After a less-than-thrilling battle the first time around, and a slew of losses by other national contenders, we arrive at tonight's BCS national title game, a rematch between undefeated LSU and the 1-loss Crimson Tide of Alabama.
The two met in November when LSU squeaked past 'Bama in Tuscaloosa, 9-6. Tonight's game is back in Bayou country at the Superdome. The line on the game is Alabama -2.5, with an over/under of 40.5 at last check.
The disappointment of ending up at a rematch of two conference foes—one of whom (Alabama) who obviously did not win their own division—is palpable amongst everyone who doesn't live in a state where "FEMA" is an accepted source of income. But, here we have it, and the game is fascinating for bettors.
Will LSU's decision to start Jordan Jefferson—unavailable in the first matchup—and spell him with Jarred Lee allow the Tigers to put more points on the board? Will Alabama overcome its atrocious special teams play and capitalize on good field position? Will someone besides the kickers score in this game?
And that over/under. It's so freaking tempting to take a hard look at the under, after all, both teams accounted for a grand total of 15 points in November. There's a lot to contemplate in tonight's matchup, and here's what the staff of TNG think about the season's penultimate test.
Marcus says...
Take LSU +2.5 and the under.
Kyle says...
Take Alabama -2.5 and the under.
Monday, January 9, 2012
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
Sugar, Orange Bowl previews and picks
We hope 2012 is starting out well for all our loyal TNG readers and also that you took the over in those games last night. Now if only we could see the next round of match-ups, oh wait that's not how it works. Don't you just hate how the college football season ends? I digress. Today we take a look at the Sugar and Orange Bowls.
Marcus Says...
SUGAR BOWL
Michigan -3 vs. Virginia Tech
O/U 51.5
Now I'm not looking to continue my BCS bashing here, but you know the powers that be are hoping both of these teams show up in this one. Michigan benefited from not playing in the B1G title game and received an at-large bid over an MSU team they lost to in the regular season. Virginia Tech was invited over the likes of Boise State, despite losing twice to Clemson this past season. With that being said, has there been a better story than Michigan this year? Brady Hoke took over a program that had lost it's mojo under Rich Rodriguez and balanced the offense while shoring up the defense in one season. Pretty impressive. Denard was inconsistent as a passer at times, but had another strong year on the ground rushing for 1163 yards. The wear and tear of the season was less of an issue thanks to the emergence of Sophomore Fitzgerald Toussaint, who had a 1000+ rushing season as well. The Wolverine defense returned to the upper echelon yielding only 317.6 yards and 17.2 points per contest. The UM offense will face an equally stout Hokie defense who maintained their status as a premiere defensive program. Va Tech gave up a mere 313.9 yards and 17.2 points per game. The Va Tech offense is led by ACC player of the year RB David Wilson who 1627 yards and 9 TDs on the ground. Sophomore QB Logan Thomas had a strong year statistically, but the fans in Blacksburg will tell you they're still waiting for that breakout year. I expect a defensive game (take the under) and Michigan covering the spread.
ORANGE BOWL
Clemson -3 vs. West Virginia
O/U 61
Offensive firepower should be the story in the Orange Bowl Wednesday night. We've written extensively on this blog about both QBs in this game. Junior signal caller Geno Smith threw for just under 4000 yards for the Mountaineers this season, while keeping the turnovers down. While Clemson was led by Sophomore Tajh Boyd who was once considered a Heisman contender. Clemson coach Dabo Swinney would love to cap off the year with a BCS victory after winning their first ACC title in 20+ years. West Virginia earned their bid after they seemed to be a lock to get the Big East bid earlier in the year. WVU is 2-0 in BCS bowls and is riding a 3 game winning streak. Expect a high scoring affair with the defense that is able to force the key turnover winning the game. I'm taking the explosive Clemson Tigers to cover and the over.
Monday, January 2, 2012
Rose, Fiesta bowl previews and picks
Happy New Year TNG nation. Over the next few days we'll be rolling out our BCS Bowl picks, starting with the Grandaddy of the all and the showdown in the desert tonight. You're essentially going to see four of the top 10 quarterbacks and offenses in the nation in tonight's games, so get ready for some fun and put your money down on the over.
