Bruce Feldman Week 6 picks from espn.com (insider)
Time to make some picks
Wednesday, October 7, 2009 | Feedback | Print Entry
I had a decent week, going two over .500 against the line, putting me two-over for the season versus the number. The good: picking Duke to keep it kinda close against Virginia Tech. The bad: picking Michigan to beat Michigan State. The ugly: picking Iowa to thump Arkansas State. Here are this week's guesses:
[URL="http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/clubhouse?teamId=158"]Nebraska Cornhuskers[/URL] at [URL="http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/clubhouse?teamId=142"]Missouri Tigers[/URL] (Thursday, 9 p.m. ET, ESPN)
Blaine Gabbert has been outstanding so far, with a terrific 11-0 TD-INT ratio, but now he faces his stiffest test. NU's D is holding opposing QBs to just 50 percent on their passes. Mizzou has dominated this series the past two years, outscoring NU 93-23. I'm tempted to go with the Huskers, but I think Gabbert will respond well to the prime-time stage. The pick is Missouri 24, Nebraska 14.
I do want to add a caveat, though: The Huskers have held all four opponents to an aggregate 50.4 completion percentage, second-best in the Big 12. Among all FBS teams, only USC has yet to give up a passing touchdown. Nebraska's given up one, to Virginia Tech. Other than the 81-yard catch and run by the Hokies in the closing minutes of Tech's comeback win three weeks ago, the Huskers have given up seven completions of 20 yards or more, including four that gained 32 yards or more.
[URL="http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/clubhouse?teamId=2348"]Louisiana Tech Bulldogs[/URL] at [URL="http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/clubhouse?teamId=2440"]Nevada Wolf Pack[/URL] (Friday, 9 p.m. ET, ESPN)
Nevada is coming off a spectacular offensive show, amassing almost 800 total yards against UNLV -- and doing most of that damage on the ground. Nevada had three runners with over 170 yards in that game. Now it faces a La. Tech defense that isn't much better against the run than UNLV's, since Tech is only ranked 105th in the country. Tech's Daniel Porter is a dangerous runner himself and should do some damage against the Pack (52nd in the country against the run), but Colin Kaepernick and company will be too much. The pick is Nevada 42, Louisiana Tech 24.
[URL="http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/clubhouse?teamId=103"]Boston College Eagles[/URL] at [URL="http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/clubhouse?teamId=259"]Virginia Tech Hokies[/URL] (Saturday, 12 p.m. ET, ESPN360)
The Eagles have been a pleasant surprise this season and the Hokies are coming off a suspect performance at Duke. Expect Tech to flip the switch and maul a limited BC offense. The Eagles are 4-0 at home, but were handled at Clemson (25-7). The pick is Virginia Tech 24, Boston College 7.
To see the rest of Bruce's picks -- Bama/Ole Miss, Wisconsin/OSU and UF/LSU among them -- and to read a boatload of information about recruiting among the best players in Florida, you must be an ESPN Insider.
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[URL="http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/clubhouse?teamId=2197"]Eastern Illinois Panthers[/URL] at [URL="http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/clubhouse?teamId=213"]Penn State Nittany Lions[/URL] (Saturday, 12 p.m. ET, ESPN Classic)
PSU leads the Big Ten in sacks (15) and has too much speed to Eastern Illinois. The Nittany Lions have crushed the previous two FCS programs they've faced by a combined 103-13. The pick is PSU 54, Eastern Illinois 7.
[URL="http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/clubhouse?teamId=2"]Auburn Tigers[/URL] at [URL="http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/clubhouse?teamId=8"]Arkansas Razorbacks[/URL] (Saturday, 12 p.m. ET, ESPN)
Tigers offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn returns home to Arkansas as two of the SEC's best passing attacks lock up. I think Arkansas' Ryan Mallett will hit a bunch of big plays, but the Hogs' D (113th against the pass) looks helpless against Chris Todd and Malzahn's offense. The pick is Auburn 45, Arkansas 31.
[URL="http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/clubhouse?teamId=197"]Oklahoma State Cowboys[/URL] at [URL="http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/clubhouse?teamId=245"]Texas A&M Aggies[/URL] (Saturday, 12:30 p.m. ET)
Chaotic week for the Cowboys with the Dez Bryant ineligibility, which will make this road trip tricky. A&M's got a fierce pass rush led by speedy DE/OLB Von Miller, but it won't be easy against the talented OSU front (fifth in the country in sacks allowed.) I'm tempted to pick the Aggies for the upset, but will stick with OSU's edge in experience. The pick is Okie State 34, Texas A&M 31.
