So far this season, HP is a stellar 51-36-2 (.586) picking games against the spread. Here are my picks for selected matchups from this week:
Michigan State (-7.5) at Northwestern: The Spartans are reeling after four-straight losses, but Northwestern should cure what ails them. The Wildcats just might go winless in the Big Ten this season. Unless John L. Smith channels Rick Venturi, the Spartans win handily. Michigan State 35, Northwestern 17.
Ole Miss (+20.5) at Arkansas: The Razorbacks seem over-valued to me. Outside of the upset win at Auburn, the Hogs have struggled with some rather pedestrian SEC opponents. This one may be at the Nutthouse, but it is about time for Arkie to lay an egg. The Rebs have played much better the last three weeks and I think they will make a game of this one. In fact, I think they will win outright and give Ed Orgeron his biggest win since he’s been in Oxford. Ole Miss 23, Arkansas 21.
Notre Dame (-13) vs. UCLA: Barbara Streisand on a visit to Mecca seems more natural than the idea of the Bruin football team playing in South Bend. Damien Thorne in a church seems less out of wack. Point being, UCLA is not exactly in its element here. I expect Brady Quinn to be at the top of his game and for the refs to give the Bruins a warm Notre Dame welcome (read: screwjob). Darius Walker may not be able to outrun the Pope on a good day, but he’ll be effective against UCLA. All you Bruin fans making the trip should be sure to drop by Geno’s East Pizza in Chicago. Notre Dame 31, UCLA 10.
Cal (-23) vs. Washington: The Huskies have lost quarterback Isaiah Stanback for the season and should have a hard time getting their offense going against a solid Bear defense. I don’t think you will see Ty Willingham be his usual giddy self after this one. Cal 45, Washington 16.
ASU (-22.5) vs. Stanford: It is as hard to go winless as it is to go undefeated in college football, but Stanford looks like it is on its way to achieving a goose egg in the victory column. I think most of the Cardinal players are too busy inventing the next Yahoo! to care. I hope they consider hiring me one day, even after making this pick. ASU 52, Stanford 17.
San Jose State (+13) at Nevada: This line seems downright batty. The Spartans are 4-1 while the Wolfpack are 3-3. Nevada may win, but I don’t think it covers against a solid team like SJSU. San Jose State has been good to me so far this season. Nevada 34, San Jose State 27.
UTEP at Houston (61.5): I like the OVER in this game, which promises to be quite a duel between future NFL quarterbacks Jordan Palmer and Kevin Kolb.
LSU (-32.5) vs. Fresno State: Fresno prides itself on playing anyone, anywhere, at any time. Well, the Bulldogs have lost to everyone, everywhere almost every time this season. LSU hasn’t actually beaten a good team all year, but it has smashed all of its cupcakes–like a team of its caliber should. This game will be no different. LSU 45, Fresno 7.
Boston College (+6) at Florida State: I almost couldn’t believe this line when I saw it. No matter how well it plays, Boston College just gets no respect. What, was FSU’s crushing of Duke last week supposed to mean something? Has Jeff Bowden suddenly figured things out? Uh, sure. I think BC will not only cover, but win this one outright. BC 27, FSU 14.
Air Force (-13.5) at San Diego State: Chuck Long is a destroyer of programs. Really. His destructive power is surpassed only by that of Gozer the Gozerian. Anyway, I expect his team to be roasted in the depths of a giant Sloar come Saturday. Air Force 38, SDSU 17.
Louisville at Syracuse (54.5): I like the OVER in this one.
Iowa (+12.5) at Michigan: I like this Michigan team, but it is due for a challenge. Iowa should bounce back after a poor outing last week. Michigan survives, but Iowa gives the Wolverines all they can handle. I also predict that Chad Henne will be mistaken for Doug Henning at least once during the telecast. Michigan 31, Iowa 26.
Mississippi State (+18) at Georgia: I know MSU is garbage, but 18 points just seems too much for this Georgia team to cover. Mississippi State has a solid SEC defense and I think it will keep things relatively close. One thing’s for sure: The Bulldogs win! Georgia 24, Mississippi State 9.
Colorado (+14) at Oklahoma: The Buffs got their first win last week against Texas Tech and with things all amok at Oklahoma, I think they will make this a game. Not quite ready to call the upset, but I wouldn’t be surprised. Oklahoma 24, Colorado 20.
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