Tag: college football free picks (Page 3 of 7)

      Fade Material: College Football Week 11 Predictions

      November 12, 2011 /
      Penn State University head coach Joe Paterno looks toward the scoreboard during his team’s game against the University of Illinois in their NCAA football game in Champaign, Illinois October 3, 2009. REUTERS/Jeff Haynes (UNITED STATES SPORT FOOTBALL)

      Technically I went 2-2 last Saturday but I did produce this gem, which was worth another win in my eyes:

      My 2-2 effort last week puts me at 21-13-2 ATS for the season. Again, chances are two of these four picks will be winners while two will be losers. Soooo, have fun with that.

      My two winners? Iowa (+4) and UCLA (+8.5). My two losers? Alabama (-4.5) and Texas A&M (+14).

      My latest .500 week puts me at 23-15-2 on the season and once again, if you can figure out which two picks will hit and which two won’t, you’ll have a 4-0 Saturday. It’s like a game. A twisted, nauseating game.

      Nebraska @ Penn State, 12:00PM ET
      One of two things are going to happen this week at University Park. Either Penn State is going to play the most inspired football of the season or the Jerry Sandusky/Joe Paterno fiasco is going to bury them. I’m banking on the latter, which is why I’m riding the brutal-against-the-spread Huskers this week. Nebraska will be fired up and while Penn State may show plenty of emotion at the start, I think they’ll run out of steam eventually.
      THE PICK: NEBRASKA –3.5

      Michigan @ Illinois, 3:30PM ET
      I’m going right back to the well in picking against Michigan. Outside of trouncing Northwestern, the Wolverines have played poorly in two of their three road games this season. While Illinois is going backwards, this is a good opportunity for the Illini to snap their current three-game losing streak. They also seem to play Michigan tough, which is supported by their 4-1 record against the spread in the last five games these two teams have met.
      THE PICK: ILLINOIS –1

      Louisiana Tech @ Ole Miss, 7:30PM ET
      I’m choking on chalk this week but I really love this matchup. Some bettors will look at this game and all they’ll see is the WAC vs. the SEC, and the fact that Ole Miss is getting points at home. But in some respects, this is the Bulldogs’ season. They take down a SEC opponent on the road and regardless of whether or not they catch Nevada, their season will be a success. As for the Rebels, will their hearts even be in this one? They’ve been terrible all year and now they have a non-conference game that means absolutely nothing to them. Even though LA Tech is favored, I like the Dogs in an “upset.”
      THE PICK: LOUISIANA TECH –2

      Hawaii @ Nevada, 10:15PM ET
      I’m choking on chalk this week. Hawaii has had issues coming to the mainland, as evidence of its embarrassing 40-20 loss to UNLV in Week 3. UNLV is one of the worst teams in college football this season and it steamrolled a Warrior team that was a 17-point favorite. Nevada is 4-1 against the spread in its last five home games against Hawaii and the home squad is 8-2 ATS in the last 10 meetings between these two teams. I hate that the line is a full point and a half above the key number of 14 but I like the Wolf Pack anyway.
      THE PICK: NEVADA -15

      Check out College Football Point Spreads at Bullz-Eye.com.

      College Football, External Sports, Free Picks

      Fade Material: College Football Week 10 Predictions

      November 5, 2011 /
      University of Alabama running back Trent Richardson (3) is stripped of the ball by Louisiana State University safeties Brandon Taylor (15) and Karnell Hatcher during the first quarter of their NCAA football game in Baton Rouge, Louisiana November 6, 2010. REUTERS/Sean Gardner (UNITED STATES – Tags: SPORT FOOTBALL)

      If you can figure out which two of my picks below will win and which two will lose, you’ll be in great shape for Week 10. Because .500 seems to be the number that suits me best these days.

      Oklahoma State and Arizona State covered for me last Saturday, while Kansas State and Clemson did not. Everyone knew Clemson was going to fall at some point and leave it to ride the Tigers when they did. A-holes.

      My 2-2 effort last week puts me at 21-13-2 ATS for the season. Again, chances are two of these four picks will be winners while two will be losers. Soooo, have fun with that.

