I went 11-9 last week. I really thought Ole Miss and Georgia were the two best teams in the SEC, but they both fell last week. Also, Michigan and California keep surprising me (for good and bad reasons).
We at ‘America’s White Boy’ pick against the spread for all the big college football games on Saturday (October 10th, 2015), and pick some smaller conference games as well. Enjoy!
Indiana at Penn State (-7) – My pick is Indiana Hoosiers
IU running back Jordan Howard and quarterback Nate Sudfeld are both questionable for this game, but they were also not on the field when they came close to a comeback against Ohio State last week. Indiana goes to a run option offense with QB Zander Diamont in the game. It’s a different look than many don’t prepare for when playing the Hoosiers. I’ve said it a thousand times, Penn State QB Christian Hackenberg is not good. He’s only had one good game in the last 18 months (San Diego State on Sept. 26th). I’m taking the Hoosiers in this one (possible moneyline play also).
Oklahoma at Texas (+17) – My pick is Oklahoma Sooners
Texas had a ROUGH day against TCU last weekend. Nothing worked on either side of the ball. Texas will be able to move the ball against the Sooners, whose defense isn’t very good. I do believe OU QB Baker Mayfield will be the key in this game. He has put up over 300 yards in three of four games so far. The Sooners will cover this lofty spread.
Maryland at Ohio State (-33) – My pick is Ohio State Buckeyes
The Buckeyes are 1-4 ATS and would be 0-5 if not for a late-game surge against Virginia Tech. They haven’t been the dominant team many expected. I’m not sure if Cardale Jones is the right quarterback. His skills translate better to the NFL than to college right now. He’s still a really, really good quarterback, but J.T. Barrett might have more success. Maryland is a wounded animal on offense. Their quarterbacks have been turnover machines. The Terrapins will have a long day in Columbus.
Colorado at Arizona State (-16) – My pick is Colorado Buffaloes
I watched both of these teams last week. Colorado impressed me against Oregon. If not for some early turnovers, it would have been close. ASU beat UCLA , but had trouble finishing drives and had to settle for field goals. This line is a bit too high. I’m taking the points.
Miami at Florida State (-7.5) – My pick is Florida State Seminoles
Miami QB Brad Kaaya has been impressive so far. He has shown poise, but hasn’t been able to beat elite teams. Florida State is an elite team. I would like to see the Seminoles to use Everett Golson’s arm a little more. He has yet to throw an interception, but it’s mostly due to him throwing shorter passes. The Seminoles defense will be the key to the game. I’m taking Florida State to cover.
Arkansas at Alabama (-16.5) – My pick is Arkansas Razorbacks
Alabama scored in a number of ways against Georgia last week. They still didn’t stop Georgia’s running game. The final score didn’t really indicate any struggle, but it was there. Arkansas can run the ball as well as any other team in the SEC. They’ve had a rough year so far and haven’t been able to win the close games. They will put up a fight and for that reason, I’m taking the points.
Georgia Tech at Clemson (-7.5) – My pick is Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets
Clemson is undefeated so far, but doesn’t it seem like they are always undefeated at this point in the season year after year? They have a well-balanced offense, but need the running game to produce well. Georgia Tech doesn’t have the same caliber of rushing attack as last year, but it’s still difficult to defend. The Tigers had issues with it last year. After such an emotional contest against Notre Dame last week, Clemson could have a letdown game. I’m taking the points.
Iowa State at Texas Tech (-16.5) – My pick is Texas Tech Red Raiders
Texas Tech has lost back-to-back games against the best offenses in college football. They will not have to face an offense as great this week. Iowa State is near the bottom of the Big 12 in talent and it will show on Saturday. The Red Raiders will be able to score at well. I’m picking Tech to cover big.
Northwestern at Michigan (-7) – My pick is Northwestern Wildcats
No one expected Michigan’s defense to be this good. They blanked Maryland last week, but that wasn’t a huge surprise. The shutout against BYU was pretty darn impressive. Northwestern pitched a shutout against Minnesota last week as well. I don’t trust Michigan’s offense enough to cover a touchdown point spread. This game will be close. I’m taking the points.
Kent State at Toledo (-14.5) – My pick is Toldeo Rockets
This is when we pick a smaller conference game. Toledo has been pretty damn impressive. Toledo has been known for their passing game in the past, but it’s their running game that puts them on top of the MAC. Kent State has a nice running game too, but Toledo’s defense is the best they’ve seen so far this year. I’m taking the Rockets to cover at home.
QUICK HITS
Wake Forest at Boston College (-7.5) – My pick is Wake Forest
Virginia at Pittsburgh (-10) – My pick is Virginia
California at Utah (-7) – My pick is Utah
San Jose State at UNLV (+3) – My pick is San Jose State
Oklahoma State at West Virginia (-6.5) – My pick is Oklahoma State
Washington State at Oregon (-18.5) – My pick is Washington State
UL Monroe at Tulsa (-9.5) – My pick is Tulsa
Connecticut at Central Florida (-3) – My pick is UConn
Navy at Notre Dame (-14) – My pick is Notre Dame
Central Michigan at Western Michigan (-7) – My pick is Central Michigan
Sweetbob’s college football picks against the spread record in previous seasons:
2013: 134-79-8
2014: 148-118-4
2015: 41-38-1
*These picks are for entertainment purposes
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About the Author…
Bobby Roberts (otherwise known as Sweetbob) is the creator of ‘America’s White Boy’ and contributor at Project Shanks. His writing has been featured on ESPN’s ‘SportsNation’, Sports Illustrated’s Hot Clicks, Guyspeed, and various other sites. You can follow him on Twitter at @Sweetbob.