Kyle says...
ROSE BOWL
Wisconsin vs. Oregon -4.5
O/U 73
Go out and bet the over right freaking now. Both teams are averaging about 45 ppg and get up and down the field in a hurry. Both defenses struggled at times against competent offenses (UW vs. MSU and UO vs. USC) and will have a hard time keeping up with the other's high-flying attacks. Wisconsin is considerably better defensively, but they haven't seen an attack as quick or as varied as the Ducks' this season, especially in the lead-footed B1G. Similarly, Russell Wilson and Montee Ball provide a very competent two-pronged attack that could pound away at the Ducks' defense long enough to open up a bomb to WR Nick Toon downfield. I look for the Badgers to cover in a close loss.
FIESTA BOWL
Stanford vs. Oklahoma Sate -5
O/U 75
Here's another matchup where neither team has problems putting points on the board. The question is, which defense is going to get a key stop when it counts? At first blush the Cardinal have the more impressive defensive unit, but they haven't done it against anyone of note outside of Washington and QB Keith Price, who is more of a runner. OSU's Brandon Weeden is the essence of a downfield thrower, averaging 11.4 yards per completion, even moreso than Oregon's Daron Thomas (7.89 yards) and USC's Matt Barkley (7.9 yards), both of whom caused huge headaches for the Cardinal this season. Andrew Luck is going to be a handful for the Cowboys' defense for sure, but they've held their own against the likes of Oklahoma's Landry Jones and Baylor's RGIII. Look for Weeden to find WR Justin Blackmon early and often to shred the Stanford secondary. OSU covers easily.
Kyle says...
ROSE BOWL
Wisconsin vs. Oregon -4.5
O/U 73
Go out and bet the over right freaking now. Both teams are averaging about 45 ppg and get up and down the field in a hurry. Both defenses struggled at times against competent offenses (UW vs. MSU and UO vs. USC) and will have a hard time keeping up with the other's high-flying attacks. Wisconsin is considerably better defensively, but they haven't seen an attack as quick or as varied as the Ducks' this season, especially in the lead-footed B1G. Similarly, Russell Wilson and Montee Ball provide a very competent two-pronged attack that could pound away at the Ducks' defense long enough to open up a bomb to WR Nick Toon downfield. I look for the Badgers to cover in a close loss.
FIESTA BOWL
Stanford vs. Oklahoma Sate -5
O/U 75
Here's another matchup where neither team has problems putting points on the board. The question is, which defense is going to get a key stop when it counts? At first blush the Cardinal have the more impressive defensive unit, but they haven't done it against anyone of note outside of Washington and QB Keith Price, who is more of a runner. OSU's Brandon Weeden is the essence of a downfield thrower, averaging 11.4 yards per completion, even moreso than Oregon's Daron Thomas (7.89 yards) and USC's Matt Barkley (7.9 yards), both of whom caused huge headaches for the Cardinal this season. Andrew Luck is going to be a handful for the Cowboys' defense for sure, but they've held their own against the likes of Oklahoma's Landry Jones and Baylor's RGIII. Look for Weeden to find WR Justin Blackmon early and often to shred the Stanford secondary. OSU covers easily.
Friday, December 2, 2011
Championship Week: The Picks are in! The Picks are in!
Here we are. The (effective) last week of games in the regular season. Get ready to get down on a slate of games this weekend that includes bigtime matchups in the SEC, B1G, BIG 12 and yes, even the ACC. As a point of order, Marcus made his Ohio—NIU pick well before kickoff; I just took forever to post it. Onto the picks...
Marcus says...
Michigan State +10 vs. Wisconsin (in Indianapolis)
The inaugural Big Ten Championship game is a rematch of the thriller that was the October 22 contest in East Lansing. That game ended with a Spartan W, thanks to a last second hail mary from Cousins to Nichol. MSU got all the breaks in that game and their defense had trouble containing Russell Wilson and the Badger offense. Wiscy ended up losing two straight, but finished the season strong to earn a Big Ten Leaders division title and a berth in the title game. Montee Ball has been terrorizing defenses, with 11 TDs in the last 4 games. Kirk Cousins and B.J. Cunningham keep cementing their places in Spartan history and will need to put some points up on the board. This is going to be a tough game for Sparty, but they win if they can control the ball and keep the Badger offense off the field. I’m taking MSU and the points.
