Picks Trying Not to Suck: Week 4
To the surprise of absolutely no one, BH fell below the Mendoza Line on the year after last week’s abominable 1-4 showing. The Skinny failed to make up much ground, though, posting another sub-.500 card.
If you're expecting something better this week, don't.
On to the selections…
BLATANT HOMERISM--Week 4
Last week: 1-4; Overall: 7-8
Central Michigan at Virginia (+3)
The UVA faithful will probably be more interested in the brie and Veuve out in the parking lot, but they might not want to miss what’s going on inside the stadium on Saturday afternoon. It might be their only chance to see the home team get a W this season.
Bronco Mendenhall’s team has improved every week so far this season. I’m betting Virginia will take advantage in the most winnable game left on its schedule.
The pick: Pop your bottles, Hoos.
Florida at Tennessee (-6.5)
You’ll notice a theme this week: If you’re starting a former Purdue quarterback, I’m going against you. There are two in the SEC. (Make of that what you will.)
I take no joy in backing a team that is facing as much pressure to win as Tennessee is this week - or in one that is coached by Butch Jones. I just can’t see how the Gators are going to move the ball with any level of success against the Volunteers, even with UT’s star cornerback Cam Sutton on the shelf.
The pick: Tennessee by just enough.
LSU at Auburn (+3.5)
See above re: quarterback play.
This has serious rock fight potential.
The pick: Auburn, 4-3.
Stanford at UCLA (+3)
I still haven’t seen much out of Stanford this season to make me think they’re worthy of being viewed as one of the top teams in the country. Notably, the Cardinal lack the pop in their aerial attack to force defenses to play them straight up.
And the Bruins have to be getting tired of getting their asses kicked by Stanford, right? They haven’t beaten the Cardinal since 2008.
Look for Jim Mora Jr. to put this game on Josh Rosen and UCLA’s receiving corps, and then stack the box defensively, daring David Shaw’s team to shoot it out.
The pick: Bruins by 10.
Georgia at Ole Miss (-7)
The Bulldogs’ undefeated record looks a lot like iron pyrite from here. There was the two-point win over Nicholls State, of course, but they also got incredibly lucky a week ago in a 28-27 win at Missouri. Five Mizzou turnovers kept the Tigers from scoring the upset, despite throwing all over Georgia’s defense.
Now, UGA has to deal with Ole Miss’ passing game, which might be the best in the SEC. Unless the Rebels have packed it in after losing two of their first three games--which, I should note, is entirely within the realm of possibility--they should win this one comfortably. Look for the good Chad Kelly to make an appearance on Saturday afternoon in the Grove.
The pick: Ole Miss 30, Georgia 17.
The Skinny--Week 4
Last week: 2-3; Overall: 4-11
Oklahoma State at Baylor (-8)
Stanford (-3) at UCLA
Florida (+6.5) at Tennessee
Wisconsin (+5.5) at Michigan State
Arkansas (+5.5) vs. Texas A&M