[URL="http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/clubhouse?teamId=66"]Iowa State Cyclones[/URL] at [URL="http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/clubhouse?teamId=2305"]Kansas Jayhawks[/URL] (Saturday, 12:30 p.m. ET)
The Jayhawks have won five of the past seven meetings (with both losses at ISU). Look for Todd Reesing to carve up the country's 74th-rated pass efficiency D. The pick is Kansas 45, Iowa State 31.
[URL="http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/clubhouse?teamId=96"]Kentucky Wildcats[/URL] at [URL="http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/clubhouse?teamId=2579"]South Carolina Gamecocks[/URL] (Saturday, 12:30 p.m. ET, ESPN360)
Stephen Garcia has emerged for Steve Spurrier, and UK's defense will have problems on the road. (UK is 107th against the rush.) Plus, I don't like the Cats' chances of responding after consecutive weeks facing Florida and Alabama -- and now going on the road. Oh, and Spurrier is 16-0 against UK. The pick is South Carolina 30, Kentucky 7.
[URL="http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/clubhouse?teamId=333"]Alabama Crimson Tide[/URL] at [URL="http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/clubhouse?teamId=145"]Mississippi Rebels[/URL] (Saturday, 3:30 p.m. ET, CBS)
The Rebels have played Bama tough of late. The past four games -- all Tide wins, yes -- have been decided by three points. This will be the best D the Rebels have had in that run, but Greg McElroy has been terrific on the deep ball (6-10 with 3 TDs on passes beyond 30 yards) and thus will threaten Ole Miss' soft spot -- its corners. The question is, can Jevan Snead shake off his slow start? I think he will, but I'll go with the Tide in a squeaker. The pick is Alabama 24, Ole Miss 23.
[URL="http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/clubhouse?teamId=275"]Wisconsin Badgers[/URL] at [URL="http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/clubhouse?teamId=194"]Ohio State Buckeyes[/URL] (Saturday, 3:30 p.m. ET, ABC)
Great showdown between the Badgers' bruising John Clay (the Big Ten's top rusher) against the Buckeyes, who lead the league in run defense. Look for a big day from Terrelle Pryor. The Badgers are 80th in pass efficiency D and 55th against the run. It's also at the Shoe. The pick is Ohio State 31, Wisconsin 14.
[URL="http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/clubhouse?teamId=2483"]Oregon Ducks[/URL] at [URL="http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/clubhouse?teamId=26"]UCLA Bruins[/URL] (Saturday, 3:30 p.m. ET, ABC)
The home team has won the previous three meetings. Problem here for UCLA: It may not have enough speed to contain the Ducks. I do like the UCLA D-line, led by the superb Brian Price, to dominate the Oregon front that had some trouble earlier in the season. The pick is UCLA 21, Oregon 13.
[URL="http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/clubhouse?teamId=239"]Baylor Bears[/URL] at [URL="http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/clubhouse?teamId=201"]Oklahoma Sooners[/URL] (Saturday, 3:30 p.m. ET, ABC)
The Sooners have dominated the Bears, going 18-0. I don't think it'll matter which of the Sooners' QBs plays because the OU defense will dominate. Jeremy Beal (six sacks in the past two games) is playing as well as any defender in the country. Worse still for BU, its run defense (89th in the country) will be a welcome sight for an Oklahoma O-line still trying to find its way. The pick is Oklahoma 48, Baylor 10.
[URL="http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/clubhouse?teamId=50"]Florida A&M Rattlers[/URL] at [URL="http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/clubhouse?teamId=2390"]Miami (FL) Hurricanes[/URL] (Saturday, 7:00 p.m. ET, ESPN360)
After four tense matchups, the Canes figure to get some breathing room. Look for Jacory Harris -- who has a better percentage on passes thrown at least 10 yards downfield (59 percent) than Colt McCoy (50 percent), Tim Tebow (54 percent) and Jimmy Clausen (55 percent) -- to hit on a bunch of big plays to his gifted receiving corps in a stat-padding game. The pick is Miami 48, FAMU 10.