Virginia Tech -7 vs. Clemson (in Charlotte)
The ACC title game gives Va Tech another shot at a Clemson team that handed them their only loss of the season. We’ve written a lot about Coach Dabo Swinney’s Tiger team, who have gone from National Championship contention to losing 3 of 4. Clemson was exposed against Georgia Tech and QB Tajh Boyd hasn’t been the same since. The Hokie defense blanked Virginia last wek and isn’t look to help Boyd get his groove back. Expect Logan Thomas and Va Tech to have a good day and cover the spread.
Northern Illinois -3.5 vs. Ohio (in Detroit)
The MAC title game at Ford Field pits the high flying Northern Illinois offense against a very balanced Ohio squad on Friday night. Last season the Huskies came into the game behind star QB Chandler Harnish ranked in the Top 25 and expected to roll through Miami (OH). The Redhawks ended up upsetting NIU and the Huskies have been itching to get back to the title game ever since. Ohio is led by sophomore QB Tyler Tettleton (yes Detroit Tiger fans, that’s Mickey’s kid) who does it all for the Bobcats when it comes to scoring. Tettleton has thrown for 26 TDs and ran for 8 more. Ohio will try to slow the game down, but won’t be able to. I’m taking NIU to cover.
Cincinnati -9 vs. UConn
Nobody is cheering harder for Cincinnati than West Virginia in this one. With a Bearcat win, there will be a three way tie atop the Big East between WVU, Cincy and Louisville. Based on rankings, the Mountaineers would be headed to the BCS. QB Zach Callaros knows that his team isn’t headed to the BCS, but at this point a share of the Big East title would feel good after a disappointing 4-8 campaign last season. UConn has been largely inconsistent and hasn’t won two games in a row all season. RB Lyle McCombs has had a stellar freshmen year, but this season won’t end on a positive note. They’ll be partying in Morgantown (think burning couches) on Saturday night after Cincy wins and covers the spread.
Kyle says...
UCLA @ Oregon -31
Is it basketball season yet? UCLA's humiliation won't be forgotten until March, as it's scheduled to be nationally televised tonight. Look for Oregon to take out a lot of unchecked agression on the wallowers from Westwood. Ducks cover.
UNLV @ TCU -38.5
Vegas knows this team well. Look for TCU to make a statement as they emphatically grab their first MWC title—with Boise State in the league—tomorrow. Frogs cover.
Oklahoma @ Oklahoma State -3.5
OSU is plain better than OU this year, but I'm not quite sure how much better. Brandon Weeden and Justin Blackmon prevail in a shootout, but OU covers.
Georgia vs. LSU -13 (in Atlanta)
Ugga is hot, on a 10 game win streak... but nobody is hotter than the boys from the Bayou. LSU covers in what'll likely be a blowout considering Georgia's wins have come against teams with the consistency and polish of dogshit.
Season Standings:
Kyle - 25-25-2
Marcus - 24-27-1
Marcus says...
Michigan State +10 vs. Wisconsin (in Indianapolis)
The inaugural Big Ten Championship game is a rematch of the thriller that was the October 22 contest in East Lansing. That game ended with a Spartan W, thanks to a last second hail mary from Cousins to Nichol. MSU got all the breaks in that game and their defense had trouble containing Russell Wilson and the Badger offense. Wiscy ended up losing two straight, but finished the season strong to earn a Big Ten Leaders division title and a berth in the title game. Montee Ball has been terrorizing defenses, with 11 TDs in the last 4 games. Kirk Cousins and B.J. Cunningham keep cementing their places in Spartan history and will need to put some points up on the board. This is going to be a tough game for Sparty, but they win if they can control the ball and keep the Badger offense off the field. I’m taking MSU and the points.
Virginia Tech -7 vs. Clemson (in Charlotte)
The ACC title game gives Va Tech another shot at a Clemson team that handed them their only loss of the season. We’ve written a lot about Coach Dabo Swinney’s Tiger team, who have gone from National Championship contention to losing 3 of 4. Clemson was exposed against Georgia Tech and QB Tajh Boyd hasn’t been the same since. The Hokie defense blanked Virginia last wek and isn’t look to help Boyd get his groove back. Expect Logan Thomas and Va Tech to have a good day and cover the spread.
