We're blessed with 3 matchups between ranked teams this weekend.
Congratulations to TuckEverlasting for leading week 7 with a 15-8 record. However, another week over .500 keeps tjv at the top of the overall standings with an outstanding record of 98-65. With a winning clip of 60.1 percent you need to get to Vegas ASAP!
Now for this week's picks...
Texas Tech (-6.5) at West Virginia
Pick: West Virginia
I haven't forgot about Oklahoma State's loss in Morgantown a few weeks ago. Weird stuff happens at West Virginia in this early game and I don't know if Texas Tech is really polished enough to win by a touchdown.
TCU (+7.5) at Oklahoma State
Pick: TCU
Why is it so hard to believe TCU should be ranked, you guys? Well, they're now 1-5 versus ranked teams, 8-9 versus FBS teams, and 5-7 in league play since moving up to the Big 12 last year. That said, something doesn't seem right with the Cowboys this year and they are incredibly untested. Did the SI report zap their mojo? I like TCU's defense to keep this close enough.
Minnesota (+12.5) at Northwestern
Pick: Northwestern
I like the Cats to bounce back from a couple losses and take some aggression out on the paper tiger Gophers. For the second straight year Minnesota raced out to a 4-0 record only to face reality in conference play. They've been outscored 65-20 against Iowa and Michigan this year. I think Northwestern can win this one by roughly 15 points.
Navy (+9) at Toledo
Pick: Navy
This is the type of game a lot of people will gloss over if Navy wins. Anyway, this feels like a few too many points for my liking. Toledo probably has a frisky offense but I bet the Middies keep within striking distance.
South Carolina (-7.5) at Tennessee
Pick: South Carolina
Spurrier has to be feeling pretty good right now and Tennessee must be getting worn down by their schedule. As of week 8 they're playing ranked teams in 7 out of 8 weeks. That's insanity. I just don't think the Vols are keeping this under double digits against a legit division champion.
UConn (+14) at Cincinnati
Pick: Cincinnati
If only because UConn is a broken and winless team that might give up at halftime if the Bearcats are up by 21.
SMU (+3.5) at Memphis
Pick: SMU
How many times has Memphis been favored over the past couple seasons? I know SMU has struggled but they've played some really good teams this year. I don't know if this line makes sense.
Florida (-3) at Missouri
Pick: Florida
Remember when we used to argue about Maty Mauk vs. Gunner Kiel? Well, Mauk gets his first career start ahead of Kiel this weekend. Good luck, kid. I think the Gators defense chews him up.
Army (+2.5) at Temple
Pick: Army
Temple has shown flashes of competence this season but they're still 0-6. They are legitimately in danger of going 0-12 this year especially if they can't win this game.
Akron (-7) at Miami [OH]
Pick: Akron
Sure, Akron is struggling this year but they aren't Miami Ohio right now. Did anyone even notice the Redhawks fired their head coach? That's what happens when you score just 6 touchdowns in 6 games.
Colorado State (+7) at Wyoming
Pick: Colorado State
All in all a fairly even matchup wouldn't you say? I'm taking the points.
Indiana (+8.5) at Michigan
Pick: Michigan
The Wolverines will get back on track inside the Big House against a team that just gave up 42 to Michigan State's offense.
UCLA (+6) at Stanford
Pick: UCLA
This line opened with Stanford as DOUBLE DIGIT FAVORITES. Err, what? Vegas must be betting on the Cardinal being seriously pissed off at their loss last week. I don't know, I'll take Brett Hundley doing Brett Hundley things to keep this a game into the fourth quarter. Should we be surprised if UCLA wins this game outright?
BYU (-9.5) at Houston
Pick: Houston
Deontay Greenberry has 606 receiving yards this season good for 20th in the country. Houston is also undefeated. I think the Cougars offense is just potent enough to cover the spread.
Washington (+3) at Arizona State
Pick: Washington
I was pretty underwhelmed by ASU's offensive skill talent which I thought was the strong suit of their entire team. I'll take Washington as the underdog all day long.
LSU (-8.5) at Ole Miss
Pick: LSU
This is Ole Miss' fourth game in a row against a ranked opponent. Do they have anything left in the tank?
USC (+3) at Notre Dame
Pick: USC
Irish to win, USC to cover.
Florida State (-3) at Clemson
Pick: Clemson
Ugh, why does this game have to be on at the same time as the Irish? I don't think FSU has been tested enough and this is Clemson's time to shine. The Tigers might make Winston look human this weekend.
Wisconsin (-13.5) at Illinois
Pick: Wisconsin
Illinois has done some nice things this year but they do not match up well with the Badgers. I think this one gets ugly.
Rice (-18) at New Mexico State
Pick: Rice
NMSU is giving up almost 50 points per game.
Utah (+4) at Arizona
Pick: Utah
I'm on the Utah bandwagon.
Oregon State (-11) at California
Pick: California
The Beavers have shaped up since losing their opener to Eastern Washington (5-0 since) but damn if they don't give up a lot of points. The back door cover stench is pungent right here.