Brian Edwards
Premium Plays
Matchup: Stanford at Notre Dame
Play: Stanford (-1.5 -110) Line Source: Stations
I made Stanford a six-point favorite and love seeing this number south of three. The Cardinal has the nation's top-ranked defense and while Notre Dame is undefeated, it has played absolutely nobody to date. The Irish have wins over Rice, Michigan, Purdue and Syracuse, who have combined for a 7-11 straight-up record. The 'Cuse, with its 2-2 record, is the only foe that isn't sporting a losing record. Stanford should be unbeaten, but it gave away a game against Stanford and somehow lost 13-10 because it had seven trips inside USC's 32 in which it failed to score. The Cardinal grinded out a tough win at Washington last week and I don't think it'll be as tough in South Bend this weekend.
Matchup: Baylor at Texas
Play: Over (57.5 -110) Line Source: CG Technology
When was the last time Baylor had a total in the 50s? Thirty games ago, that's when. And yes, that game in Week 1 of the 2011 season against SMU saw the 'over' easily hit when the Bears beat SMU 59-24 for 83 combined points compared to the 56.5-point total. Baylor is averaging 56.8 points per game this year. No need to give this one much thought -- Baylor totals in the 50s are 'over' plays.
Matchup: Nebraska at Michigan St
Play: Michigan St (-7 -110) Line Source: The Greek
All over Michigan St. here. Nebraska is most likely going to miss one of its best defensive players in LB David Santos, who is 'doubtful' with a knee injury. The Cornhuskers are unbeaten, but they are a fraud that's played nobody. The Spartans have covered the spread in three blowout wins at home over cupcake competition and they went out to Eugene and held a 27-18 lead at Oregon late in the third quarter. The Ducks exploded in the fourth quarter and got the win, but it's evident that Sparty is the class of the Big Ten and they'll prove that Saturday night in East Lansing.
Member Plays
Matchup: Oklahoma at TCU
Play: Oklahoma (-4 -115) Line Source:
Bookmaker
Oklahoma has had two weeks to prepare for this game which is its hardest road assignment of the season. I point that out to put emphasis on how the Sooners are gunning for TCU. The Horned Frogs have cruised to three easy wins but the competition has been suspect. I made OU an 8.5-point favorite in this game. The Sooners just have too much talent for TCU. I'll eat the road 'chalk.'