Northern Illinois -3.5 vs. Ohio (in Detroit)
The MAC title game at Ford Field pits the high flying Northern Illinois offense against a very balanced Ohio squad on Friday night. Last season the Huskies came into the game behind star QB Chandler Harnish ranked in the Top 25 and expected to roll through Miami (OH). The Redhawks ended up upsetting NIU and the Huskies have been itching to get back to the title game ever since. Ohio is led by sophomore QB Tyler Tettleton (yes Detroit Tiger fans, that’s Mickey’s kid) who does it all for the Bobcats when it comes to scoring. Tettleton has thrown for 26 TDs and ran for 8 more. Ohio will try to slow the game down, but won’t be able to. I’m taking NIU to cover.
Cincinnati -9 vs. UConn
Nobody is cheering harder for Cincinnati than West Virginia in this one. With a Bearcat win, there will be a three way tie atop the Big East between WVU, Cincy and Louisville. Based on rankings, the Mountaineers would be headed to the BCS. QB Zach Callaros knows that his team isn’t headed to the BCS, but at this point a share of the Big East title would feel good after a disappointing 4-8 campaign last season. UConn has been largely inconsistent and hasn’t won two games in a row all season. RB Lyle McCombs has had a stellar freshmen year, but this season won’t end on a positive note. They’ll be partying in Morgantown (think burning couches) on Saturday night after Cincy wins and covers the spread.
Kyle says...
UCLA @ Oregon -31
Is it basketball season yet? UCLA's humiliation won't be forgotten until March, as it's scheduled to be nationally televised tonight. Look for Oregon to take out a lot of unchecked agression on the wallowers from Westwood. Ducks cover.
UNLV @ TCU -38.5
Vegas knows this team well. Look for TCU to make a statement as they emphatically grab their first MWC title—with Boise State in the league—tomorrow. Frogs cover.
Oklahoma @ Oklahoma State -3.5
OSU is plain better than OU this year, but I'm not quite sure how much better. Brandon Weeden and Justin Blackmon prevail in a shootout, but OU covers.
Georgia vs. LSU -13 (in Atlanta)
Ugga is hot, on a 10 game win streak... but nobody is hotter than the boys from the Bayou. LSU covers in what'll likely be a blowout considering Georgia's wins have come against teams with the consistency and polish of dogshit.
Season Standings:
Kyle - 25-25-2
Marcus - 24-27-1
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Championship Week: PAC 12, SEC, Big 12, WAC and MWAC
Welcome to Championship Week at TNG. We're going to break down the premier matchups in all the land this week, as well as the dogshit the PAC 12 is calling a title game. So hold on and pick like we pick, because like Jim Boeheim, we stand behind our picks completely, and if you disagree with us, you're a moneygrubber, until proven otherwise.
PAC 12
UCLA @ Oregon -31.5
BIG 12
Iowa State @ Kansas State -11.5
Oklahoma @ Oklahoma State -3.5
Texas @ Baylor -3.5
SEC
Georgia vs. LSU -13.5 (Atlanta)
WAC
Idaho @ Nevada -20
BYU @ Hawaii -7.5
Utah State -13 @ NMSU
Fresno State @ SDSU -8
MWAC
Wyoming -6 @ Colorado State
UNLV @ TCU -38.5
New Mexico @ Boise State -49
Kyle says...
New Mexico @ Boise State -49
Raise your hand if you thought Boise would be playing this game without a (realistic) shot at the MWC title? Nobody? Right. My first inkling was that the Broncos would come out somewhat flat and fail to cover such a gargantuan line because of some residual sadness. But then I took a look at UNM's average margin of defeat and changed my tune. The moribund Lobos gave it up like Robert E. Lee this year, losing by an average of 49 to the five high-performing offenses it faced this season: Air Force, Arkansas, Texas Tech, TCU and Nevada. Exactly none of those teams can match Kellen Moore and crew for output, as the Broncos put up 43-plus points per game. Look for New Mexico to catch a stomping on the smurf turf as Boise covers.
