I’m coming off an 11-6 week against the spread. For the season, I am 35-24-1, which means I am picking games at a 59 per cent clip (56 per cent will make you money in Vegas).
Here are my picks for selected games for this week:
Auburn (-13) at South Carolina– Kenny Irons is back and I suspect he will play well in his return to South Carolina. The Gamecocks are one of five really bad teams in the SEC and I think they get pummeled here. It will be fun to watch Spurrier grimace. Auburn 27, South Carolina 7 .
Wyoming (+4.5) at Syracuse– College Football Pundit likes to bet Syracuse every week, which means we then have to watch them every week on TV. So this Saturday, I might as well take the ‘Cuse so I can enjoy the viewing experience, too. That said, I’m sure the game will not be on TV now that I have picked the Orangemen. Syracuse 21, Wyoming 14 .
Illinois (+26.5) at Michigan State– The Zooker is the only thing that can heal the Spartans after a tough loss to Notre Dame last week. I look for Drew Stanton to have a big day. Michigan State 45, Illinois 14 .
Purdue (+14) at Notre Dame– Okay, I was off on Purdue last week. But I am prepared to dig myself deeper into that hole, if necessary, and I pick Notre Dame to romp here. Quinn goes off and bolsters his Heisman hopes in the process. Notre Dame 42, Purdue 21 .
USC (-16.5) at Washington State– Every time someone questions USC, the Trojans seem to respond. I think they’ll get the running game going big time and that the Cougars won’t be able to get much going on offense. USC 35, WSU 10 .
California (-9) at Oregon State– This may be my lock of the week. The Bears are firing on all cylinders and I think they have too much talent for the Beavers. Cal goes over 40 AGAIN. Cal 45, Oregon State 17 .
Stanford (+23) at UCLA– The Cardinal are one of the worst teams in Division I and I don’t see how they stay close in this one. UCLA will come out throwing and should win in a rout. The Bruins get one step closer to their goal of losing just four times this season. UCLA 49, Stanford 14 .
San Diego State (-2.5) at San Jose State–Chuck Long coaches the Aztecs, so I like SJSU’s chances. SJSU has a good quarterback (82% thrower) and SDSU has a horrible offense (remember, Long is the coach). SJSU 28, SDSU 17.
Mississippi State (+33) at LSU–As bad as MSU is, it has a good enough defense to keep this score down PROVIDED there aren’t too many turnovers on offense. I’m going with Croom’s befuddled sideline demeanor to keep things close enough to cover. I also like the UNDER (40.5) in this game. LSU 24, MSU 0 .
Alabama (UNDER–38.5) at Florida–I love the UNDER in this game (38.5) and will take that. I am not sure if Florida will cover the points (-14.5), but I will predict Leak will get booed to the tune of Florida 27, Bama 10.
Temple (+34) at Vandy–A golden opportunity for the Commodores to run it up at home and they will take it. There is just too much talent top to bottom in the SEC for Temple to compete. Vandy 45, Temple 7 .
Michigan (-10) at Minnesota–This is not the same explosive Gopher attack of year’s past. The Wolverines are on a roll and Minnesota will prove no match. Michigan 38, Minnesota 13.
Washington (+3) at Arizona–The temptation is that UW will have a letdown after beating UCLA, but I think the Huskies are going to strike while the iron is hot. UW beats an inept Arizona squad and moves to 4-1 as Willingham nearly cracks a smile. Washington 23, Arizona 16.
Tennesse (-13) at Memphis–I don’t think much of Memphis this year, especially after losses to Ole Miss and East Carolina. Tennessee wins handily and Fulmer enjoys a hearty meal after. Vols 31, Tigers 10.
Oregon (+1.5) at ASU–The Sun Devils are in bad shape and Oregon is a confident team right now. As long as the Ducks don’t look ahead to the next game with Cal, they’ll be fine. Oregon 35, ASU 24.