Picks Trying Not to Suck: Week 9
Weeks like this are what gambling on college football is made for.
On to the picks...
BLATANT HOMERISM--Week 9
(Last week: 3-2; Overall: 26-14)
Ole Miss at Auburn (+7.5)
I’m probably a little higher on Auburn than most, but I peg this spread at closer to 4.5.
The pick: Take the points.
Oklahoma State at Texas Tech (+3)
You won’t hear this very often, but the Red Raiders probably have the advantage running the ball and stopping the run in this game. OSU is pumping out all of 3.8 yards per rush, which ranks 102nd nationally, against a fairly pedestrian assortment of defenses. On the other side, DeAndre Washington is one of the most underrated running backs in the country, and he has a solid running mate in Justin Stockton.
Tech won’t stop the Pokes cold, but I do expect the Red Raiders to control the game and score the upset in Lubbock.
The pick: Let's get weird -- Tech outright.
Texas at Iowa State (+6.5)
The second of the two Big 12 tilts on my card this week features about as trappy of a line as you’ll find on the slate.
The dissension on the Cyclones coaching staff does worry me a bit. I like the quarterback change, though.
Also, Texas’ deployment of a running package built around deposed quarterback Tyrone Swoopes has given its offense some juice. Someone will come up with a plan to stop that soon enough. Why not Paul Rhoads and Wally Burnham?
The pick: Dogs barking.
North Carolina (-2) at Pittsburgh
Consider this: Pitt has yet to face a true spread offense through seven games this year. I find that stunning in the current landscape of college football. As such, it wouldn’t shock me to see Pat Narduzzi’s defense blow a couple assignments and hand UNC a W.
I hate backing a road favorite in a Thursday night game, but I’m taking a flyer on the Tar Heels.
The pick: UNC by 4.
Clemson at North Carolina State (+10)
All these ACC games offer a good indication of what a meh slate this is.
Lately, Clemson hasn’t shown its customary propensity to check out in unexpected spots. Even so, with Miami in the rearview mirror and Florida State on deck in Death Valley, would a flat performance surprise anyone here?
NCSU QB Jacoby Brissett is quietly putting together a strong senior season. The Tigers probably shouldn’t mess around with him.
The pick: Clemson by not enough.
THE SKINNY--Week 9
(Last week: 1-4; Overall: 19-20-1)
Vanderbilt (+11.5) at Houston
Stanford at Washington State (+12)
Illinois (+5.5) at Penn State
West Virginia at TCU (-14)
North Carolina (-2) at Pittsburgh