[URL="http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/clubhouse?teamId=38"]Colorado Buffaloes[/URL] at [URL="http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/clubhouse?teamId=251"]Texas Longhorns[/URL] (Saturday, 7:15 p.m. ET, ESPN)
Tough spot for Dan Hawkins to try to rally his beleaguered program. His son, CU QB Cody Hawkins, has taken a pounding already this season and this could be more of a swarm coming his way. CU is 91st in sacks allowed while Will Muschamp's Texas D is 11th in sacks. Also, UT's Colt McCoy should put up some nice numbers against the mediocre Buffs' pass defense. The pick is Texas 47, Colorado 13.
[URL="http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/clubhouse?teamId=2628"]TCU Horned Frogs[/URL] at [URL="http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/clubhouse?teamId=2005"]Air Force Falcons[/URL] (Saturday, 7:30 p.m. ET)
A matchup between the No. 2 run attack (Air Force) and the No. 1 run D (TCU). Go with the Horned Frogs. Give credit to Gary Patterson. The TCU coach has shown he's pretty adept at bottling up the Falcons' option, holding them to 54 points in the past four meetings. The pick is TCU 27, Air Force 10.
[URL="http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/clubhouse?teamId=57"]Florida Gators[/URL] at [URL="http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/clubhouse?teamId=99"]LSU Tigers[/URL] (Saturday, 8:00 p.m. ET, CBS)
Here's the big one for Saturday night. The Tigers have won an impressive 32 consecutive night games at home, but I think the Florida D will be too much for them, as they come into this game 93rd in the country in sacks allowed. Expect a big game for the UF defensive ends. And whether Tim Tebow plays or not, the Gators have enough weapons against an LSU defense that has struggled to get a lot of heat on rival offenses (101st in sacks, 82nd in turnovers for loss). The pick is Florida 27, LSU 14.
[URL="http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/clubhouse?teamId=59"]Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets[/URL] at [URL="http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/clubhouse?teamId=52"]Florida State Seminoles[/URL] (Saturday, 8:00 p.m. ET, ESPN2)
Tech has never won in six tries at FSU, but it's not like the Noles have had a smooth week to prep for this game and the Jackets' triple option. I'm tempted to play a hunch and go with the Noles to rally, but I'll stick with Tech because FSU has been too sloppy to stay focused for this challenge. The pick is Georgia Tech 35, FSU 31.
[URL="http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/clubhouse?teamId=130"]Michigan Wolverines[/URL] at [URL="http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/clubhouse?teamId=2294"]Iowa Hawkeyes[/URL] (Saturday, 8:00 p.m. ET, ABC)
Being without steady center David Molk against a strong Iowa D-line on the road is going to hurt the Wolverines. The Hawkeyes have an amazing streak going: They haven't allowed a rushing touchdown for 33 consecutive quarters, dating back to almost the middle of last season. Ricky Stanzi, who has been pretty shaky this fall, will benefit from seeing the porous Wolverine D (9th in the Big Ten in pass D and 10th in the conference in sacks). The pick is Iowa 24, Michigan 17.
[URL="http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/clubhouse?teamId=252"]Brigham Young Cougars[/URL] at [URL="http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/clubhouse?teamId=2439"]UNLV Rebels[/URL] (Saturday, 10:00 p.m. ET)
Lots of heat on Rebels coach Mike Sanford. His team is coming off a dismal showing in which rival Nevada rolled up almost 800 yards of total offense. The Cougars don't run the ball as well as Nevada, but they still are a potent offensive team even without standout WR McKay Jacobson (hamstring injury), starting with TE Dennis Pitta. The pick is BYU 38, UNLV 21.
Time to make some picks
Wednesday, October 7, 2009 | Feedback | Print Entry
I had a decent week, going two over .500 against the line, putting me two-over for the season versus the number. The good: picking Duke to keep it kinda close against Virginia Tech. The bad: picking Michigan to beat Michigan State. The ugly: picking Iowa to thump Arkansas State. Here are this week's guesses:
[URL="http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/clubhouse?teamId=158"]Nebraska Cornhuskers[/URL] at [URL="http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/clubhouse?teamId=142"]Missouri Tigers[/URL] (Thursday, 9 p.m. ET, ESPN)
Blaine Gabbert has been outstanding so far, with a terrific 11-0 TD-INT ratio, but now he faces his stiffest test. NU's D is holding opposing QBs to just 50 percent on their passes. Mizzou has dominated this series the past two years, outscoring NU 93-23. I'm tempted to go with the Huskers, but I think Gabbert will respond well to the prime-time stage. The pick is Missouri 24, Nebraska 14.