      Michigan @ Iowa, 12:00PM ET
      I love me some Hawkeyes this week, even though they’re coming off an embarrassing loss to Minnesota last Saturday. Iowa has rarely been good as a heavy favorite under conservative coach Kirk Ferentz but as a home dog? Love ‘em. Michigan has only gone on the road twice this year, producing a 42-24 win over Northwestern and a 28-14 loss to Michigan State. The Wolverines aren’t road tested and the four points seems like a gift.
      THE PICK: IOWA HAWKEYES +4

      Texas A&M @ Oklahoma, 3:30PM ET
      If you rode the Aggies when they blew up against Oklahoma State, Arkansas and Missouri, I feel for you. I haven’t picked for or against them all season, but I feel for you. That said, don’t be shy about taking A&M this Saturday. The Aggies have proven they can score on anyone and while they’re just 2-6 against the spread this season, that’s because they’ve been favored in every single game. I like them as a 14-point underdog, even on the road against an Oklahoma squad that got back on track last Saturday against Kansas State. Without leading rusher Dominique Whaley, I like A&M to keep things close this weekend in Norman. And hey, they’re not favored so you don’t have to worry about them choking away a lead. (As long as they stay within the 14, that is.)
      THE PICK: TEXAS A&M +14

      Arizona State @ UCLA, 7:30PM ET
      At first glance I was all over the Sun Devils but the Bruins’ effort last week in a 31-14 beat down of Cal gave me pause, then inspired me to pick them this Saturday. When you get into November, college football becomes incredibly hard to predict. The lines are tighter, teams are trying to make one last push at a conference title or a bowl game, and it’s the squads that haven’t given up yet that are the most attractive. UCLA hasn’t given up and I think the Bruins will give ASU all it can handle this Saturday on their home turf.
      THE PICK: UCLA BRUINS +8.5

      LSU @ Alabama, 8:00PM ET
      Honestly, I wouldn’t touch this game with your money. It could go either way and I’m not just talking about the side. The total seems ultra-low at 41 and too high at that same number considering both of these teams have excellent defenses. I just don’t know what to make of this battle royale. But this is arguably the biggest regular season game in the past decade so I couldn’t not give a prediction for it. While it’s awfully tempting to take the points with LSU, ‘Bama is on its home turf, has revenge on its mind after the Tigers beat them last season, and will have the best player on the field in Trent Richardson. Therefore, Roll Tide.
      THE PICK: ALABAMA CRIMSON TIDE –4.5

      Last Week: 2-2
      Season Record: 21-13-2

      Check out College Football Point Spreads at Bullz-Eye.com.

      College Football, External Sports

      Fade Material: College Football Week 9 Predictions

      October 29, 2011 /
      Oklahoma State Cowboys quarterback Brandon Weeden throws the football in the first quarter against the Missouri Tigers at Faurot Field in Columbia, Missouri on October 22, 2011. Oklahoma State won the game 45-24. UPI/Bill Greenblatt

      My season record stayed status quo after finishing 2-2 last week. Alabama and Texas Tech (which won outright against Oklahoma) covered but neither Arkansas nor Boise State mustered enough points against Ole Miss and Air Force, respectively. In fact, Arkansas nearly lost outright and Air Force kept things relatively close all game against the Broncos.

      My season record is now 19-11-2 and I keep rotating between feeling confident and scared out of my mind with my picks this week.

      Oklahoma @ Kansas State, 3:30PM ET
      One of two things is going to happen today. Either the Sooners are going to come out pissed off about their loss last week to Tech and absolutely crush the Wildcats or they’re going to come out flat and potentially lose outright. What I don’t like about that scenario is the unknown. We know what we’re getting out of K-State: A solid football team with a dual threat quarterback that has been disrespected by oddsmakers all season. I think the spread should be closer to 10 instead of nearly two touchdowns. I get that oddsmakers are trying to protect themselves from a potential OU rout, but I still like Bill Snyder’s team today at home.
      THE PICK: KANSAS STATE +13.5

      Baylor @ Oklahoma State, 3:30PM ET
      It’s funny, the Cowboys keep rolling but the lines in their games always seem pretty reasonable for a team that’s 7-0 and 6-1 against the spread this season. It appears as though the sharp bettors keep going against them and it’s keeping the spreads low. I realize that Baylor can score on anyone and OK State’s defense couldn’t stop a nosebleed. But the Bears’ D isn’t anything to right home about either and if it’s going to be a shootout, I like Brandon Weeden and Justin Blackmon on their home turf, especially with Baylor coming off a humbling 55-28 loss to Texas A&M.
      THE PICK: OKLAHOMA STATE -14

