Picks Trying Not to Suck: Week 8
In a rush this week, so on to this week's picks.
BLATANT HOMERISM--Week 8
Last week: 2-3; Overall: 20-14-1
Syracuse at Boston College (-4.5)
A rather conspicuous line, no? Somebody knows something.
The pick: I know, I know - still gonna lay it.
Ole Miss at LSU (-6.5)
I laid the touchdown with Ole Miss last week against Arkansas, but I was sure that bet was dead before the first quarter was over. Even though the Rebels kept it close, they just looked burnt out from the start. A second consecutive road trip is the last thing that team needs right now.
Meanwhile, LSU played like rejuvenated team while waxing Southern Miss. Ed Orgeron might want this one just a little bit.
The pick: Bayou Bengals by 13-ish.
Central Florida at Connecticut (+4.5)
Weather bet. Forecast for Storrs on Saturday when this game kicks off is cool and damp. Doesn't sound like UCF's bag.
The pick: Take the points.
Arkansas at Auburn (-10)
Another conspicuous line.
People are having trouble accepting that a Kevin Steele-coached defense might be good. I understand – I'm in the same boat.
It's true, though. The Tigers rank 10th overall in Defensive S&P+. I expect they will stone the Razorbacks' running game and get after Austin Allen in passing situations all game long.
This could be a rock fight for a half or so, but look for Arkansas' defense to crack late.
The pick: Tigers 31, Hogs 16.
TCU (+6.5) at West Virginia
The last time the Mountaineers saw an offense that featured a running quarterback, Taysom Hill and BYU pounded out nearly 300 yards on ground, averaging seven yards per carry. The Horned Frogs had a week off to fine tune their game plan, so look for TCU offensive coordinator Doug Meacham to attack the WVU D with Kenny Hill's legs.
The pick: 'Eers by not enough, if at all.
The Skinny--Week 8
Last week: 2-2-1; Overall: 14-20-1
Wisconsin at Iowa (+3.5)
Texas (+2.5) at Kansas State
Oklahoma State (-23.5) at Kansas
Oregon State (+37) at Washington
Texas A&M (+19) at Alabama