I thought I went 16-9 for the week once again, but I added everything up again and I missed a game by a half-point, so a 15-10 record still isn’t too shabby.
We are at the point where every team is in their conference schedule, which is great. There’s a lot more information and history between teams. It also makes the betting lines more tight since Vegas has the same information as the bettor.
There’s a huge game between Louisville and Clemson this weekend. It may impact the championship race, since both teams are in the ACC. The conference is great, but I doubt they will get two teams in the playoffs.
We at ‘America’s White Boy’ pick against the spread for all the big college football games on Saturday (October 1st, 2016) and a few Thursday games. We also pick five extra games as a bonus.
Louisville at Clemson (+2) – My pick is Clemson Tigers
I’m embarrassed at the amount of time I’ve thought about this game so far this week. Louisville is basically last year’s Clemson team. UL QB Lamar Jackson is running away with the Heisman right now. It’s not like Louisville is doing this against cupcake opponents, Florida State is a very good team. Clemson QB Deshaun Watson didn’t start off very hot this season. Clemson was almost knocked off by Troy early in September. I just think Clemson’s defense will stand tall at home. I just have to stick with Clemson in this game and possibly put a few jellybeans on the moneyline.
Syracuse at Notre Dame (-10) – My pick is Notre Dame Fighting Irish
Full disclosure, I’m historically average at picking Notre Dame games. They are a public team, so there’s often very little value in their betting lines, but since they are 1-3, I think there’s actually some value left as a ten-point favorite. They are a good team that were overvalued this preseason. I don’t trust Syracuse’s defense. I’m taking the Irish to cover.
Miami (FL) at Georgia Tech (+7.5) – My pick is Miami Hurricanes
I usually love Georgia Tech and have done very well in my life betting on them, but they aren’t a very strong team this year. Miami has faced their option-heavy running attack every year, so it’s nothing new. Miami QB Brad Kaaya should have a good game against Tech’s secondary. I’m taking Miami to cover.
Kentucky at Alabama (-35.5) – My pick is Alabama Crimson Tide
I usually hate betting on such a large point spread, but this shows how much I hate Kentucky this year. I also think very high of Alabama’s defense, but Kentucky has no shot at moving the ball against the Tide. This is an easy call for me, Roll Tide.
Utah at California (-2) – My pick is Utah Utes
Cal QB Davis Webb has been fantastic for the Golden Bears. He has a pro-level arm and Cal’s offense has been very pass-heavy so far this year. Utah has pressured quarterbacks this year and forced turnovers. Utah limited BYU’s passing attack by forcing BYU QB Taysom Hill to throw three interceptions. I think the Utes will makes Webb work for yardage. I’m taking the points.
Tennessee at Georgia (+3) – My pick is Tennessee Volunteers
Tennessee has not started games out very well at all. They are still 2-2 against the spread, but it’s because of some miraculous fourth quarters. They can’t get behind Georgia like they did against Florida last week. Georgia doesn’t have the same talent as year’s past, but it’s always tough to get a win in Athens. UT QB Joshua Dobbs and RB Jalen Hurd need to get going early and limit turnovers. They should be able to cover the spread on the road.
Stanford at Washington (-3.5) – My pick is Stanford Cardinal
Washington QB Jake Browning has been outstanding so far this year with a 14 touchdowns and only two interceptions. The Huskies haven’t played a high level of opponent yet, so there is a question mark surrounding Washington. Stanford has played some great programs so far, but has struggled at times. RB Christian McCaffrey needs some help and Stanford needs more from QB Ryan Burns. I think Stanford’s defense will cause Browning some issues. I’m taking the points.
Northwestern at Iowa (-13.5) – My pick is Northwestern Wildcats
I would love this line more if it was a half-point larger, but this line is just a little too high. The Iowa Hawkeyes will win this game, but I don’t get why this is so high. Yes, they have struggled on offense, but their defense has been pretty darn good. Also, the loss to Illinois State doesn’t help the line I suppose. Okay, I see why it is so high now, but I’m still going to take the points…it could be cutting it close.
Florida at Vanderbilt (+10) – My pick is Florida Gators
Florida QB Austin Appleby looked pretty damn good against Tennessee last week. The Purdue-transfer filled in for the injured QB Luke Del Rio. He played much better than expected for sure. He could have been a little more accurate, but he was facing a very good secondary. He should have a much easier time against Vanderbilt, who doesn’t have the same secondary talent. I’m taking Florida to cover.
Western Michigan at Central Michigan (+3.5) – My pick is Western Michigan Broncos
This is when we pick a game with smaller conference teams. I love directional Michigan teams. Let me rephrase that, I love betting on Western Michigan and Central Michigan…and betting against Eastern Michigan. I like Western’s offense with QB Zack Terrell feeding RB Jamauri Bogan all game. Terrell has been efficient this year throwing 98 passes without an interception. If they can limit turnovers, Western will cover this spread. I’m taking the Broncos.
QUICK HITS
Michigan State at Indiana (+7) – My pick is Michigan State
Oregon at Washington State (+1.5) – My pick is Oregon
Purdue at Maryland (-10.5) – My pick is Maryland
Toledo at BYU (-3.5) – My pick is Toledo
Arizona at UCLA (-13.5) – My pick is Arizona
Fresno State at UNLV (-9.5) – My pick is Fresno State
Wyoming at Colorado State (-7) – My pick is Wyoming
UTEP at Louisiana Tech (-19) – My pick is La Tech
Florida Atlantic at Florida International (+7) – My pick is FIU
South Florida at Cincinnati (+5.5) – My pick is Cincinnati
BONUS PICKS!
UL-Lafayette at New Mexico State (+4.5) – My pick is UL-Lafayette
Memphis at Mississippi (-14.5) – My pick is Memphis
UL Monroe at Auburn (-32.5) – My pick is UL Monroe
Northern Illinois at Ball State (-4.5) – My pick is Ball State
Central Florida at East Carolina (-3.5) – My pick is Central Florida
Sweetbob’s college football picks against the spread record in previous seasons:
2013: 134-79-8
2014: 148-118-4
2015: 149-118-3
2016: 57-42-1
*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.