Chase Irle (7-8-1)
Maryland (-13.5) at Rutgers
Maryland was a sexy pick a couple of weeks ago after beating the hell out of Syracuse. They rewarded their backers the following weeks by losing to Temple and then were dismantled by Penn State 59-0. However, Rutgers is the type of team to get back on track against, just ask Michigan, who blew the doors of this poor excuse for a Big 10 squad last week. I expect the Terripans to bounce back and win by 20+. Locksley hasn’t been shy about running up the scores when he can this season, either.
Florida vs. Auburn (Under 48)
This is a bet I really like. Florida’s offensive line is their Achilles’ Heel. Auburn has a fantastic defense, especially in the trenches. I don’t see the Gators putting up many points, and I think they know their best bet at winning is in a slugfest. The Gators should be able to apply enough pressure defensively on true freshman quarterback Bo Nix to slow Auburn down. I like a low scoring affair in the Swamp that could go either way at the end.
Texas (-10) at West Virginia
Vegas seems to be pretty confident Texas could be in for a letdown game before their all-important matchup with the Sooners that could decide the regular-season Big 12 champion. This line is way too low. Texas is still a quality team, and Elhinger is among the best quarterbacks in the country. They should be able to take care of business handily against the Mountaineers.
Turner Skehan (7-7-1)
Preamble: I was hot in the pursuit of perfection, but once again, that sly temptress ripped my heart out. How Oklahoma and Texas Tech couldn’t score more than 7 in the 4th quarter blows my mind. May bygones be bygones, though – “once more unto the breach, dear friends, once more.”
Navy (+3.5) vs. Air Force
In a college football world that airs the ball out, Navy doesn’t. Nonetheless, they chew lock, are efficient with the ball, and play fundamental defense. Don’t know if they win (I think they do), but I expect they’ll keep it close enough. Navy +3.5.
Lock #2- Bowling Green +46.5 vs. Notre Dame
ND played a hard-fought game last weekend. I expect them to come out fired up with something to prove but ultimately expect to see a lot of rotating, and once a comfortable lead is built, resting. Traveling to UGA, and losing a knockdown drag-out can be tough. Especially for a team like Notre Dame, who isn’t used to SEC ball. Bowling Green gets shellacked, but not by 46.5.
Lock #3- Texas -10 vs. West Virginia
Let’s face it, WVU sucks. Texas’ defense is suspect. Their defensive backfield can hardly claim the moniker “DBU” but thankfully, they won’t have to live up to it this weekend. WVU isn’t worth their salt. Texas can score, and I expect they will a lot. I would be surprised if Ehlinger and Herman let WVU hang around for long. Texas -10.
Jake Gordon (4-11)
Florida v Auburn (Auburn ML)
I really like Auburn in this game. I said before the season started, Auburn had a QB controversy with Gus on the hot seat. They will win ten games. Florida has a backup QB going; I like Auburn here to steal a road game.
Georgia (-14) v Tennessee (First Half)
I think Georgia comes out of the gate and smokes Tennessee. If they don’t, they’re in trouble.
Oklahoma (-21) v Kansas (First Half)
Oklahoma 1st half lines have been kind to me so far. Kansas has been better of late, but Oklahoma is the superior team and should prove it.
Harrison Coburn (5-10)
I have sucked this year, but the good news I have a handful of games I like this week, so I’m taking five picks. Hopefully, I can get back to .500.
LSU (-27.5) vs. Utah State
This is not me underestimating Utah State, but LSU is a top 5 team in the country right now, and Joe Burrow has looked like a completely different guy in 2019. Tigers win big.
Oklahoma (-32) vs. Kansas
It is going to be a tough go of it for Les Miles and the Jayhawks this weekend. Jalen Hurts is playing like a superstar, and Oklahoma is clicking on all cylinders. It seems like they may even have a respectable defense. They will wipe out Kansas without question.
Auburn (-3) vs. Florida
Gainesville is a tough place to play as an opponent, but Auburn looks heads and shoulder better this year and have been the surprise team in the SEC, in my opinion. Florida just is not there yet, and I am impressed with Bo Nix. I think he will squeak them by despite his first real test in the SEC.
Georgia (-25) vs. Tennessee
Does this require an explanation? I am surprised the line is this close. We all know how bad Tennessee is this year.
UNC (-10.5) vs. Georgia Tech
Mack Brown has been a helluva hire for UNC, and they almost pulled an upset off against Clemson. They are the superior team to GT and should cover with ease.