A shorter slate this week but as we prepare for the CFB Playoffs initial announcement there is a lot to get to:
Season ATS: 40-38-1
#1 Georgia (-21.5) vs. #11 Kentucky: I have vowed not to pick against UGA and the spread until they don’t cover. I won’t do it here. Take the Bulldogs.
Final Score: UGA 37, Kentucky 3
#2 Iowa (-11.5) vs. Purdue: It tells you something that if Iowa is the #2 team in the nation that they are only favored by 11.5 against a mediocre Purdue team. Iowa plays great defense but their offense leaves a lot to be desired. No play here because Purdue isn’t very good either, but I think this could be another slugfest.
#3 Cincinnati (-21.5) vs. UCF: I think Cincy will be trying to blow teams out to show the CFB world and playoff committee they are worthy of being included. Take the ‘Cats and lay the points.
Final Score: Cincinnati 40, UCF 17
#4 Oklahoma (-13.5) vs. TCU: This picks comes down to who OU uses at QB. If its freshman sensation Caleb Williams who engineered the comeback last week against Texas I think they roll. If its Spencer Rattler who is lacking confidence, things could get dicey. I think they go with Williams and pound the Horned Frogs.
Final Score: Oklahoma 45, TCU 20
#5 Alabama (-17) @ Mississippi State: I had been saying all year that Texas A&M was a tough spot and trap for ‘Bama and that they could lose. This is another tough spot and I will be interested to see how the Tide bounces back. I don’t have a play because I think they spread should be shorter.
#10 Michigan State (-4) @ Indiana: People still think Indiana is good I guess. Really short spread, but give me the Spartans in a close one. Looks like a trap spot, but MSU has been good winning close games. Indiana is capable but is QB Michael Penix really healthy?
Final Score: MSU 28, Indiana 22
#12 Oklahoma State (+3.5) @ #25 Texas: The classic lower ranked team being favored at home. OSU has had a nice season but I think Texas bounces back after giving away a win last week to Oklahoma. Take the Longhorns in another shootout to end the Cowboys perfect season.
Final Score: Texas 35, Oklahoma State 31
#13 Ole Miss (-2.5) @ Tennessee: Tennessee has been better than I thought they would be this year and has a chance to make a statement in this game. I don’t think they are good enough to win but it wouldn’t surprise me. Give me the Rebels in a tight one.
Final Score: Ole Miss 44, Tennessee 38
#17 Arkansas (-4.5) vs. Auburn: Auburn is definitely capable of winning this game, but Arkansas gets it done back at home riding a 2 game losing streak.
Final Score: Arkansas 27, Auburn 20
#18 Arizona State @ Utah (Even): This is the stinky line of the week. A pick em in a game where ASU is clearly the best team even on the road? Take Utah
Final Score: Utah 24, ASU, 21
#18 BYU (+5) @ Baylor: A second candidate for stinky line of the week. Take the Bears and lay the points.
Final Score: Baylor 30, BYU: 21
#20 Florida (-12) @ LSU: A third candidate for stinky line of the week. This line would shock the system if I looked at it in Week 1. Unfortunately for the Tigers its Week 7 and its legit. LSU is done and so is Coach O. Take the Gators to handle them.
Final Score: Florida 41, LSU 27
#21 Texas A&M (-11) @ Missouri: I don’t think Missouri is good, but this is a clear letdown spot for the Aggies after beating Alabama last week.
Final Score: Texas A&M 38, Missouri: 36
#22 NC State (-3) @ Boston College: I like BC in this spot. Give me them and the points at home.
Final Score: BC 27, NC State 24