Picks Trying Not to Suck: Week 12
Pushing isn't losing. BH and The Skinny managed to pull that off four times combined last week, so they've got that going for them.
Let's see what kind of milquetoast madness is in store this week.
BLATANT HOMERISM--Week 12
(Last Week: 2-1-2; Overall: 28-24-3)
Michigan at Wisconsin (-7.5)
Everyone wants to see the Badgers lose and end the possibility of this team playing for anything meaningful in the next couple weeks. Count me among them.
I won’t let that tempt me into rolling with the Wolverines. Michigan’s resurgence in the last three weeks has come at the expense of Rutgers, Maryland and Minnesota, so you’ll have to excuse my skepticism.
This line is screaming for money on Michigan. You know how that goes.
The pick: Wisky continues its march to Indianapolis.
Central Florida at Temple (+14)
If you’re looking for teams legitimately on the upswing, I present Temple. After covering in three straight games, the Owls have apparently adjusted to life under Geoff Collins’ regime. UCF might be looking ahead to its date with South Florida next week.
The pick: UCF by less than two touchdowns.
Utah at Washington (-17.5)
Chris Petersen has a way of getting his teams to bounce back from disappointing defeats like the one it suffered a week ago against Stanford. That’s bad news for the Utes, who don’t have much offensive firepower to challenge the Huskies’ staunch defense.
The pick: UW, 28-10.
Arizona at Oregon (-2)
Let’s stay out west.
The Ducks will receive a boost this week from the return of promising young quarterback Justin Herbert, who has been on the shelf since September. He’ll be facing one of the worst pass defenses in the country.
UO’s defense has fared well in stopping the run this season, offering hope that the Ducks can slow Khalil Tate – enough.
The pick: Ducks cover the deuce.
Mississippi State at Arkansas (+11.5)
Frankly, I had a hard time pegging five games that I like this week. This would be my least favorite of the five, if that tells you anything.
I’m banking on a letdown from the Bulldogs following their near upset of Alabama last week. Maybe Arkansas has one last stand in it for its embattled Boss Hog.
The pick: Take the points.
THE SKINNY--Week 12
(Last Week: 1-2-2; Overall: 23-30-2)
Kansas State at Oklahoma State (-20)
N.C. State (+1.5) at Wake Forest
Mississippi State at Arkansas (+11.5)
Virginia (+19) at Miami
Maryland (+16) at Michigan State