Picks Trying Not to Suck: Week 14
Your favorite handicapping brothers are limping to the season's finish line after going a combined 3-7 against the spread last week. Unfortunately for The Skinny, his 1-4 week left him mathematically eliminated from the competition.
They're picking for pride this week, although it's hard to be too proud of such mediocre records. On to this week's picks.
BLATANT HOMERISM--Week 14
(Last Week: 2-3; Overall: 33-29-3)
Stanford vs. USC (-4)
We’ve already seen this movie once before, and the Trojans rolled. That doesn’t necessarily translate into another decisive USC win, but I like how things have shaken out for that team since catching that beating from Notre Dame in October. I imagine a bye for the first time this year won’t hurt, either.
The pick: USC 31, Stanford 21.
Louisiana-Monroe (+26.5) at Florida State
What a strange spot for the Seminoles. Rumors swirled around their head coach all week before he left the team high and dry for Texas A&M. I’m sure those were some crisp practices the week after Thanksgiving.
Not to mention, they’re only playing this game on championship weekend to gain eligibility for a bowl invitation.
The pick: In a lot of cases, I’d be tempted to take the Warhawks outright.
Fresno State at Boise State (-8.5)
The Bulldogs just beat the Broncos by double digits a week ago. Isn’t it kind of odd to see Boise St. laying almost 10 points in this matchup now?
Temperatures for this game could dip down into the 30s, which would favor the Idahoans.
The pick: Broncos by 11.
Miami (+9) vs. Clemson
I really hate backing the Hurricanes in this spot, given how these two teams played last week. The weather in Charlotte could get a little chilly, too, which is never a good sign for the boys from Coral Gables. I should be taking the Tigers in a blowout.
The problem is that I don’t like CU’s offense. I still see the Tigers winning this game, but I can’t get on board with the idea that they can stretch a lead to two scores versus a defense of Miami’s caliber.
Clemson made me look foolish last week. Glutton for punishment.
The pick: Take the points.
Georgia (+2) vs. Auburn
I’ll admit that I’m reaching here. I look back at last week’s action, and Georgia made light work of Georgia Tech. The Tigers had a heavyweight fight versus Alabama.
The Tigers haven’t played nearly as well away from Jordan-Hare Stadium. Factor in the injuries in the backfield, and I’ll hit Auburn with the fade.
The pick: Georgia, begrudgingly.
THE SKINNY--Week 14
(Last Week: 1-4 Overall: 27-36-2)
Stanford (+4) vs. USC
Memphis at UCF (-7)
Miami vs. Clemson (-9)
Wisconsin (+6) vs. Ohio State
Georgia vs. Auburn (-2)