Picks Trying Not to Suck: Week 8
Last week could have gone better for BH. The Skinny won't complain about 4-1, though.
On to this week's picks.
BLATANT HOMERISM--Week 8
(Last Week: 2-3; Overall: 19-16)
LSU at Ole Miss (+7)
As the Rebels play out the string with no hope of a bowl bid, interim coach Matt Luke should be turning over every rock in Oxford in search of motivational ammunition. He got an assist this week from Ed Orgeron when LSU’s head coach talked that mess about Ole Miss.
At least, that’s what I’d like to think. I also think the Tigers have to be feeling plenty whipped after plowing through two slugfests in the last couple weeks versus Florida and Auburn. The Rebels and quarterback Shea Patterson should open up their offense and try to get an exhausted LSU to chase them.
The pick: Underdogs, possibly outright.
South Florida at Tulane (+11.5)
USF is having a bizarrely awesome season. When I've watched the Bulls, they've rarely blown me away with their play. They generally enjoy such a massive talent advantage over the other teams on their schedule that they can screw around and still cruise.
Screwing around against a Wille Fritz-coached team gets you beat. At the very least, it keeps you from covering.
The pick: Green Wave lose by less than a touchdown.
Wake Forest (+6.5) at Georgia Tech
The Demon Deacons took last week off, giving that salty defense extra time to prepare for the Yellow Jackets' funky option game. Georgia Tech has to feel a little deflated after that heart-breaker a week ago versus Miami.
The pick: Tech 24, Wake 20.
Iowa State (+7) at Texas Tech
I'm going to keep riding the Cyclones. The betting markets have yet to catch up to this team.
The pick: Take the points.
Colorado at Washington State (-9.5)
After the putrid effort the Cougars gave last week, Wazzu should come out firing this week in a revenge spot versus the Buffaloes. CU hasn't played particularly well in weeks and will be on its second consecutive road trip to the boondocks.
The pick: Cougs, 35-24.
THE SKINNY--Week 8
(Last Week: 4-1; Overall: 17-18)
Michigan at Penn State (-9.5)
USC at Notre Dame (-3.5)
Louisville (+7) at Florida State
Auburn at Arkansas (+15.5)
Oklahoma State (-7) at Texas