Picks Trying Not to Suck: Week 6
With both pickers going 2-3 last week, The Skinny couldn't make up any ground on BH. Let's try to pick some more winners, eh?
The Skinny
(Last Week: 2-3; Overall: 11-13)
Georgia at Tennessee (+10.5) – I figure I've got a 50-50 shot here. One of the teams from last weekend's UGA/LSU game is in for a letdown. Tougher venue, rivalry game (sort of), an extra point (Mississippi State is +9) and probably the better team make Tennessee the better option over MSU hosting LSU. As bad as UT's offense may be, everyone has put up points on UGA. Sorry, SEC purist, but your league has become as offensive as the rest of the country.
Pick: Take the points.
Kansas State at OSU (-14) – I hate picking against Bill Synder, but this isn't your typical Bill Snyder team. Think I am getting a little value on OSU this weekend after last weekend's upset loss to WVU.
Pick: Really like OSU here in a bounce-back spot.
Texas Tech at Kansas (+17) – I need to see a little more from Tech before I'm willing to declare the Red Raiders a true contender in the Big 12. The Red Raiders started the week as a two-TD favorite. Maybe the smart money is on Tech, but I think I'm getting value in KU.
Pick: Fighting Weises.
Ohio State (-7) at Northwestern – I know this has all the makings off a trap game, but this is hardly a true road game for the Buckeyes. Wish I had gotten this one a earlier in the week at -5.
Pick: NU keeps it close early, but Ohio St. pulls away in the second half.
Maryland (-14) at Florida State – As impressive as FSU has been this season, this is by far the toughest matchup that the Seminoles have faced. I'm not buying FSU until I see more.
Pick: I like Maryland with the week off to prepare going into Tallahassee
Blatant Homerism
(Last Week: 2-3; Overall: 14-11)
Georgia at Tennessee (+10.5) – This smells like it has some major letdown potential for the Bulldogs. Mark Richt and Aaron Murray were so emotional after last week's thriller against LSU. The Volunteers should have some confidence, too, after playing UGA tough a year ago.
Pick: Vols getting points.
Washington at Stanford (-7.5) – They serve up revenge at Stanford the same way they like their social skills: frosty.
Pick: Cardinal by two touchdowns.
Arizona State vs. Notre Dame (+6) – I don't think either of these teams are particularly good, but I'm kinda befuddled on how Vegas can make the Sun Devils almost a touchdown favorite. ND plays a little bit like Stanford, albeit not as well, and ASU really struggled against the Cardinal.
Pick: Irish outright.
Georgia Tech (+5.5) at Miami – The Yellow Jackets are probably a little underrated after an ugly loss to Virginia Tech a week ago. The Hurricanes don't have nearly the same defense as the Hokies, who have generally defended Paul Johnson's option offense as well as anyone in the ACC.
Pick: Throw a little something on the Tech money line.
Minnesota at Michigan (-18.5) – The bye week came at a great time for the Wolverines, who looked awful in two fortunate wins against Akron and UConn. I'm betting we see a sharp performance out of UM against a Minnesota team that has been exposed.
Pick: Wolverines huge.