I do want to add a caveat, though: The Huskers have held all four opponents to an aggregate 50.4 completion percentage, second-best in the Big 12. Among all FBS teams, only USC has yet to give up a passing touchdown. Nebraska's given up one, to Virginia Tech. Other than the 81-yard catch and run by the Hokies in the closing minutes of Tech's comeback win three weeks ago, the Huskers have given up seven completions of 20 yards or more, including four that gained 32 yards or more.
[URL="http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/clubhouse?teamId=2348"]Louisiana Tech Bulldogs[/URL] at [URL="http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/clubhouse?teamId=2440"]Nevada Wolf Pack[/URL] (Friday, 9 p.m. ET, ESPN)
Nevada is coming off a spectacular offensive show, amassing almost 800 total yards against UNLV -- and doing most of that damage on the ground. Nevada had three runners with over 170 yards in that game. Now it faces a La. Tech defense that isn't much better against the run than UNLV's, since Tech is only ranked 105th in the country. Tech's Daniel Porter is a dangerous runner himself and should do some damage against the Pack (52nd in the country against the run), but Colin Kaepernick and company will be too much. The pick is Nevada 42, Louisiana Tech 24.
[URL="http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/clubhouse?teamId=103"]Boston College Eagles[/URL] at [URL="http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/clubhouse?teamId=259"]Virginia Tech Hokies[/URL] (Saturday, 12 p.m. ET, ESPN360)
The Eagles have been a pleasant surprise this season and the Hokies are coming off a suspect performance at Duke. Expect Tech to flip the switch and maul a limited BC offense. The Eagles are 4-0 at home, but were handled at Clemson (25-7). The pick is Virginia Tech 24, Boston College 7.
To see the rest of Bruce's picks -- Bama/Ole Miss, Wisconsin/OSU and UF/LSU among them -- and to read a boatload of information about recruiting among the best players in Florida, you must be an ESPN Insider.
[URL="http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/clubhouse?teamId=2197"]Eastern Illinois Panthers[/URL] at [URL="http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/clubhouse?teamId=213"]Penn State Nittany Lions[/URL] (Saturday, 12 p.m. ET, ESPN Classic)
PSU leads the Big Ten in sacks (15) and has too much speed to Eastern Illinois. The Nittany Lions have crushed the previous two FCS programs they've faced by a combined 103-13. The pick is PSU 54, Eastern Illinois 7.
[URL="http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/clubhouse?teamId=2"]Auburn Tigers[/URL] at [URL="http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/clubhouse?teamId=8"]Arkansas Razorbacks[/URL] (Saturday, 12 p.m. ET, ESPN)
Tigers offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn returns home to Arkansas as two of the SEC's best passing attacks lock up. I think Arkansas' Ryan Mallett will hit a bunch of big plays, but the Hogs' D (113th against the pass) looks helpless against Chris Todd and Malzahn's offense. The pick is Auburn 45, Arkansas 31.
[URL="http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/clubhouse?teamId=197"]Oklahoma State Cowboys[/URL] at [URL="http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/clubhouse?teamId=245"]Texas A&M Aggies[/URL] (Saturday, 12:30 p.m. ET)
Chaotic week for the Cowboys with the Dez Bryant ineligibility, which will make this road trip tricky. A&M's got a fierce pass rush led by speedy DE/OLB Von Miller, but it won't be easy against the talented OSU front (fifth in the country in sacks allowed.) I'm tempted to pick the Aggies for the upset, but will stick with OSU's edge in experience. The pick is Okie State 34, Texas A&M 31.
[URL="http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/clubhouse?teamId=66"]Iowa State Cyclones[/URL] at [URL="http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/clubhouse?teamId=2305"]Kansas Jayhawks[/URL] (Saturday, 12:30 p.m. ET)
The Jayhawks have won five of the past seven meetings (with both losses at ISU). Look for Todd Reesing to carve up the country's 74th-rated pass efficiency D. The pick is Kansas 45, Iowa State 31.
