Picks Trying Not to Suck: Week 2
Our contestants got off to a hot start this year, but you know what that means.
Plan for the correction accordingly.
Let's check this week's picks.
BLATANT HOMERISM--Week 2
(Overall: 3-1-1)
Arizona (+4) at Houston
The Kevin Sumlin era in Tucson got off to a rough start last week. Khalil Tate’s usage raised fair questions as to whether the Wildcats’ new coach had watched him play before. I’m willing to bank on big improvement out of ‘Zona in Sumlin’s return to his old H-Town stomping grounds.
Note, by the way, that Arizona’s previous opponent, Brigham Young, is favored over another Pac-12 team this week. Could be BYU is OK.
The pick: Cougars go down.
USC (+6) at Stanford
I don’t blame anyone who wouldn’t feel comfortable riding out with the Trojans this week after a lackluster performance showing in their first game. On top of that, USC freshman quarterback JT Daniels is making his first road start. Still, I have this closer to a pick ‘em – can’t ignore that.
The pick: Southern Cal covers the six.
South Alabama (+32) at Oklahoma State
The Cowboys underwhelmed me last week. I have no idea how long Mike Gundy will stay with Taylor Cornelius at quarterback, but he won’t cut it as OSU’s competition improves.
As of now, I can’t see the Pokes beating many teams by 32 points, FCS body bags excluded. The Jaguars also looked pretty solid last week against Louisiana Tech.
The pick: OSU by two touchdowns.
Kansas (+5) at Central Michigan
Do I like holding a KU ticket? No. No, I don’t.
However, the bets are going one way here and the line is going another. Tough to pass on that.
The pick: Jayhawks… outright?
Penn State at Pittsburgh (+8.5)
Honestly, the Nittany Lions just seem overrated to me. After James Franklin ran his mouth about Pitt last year, I imagine the Panthers will be up for this one. PSU is on upset alert.
The pick: Take the points.
THE SKINNY--Week 1
(Overall: 4-1)
Mississippi State at Kansas State (+8)
Iowa State (+4) at Iowa
Michigan State (-5.5) at Arizona State
Duke at Northwestern (-3)
Kansas (+5) at Central Michigan