Picks Trying Not to Suck: Championship week edition
BH wrapped up the coveted Christmas chocotini last week with a 3-2 record that put him out of reach of The Skinny. That doesn't mean you won't be getting picks this week -- at least, you're getting some from one of them.
Despite being in the black on the season (54 percent), BH is Ted Williams-ing this last set of regular season games. If I'm going to do it, I'm going to do it. That's how you become great.
On to this week's picks.
BLATANT HOMERISM--Week 14
Last week: 3-2; Overall: 35-29-1
Colorado vs. Washington (-7)
*Levi's Stadium (Santa Clara, California)
Friday night in Santa Clara. Who's ready to jam?
These are two solid teams who don't seem to have any holes. I guess that's how you make it to a conference championship game.
Washington is solider and less holey than the Buffaloes, however. That was a kicking the Huskies gave Washington State last week in the Apple Cup. CU should hope that's not the team coming Levi's. (Do people call it that? Ya know, like Fenway or Candlestick?)
The pick: Dogs will be barking, just not the underdogs.
Florida (+24) vs. Alabama
*Georgia Dome (Atlanta)
The Gators got the worse end of the SEC's open-box special on ex-Purdue quarterbacks. If you've seen LSU's offense, you know that's saying something.
So, yes, I'm going into this one with eyes wide open. I'm willing to bet one Gator touchdown here will be sufficient to keep this within 24 points. I realize that Nick Saban is supposed to be a master motivator and whatnot, but I don't see much reason for the Crimson Tide to pour it on UF. (Hell, would it surprise you if the Nicktator engaged in a little self-sabotage to keep his squad sharp for the postseason.)
The pick: Alabama 28, Florida 7.
Virginia Tech (+10) vs. Clemson
*Somewhere in Orlando
Apropos of nothing, these teams haven't played each other since 2012.
I'm doing my damnedest to resist the urge to pick an outright upset here.
The pick: Tigers by 1.
Temple (+2.5) at Navy
I really don't like the idea of going against the Midshipmen in Annapolis, but the Owls are such a stout defensive team. Matt Rhule's D has yet to see an option team of Navy's caliber this season, but they're so well-coached that I can see them flustering Will Worth and Co.
Look for the Owls to grind Navy down over the course of the game with methodical offensive execution.
The pick: Temple outright, and get ready to open up the checkbook for Rhule again.
San Diego State (-6.5) at Wyoming
Cowboys gonna to find out what the tip of the spear feels like from the revenge-minded Aztecs.
The pick: San Diego St. 36, Wyoming 25.