I had a strong week, going 8-4 in opposition to the unfold to maneuver me to a few below .500 in opposition to the road for the season. The great: nailing my Upset Particular with Washington State knocking off Washington. The dangerous: choosing Texas State to beat ASU. The ugly: choosing Purdue to maintain it shut in opposition to Notre Dame.
Listed here are this week’s guesses:
(All level spreads come from BetMGM, click on right here for dwell odds. All kickoff occasions ET and on Saturday except in any other case famous.)
Stanford at Syracuse (-8.5), Friday, 7:30 p.m., ESPN
It nonetheless feels weird that that is an ACC recreation, however the Cardinal is making this lengthy journey for a change in opposition to a sizzling QB in Kyle McCord. I believe Fran Brown’s group cruises in entrance of a nationwide TV viewers.
Syracuse 34, Stanford 21Pick: Syracuse (-8.5)
No. 24 Illinois at No. 22 Nebraska (-7.5), Friday, 8 p.m., Fox
Bret Bielema’s protection has been stout and will give Dylan Raiola a great take a look at, however I just like the Huskers at house to maintain their momentum going.
Nebraska 23, Illinois 14Pick: Nebraska (-7.5)
Each groups have had blowout losses in opposition to extra gifted groups this season. I’m shocked the Tigers are virtually a 3 landing favourite right here. I believe NC State has greater than sufficient athletes to maintain it nearer than that.
Clemson 20, NC State 13Pick: NC State (+20.5)
No. 11 USC (-6) at No. 18 Michigan, 3:30 p.m., CBS
The Trojans protection is way improved and the Wolverines look worse on each side of the ball. It’s not shocking that their offense is struggling given how a lot they misplaced, however their protection has been actually shaky. I believe Lincoln Riley, with a really savvy QB in Miller Moss and one of many deepest WR rooms within the nation, will get the perfect of latest Wolverines DC Wink Martindale.
USC 24, Michigan 14Pick: USC (-6)
UCLA at No. 16 LSU (-24.5), 3:30 p.m., ABC
The Bruins bought thumped by Indiana. Now, they’ve to enter Demise Valley to face a Tigers group that can have the ability to exploit the identical go protection that Kurtis Rourke and Indiana lit up.
LSU 45, UCLA 13Pick: LSU (-24.5)
No. 12 Utah at No. 14 Oklahoma State (-2.5), 4 p.m., Fox
Oklahoma State has a really skilled O-line and a seasoned QB in Alan Bowman, who’s enjoying his greatest ball but — or definitely since approach again in 2018. I believe the Utes protection is sweet sufficient to offer the Cowboys some points however I believe Mike Gundy’s guys get a good win.
Oklahoma State 27, Utah 23Pick: Oklahoma State (-2.5)
No. 6 Tennessee (-7) at No. 15 Oklahoma, 7:30 p.m., ABC
Josh Heupel was as soon as compelled out of his alma mater because the Sooners OC. Anticipate him to get some payback in opposition to OU in his return.
Tennessee 35, Oklahoma 20Pick: Tennessee (-7)
No. 13 Kansas State (-6.5) at BYU, 10:30 p.m., ESPN
BYU QB Jake Retzlaff has been spectacular generally this season, however he’s had points taking good care of the ball, and in opposition to the Wildcats that looks as if a foul recipe. However don’t be shocked if the Cougars decelerate Okay-State’s harmful run recreation. Kalani Sitake’s protection is nasty this 12 months.
Kansas State 20, BYU 10Pick: Kansas State (-6.5)
Upset Particular
Arkansas at Auburn (-2.5), 3:30 p.m., ESPN
I virtually went with Rutgers over Virginia Tech, however I really feel a bit extra assured within the Hogs. Arkansas’ working recreation is actually explosive and I count on the Hogs to offer Hugh Freeze’s group points.
Arkansas 30, Auburn 27Pick: Arkansas (-2.5)
(High photograph of Taylen Inexperienced: Nelson Chenault / Imagn Photographs)
