Picks Trying Not to Suck: Week 5
BH and The Skinny got back on track last week, going a combined 7-3 against the spread. You should feel no less confident in this week's free picks.
Keep it recreational...
BLATANT HOMERISM--Week 5
Last week: 4-1; Overall: 11-9
Stanford at Washington (-3.5)
I've faded the Cardinal twice this year already, and it would have paid off again last week if not for that meddling fumble return. Stanford's uninspiring passing game makes this team too easy to defend, even with Christian McCaffrey lining up in the backfield and shifting out wide.
It's also kinda bunk that Rod Gilmore's alma mater has to go back on the road for the second week in a row on short rest. Husky Stadium will be rocking Friday night.
The pick: There will be some dogs barking, but not the underdogs – UW, 27-21.
Wisconsin at Michigan (-10)
Frankly, I think Michigan is fairly overrated at this point. Even more overrated? Wisconsin.
The Badgers squeaked by a mediocre LSU squad, quarterbacked by Brandon Harris, in their own backyard. They also whipped what appears to be a group of imposters masquerading as the Michigan State Spartans. Big whoop.
The fact that the Wolverines are laying double digits here tells me all I need to know.
The pick: UM by more than 10.
Oregon State (+19) at Colorado
You won't find many bigger backers of the Buffaloes this season than me. Combine the emotional letdown from last week's breakthrough win over Oregon with an early start and the reality that CU shouldn't be favored by nearly three touchdowns over any Pac-12 team, though, and that makes this an easy call.
The pick: Colorado, 42-27.
Navy at Air Force
The Falcons are still smarting from last year's 33-11 thrashing from the Midshipmen. Troy Calhoun's team has been stout against the run this season, so look for Air Force's defense to shut down the Mids' option game en route to a comfortable win.
The pick: By air, not by sea.
Louisville at Clemson (+2)
The Tigers getting points in Death Valley? I'll take it.
The pick: CU outright.
The Skinny--Week 5
Last week: 3-2; Overall: 7-13
Wisconsin (+10) at Michigan
North Carolina at Florida State (-10)
Baylor at Iowa State (+16.5)
Michigan State (-6.5) at Indiana
Kansas at Texas Tech (-28.5)