[URL="http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/clubhouse?teamId=96"]Kentucky Wildcats[/URL] at [URL="http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/clubhouse?teamId=2579"]South Carolina Gamecocks[/URL] (Saturday, 12:30 p.m. ET, ESPN360)
Stephen Garcia has emerged for Steve Spurrier, and UK's defense will have problems on the road. (UK is 107th against the rush.) Plus, I don't like the Cats' chances of responding after consecutive weeks facing Florida and Alabama -- and now going on the road. Oh, and Spurrier is 16-0 against UK. The pick is South Carolina 30, Kentucky 7.
[URL="http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/clubhouse?teamId=333"]Alabama Crimson Tide[/URL] at [URL="http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/clubhouse?teamId=145"]Mississippi Rebels[/URL] (Saturday, 3:30 p.m. ET, CBS)
The Rebels have played Bama tough of late. The past four games -- all Tide wins, yes -- have been decided by three points. This will be the best D the Rebels have had in that run, but Greg McElroy has been terrific on the deep ball (6-10 with 3 TDs on passes beyond 30 yards) and thus will threaten Ole Miss' soft spot -- its corners. The question is, can Jevan Snead shake off his slow start? I think he will, but I'll go with the Tide in a squeaker. The pick is Alabama 24, Ole Miss 23.
[URL="http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/clubhouse?teamId=275"]Wisconsin Badgers[/URL] at [URL="http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/clubhouse?teamId=194"]Ohio State Buckeyes[/URL] (Saturday, 3:30 p.m. ET, ABC)
Great showdown between the Badgers' bruising John Clay (the Big Ten's top rusher) against the Buckeyes, who lead the league in run defense. Look for a big day from Terrelle Pryor. The Badgers are 80th in pass efficiency D and 55th against the run. It's also at the Shoe. The pick is Ohio State 31, Wisconsin 14.
[URL="http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/clubhouse?teamId=2483"]Oregon Ducks[/URL] at [URL="http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/clubhouse?teamId=26"]UCLA Bruins[/URL] (Saturday, 3:30 p.m. ET, ABC)
The home team has won the previous three meetings. Problem here for UCLA: It may not have enough speed to contain the Ducks. I do like the UCLA D-line, led by the superb Brian Price, to dominate the Oregon front that had some trouble earlier in the season. The pick is UCLA 21, Oregon 13.
[URL="http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/clubhouse?teamId=239"]Baylor Bears[/URL] at [URL="http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/clubhouse?teamId=201"]Oklahoma Sooners[/URL] (Saturday, 3:30 p.m. ET, ABC)
The Sooners have dominated the Bears, going 18-0. I don't think it'll matter which of the Sooners' QBs plays because the OU defense will dominate. Jeremy Beal (six sacks in the past two games) is playing as well as any defender in the country. Worse still for BU, its run defense (89th in the country) will be a welcome sight for an Oklahoma O-line still trying to find its way. The pick is Oklahoma 48, Baylor 10.
[URL="http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/clubhouse?teamId=50"]Florida A&M Rattlers[/URL] at [URL="http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/clubhouse?teamId=2390"]Miami (FL) Hurricanes[/URL] (Saturday, 7:00 p.m. ET, ESPN360)
After four tense matchups, the Canes figure to get some breathing room. Look for Jacory Harris -- who has a better percentage on passes thrown at least 10 yards downfield (59 percent) than Colt McCoy (50 percent), Tim Tebow (54 percent) and Jimmy Clausen (55 percent) -- to hit on a bunch of big plays to his gifted receiving corps in a stat-padding game. The pick is Miami 48, FAMU 10.
[URL="http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/clubhouse?teamId=38"]Colorado Buffaloes[/URL] at [URL="http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/clubhouse?teamId=251"]Texas Longhorns[/URL] (Saturday, 7:15 p.m. ET, ESPN)
Tough spot for Dan Hawkins to try to rally his beleaguered program. His son, CU QB Cody Hawkins, has taken a pounding already this season and this could be more of a swarm coming his way. CU is 91st in sacks allowed while Will Muschamp's Texas D is 11th in sacks. Also, UT's Colt McCoy should put up some nice numbers against the mediocre Buffs' pass defense. The pick is Texas 47, Colorado 13.
