Picks Trying Not to Suck: Week 9
Week nine already? Damn.
On to this week's picks.
BLATANT HOMERISM--Week 9
Last week: 2-3; Overall: 22-17-1
Baylor at Texas (+4)
I previewed this game for Athlon. Honestly, I look at the games against common opponents for these two teams, and the Longhorns are every bit Baylor's equals.
Home underdogs might turn into a theme this week.
The pick: Hook 'em, outright.
Clemson at Florida State (+4.5)
Clemson brings a .500 record against the spread into this game, which I find stunning. It feels as though the Tigers have disappointed in every game I've watched this season.
Maybe a bye week will snap Clemson out of its funk, but I don't like how things are trending at Howard's Rock.
The pick: We'll be talkin' 'bout the 'Noles on Sunday after an FSU upset.
Navy at South Florida (-6.5)
I admit to harboring some concerns about the Bulls after a dispiriting performance last week at Temple, but I they won't have much trouble scoring against the Midshipmen. Navy seems to be leaving its A game in Annapolis this year.
The pick: Bulls stampede in Friday prime time.
San Diego State at Utah State (+6)
I'm mainly betting on the style of game that these two teams play. The Aztecs and Aggies generally like to play slow, as the total of 43.5 here would suggest.
USU also protects the ball extraordinarily well, averaging less than a turnover lost per game. That reduces the chances of SDSU getting short fields or defensive scores.
Add it all up, and I like Utah St. to at least keep the final margin within a score.
The pick: Aztecs by less than enough.
Tennessee (-13.5) at South Carolina
The Volunteers took a two-game losing streak into the bye, which gave Butch Jones a chance to circle the wagons and ...
Yeah, not all that inspiring, is it? The week off did offer an opportunity for UT to recuperate, a must for banged up team.
The Vols are facing a squad quarterbacked by a kid who is still supposed to be in high school. Even Butch can't both that, right?
The pick: Vols 31, Gamecocks 13.
The Skinny--Week 9
Last week: 2-2-1; Overall: 16-22-1
Auburn at Ole Miss (+4.5)
Nebraska at Wisconsin (-9)
West Virginia (-3.5) at Oklahoma State
Michigan at Michigan State (+23.5)
Louisville (-33) at Virginia