Picks Trying Not to Suck: Week 14
BH has clinched the chocotini for this year. This week's for pride.
On to the picks...
BLATANT HOMERISM--Week 14
(Last week: 3-2; Overall: 39-26)
West Virginia (-5.5) at Kansas State
Don't look now, but the Mountaineers are finishing the season on a roll. WVU has covered in three consecutive games, winning each by a minimum of 18 points.
It sounds as though Kansas St. will go bowling whether the Wildcats win here or not. Have to wonder how that affects their focus.
The pick: 'Eers.
Temple (+5.5) at Houston
The Cougars whipped Navy last week. They won't enjoy the same advantage in size and physicality versus the Owls this week, though. Temple has the edge in the trenches, which gives Matt Rhule's team an opportunity to score the outright win and AAC championship UH's own house.
The pick: Cougs by not enough, if at all.
Stanford vs. USC (+4.5)
*Santa Clara, California
Speaking of upsets. Stanford beat the Trojans soundly earlier this season, but that was months ago. Southern Cal has tightened things up since giving Steve Sarkisian the ax.
Stanford's defense has hit and miss all season, and I'll wager it's more miss this week after last week's grinder against Notre Dame.
The pick: Cardinal can forget the playoffs once this one is done.
Florida (+17.5) vs. Alabama
*Atlanta
UF's offense stinks to the top of the Georgia Dome, but that D remains elite. The Gators can bog down Alabama's one-dimensional attack long enough to make this a game in the second half. (Don't forget that Jim McElwain knows Nick Saban and Kirby Smart's program, too.)
The pick: The Crimson Tide will win this game, but 18 points? Too many.
Texas (+20.5) at Baylor
I promised you five games every week. Not shortchanging you just because it's the last hurrah.
The pick: Take the points.
THE SKINNY--Week 14
(Last week: 1-4; Overall: 32-32-1)
Florida vs. Alabama (-17.5)
North Carolina vs. Clemson (-4.5)
West Virginia (-5.5) at Kansas State
Temple at Houston (-5.5)
Stanford (-4.5) vs. USC