[URL="http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/clubhouse?teamId=2628"]TCU Horned Frogs[/URL] at [URL="http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/clubhouse?teamId=2005"]Air Force Falcons[/URL] (Saturday, 7:30 p.m. ET)
A matchup between the No. 2 run attack (Air Force) and the No. 1 run D (TCU). Go with the Horned Frogs. Give credit to Gary Patterson. The TCU coach has shown he's pretty adept at bottling up the Falcons' option, holding them to 54 points in the past four meetings. The pick is TCU 27, Air Force 10.
[URL="http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/clubhouse?teamId=57"]Florida Gators[/URL] at [URL="http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/clubhouse?teamId=99"]LSU Tigers[/URL] (Saturday, 8:00 p.m. ET, CBS)
Here's the big one for Saturday night. The Tigers have won an impressive 32 consecutive night games at home, but I think the Florida D will be too much for them, as they come into this game 93rd in the country in sacks allowed. Expect a big game for the UF defensive ends. And whether Tim Tebow plays or not, the Gators have enough weapons against an LSU defense that has struggled to get a lot of heat on rival offenses (101st in sacks, 82nd in turnovers for loss). The pick is Florida 27, LSU 14.
[URL="http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/clubhouse?teamId=59"]Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets[/URL] at [URL="http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/clubhouse?teamId=52"]Florida State Seminoles[/URL] (Saturday, 8:00 p.m. ET, ESPN2)
Tech has never won in six tries at FSU, but it's not like the Noles have had a smooth week to prep for this game and the Jackets' triple option. I'm tempted to play a hunch and go with the Noles to rally, but I'll stick with Tech because FSU has been too sloppy to stay focused for this challenge. The pick is Georgia Tech 35, FSU 31.
[URL="http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/clubhouse?teamId=130"]Michigan Wolverines[/URL] at [URL="http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/clubhouse?teamId=2294"]Iowa Hawkeyes[/URL] (Saturday, 8:00 p.m. ET, ABC)
Being without steady center David Molk against a strong Iowa D-line on the road is going to hurt the Wolverines. The Hawkeyes have an amazing streak going: They haven't allowed a rushing touchdown for 33 consecutive quarters, dating back to almost the middle of last season. Ricky Stanzi, who has been pretty shaky this fall, will benefit from seeing the porous Wolverine D (9th in the Big Ten in pass D and 10th in the conference in sacks). The pick is Iowa 24, Michigan 17.
[URL="http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/clubhouse?teamId=252"]Brigham Young Cougars[/URL] at [URL="http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/clubhouse?teamId=2439"]UNLV Rebels[/URL] (Saturday, 10:00 p.m. ET)
Lots of heat on Rebels coach Mike Sanford. His team is coming off a dismal showing in which rival Nevada rolled up almost 800 yards of total offense. The Cougars don't run the ball as well as Nevada, but they still are a potent offensive team even without standout WR McKay Jacobson (hamstring injury), starting with TE Dennis Pitta. The pick is BYU 38, UNLV 21.
Wunderdog College Football Upset Alert
These are not official picks and won't be counted towards the week's units won/lost. Just sharing and you can do with them what you may...
This Week's Picks (12)
Louisiana Tech +340 over Nevada (Friday Night) - Strong Play
Syracuse +310 over W. Virginia
Boston College +400 over Virginia Tech...Get the remaining 9 Upset Alert picks as part of any premium package here.
Comp Pick:
Game: Michigan at Iowa (Saturday 10/10 8:00 PM Eastern)Pick: Iowa -7.5 (-110)
Michigan is a much-improved team, but their miracle finish vs. Notre Dame at home has changed this team into something they are not, at least in the eyes of the public and oddsmakers. We saw a hint of it last week as they opened as a favorite and by kickoff were a four-point underdog. They went on to show the truth in a loss at not-so-highly regarded Michigan State. After four games at home to start the season, last week was their first road game and they must do it again on the road this week. The biggest hole for Michigan is on defense. Eliminating uncompetitive games vs. Eastern Michigan and Western Michigan, the Wolverines have allowed 31 points per game. They face an Iowa team that has the defensive prowess to shut down the Wolverines offense, and that simply puts added pressure on a defense that has trouble getting stops. We were on Iowa vs. Penn State as a 5-unit play two weeks ago when they won as a 10 point dog. I liked them so much in that game because of their defense.The same applies here. The Hawkeyes won that game by holding Penn State (who has better offense than Michigan) to just 10 points on the road. And they were able to generate 21 against a Penn State defense that is much better than Michigan's. So, if Iowa can win in Happy Valley, they should have no problem here at home vs. a weaker team. The Hawkeyes have delivered a 37-17 ATS mark in their last 54 at home. They are 10-2 ATS as a favorite from 3.5-10 points and 8-1 ATS after 5+ straight wins under Kirk Ferentz. Michigan is 2-6-1 ATS the past few years as a Big Ten underdog. And, Rich Rodriguez is just 1-10 ATS vs. teams that allow14 or fewer points per game! I like Iowa in this one.
