Turner Skehan (16-11-1)
Preamble: let’s not lose it. Bounce back.
Florida (+7) vs. UGA
I don’t know who I like here but considering it’s a rivalry game, and a coin flip, give me the points and Florida. UGA doesn’t have playmakers on the perimeter, and until they find some – it could be tough sledding – expect a run-heavy game from the Dawgs. Take the points.
KSU (-6) vs. Kansas
Both Kansas football teams are on the up, but I expect the Wildcats to overwhelm the improving Jayhawks. Les Miles has been remarkable in his first season at Kansas, but I doubt, given the lack of talent on the KU roster (even as compared to KSU), they can keep it within a score. KSU didn’t beat Oklahoma on a fluke. They drug their asses up and down the field. Take KSU. Give the points.
Ole Miss (+18.5) vs. Auburn
Ole Miss can score. Auburn can defend. This one should be interesting. I don’t have enough faith in Nix – coming off a rough week in the Bayou – to put up enough to help Auburn cover. Ole Miss may not be good, but I like their freshman QB. He is an athlete and an effort player. Give me the Rebels’ QB +18.5.
Jake Gordon (13-14)
West Virginia at Baylor (Over 57)
Big 12, Thursday night matchups – sign me up for the over. West Virginia has surrendered at least 24 points up to every opponent outside of James Madison. Baylor is undefeated and playing at home; they should be good for close to 40. I think this will be a closer game than people expect, so I could see 38-28 here, with the over hitting easily.
Virginia Tech at Notre Dame (Under 58)
The Hokies have had some success putting up points against bad defenses. That won’t be the case against a hungry Notre Dame team, looking to bounce back from an ugly loss at home. I also don’t love the offense of the Irish. This one stays just low-scoring enough to hit the under.
USC vs. Vandy (Under 51.5)
I like over/unders this week. South Carolina has the type of defense that should shut down Vandy. I do expect the Cocks to put up some points but not enough to hit the over. The under is the play here.
Auburn (-19.5) vs. Ole Miss
I don’t believe there will be a letdown game here. The Tigers still know the rest of their season is in front of them, even after a second loss to LSU last week. They are at home, and they should route Ole Miss.
Chase Irle (14-16-1)
Maryland (+21.5) vs. Michigan
The Mike Locksley hype train no longer has any riders. The Terps are now 3-5 on the season and have become a stepping stone in the Big 10. However, Michigan is coming off back-to-back top-ten matchups and has played four ranked opponents in the last six weeks. It will be easy for them to play down to an unranked opponent on the road in a noon kickoff. I expect the Wolverines to win, but I’ll take the three touchdowns plus the hook.
Florida (+7) vs. GeorgiaÂ
Maybe, Georgia comes out on fire now that their backs are against the wall and proves to the country they are one of the nation’s best teams, but I’ve watched this team every week and have come back more unimpressed each time out. That six-point Notre Dame win no longer looks great, and their loss at home to USC is even worse three weeks later. Florida has looked like a much better squad every time out, with their only loss coming in a competitive game against the #1 team in the country. I will say Kirby Smart has had Dan Mullen’s number in the past, but I’m siding with who I believe is a more complete football team and the seven points.
Notre Dame (-17.5) vs. Virginia Tech
I understand not wanting to bet on the Irish after they were dismantled by Michigan last week, but that’s exactly why I am betting on them. Virginia Tech is a miserable football team, and Notre Dame will want to redeem themselves at home after such an abysmal performance.
Harrison Coburn (13-17)
Wake Forest (-7.5) vs. NC State
Right when people start to hop off the bandwagon, is when you need to jump on. Wake is coming off a crushing loss to Louisville, but they should cruise to a victory over the lowly Wolfpack.
Purdue (+3.5) vs. Nebraska
The Nebraska hype was so overblown. They are 4-4 on the year and a dismal 1-7 ATS. I expect that to continue this weekend against Purdue.
Tennesee (-12.5) vs. UAB
UAB’s not a bad squad, but I’m starting to see Jeremy Pruitt’s fingerprints on this Vols team. They should cruise to another home victory.
Virginia (+2.5) at North Carolina
I’ve ridden with the Cavs all year long, and I will die on their sword. They had a tough loss to Louisville last week, but I like them to bounce back in a critical game with the Tar Heels.