Well, another rough week in a tough season continues, as I went 3-7 last week. Cal missing a game winning field goal at +6.5 only to lose by 8 in overtime pretty much speaks to how the season has gone.
But on we move, and there are some fun ones to pick this weekend. As usual, I’m using the lines over at the FanDuel Sportsbook.
(Disclaimer: these are just my opinions. Please do your own analysis and pick accordingly. I am not telling you what to do with your money. Be responsible. Have a gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER. T&C apply; lines subject to change.)
And now, on with this week’s picks…
Miami at SMU +12.5
I have no idea why this line is this high, and as it was 11.5 earlier in the week, it’s going towards Miami. I’m baffled. The Ponies plus the points is a very easy lock, and I think there’s a strong chance SMU pulls off the upset on Saturday in Dallas. No brainer.
Vanderbilt at TEXAS -2.5
In Austin, and with a defense that’s been (mostly) playing well, the Longhorns pull off a low-scoring win that keeps their playoff hopes alive.
Duke at Clemson; UNDER 54.5
I don’t know if Cade Klubnik plays, but I think both teams have enough on defense to keep this in the upper 40s/low 50s in total point.
Louisville at VIRGINIA TECH +10.5
I feel like this is a bit of a tricky road spot for the Cardinals. Early kickoff against a Va Tech team that’s quietly been playing better lately. Cardinals win, but it’s close.
GEORGIA -7.5 vs. Florida (Jacksonville)
Florida is a wild card, as they haven’t played since Billy Napier was fired, but I’m going to go with the better coached and more talented team here to win by double digits.
Oklahoma at Tennessee; OVER 55.5
Tennessee’s elite offense and suspect defense allow these teams to get over the mark. Don’t feel comfortable in calling Tennessee to win by more than a field goal, but I think this one has plenty of scoring.
PITTSBURGH -14.5 at Stanford
Pitt is playing terrific football with QB Mason Heintschel playing as well as anyone in the country right now. Even with the cross-country trip, the Panthers roll in Palo Alto.
Penn State at Ohio State; UNDER 44.5
Penn State won’t score, but their defense is good enough to keep Ohio State to the low 30s.
WAKE FOREST +9.5 at Florida State
FSU can’t win a game for love or money in ACC play, but if they can bounce back after the bye week and win, I think it’ll be a battle. Gladly take Wake – who was good enough to beat SMU last week – with the almost double-digit points.
North Carolina at Syracuse; OVER 44.5
This line is close and these teams stink, but I think they do enough to create a moderately entertaining game with enough points to clear this mark.
