Chase Irle (10-8-1)
Texas (+11) vs. Oklahoma
I generally hate betting underdogs that the public is all over, but I can’t help myself in this spot. I really like Sam Elhinger and believe he alone will be enough to keep Texas in the ball game. The Longhorns have proven they can hang with the big dogs as they did with LSU, who I believe to be a better team than Oklahoma. Then you look at the recent history of this rivalry. You have to go back to 2012 to find the last time the Sooners won by double digits, and they’ve had a lot of great teams since then while Texas was scuffling.
Iowa (+3.5) vs. Penn State
Penn State has had a lot of blowout wins against scrub teams that have a lot of people hyping them up. I’m not buying the hype just yet, and this will be their first real test, while Iowa was battle-tested last week on the road against Michigan. Plus, this is a night game in Iowa, and we know how those typically end up. I know what I’m going to get out of the Hawkeyes – a tough-nosed, well-coached brand of football. Throw in the home-field advantage as well as 3.5 points, and I’m all in on Iowa.
BYU (-5) at USF
This line doesn’t make much sense to me, which means the Bulls will probably run away with it at home. USF isn’t a very good team this year at all, and while BYU is 2-3, they’ve played three top 25 teams and beat Tennessee on the road. They should be able to win by at least a touchdown here. Although the travel is something that has me wary; I’m still laying the points.
Notre Dame (-10.5) at USC
I told you, I’m feeling confident, so really – fade me. I’m relatively sold on the Irish after their performance against Georgia. USC is talking some trash, and this is rivalry, which should have Notre Dame locked in for a home game at night. USC isn’t a physical team at all, and I think they are in for a rude awakening in South Bend.
Turner Skehan (9-8-1)
Preamble- For those who lost faith… Back on the right side of .500 (barely)!
Maryland (-3) vs. Purdue
Who would I be if I didn’t fall into another Maryland trap? Not me, certainly. In any event, Maryland is clearly the better team. Locksley hasn’t turned Maryland into the ranked juggernaut they seemed well on their way to becoming, but if there is one thing he can do, it’s bully the small kid on the block. I expect them to continue the rebound and beat Purdue soundly this weekend.
Ole Miss (+12) vs. Missouri
Ole Miss’s beatdown in Tuscaloosa proved one thing – they can score. John Rhys Plumlee is a threat on the ground and through the air. Ole Miss, coming off two tough weeks (and Vandy), should play Missouri tight. The game is at Missouri (and at night), which makes the call a little tougher, but I think Ole Miss can score enough to cover +12.
Iowa vs. Penn State (under 43.5)
I don’t love the hook, but I like Iowa at night at home. Either way, two good defenses, in a night game, in a tough environment, give me the under. I don’t imagine we will see another 10-3 (Michigan vs. Iowa), but I don’t think we will eclipse 43.
Harrison Coburn (8-12)
UVA (+2.5) vs. Miami
Last time these two teams played – Virginia won. Now, they return their key offensive players and they look like the best Virginia team in a very long time. I am taking them on the road in Miami.
Texas (+11) .vs. Oklahoma
I think Oklahoma, without a doubt, takes this game home. But I am in love with the 11 points for this big-time rivalry game. Texas should hang in there.
Alabama (-17) vs. Texas A&M
Bama doesn’t look like they have as strong a defense as usual, but this may be their best offense ever. I feel good about their chances to cover on the road against a Texas A&M team that is not quite there yet under Jimbo Fisher.
Jake Gordon (4-14)
Clemson (-13.5 first half line) vs. Florida State
What do I even say at this point – please fade me. This is depressing. I don’t want to mess with a backdoor cover, but I think Clemson should jump all over Florida State at home. Give me the first half line.
LSU (-13.5) vs. Florida
I’m not buying the Florida hype. This LSU offense is a machine. 13.5 is a huge number for this game, but I think the Tigers blow the doors off the Gators at night in Baton Rouge.
Alabama (-8.5 first half line) at Texas A&M
Same situation with Clemson; I don’t want to mess with a backdoor cover. A&M is overrated, and I see the Tide getting off to a fast start on the road.