UCLA @ Oregon -31.5
The Bruins backed into the title game and get the reward of playing an Oregon team that is the class of the PAC 12, even if it isn't as good as everyone thought it would be. There's just no way the Bruins with their 88th ranked passing attack can keep up with the Ducks, whose offensive accomplishments read like a record book at most other schools: 45.9 ppg on the season, average margin of victory of nearly 23 points and 25 touchdowns out of its duo of running backs. Oregon covers in the PAC 12's inaugural title matchup Friday in Eugene.
Georgia vs. LSU -13.5 (in Atlanta)
Georgia could save us all from the special kind of hillbilly Hell that will be an Alabama- LSU title matchup. That's probably not going to happen, though. The Bulldogs are hot, having won 10 straight against a collection of high-functioning high school teams and Auburn. They'll have an advantage playing an effective home game, but let's not go giving the Dogs a bone quite yet. LSU is a powerhouse, the 2nd ranked defense in the land, with a running game that is making up for a bullshit passing attack. They're not about to start losing now, and Les Miles is going to be a great coach and cover this weekend.
Oklahoma @ Oklahoma State -3.5
Bedlam pits the two best passing offenses not run by Case Keenum against each other Saturday in what's almost assured to be the matchup of the weekend. Brandon Weeden and Justin Blackmon look to get past Ryan Broyles and Landry Jones in a probable shootout. OU has the defensive edge, as the Sooners are a Stoops-led squad giving up the 28th fewest points in the nation this year. But, the Cowboys have faired well against stingy defenses and are still very much in the national title hunt. I'd look for the Cowboys to win, but the Sooners to cover. Hang on for a wild one.
PAC 12
UCLA @ Oregon -31.5
BIG 12
Iowa State @ Kansas State -11.5
Oklahoma @ Oklahoma State -3.5
Texas @ Baylor -3.5
SEC
Georgia vs. LSU -13.5 (Atlanta)
WAC
Idaho @ Nevada -20
BYU @ Hawaii -7.5
Utah State -13 @ NMSU
Fresno State @ SDSU -8
MWAC
Wyoming -6 @ Colorado State
UNLV @ TCU -38.5
New Mexico @ Boise State -49
Kyle says...
New Mexico @ Boise State -49
Raise your hand if you thought Boise would be playing this game without a (realistic) shot at the MWC title? Nobody? Right. My first inkling was that the Broncos would come out somewhat flat and fail to cover such a gargantuan line because of some residual sadness. But then I took a look at UNM's average margin of defeat and changed my tune. The moribund Lobos gave it up like Robert E. Lee this year, losing by an average of 49 to the five high-performing offenses it faced this season: Air Force, Arkansas, Texas Tech, TCU and Nevada. Exactly none of those teams can match Kellen Moore and crew for output, as the Broncos put up 43-plus points per game. Look for New Mexico to catch a stomping on the smurf turf as Boise covers.
UCLA @ Oregon -31.5
The Bruins backed into the title game and get the reward of playing an Oregon team that is the class of the PAC 12, even if it isn't as good as everyone thought it would be. There's just no way the Bruins with their 88th ranked passing attack can keep up with the Ducks, whose offensive accomplishments read like a record book at most other schools: 45.9 ppg on the season, average margin of victory of nearly 23 points and 25 touchdowns out of its duo of running backs. Oregon covers in the PAC 12's inaugural title matchup Friday in Eugene.
Georgia vs. LSU -13.5 (in Atlanta)
Georgia could save us all from the special kind of hillbilly Hell that will be an Alabama- LSU title matchup. That's probably not going to happen, though. The Bulldogs are hot, having won 10 straight against a collection of high-functioning high school teams and Auburn. They'll have an advantage playing an effective home game, but let's not go giving the Dogs a bone quite yet. LSU is a powerhouse, the 2nd ranked defense in the land, with a running game that is making up for a bullshit passing attack. They're not about to start losing now, and Les Miles is going to be a great coach and cover this weekend.
