Nov 9, 2013; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Nick Saban celebrates as he leaves the field following their 38-17 victory over the LSU Tigers at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
Can anybody catch Nick Saban (above) and the Crimson Tide? It looks like ‘Bama is rolling to the championship game against a tough Florida State team unless something changes. This week, Alabama is actually one of the ten games that College Pick’Em players will be picking today in the ongoing mini-game on ESPN where each week we pick the winners of 10 games straight-up.
Last week, Miami and Notre Dame’s losses seriously hurt my entry as I finished with a below-average 33 points. In our FantasyCPR group, mdaallen extended his lead even though he went 5-5. He finished with 40 points still since he won his top five picks. He’s up to 57th overall and still performing at an elite level. He’ll look to keep it rolling with his picks in these ten games this week.
Here’s my quick take on these 10 games which are straight-up picks. If you’re looking to pick against the spread, check out Mike Marteny’s picks.
1 point- North Carolina Tar Heels over Pittsburgh Panthers: This is a hard one since Pitt was actually impressive last week against Notre Dame when I thought they would get rolled. However, I’m going to have to pick against them again since UNC has been on a nice little roll themselves winning three straight after almost upsetting Miami.
Nov 9, 2013; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bearcats receiver Chris Moore (15) celebrates with Anthony McClung (6) after scoring a touchdown during the second quarter of the game against the Southern Methodist Mustangs at Nippert Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Leifheit-USA TODAY Sports
2 points- Cincinnati Bearcats over Rutgers: Rutgers hosts Cincinnati trying to avoid their third loss in four games. Their losses have been to legit teams for the most part, but Cincinnati has a nice balance on both sides of the ball that should allow them to go into Jersey and come out winners.
3 points- Northwestern Wildcats over Michigan Wolverines: Michigan is reeling having lost their last two games, but their slumps is nothing compared to the Wildcats who started the season 4-0, almost knocked off Ohio State, and proceeded to start their conference slate 0-5 and fall back below .500. They’ll be at home after an open date, and since only one loss during that span wasn’t close I think they’ll finally get back in the win column while extending Michigan’s woes.
4 points- Oklahoma State Cowboys over Texas Longhorns: Texas is just too banged up to take even at home. The OSU offense will be able to put up points, but the Longhorns injuries on offense won’t let them keep up.
5 points– Auburn Tigers over Georgia Bulldogs: Auburn and Georgia is always a great matchup, but the tables have turned on this one with all Georgia’s injuries and Auburn’s surge to the forefront behind their read-option attack. At home, I think Auburn will come out focused and their rushing attack will be enough to get them the win.
6 points- Miami Hurricanes over Duke Blue Devils: Miami has been horrible in their last two games looking sloppy last week after getting blown out by Florida State. They travel to Durham as they face the 7-2 Blue Devils who have done it with defense. Miami is 8-0 against Duke since they joined the ACC, and I don’t think Duke breaks through with a win this week.
Nov 2, 2013; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans cornerback Jermaine Edmondson (39) celebrates with Sparty after a game against the Michigan Wolverines at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports
7 points– Michigan State Spartans over Nebraska Cornhuskers: In the last two weeks, these two teams both played Michigan. Nebraska went to the big house and eked out a win 17-13 last week and the week before the Spartans trounced the Wolverines 29-6. MSU had an open date last week, so I think they can go on the road and get the W this week.
8 points- South Carolina Gamecocks over Florida Gators: The Gators have been limited by injury and have dropped their last four in a row including a bad loss at home to Vandy last week. I’m not sure I’m sold on SC, but at home against struggling Florida they should get the W.
Nov 7, 2013; Stanford, CA, USA; Stanford Cardinal wide receiver Jeff Trojan (18) runs to the sideline in celebration after recovering the onside kick by the Oregon Ducks during the fourth quarter at Stanford Stadium. The Stanford Cardinal defeated the Oregon Ducks 26-20. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
9 points- Stanford Cardinal over USC Trojans: Stanford needs to avoid a letdown after their huge win over Oregon which they dominated on both the offensive and defensive lines. They’ll travel to LA to take on USC who have won their last three games and four of their last five. They’ve been much better since making their coaching move, but I don’t think they’ll beat Stanford this weekend.
10 points- Alabama Crimson Tide over Mississippi State Bulldogs: The Tide are 24.5 point favorites as they go on the road to face MSU. Alabama is just too good on both sides of the ball to doubt them in this matchup.