      Colorado @ Arizona State, 6:30PM ET
      I thought the Buffaloes were going to keep things close at home against a banged up Oregon team. Instead, Colorado was crushed 45-2 in one of the more pathetic showings of any college team this year. With quarterback Tyler Hansen (concussion) not expected to play and redshirt freshman Nick Hirschman under center, I like ASU to roll. The Sun Devils haven’t exactly been lighting the stat sheet up but Colorado has been outscored by an average of 26.5 points in its four road losses this season. Brock Osweiler should have himself a big night.
      THE PICK: ARIZONA STATE -31

      Clemson @ Georgia Tech, 8:00PM ET
      Everyone keeps waiting for Clemson to implode and all they keep doing is winning. BIG. I was among the contingent that believed the Tigers would fall apart at some point but looking at their upcoming schedule they have a great opportunity to finish the season undefeated if they can play well on the road. Today marks the first of three road games that Clemson has left on its schedule. A trip to Atlanta to play Paul Johnson’s Yellow Jackets is never easy, but Georgia Tech has issues. Quarterback Tevin Washington has thrown four interceptions over the last three games, starting center Jay Finch is out with an injured leg and opponents have started to exploit Johnson’s run-happy offense. I have no qualms about laying the points with Clemson. I just hope the hook doesn’t burn me.
      THE PICK: CLEMSON TIGERS –3.5

      Last Week: 2-2
      Season Record: 19-11-2

      Check out College Football Point Spreads at Bullz-Eye.com.

      College Football, External Sports, Free Picks

      Fade Material: College Football Week 8 Predictions

      October 22, 2011 /
      The University of Alabama Crimson Tides Trent Richardson runs past the University of Texas Longhorns Aaron Williams to score a touchdown during the second quarter in the NCAA’s BCS National Championship football game in Pasadena, January 7, 2010. REUTERS/Mike Blake (UNITED STATES – Tags: SPORT FOOTBALL)

      If you can’t trust a Vandal, whom can you trust?

      Idaho cost me an opportunity for back-to-back 4-0 Saturdays by failing to score at the goal line in the closing seconds against New Mexico State. A touchdown and PAT would have sent the game into overtime while giving the Vandals (+1) a chance to cover. But realizing that if they won I would be 8-0 in the last two weeks, Idaho threw the game, stalled out on fourth down and handed me a 3-1 record. The nerve!

      Wisconsin, Oklahoma State and Mississippi State (thanks to Steve Spurrier, who took a safety to run the clock out last week, allowing the 3-point underdog Bulldog team to cover) were winners last week, while Idaho was my lone loser. That runs my season record to 17-9-2.

      Arkansas @ Mississippi, 12:20PM ET
      Houston Nutt’s football team has issues. Ole Miss ranks 11th in the SEC in total offense and 12th in total defense, which isn’t a good sign with Arkansas coming to town. Razorbacks’ quarterback Tyler Wilson ranks second in the SEC in passing efficiently and total offense, leading a passing attack that averages 336.8 yards through the air. Wilson has too many weapons to use against an overmatched Rebels defense. Arkansas is 6-1 against the spread in its last seven games against Ole Miss, which is 1-6 ATS in its last seven home games.
      THE PICK: ARKANSAS –15.5

      Air Force @ Boise State, 3:30PM ET
      This one could be a bloodbath if Boise State doesn’t get in its own way. The Falcons lead the Mountain West in total offense and rushing offense, but their defense will have a tough time slowing Kellen Moore, who has now thrown for 120 career touchdown passes. Boise State has won its last two games by a combined 100 points, which is the exact number Air Force has allowed over its last two outings. I just don’t think the Falcons can keep pace if the Broncos start to roll.
      THE PICK: BOISE STATE –29.5

      Tennessee @ Alabama, 7:15PM ET
      With LSU coming up next Saturday, this could very well be a trap game for Alabama, although either way Tennessee still has to figure out a way to score without Tyler Bray under center. Matt Simms was a small disaster last week at home against LSU while completing just six passes and throwing two interceptions. Thus, how well do you think he’ll fare this Saturday on the road in Tuscaloosa? Even if Trent Richardson and the ‘Bama offense doesn’t get rolling until the second half, I don’t envision Simms figuring out Tide’s stingy defense.
      THE PICK: ALABAMA –30

