Nov 30, 2013; Columbia, MO, USA; Missouri Tigers running back Henry Josey (20) rushes 57-yards for a touchdown. Mandatory Credit: Peter G. Aiken
Bowling Green vs (14)Northern Illinois(-3.5) at Detroit: UNI is hoping for a BC$ at large bid. They meet the threshold as long as they dont trip up here. A lot is on the line, but I think Bowling Green is the best team they have faced so far. The defense better show up. I think this stays within three points, and I wouldn’t be all that surprised if Bowling Green were to win this game. I’m taking the Falcons!
(17)Oklahoma at (6)Oklahoma State(-10.5): A lot is riding on this game for the Cowboys…..and Texas….and Baylor. The only one that has nothing to gain here is Oklahoma. Bell is back, and we always want to win Bedlam, but I keep seeing flashbacks of what the Cowboy defense did to Baylor. That said, Baylor did not try to run the ball nearly as much as they should have. I was surprised that the Bears didn’t keep in on the ground more with all of the talent they have at the RB position. Oklahoma will keep the ball on the ground more, and I think they actually keep the game close. This is a rivalry, after all. Give me Oklahoma!
Marshall(-6.5) at Rice: I like Marshall and all, but I’m not sure that they can beat Rice by a TD at home. I have to go with Rice.
(16)Central Florida(-10.5) at SMU: The Ponies have had issues on defense all season. Central Florida has had some troubles with everything lately. Still, I dont know that SMU can hang with them. I have to go with UCF because of the defensive struggles of SMU for much of the season.
Memphis at Connecticut(EVEN): UConn has looked good at home lately. I’m taking the Huskies at home.
(25)Texas at (9)Baylor(-15.5): The Bears have been very good at home, but this still seems high. Texas still has a shot at the Big 12(10) title. I don’t think they are just going to roll over here. Baylor wins, but by ten or less. Give me Texas.
(5)Missouri vs (3)Auburn(-1.5) at Atlanta: This line actually opened with Missouri favored. Auburn has visions of playing for a National title, and the only thing standing in their way is a strong Missouri team. Missouri has a better defense than Alabama. Yes, I said it. Auburn is good enough to win this game, but I don’t think they will. They are spent from the emotional win against Bama, and I think they, like everyone else, underestimates Missouri. Give me Mizzou!
South Florida at Rutgers(-4.5): Conventional wisdom says Rutgers should cover this easily, but the way they have played in November has me doubting it. Oh well, I will go with Rutgers, I guess. USF was a fluke last week.
(7)Stanford at (12)Arizona State(-2.5): That should say something when a team ranked five slots lowered is favored. I wouldn’t want to play Arizona State right now. They have been the best team in the Pac 12 for much of the last two months. Couple that with the fact that Stanford has been average away from home, and I think the stars are aligning for the Sun Devils to set fire to the Rose Bowl. Give me Arizona State!
Louisiana-Lafayette at South Alabama(-2.5): Way too low! I have no reason to abandon the Jags right now. Give me South Alabama for my lock of the week!
(20)Duke vs (1)Florida State(-28.5) at Charlotte: I’m not so sure that Duke is just going to lie down here. They are in Charlotte, after all. Oh, who am I kidding? The Seminoles have destroyed the ACC this year. Why should that change? Give me Florida State.
(2)Ohio State(-5.5) vs (10)Michigan State at Indianapolis: If any team has a chance to topple the Buckeyes, it’s Michigan State. I just have to hope the Spartans can muster enough offense. I like the Spartans straight up!
Utah State at (23)Fresno State(-3.5): If Chuckie was back, I would take the Aggies. Without him, I’m not sure that Utah State can muster enough offense to keep up with Carr and company. Give me Fresno.