These are not official picks and won't be counted towards the week's units won/lost. Just sharing and you can do with them what you may...
This Week's Picks (12)
Louisiana Tech +340 over Nevada (Friday Night) - Strong Play
Syracuse +310 over W. Virginia
Boston College +400 over Virginia Tech...Get the remaining 9 Upset Alert picks as part of any premium package here.
Comp Pick:
Game: Michigan at Iowa (Saturday 10/10 8:00 PM Eastern)Pick: Iowa -7.5 (-110)
Michigan is a much-improved team, but their miracle finish vs. Notre Dame at home has changed this team into something they are not, at least in the eyes of the public and oddsmakers. We saw a hint of it last week as they opened as a favorite and by kickoff were a four-point underdog. They went on to show the truth in a loss at not-so-highly regarded Michigan State. After four games at home to start the season, last week was their first road game and they must do it again on the road this week. The biggest hole for Michigan is on defense. Eliminating uncompetitive games vs. Eastern Michigan and Western Michigan, the Wolverines have allowed 31 points per game. They face an Iowa team that has the defensive prowess to shut down the Wolverines offense, and that simply puts added pressure on a defense that has trouble getting stops. We were on Iowa vs. Penn State as a 5-unit play two weeks ago when they won as a 10 point dog. I liked them so much in that game because of their defense.The same applies here. The Hawkeyes won that game by holding Penn State (who has better offense than Michigan) to just 10 points on the road. And they were able to generate 21 against a Penn State defense that is much better than Michigan's. So, if Iowa can win in Happy Valley, they should have no problem here at home vs. a weaker team. The Hawkeyes have delivered a 37-17 ATS mark in their last 54 at home. They are 10-2 ATS as a favorite from 3.5-10 points and 8-1 ATS after 5+ straight wins under Kirk Ferentz. Michigan is 2-6-1 ATS the past few years as a Big Ten underdog. And, Rich Rodriguez is just 1-10 ATS vs. teams that allow14 or fewer points per game! I like Iowa in this one.
Pro Info Sports Free CFB Selection:
Game: Kansas State vs. Texas Tech
Date/Time: Saturday Oct 10 1:00PM EST
Line: Texas Tech -16
Selection: 2* Texas Tech -16
Analysis:
Texas Tech welcomes Big XII rival Kansas State to Lubbock on Saturday for the Red Raiders Homecoming. The Red Raiders bounced back after a loss to Houston by defeating New Mexico 48 to 28 while Kansas State defeated Big XII foe Iowa State blocking an extra-point to win 24 to 23.
Kansas State will be playing their fourth road game in the last five weeks; that alone is a monumental task and now must face the wide-open offense of the Red Raiders. Defensive fatigue could be an issue late in this contest because of that schedule all being played away from Manhattan. The KSU defense has not held a single FBS opponent to less than their season average on offense, not a good sign when you are facing Texas Tech.
On the offensive side of the ball Kansas State has the lowest scoring average in the Big XII averaging just 23.6 points per game and that number falls to just 16 points per game when they face teams from the FBS. Snyder tapped QB Gregory to make the start last week instead of Coffman and he played the entire game throwing for 206 yards with a 2-1 TD/INT ratio. They will need much more out of him or Coffman if they hope to have any chance of staying with the Red Raiders offense today.
Texas Tech QB Taylor Potts sustained a concussion late in the first half of last week’s win over New Mexico. TT backup QB Steven Sheffield led Tech to touchdowns on his first four possessions while completing 16-of-22 passes for 239 yards and a 3-1 TD/INT ratio in the win over the Lobos.
