Washington State (+3.5) vs. UCLA - The Cougars are well under peoples radar and many may not realize they have one of the most potent offenses in the nation. Marshall Lobbestael came into the year as a backup, but with the injury to Jeff Tuel is getting another opportunity. Marshall is a senior who had a few starts prior to this year, but an injury ended his best chance at really proving his worth. He's definitely taking advantage now as he is one of highest rated passers in the nation. This Coug team is hungry all around. With Marshall and then coach Wulff who was presumably on the hot seat before the season, really wants to rally the troops to show just how much this team has improved under his tenure. UCLA on the otherhand will be emotionally spent, having used up a ton of energy in a pretty hard fought game against Stanford just last week. It's a home game for the Bruins, but I'm almost certain the stadium will barely be at half capacity. One, because the Bruins are nothing spectacular and two, because everyone in LA is probably dismissing this WSU team. I see the Cougs improving to 4-1 in this one and undoubtedly spells doom for Neuheisel.
Ohio State vs. Nebraska (-11) - Ohio State is a mess. No true identity on offense as they will probably again be doing the QB shuffle. The defense will be jacked up, but will it carry this offense to holding the Cornhuskers from posting a double digit lead/win? It's possible, but I look for Nebraska to play a little more loose after getting introduced to the Big Ten in a harsh way last weekend. I can see OSU slowing Nebraska's offense, but the fact that their own offense is so putrid, I'm giving a decided edge to Nebraska.
Northwestern (+7.5) vs. Michigan - The Wolverines are off to another hot start for what, the third year in a row? Siding with history you would expect a downward slide at this point, but there is more to it pertaining to this matchup with Northwestern. It's the first game away from the Big House for Michigan and it comes against a Northwestern team that has started off slow after a lot of hype coming in. That hype surrounded their pink dumbell toting, quarterback, Dan Persa. When he's on the field this team is downright scrappy. They can move the ball with exciting efficiency. The dynamic, playmaking ability of Persa gives the defense headaches. The question will really come down to whether Michigan's defense really is improved or if they formed another mirage. I just really like the Wildcats as underdogs and Michigan may end up pulling out of Northwestern with the win, but I'm definitely expecting a close game.
Iowa (+4) vs. Penn State - Once again, I'm going agianst the team playing the QB shuffle. It's just not a good look when both QB's struggle at the rate that these two do. Iowa is another favorite underdog that I like to play and year in and year out they put a very solid football team on the field. This game shouldn't get out of hand on either side, and given how close this game will be, I have to give the edge to the Hawkeyes who seem to be heading in a better direction than the Nittany Lions.
Florida vs. LSU (-13.5). Does Jarret Lee press, now that Jefferson is looming in the shadows? Does Jefferson's presence take away some of the momentum this offense might have gained early on in the year? Two questions that I'm keeping in the back of my mind for the coming weeks, but to put it bluntly...This week that doesn't matter. Florida fought hard early this year and made due, but losing Brantley was a killer. Now, we're hearing rumors that even Driskell might be out, lending the game to a quarterback who has never seen real college action yet. It's tough defense to get your first collegiate start wouldn't you say? Hey, I'm all for seeing the rise of a surprising star, but I'm playing the odds on this one...Literally. No way will they accomplish enough offensively to win this game. It'll be hard enough to keep this game from being a blowout, which it ultimately might be. Not sure how the quarterback situation workouts in this game for the Tigers, but it's way better than what the Gators got going on. 13.5 is a generous line.
Auburn vs. Arkansas (-10) - Auburn has done a good job so far this year after the departure of Cam and some may have been surprised by their win over the Gamecocks last weekend. Whether that's the case or not, this week they'll play a real SEC quarterback. I saw Tyler Wilson last year, come in for an injured Ryan Mallett, in what was already a shootout. Can't remember the opponent, but I was thouroughly impressed with how the offense kept clicking when Wilson entered the game. This game has the chance to stay close early, so long as Dyer is eating up the clock and keeping the Razorbacks off the field. Eventually, he and this Auburn team will wear down trying to keep up with a very potent offense. Arkansas is too good offensively and shouldn't have too many problems scoring. Although the Razorback D isn't the greatest versus the run, the reliance Auburn needs on Dyer to win this game just won't be enough. Auburn was severly overrated to start the year and that South Carolina game keeps this line close, but Arkansas is just the better team and Auburn will start to sift down to the middle of the pack with this game today. Might be a tough out later in the year, but today they relinquish their grip from the top of the SEC.
Arizona (-2) vs. Oregon State - If there is poll for best 1-4 team in the nation then I'm voting for the Wildcats. College football doesn't work like that of course, but the murderous row of opponents that Arizona has seen to start the year really hurt this teams dreams they had coming into the year. It'll be a nice reprieve to be heading to Corvallis to face a battered Beaver team. Oregon State always seems to start slow and get things rolling at the end of the season, but I really feel this is a different team. They just aren't that good and they can play tough I suppose, but I'm really high on Nick Foles and this offense can score with anyone in the nation. All they need is to stop the Beavers a few times early and they can jump out to a huge lead. Even if this doesn't happen, I don't think the Beavers have enough punch to win this game. Given that this line is only 2, I'm obviously betting that all Arizona needs to do is win SU and my chances of bringing in the cash are very good.
Let's bring in the money today....
