D. My concern with that is the spread is a little higher than desired, but if there’s one team I think can put up points, it’s Ole Miss.
Pick: MISS -15.5 Ole Miss 42 Auburn 23
Clemson @ Florida State Line: CLEM -4.5
I’d like this more if it was a 4 point spread, but Clemson should be able to do this anyways. It’s going to come down to FSU’s offense against Clemson’s defense. I trust Clemson to get the stops when it matters. They need this one to have a chance at the Playoff, so I expect them to be ready to go.
Pick: CLEM -4.5 Clemson 27 Florida State 20
North Carolina @ Duke Line: UNC -7
Maye has been on a roll, and I think he can keep making magic against their biggest rival. Duke has a very good defense, but I think Maye and the Tar Heel offense are too talented and will put up too many points and Duke won’t be able to keep up.
Pick: UNC -7 North Carolina 33 Duke 24
Oklahoma State @ TCU Line: TCU -4
Riding with the dogs in this one. Oklahoma State’s defensive line should cause problems for TCU’s offensive line. I think this will be one of the games that comes down to play in the trenches. At least I need that to happen in order for the Cowboys to pull off the upset. TCU is probably feeling good riding a streak of beating Kansas and Oklahoma. However, I think Oklahoma State is a better team with a defense who’s going to show up. I’ve doubted TCU before and it burned me. Will it happen again?
Pick: OkSt +4 Oklahoma State 30 TCU 27
USC @ Utah Line: Utah -3.5
Another dog? Yup! I think pre-season I would have picked Utah to win this one, but USC is grown on me…and Utah has fallen off of my radar. They’re talented, but can’t beat teams with better talent. They fell to UCLA last week and Florida to start the season. I just don’t trust them going against one of the most talented, well-coached teams in the country. Had them beaten UCLA I think this pick goes differently. Give me the points and the Trojans on this one.
Pick: USC +3.5 USC 26 Utah 24
Dog Of The Week: We already picked Oklahoma State and USC as dogs this week, a rare occurrence as I tend to pick favorites. Love both of them this week, but let’s add another dog to the card with LSU over Florida. Florida is at home and is favored by 2.5, so I think Vegas is telling us LSU should win this one. I trust the LSU defense to get the job done on the road this week. Brian Kelly needs it, now so do we.
