Peter Cornell (6-9-3 record)
Alabama -8.5 @ Tennessee
You are telling me I can bet Nick Saban and the Crimson Tide not as a double digit favorite against a team not named Georgia or Ohio State. Give me that deal any time of the week. Tennessee is a very good football team no doubt about it but nobody matches up with this Alabama team no matter where the game is. I expect Bryce Young to give it a go this weekend in Knoxville which is why this game is sitting at 8.5. I think the difference maker here is the DL on both sides. I expect Alabama to get pressure on Hooker and force him to make some mistakes. I expect the opposite from the Tennessee DL where Alabama will be able to do what they want on the ground. I expect this one to be high scoring but a lopsided win for the Tide 45-28. Take the Crimson Tide.
Iowa State +16 @ Texas
This is a pure play against the Longhorns in a tough situation. Coming off the biggest win in the history of the Red River Rivalry, a 11 am local start, against a well coached Iowa st team with a very underrated coach in Matt Campbell, and a trip to Stillwater to face a top 10 Oklahoma St team next week, I like the Cyclones in this spot. I think the Cyclones muddy up this game with the run and force the Texas offense to stay patient with their defense. I like the Longhorns to win but within this number with a 34-21 final. Take the Cyclones.
Nebraska +14 @ Purdue
I think this Nebraska team still has some fight in them to keep competing and not give up on the season. Nebraska proved that last week down 13-0 on the road @ Rutgers and came back in the game and won 14-13. The Scott Frost era is over and I think it has loosened up the Cornhuskers to just go out and play. I don't think they win this game against a solid Purdue team but I also have a hard time seeing this Purdue team favored against anybody by 14. I like the final to be 34-27 Purdue. Give me the Cornhuskers.
Henry Porter (9-9 record)
Michigan State vs Wisconsin under 49
These are two teams who have been wildly disappointed by there 2022 season thus far. Wisconsin fired there head coach in a move that many didn’t agree with, and Michigan state will be lucky to make a bowl game. This game has all the makings of an under as both teams have struggled to score and both teams have defenses who have played well at times. I see this game as a dogfight between two teams desperate for another win who know that if they get down by multiple scores, it’s probably over. If you’re giving me seven touchdowns in this game, I’m going to be all over the under. Badgers win 22-19.
Clemson -3.5 @ Florida State
Florida State is coming off a tough loss to NC State after an absolutely bone headed play call and decision to throw it into the end zone for an interception when they were in short field goal range to win it. After a hot start, the Noles have dropped two straight and now face the best team in the ACC. DJ Uiagalelei is having a much better season compared to last year and some even have him in the Heisman discussion. After so many years of success, the Tigers do not want to end up in the Cheez-It Bowl again. They know that losing even one game could keep them out of the playoff race. In this game, we will really find out how average Florida State is and how good Clemson is. I expect Dabo to apply pressure all game and pull away in the third quarter. FSU hangs around because of a raucous home crowd but fall 31-20 to the Tigers.
Louisiana-Monroe +17 @ South Alabama
The Warhawks are a better team than there 2-4 record says. Two of those four losses came at Texas and at Alabama. They played an extremely tough game in a seven point loss last week to a very good Coastal Carolina team. Louisiana Monroe also won a tough game over rival Louisiana-Lafeyette with a fourth quarter comeback. They are facing a good team in South Alabama who is a close loss to UCLA away from being 5-0. The Jaguars have been able to take care of business this season and although I don’t think this week will be any different, I think 17 points is too much. The Jags have a huge game on a short week after this one against Sun Belt contender Troy on Thursday; and South Alabama may have their minds on that one a little more. UL Monroe loses but covers, 35-26.
Roger Murdock (11-7 record)
Arkansas @ BYU over 66.5
Arkansas has been in a downward spiral with 3 straight losses. BYU has been a disappointment compared to their preseason expectations. Both teams can put the blame on their defenses. I do not expect any defense to be played in this game. Arkansas returns KJ Jefferson to the 11th best run offense in the nation against a BYU defense who is 99th in the country against the run. Meanwhile, the Arkansas defense ranks 126th in the nation against the pass. This game will be in the 70's at a minimum.
Utah -3.5 vs USC
I love this spot for the Utes, returning home to a night game in Salt Lake after a loss. USC’s biggest test of the season was @ Oregon State where they scored a late touchdown to survive. Utah is going to be the best offense and best defense USC has faced and I think Utah just has more paths to win this game. I think they will be able to win in a shootout, and they will get more stops than USC’s defense. I’ll keep fading the Trojans.
Syracuse -3.5 vs NC State
These two teams would typically be pretty evenly matched. But if Devin Leary doesn’t play, Syracuse has a clear edge. And the Carrier Dome is going to be rocking for this top 20 matchup. When it’s loud, it’s one of the most difficult places to play in the entire country. I have no faith that Dave Doeren will be able to overcome the environment and a new QB on the road against a strong Cuse front 7. Orange win an ugly one, 24-7.
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