Picks Trying Not to Suck: Week 13
BH is almost scared to point out his record to date.
On to this week's picks.
Blatant Homerism--Week 13
(Last week: 4-1; Overall: 38-21-1)
Kansas State at West Virginia (-2.5)
Thursday night game in Morgantown and the Mountaineers' wide receviers have a big edge over the KSU secondary. Also, don't be surprised if the WVU running game gets going against the Wildcats' undersized front.
The pick: I'll take the home team by a touchdown.
Northwestern at Purdue (-1.5)
Not sure if you could find a more obvious letdown spot than Northwestern this week. The Boilermakers blow, but they're coming off a bye.
The pick: More like Pur-do.
Maryland at Michigan (-5)
While Maryland was taking a beating from Michigan State a week ago, Brady Hoke's team was resting at home and dreaming of a sixth win to secure a bowl bid.
The Terrapins might still be smarting from the last time these two teams tangled, a 45-17 Michigan win in 1990. All that piss and vinegar won't matter a lick if the Stefon Diggs-less Terps can't move the ball against the Wolverines' not-bad defense.
The pick: Lay the points.
Minnesota at Nebraska (-10)
Wow, this line looks big doesn't it? Minnesota had a tight one with Ohio State last week, while NU got drilled by Wisconsin. Cornhuskers by double digits?
Frankly, I love Big Red here. The 'Huskers should be feisty in a home environment in which they've thrived this year.
The Golden Gophers weren't nearly as close to the Buckeyes a week ago as the seven-point final margin would lead you to believe.
The pick: Bo knows blowouts.
Stanford at California (+5.5)
You beat Cal throwing the ball against the Golden Bears' lackluster secondary. This is not something the Cardinal do particularly well.
The pick: Hit the street, geeks. Cal outright.
The Skinny--Week 13
(Last week: 2-3; Overall: 30-29-1)
Miami at Virginia (+5.5)
Vanderbilt (+30.5) at Mississippi State
Oklahoma State at Baylor (-28.5)
Tulsa at Houston (-20.5)
Kansas (+25.5) at Oklahoma