Texas Tech has defeated Kansas State four straight times by an average of 25 points per game. KSU is 1-4 SU and 0-5 ATS their last five overall versus the Red Raiders. Texas Tech has the better offensive unit and they have only allowed opponents to average 298 yards of offense when playing in Lubbock so we will back the attack of the Red Raiders here as they make it six in a row ATS versus the Wildcats.
PROJECTED FORECAST: 2* Texas Tech Red Raiders 41 Kansas State Wildcats 20
Game: Kansas State vs. Texas Tech
Date/Time: Saturday Oct 10 1:00PM EST
Line: Texas Tech -16
Selection: 2* Texas Tech -16
Analysis:
Texas Tech welcomes Big XII rival Kansas State to Lubbock on Saturday for the Red Raiders Homecoming. The Red Raiders bounced back after a loss to Houston by defeating New Mexico 48 to 28 while Kansas State defeated Big XII foe Iowa State blocking an extra-point to win 24 to 23.
Kansas State will be playing their fourth road game in the last five weeks; that alone is a monumental task and now must face the wide-open offense of the Red Raiders. Defensive fatigue could be an issue late in this contest because of that schedule all being played away from Manhattan. The KSU defense has not held a single FBS opponent to less than their season average on offense, not a good sign when you are facing Texas Tech.
On the offensive side of the ball Kansas State has the lowest scoring average in the Big XII averaging just 23.6 points per game and that number falls to just 16 points per game when they face teams from the FBS. Snyder tapped QB Gregory to make the start last week instead of Coffman and he played the entire game throwing for 206 yards with a 2-1 TD/INT ratio. They will need much more out of him or Coffman if they hope to have any chance of staying with the Red Raiders offense today.
Texas Tech QB Taylor Potts sustained a concussion late in the first half of last week’s win over New Mexico. TT backup QB Steven Sheffield led Tech to touchdowns on his first four possessions while completing 16-of-22 passes for 239 yards and a 3-1 TD/INT ratio in the win over the Lobos.
Texas Tech has defeated Kansas State four straight times by an average of 25 points per game. KSU is 1-4 SU and 0-5 ATS their last five overall versus the Red Raiders. Texas Tech has the better offensive unit and they have only allowed opponents to average 298 yards of offense when playing in Lubbock so we will back the attack of the Red Raiders here as they make it six in a row ATS versus the Wildcats.
PROJECTED FORECAST: 2* Texas Tech Red Raiders 41 Kansas State Wildcats 20
hno: thought that was the 5*Scott Delany
BIGGEST RELEASE OF THE SEASON
40-Dime SEC Game of the Year
Kentucky at South Carolina
WINNING DAY #10 OF 15
+110 Dimes L14 Days
+354 Dimes L14' Weeks
2-0 with 20-Dimers this season
THIS IS TWICE AS STRONG!!!
----------------------------
BIGGEST MONDAY PLAY THIS ENTIRE SEASON
15-Dime Monday Night Winner #2 in a Row
Minnesota 30-23 winner over Packers
5-Dime Monday Night Pay-After Total
Over 46/46' Points
----------------------------
BIGGEST RELEASE OF THE NFL SEASON
40-Dime NFC West Game of the Year
San Francisco 35-0 over St. Louis
READ MY SPOT-ON ANALYSIS INSIDE
it would be sweet if someone could pick this up
40-Dime SEC Game of the Year
Kentucky at South Carolina
WINNING DAY #10 OF 15
+110 Dimes L14 Days
+354 Dimes L14' Weeks
2-0 with 20-Dimers this season
THIS IS TWICE AS STRONG!!!
----------------------------
BIGGEST MONDAY PLAY THIS ENTIRE SEASON
15-Dime Monday Night Winner #2 in a Row
Minnesota 30-23 winner over Packers
5-Dime Monday Night Pay-After Total
Over 46/46' Points
----------------------------
BIGGEST RELEASE OF THE NFL SEASON
40-Dime NFC West Game of the Year
San Francisco 35-0 over St. Louis
READ MY SPOT-ON ANALYSIS INSIDE
it would be sweet if someone could pick this up
also i am still interested in getting some ppl together for the
"Cappers Consensus" on the atsedgedotcom site
i don't know what it will cost tomorrow for college football, but i think it's worth it if we can get some people together to purchase the "consensus" and we get every "in-house analyst's" plays for the day
