By Paul Schmidt
After an embarassing 2-2 week this week, I’m not picking against someone. My mom tied me, and while she knows sports, she really does, I know betting and that just shouldn’t happen. This week, I’m going back to basics, and picking on my own. And next week, I’ll have a guest again. Probably. Maybe. Applicants can apply in the comments, and show me a thing or two.
This week’s games were really difficult, first off. I thought a lot of the lines were either right on, were games that I just didn’t care to bet on, or were games that I just had no idea what would happen. That’s what makes gambling tough, I suppose.
But enough rambling, on to the picks.
Michigan St. (-4.5) at Illinois
So let me get this straight: Illinois suffers another lackluster, indefensible loss at home…benches their starting QB…practices more damage control than football this week…and I’m supposed to believe that they can keep this game within a touchdown? I don’t think it’s going to be within THREE touchdowns!
I don’t honestly care if it is going to be Homecoming for the Illini (it is) or if this is the make-or-break game of Ron Zook’s coaching career (it is). This is going to be a Spartan rout. Pick: Michigan State -4.5
Alabama -4.5 at Mississippi
It’s pretty obvious that Ole Miss is a little bit overrated. Jevan Sneed is not what everyone thought, and the losses to graduation, specifically Michael Oher at left tackle, really have hampered the Rebels this season.
There’s those that think ‘Bama may be the best team in the SEC. I certainly do believe that they are the most rounded, balanced squad in the SEC, though I don’t know about the best. I do think that, even on the road, they can (and will) effectively end the Rebels’ season with a win. Pick: Alabama -4.5
Idaho (+4) at San Jose State
I know, I know…you’re thinking, why in the hell are you betting on teams in the WAC? That aren’t named Boise State or Fresno State???? There’s money to be made, that’s why, and it’s right here!
Idaho is having their best season in years, and has a pretty spiffy 4-1 record. Their only loss was in Seattle to Washington (a loss that doesn’t look too bad in the wake of their upset of USC), and has two really solid wins against Colorado State and Northern Illinois, the latter here in Illinois. San Jose State has been wildly unimpressive so far and only beat the Cal Poly-SLO Mustangs last week 19-9. And they’re a crappy FCS team!!!
Idaho is 5-0 against the spread this year so far…look for them to move to 6-0 and win this one outright. Pick: Idaho +4
Houston (+2.5) at Mississippi State
I am still in love with this Houston team, even after a terrible loss to UTEP. They certainly can’t afford to lose another game — Even though they are probably out of the BCS race, quality wins could continue to bump the team up. They certainly won’t quit, not if QB Case Keenum has anything to do about it.
I don’t think that the Bulldogs are really that good, but regardless of whether or not they are, their offense won’t be able to keep up with the Cougars’. Pick: Houston +2.5
Last Week 2-2
Season Record: 9-10-1
Leave a Reply