Oklahoma @ Oklahoma State -3.5
Bedlam pits the two best passing offenses not run by Case Keenum against each other Saturday in what's almost assured to be the matchup of the weekend. Brandon Weeden and Justin Blackmon look to get past Ryan Broyles and Landry Jones in a probable shootout. OU has the defensive edge, as the Sooners are a Stoops-led squad giving up the 28th fewest points in the nation this year. But, the Cowboys have faired well against stingy defenses and are still very much in the national title hunt. I'd look for the Cowboys to win, but the Sooners to cover. Hang on for a wild one.
Saturday, November 26, 2011
Week 13: The picks are in!
100% of the blog staff had a great time in Downtown Kalamazoo last night. We definitely kept our eye on the games as LSU cemented themselves as the clear #1, Louisville kept pace in the Big East race and Nebraska took out Iowa. We're getting down to the final weeks here, with the blog picks running through Week 14. Wisconsin - Penn State, Auburn - Alabama, Michigan - Ohio State, and Stanford - ND all headline the day. Enjoy some football as you mix in a salad and water to recover from feast week. Let's get to the picks!
Marcus Says...
Michigan -8 vs. Ohio State
Marcus Says...
Northwestern +6 vs. Michigan State
The game means more to Northwestern, but look for Dantonio to have Sparty ready to play. The money is coming on the Wildcats as the line has moved to 6. I'm taking Northwestern and the points, but expect an MSU win.
Michigan -8 vs. Ohio State
The line is up to 8 and the Wolverines will come in confident. Ohio State may have a 'let's win one for coach' attitude, but it won't matter. I'm taking UM to cover.
Wisconsin -14.5 vs. Penn State
The line has eased a little bit to 14.5, but clearly Wiscy is expected to roll here and punch their card for the Big Ten championship. I like the Badgers to win in Madison today, but think that Penn State's defense will keep them in the game. Take PSU and the points.
Virginia +5 vs. Virginia Tech
The battle for the ACC Coastal Division is on in Charlottesville today. While Virginia has been a great story and a win here would certainly go down in school history, I think the Hokie defense will be strout. Tech covers.
Kyle says...
South Carolina -4 vs. Clemson
South Carolina covers.
Stanford -7.5 vs. Notre Dame
Take the Irish and the points.
Kansas +26 vs. Missouri
Mizzou covers.
Auburn +21 vs. Alabama
Bama covers.
Thursday, November 24, 2011
Week 13: FEAST!
Welcome back to Thanksgiving week here at TNG. We hope you're enjoying your day of feast, and once you get done with the NFL matchups, flip on over to ESPN and check out the showdown in the Lone Star State, where Texas and A&M take one another on for little more than pride. Game on!
BIG 12
Texas @ Texas A&M -8
Iowa St. @ Oklahoma -28.5
Missouri -24 @ Kansas
Texas Tech @ Baylor -13
Independent
Notre Dame @ Stanford -7
SEC
Arkansas @ LSU -11.5
Georgia -6 @ Georgia Tech
Tennessee -7.5 @ Kentucky
Vanderbilt -1.5 @ Wake Forest
Alabama -21 @ Auburn
Florida State -2 @ Florida
Ole Miss @ Miss. St. -17
Clemson @ S. Carolina -4
PAC 12
Colorado @ Utah -22
Cal @ Arizona State -6
Oregon State @ Oregon -28
La. Lafayette @ Arizona OFF
Washington State @ Washington -8.5
UCLA @ USC -14.5
MWAC
Wyoming @ Boise St. -32.5
Air Force -16.5 @ Colorado State
SDSU -16 @ UNLV
WAC
Nevada @ Utah State -1.5
New Mexico State @ La. Tech -20.5
SJSU @ Fresno State -6.5
Tulane @ Hawaii -17
Clemson @ S. Carolina -4
Clemson heads to Columbia to take on a South Carolina team trying to prove they're not the most fraudulent team in the top 25. They've been unable to get their running game going in losses to Georgia Tech and NC State, and SC specializes in stopping the run and offenses in general as the 15th ranked defense in the land. For as maligned as this SC team has been, they've won all the games they've needed to, and though they can't pass, the Cocks still have a solid run game, averaging 174.5 yards per game. Look for the Cocks to cover at home.
