Picks Trying Not to Suck: Week 7
Our handicappers both went a scintillating 4-1 last week against the spread to further their semi-hot streaks.
Blatant Homerism--Week 7
(Last week: 4-1; Overall: 18-12)
We're looking at a couple intriguing situations this week where public bettors appear to love the underdog. I will fade those and not think twice. All percentages listed below come via Wagerline.com.
USC (-2.5) at Arizona
Sixty-one percent of bettors going with 'Zona.
Note that USC defensive coordinator Justin Wilcox oversaw Washington's D last season, and the Huskies throttled the Wildcats last season, 31-13.
The pick: Trojans big.
Cincinnati at Miami (-16.5)
Fifty-nine percent of bettors backing the Bearcats.
Apparently those people don't realize how massively overrated Cincy is. I think it's the Gunner Kiel name recognition. No other explanation.
This line opened at 12.5 and has gone up, despite more tickets being written on Cincy. I don't like getting the inflated number, but that's life.
The pick: All about the U.
Northwestern at Minnesota (-4)
Fifty-eight percent of bets going to the Wildcats.
Northwestern has scored emotional upsets two weeks in a row, beating Penn State and Wisconsin. The Golden Gophers were recuperating at home last week. That spot favors Minny.
The pick: Minnesota by 7. Ugly.
Washington State at Stanford (-16.5)
Fifty-eight percent of bettors are on Wazzu.
Fact: The Cougars drew the short end of the stick from the schedulers, as this is their seventh game of the season. It's coming on short rest. Against a team that only gives up 107 passing yards per game.
The pick: Cardinal, 38-14.
Duke (+3) at Georgia Tech
A week to prepare for the Yellow Jackets' option is always a good thing. Tech is also looking at a letdown post-Miami.
The pick: Blue Devils outright.
The Skinny--Week 7
(Last week: 4-1; Overall: 17-12-1)
North Carolina (+17) at Notre Dame
Indiana at Iowa (-3.5)
Michigan State (-21) at Purdue
Boston College (+4) at North Carolina State
Toledo at Iowa State (-2.5)