It finally feels like football weather outside here in Indiana. It’s the exact moment when you get the sudden urge to eat something with pumpkin spice.
Let’s take a moment to discuss the Michigan punter’s error or terror. The look on his face is the perfect reflection of how he feels inside. It was a devastating loss and will go down as one of the most improbable ways to lose a game.
There are some nice matchups this weekend, but it’s the usual lull before the rivalry games kick in the next few weeks.
We at ‘America’s White Boy’ pick against the spread for all the big college football games on Saturday (October 24th, 2015), and pick some smaller conference games as well. Enjoy!
Utah at USC (-3) – My pick is Utah Utes
I really liked USC going into the season, but coaching issues have derailed the season. QB Cody Kessler will still have a great season, but they just look deflated. Utah has surprised me quite a bit. I knew they’d be a solid team, but they come into this game undefeated and 4-2 ATS. QB Travis Wilson stepped up his game last week and nearly passed for 300 yards in a win against Arizona State. Utah is just on a roll and USC is trending downward. I’m taking the points and possibly putting a few jellybeans on the upset moneyline.
Virginia at North Carolina (-17.5) – My pick is Virginia Cavaliers
This line opened up at -11.5 and has been bet up quite a bit. I would have taken North Carolina earlier, but this line is a few points too high. The Tar Heels are playing great, but Virginia isn’t a cupcake team.
Kentucky at Mississippi State (-11.5) – My pick is Mississippi State Bulldogs
Kentucky is 4-2 on the year and haven’t lost a game by more than five points this season. They haven’t played very well their last two games. Eastern Kentucky took them into overtime and they lost to a sub-par Auburn team by a field goal. Mississippi State has been great since losing to Texas A&M earlier this month. They took a two-game break from their SEC schedule by facing Troy and La Tech. I usually stay away from double-digit point spreads in the SEC, but I have a good feeling about this one.
Texas A&M at Ole Miss (-5) – My pick is Texas A&M Aggies
Both teams are coming off losses last weekend. A&M were dominated by Alabama and Ole Miss couldn’t stop Memphis. I fear Mississippi’s defense won’t be up for the challenge against A&M. They haven’t been the same team since they lost to Florida 38-10. A&M QB Kyle Allen will need to take care of the ball. I’m taking the points.
Duke at Virginia Tech (-3) – My pick is Duke Blue Devils
Duke’s offense isn’t as potent as last year, but they’ve get the job done. Virginia Tech has lost three out of the last four games. They are just as inconsistent as last year’s 7-6 team. Duke is the better team and could win this one outright.
Indiana at Michigan State (-16) – My pick is Indiana Hoosiers
Both teams are coming off crazy games last weekend. Michigan State needed a miracle against Michigan, and got it. Indiana had a huge lead against Rutgers in the fourth quarter, and blew it. Michigan State is 1-6 ATS this season and are 0-6 when favored. They are undefeated, but haven’t been dominating teams, especially in the Big Ten. Indiana’s offense can put up points, but their defense is suspect. I’m taking the points.
Clemson at Miami (FL) (+7) – My pick is Clemson Tigers
I was down on Clemson earlier in the year, but they have made me a believer. Miami has trouble against the run and Clemson, although not dominant, has the ability to get first downs on the ground. Clemson will cover on the road.
Auburn at Arkansas (-7) – My pick is Auburn Tigers
I know I wasn’t very kind to Auburn earlier in this post, but this line is a bit insane. Arkansas has been quite bad since their opening game win against UTEP. Their running game isn’t doing the job. They still out-rush their opponents, but they can’t get in the endzone. I don’t see them covering a touchdown point spread right now.
Tennessee at Alabama (-15) – My pick is Alabama Crimson Tide
I want to pick Tennessee here, but Alabama’s defense too scary. Alabama may not need to score many points to cover. The Tide are impressing me more and more every week.
Central Michigan at Ball State (+7.5) – My pick is Central Michigan Chippewas
This is when we pick a smaller conference game. Central Michigan is only 3-4 on the season, but they are an improbable 7-0 ATS. They were only favored in two of those games. Ball State is a team in transition. They can’t stop the run, at all. The Chippewas could start the season 8-0 ATS.
QUICK HITS
Northwestern at Nebraska (-7) – My pick is Nebraska
Houston at Central Florida (+22) – My pick is Houston
Iowa State at Baylor (-38) – My pick is Baylor
Wyoming at Boise State (-35) – My pick is Wyoming
Florida Atlantic at UTEP (+5.5) – My pick is Florida Atlantic
Eastern Michigan at Northern Illinois (-28) – My pick is Northern Illinois
Hawaii at Nevada (-7) – My pick is Nevada
Bowling Green at Kent State (+14.5) – My pick is Bowling Green
Tulane at Navy (-23.5) – My pick is Navy
Old Dominion at FIU (-13) – My pick is Florida International
Sweetbob’s college football picks against the spread record in previous seasons:
2013: 134-79-8
2014: 148-118-4
2015: 61-57-2
*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.