Arkansas @ LSU -11.5
You know who feels left out of the whole Alabama-LSU debate? The third-ranked Hogs. They'll be gunning for the Tigers and looking to make a statement this weekend in the Bayou. After a 38-14 shellacking at the hands of 'Bama, Arkansas is averaging 39.5 ppg in 7 wins, including three ranked opponents. LSU's record doesn't need to be rehashed. The No. 2 defense in the land is giving up 10 ppg and scoring 38. I'm thinking the Tigers win, again, but Arkansas comes out gunning and covers.
Notre Dame @ Stanford -7
This is the Super Bowl for the Irish, their chance to go 9-3 and qualify for a worthwhile bowl and 8-4, a significant step back in the Kelly era. Stanford squeaked past Cal after a gut-check loss to Oregon, and didn't exactly play like a team still very much in the title hunt. The Irish seem to have more to play for, and I look for them to cover in Palo Alto
Texas @ Texas A&M -8
The Thanksgiving Day matchup in the Lone Star State promises to be oddly competitive. Two high-powered rushing games (UT 15th and A&M 18th in the nation) collide at Kyle Field in a game with no national or conference ramifications. A&M is 0-2 against ranked opponents at home this season, and UT, surprisingly, has only lost one road contest this season. I'd look for the Horns to cover in this one, even if they don't win out. Happy Turkey Day!
BIG 12
Texas @ Texas A&M -8
Iowa St. @ Oklahoma -28.5
Missouri -24 @ Kansas
Texas Tech @ Baylor -13
Independent
Notre Dame @ Stanford -7
SEC
Arkansas @ LSU -11.5
Georgia -6 @ Georgia Tech
Tennessee -7.5 @ Kentucky
Vanderbilt -1.5 @ Wake Forest
Alabama -21 @ Auburn
Florida State -2 @ Florida
Ole Miss @ Miss. St. -17
Clemson @ S. Carolina -4
PAC 12
Colorado @ Utah -22
Cal @ Arizona State -6
Oregon State @ Oregon -28
La. Lafayette @ Arizona OFF
Washington State @ Washington -8.5
UCLA @ USC -14.5
MWAC
Wyoming @ Boise St. -32.5
Air Force -16.5 @ Colorado State
SDSU -16 @ UNLV
WAC
Nevada @ Utah State -1.5
New Mexico State @ La. Tech -20.5
SJSU @ Fresno State -6.5
Tulane @ Hawaii -17
Clemson @ S. Carolina -4
Clemson heads to Columbia to take on a South Carolina team trying to prove they're not the most fraudulent team in the top 25. They've been unable to get their running game going in losses to Georgia Tech and NC State, and SC specializes in stopping the run and offenses in general as the 15th ranked defense in the land. For as maligned as this SC team has been, they've won all the games they've needed to, and though they can't pass, the Cocks still have a solid run game, averaging 174.5 yards per game. Look for the Cocks to cover at home.
Arkansas @ LSU -11.5
You know who feels left out of the whole Alabama-LSU debate? The third-ranked Hogs. They'll be gunning for the Tigers and looking to make a statement this weekend in the Bayou. After a 38-14 shellacking at the hands of 'Bama, Arkansas is averaging 39.5 ppg in 7 wins, including three ranked opponents. LSU's record doesn't need to be rehashed. The No. 2 defense in the land is giving up 10 ppg and scoring 38. I'm thinking the Tigers win, again, but Arkansas comes out gunning and covers.
Notre Dame @ Stanford -7
This is the Super Bowl for the Irish, their chance to go 9-3 and qualify for a worthwhile bowl and 8-4, a significant step back in the Kelly era. Stanford squeaked past Cal after a gut-check loss to Oregon, and didn't exactly play like a team still very much in the title hunt. The Irish seem to have more to play for, and I look for them to cover in Palo Alto
Texas @ Texas A&M -8
The Thanksgiving Day matchup in the Lone Star State promises to be oddly competitive. Two high-powered rushing games (UT 15th and A&M 18th in the nation) collide at Kyle Field in a game with no national or conference ramifications. A&M is 0-2 against ranked opponents at home this season, and UT, surprisingly, has only lost one road contest this season. I'd look for the Horns to cover in this one, even if they don't win out. Happy Turkey Day!
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