      Texas Tech @ Oklahoma, 8:00PM ET
      I realize the Red Raiders lost their last two games but they also played Texas A&M and Kansas State – two top 20 teams. For Oklahoma to be giving up four touchdowns after the way it played last Saturday in Kansas (a rather sloppy performance despite the 47-17 score) is a little surprising. True, Tech’s defense couldn’t stop a nosebleed right now. But led by Seth Doege, their offense usually hangs with opponents. If the Sooners have as much trouble in the red zone on Saturday as they did last weekend in Kansas, I like Tech to cover.
      THE PICK: TEXAS TECH +28.5

      Last Week: 3-1
      Season Record: 17-9-2

      Check out College Football Point Spreads at Bullz-Eye.com.

      College Football, External Sports

      Fade Material: College Football Week 7 Predictions

      October 15, 2011 /
      REFILE – CORRECTING ID Wisconsin Badgers head coach Paul Chryst coaches against the TCU Horned Frogs during the third quarter of the 97th Rose Bowl game in Pasadena, California, January 1, 2011. REUTERS/Lucy Nicholson (UNITED STATES – Tags: SPORT FOOTBALL)

      Well I’ll be a son of monkey’s uncle: I had my first 4-0 Saturday of the year last week. Never thought I’d see the day.

      I ate that chalk like it was no tomorrow with picks of Alabama (-29), Stanford (-29) and LSU (-13), but they all covered somewhat easily. My best pick wound up being a 10-point dog in Wake Forest, which won outright at home against Florida State. That pushes my season record to 14-8-2, which can only mean one thing: A 0-4 Saturday is right around the corner…

      Indiana @ Wisconsin, 12:00PM ET
      This is one of those games when you look at the line and say, “Thirty-nine and a half points? Indiana is getting 39.5 points? Oh, they have to cover that spread. All they need to do is show up!” Then you check the score two minutes in and it’s already 14-0 Wisconsin and they’re lining up to kick a field goal to add to their lead. The last time these two teams met, the Badgers put up 83 points on the Hoosiers in Indiana, without Russell Wilson under center. So no, I don’t mind laying the nearly 40 points with Wisconsin. If I get burned on a backdoor cover so be it. But this one won’t be close and it’s just a matter of when the Badgers will take their foot off the gas in the second half. Hopefully it’s well after they have a cover in hand.
      THE PICK: WISCONSIN –39.5

      South Carolina @ Mississippi State, 12:20PM ET
      The Bulldogs have been one of the nation’s biggest disappointments after winning nine games a season ago. They started the year ranked in the top 20 but have quickly faded from memory. While South Carolina has one of the most feared running back-receiver duos in the country courtesy of Marcus Lattimore and Alshon Jeffrey, I think this is the one day Mississippi State raises its game and pulls off the upset. The Gamecocks had to suffer through some turmoil early this week when Stephen Garcia was finally given the boot and now they have to hit the road against a SEC opponent looking for one signature victory to turn their season around. I think the Bulldogs get that victory here, although take the field goal as insurance.
      THE PICK: MISSISSIPPI STATE +3

      Oklahoma State @ Texas, 3:30PM ET
      Last Saturday was the first time all year that Texas faced an offense that could put points on the board and the Longhorns were absolutely crushed by high-powered Oklahoma. Even though they return to Austin this week, things don’t get any easier for Mack Brown and Co. The Cowboys own the nation’s top-ranked scoring offense, averaging more than 51 points per game. Brandon Weeden and Justin Blackmon should have a field day against a Texas secondary that was lit up by Landry Jones last weekend. Even though the Longhorns hold a 14-2 advantage over the Cowboys in Austin, I think it’s going to be a long day for Texas.
      THE PICK: OKLAHOMA STATE –7

      Idaho @ New Mexico State, 8:00PM ET
      For my “Who cares?” pick of the week, I’m going with the Vandals, who are 5-1 against the spread in their last six trips to New Mexico State and 7-2 ATS in their last nine games against the Aggies. The road team is also 9-4 ATS in the last 13 meetings between these two squads while the underdog is 9-2 ATS in the last 11 overall meetings. For whatever reason this game stood out to be as a mistake by the oddsmakers (not that they make mistakes). I like Idaho to roll.
      THE PICK: IDAHO +1

      Check out College Football Point Spreads at Bullz-Eye.com.

      College Football, External Sports, Free Picks

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