College Football Week 10 betting odds: Picking Top 25 teams against the spread
By Brad Rowland
No. 5 TCU (-5) over No. 12 Oklahoma State
I don’t believe in Oklahoma State. The Pokes did put up approximately one million points in a win over Texas Tech last week, and TCU’s defense isn’t as stingy as you might expect from a top-five team, but I can’t see OSU getting any stops in this game. It isn’t my style to give out road favorites that everyone likes, but not even I can stomach a play on the Cowboys here.
No. 4 LSU (+6.5) over No. 7 Alabama
Do not bet this game. That is my advice. It is sure to be an absolute slugfest, and anything can happen when these two teams hit the field. Alabama is better in my view, and that is explanation for the jump in the line to nearly a touchdown. If you can get a full seven points or more, play LSU, but unless that happens, the best play is to sit back and enjoy what should be a fun football game.
No. 17 Florida State (+12) over No. 3 Clemson
This might be the weirdest line of the entire season. Florida State is banged up, and the injury status of star running back Dalvin Cook undoubtedly feeds into this massive spread. However, the ‘Noles might actually be better if Everett Golson does not play (as evidenced by their performance last week), and FSU is playing for their season in this spot. Clemson looks like the better team and they’re playing at home, meaning that a 7-point spread wouldn’t be out of the question, but at twelve, I can’t give you the favorite. I just can’t.
Kansas State (+17.5) over No. 2 Baylor
Things get weird on Thursday night, and I love K-State in this spot. Bill Snyder always has his team prepared, and while Baylor is significantly more talented, this line is at least three points too high in my view. If this game was in Waco, I might lay the big number on Baylor, but given that nearly 80% of the action is on the Bears and the line is still falling, the sharp money appears to be on the home underdog. Take the points and sprint to the window.
Minnesota (+23) over No. 1 Ohio State
This is a pick against Cardale Jones. Minnesota is frisky, especially on the defensive side of the ball, and without J.T. Barrett, we haven’t seen enough from the Ohio State offense to lay more than three touchdowns against a reasonable opponent. Jones is a talented player, but he hasn’t had the positive effect that Barrett brings, and as always, the points are the side you want unless you’re absolute sure in the other direction.