Picks Trying Not to Suck: Week 8
BH is riding an 8-1-1 hot streak in the last two weeks, including a clean sheet from last week. Setting up for a spectacular fall.
On to this week’s picks.
BLATANT HOMERISM--Week 8
(Last week: 5-0; Overall: 17-16-2)
Oregon at Washington State (-3)
The Ducks got some great breaks in their upset of Washington last week. They’re coming off an emotional win and going into a charged environment in Pullman. Meanwhile, Wazzu had last week off to get healthy.
The pick: Situation calls for the Cougars.
Mississippi State (+6.5) at LSU
Another letdown spot. The Bulldogs were resting last week while the Tigers had to tussle with a physical Georgia team.
The pick: Feels dicey going against the Bayou Bengals right now, but let’s live dangerously.
Arizona at UCLA (-9.5)
This feels like two teams heading in opposite directions.
The Bruins are starting to round into form under Chip Kelly. The Wildcats spent last week getting worked by Utah, and now quarterback Khalil Tate is banged up. They’re on the road for a second consecutive week, too.
The pick: UCLA by two touchdowns.
Michigan (-7) at Michigan State
I know picking against Sparty versus the Wolverines is tantamount to tugging on Superman’s cape. Still, Jim Harbaugh and his team have to be getting sick of hearing about Mark Dantonio’s mastery of MSU’s in-state rivals.
I’m having a hard time seeing how the Spartans are going to move the ball on Michigan’s defense. (Note, by the way, that MSU recovered all five of the fumbles committed by both teams last week in its win at Penn State.
The pick: Michigan, 27-10.
Minnesota at Nebraska (-4)
Given that the Cornhuskers are sitting at 0-6, seeing Big Red favored here looks kinda funny. I actually think the line is just about right. NU is getting awfully close to a win.
The Golden Gophers don’t have the firepower to take advantage of the weak spots in the ‘Husker defense. In light of how Minny bullied NU last season, it wouldn’t shock me to see Scott Frost’s team pour it on if possible.
The pick: Cornhuskers by double digits.
THE SKINNY--Week 8
(Last week: 3-2; Overall: 17-18)
Michigan at Michigan St. (+7)
USC at Utah (-7)
Cincinnati at Temple (-3.5)
California at Oregon State (+7.5)
Virginia at Duke (-6.5)