You guys. I finally had a good week (by my standards).
I only missed one winner, failing only in my ill-conceived pick of Wisconsin upsetting Ohio State (though I was close). I went 5-1.
Against the spread, I held my own, posting a 3-3 record. I should have gone with my gut and picked Alabama to cover, but I drank too much Ole Miss Kool-aid.
That brings my totals to 20-10 straight up, and 10-20 against the spread.
I like to be symmetrical.
Now let’s take a look at what we’ve got this week.
1) #6 Georgia @ Tennessee (UGA -10.5): I’ve been to Rocky Top a few times in my life, and I can’t remember a time that I was this sure the Dawgs would win. I was there for the Hobnail Boot game, but I’m hoping this year’s contest isn’t nearly as thrilling. The Volunteer defense is just plain bad. Their new “Smoky Grey” uniforms should give them a little bit of a spark, but they’ll have a tough time cooling down the red-hot Georgia offense. I expect that it’s a little closer than expected at halftime, but the Bulldogs pull away with Aaron Murray throwing the pig skin around. Georgia 48, Tennessee 24
2) #4 Ohio State @ #16 Northwestern (OSU -5.5): The Vegas insiders like the Buckeyes winning on the road, and with a healthy Braxton Miller, it’s tough to argue with it. The Wildcats are 4-0 and coming off a bye week, but Ohio State hasn’t lost in their last 17 games. Urban Meyer, try as we might to erase him from the planet, is a proven winner. Make it 18, and lay the points. Ohio State 38, Northwestern 30
3) #24 Ole Miss @ Auburn (Miss -2.5): The Tigers have had two weeks to prepare, and you’ve gotta believe they’re ready to get back on the field after their 35-21 loss to LSU two weeks ago. But the same can be said for the Rebels, who–after running their mouths–got destroyed by Alabama 25-0. They’ve been much quieter this week. This game features two of the best offensive minds in the game with Auburn head coach Gus Malzahn going against Hugh Freeze, but both squads sport underrated defenses. The Tigers already had an impressive comeback win against one Mississippi school, and they’ll use their fresh legs and strong defensive line to keep Ole Miss down. UPSET ALERT: Auburn 28, Ole Miss 24
4) Georgia Tech @ #14 Miami (UM -4.5): Recent years haven’t been kind to the Yellow Jackets when they play the Hurricanes. Paul Johnson beat them in his first year at Tech, but is 0-4 since. The Hurricanes are pretty good this year, and I’ve got the feeling the Jackets really aren’t. Their last game against Virginia Tech was evidence enough. The Hokies were playing on short rest, on the road, after a triple-overtime win over Marshall. And they made the Jackets’ option look rough. The Hurricanes are better than Virginia Tech, so I’m gonna take them and lay the points. Miami 34, Georgia Tech 24
5) #25 Maryland @ #8 FSU (FSU -15): No team has been more surprising this year than Maryland, who is 4-0, including a 37-0 smackdown of rival West Virginia. The Seminoles are the more talented team, and they should win this easily. But they struggled against a bad Boston College team last week. I think the Terrapins will keep it closer, but FSU will pull away on the phenomenal young arm of Jameis Winston. Seminoles win, but I’m taking Maryland and the points. FSU 38, Maryland 24
6) #15 Washington @ #5 Stanford (Stan -6.5): Washington had an impressive win over Arizona last week, and the Cardinal kept the freight train rollin’ with a 55-17 thumping on the road against Washington State. I’m not a huge believer in the Huskies, though. I think throughout the year, we’ll see that their wins over Boise State and Illinois will lose value. Oh, and they’ve got Oregon waiting next week. Stanford 35, Washington 27
Hopefully this week proves better than last week. It’s that tricky spread I’ve got to get over.
And get better at picking upsets.
Until next week, friends, I bid you a happy picking!
