^ Just highlight...You'll see the picks.
As for the analysis....
Clemson (-7) vs. Boston College
Boston College is now two full weeks removed from a tough battle against Florida State where Boston College more then held their own. They played well against Maryland last week, but I think they’ve reached their peak, if you want to call it that. This team has nowhere near the amount of talent Clemson does, who has won two straight after losing three close games in a row to a tough cluster of opponents. Clemson should win this one easily as I can’t find a single reason to why BC will hang around.
Michigan State (+6.5) vs. Iowa
Iowa lost the battle up front last weekend as Wisconsin’s big guys on the O-line did some pretty good damage against an Iowa defensive front that is one of the nation’s best. Michigan State, on the other hand, rallied to get past Northwestern by putting up 21 points in the 4th quarter, being down 24-14 heading into that 4th quarter. Kirk Cousins is still an underrated QB who proved to have some moxy with the comeback and his leadership will come up big once again in this contest. Iowa will be playing at home and they are very tough at Kinnick stadium. After losing to Wisconsin last week, their Big Ten Championship hopes can stay alive with a win on Saturday. The turnover battle will be paramount in this contest as Iowa is fifth in the nation in turnover margin and MSU and their defense, which thrives off of takeaways, is 9th in the nation in turnover margin. MSU’s dream season stays alive this weekend as their strong running game proveds a balanced attack and will be the difference. Iowa has given up 5 rushing touchdowns the past two weeks after allowing zero in their first five. Iowa could be getting a little weary up front. If you don’t feel comfortable going straight up in this one, take the points. This game will be close.
California (+3) vs. Oregon State
I loved Oregon State early on in the season as they seemed to be a team getting no love in the Pac-10. Starting with Washington however, the loss of James Rodgers and the beating that this team endured with their tough schedule early on crept up to them. The story will not be any different in this one. The only thing going for OSU in this game is the fact that they are at home coming off of a bye week. As I learned awhile ago though, coming off a bye in betting isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. California has been Dr. Jeckyll, Mr. Hyde early on and no one knows which team will show up. The Bears have a good amount of talent, but keep getting haunted by their inconsistency, most notably on the road. Riley should carve up this OSU defense, but he too, is inconsistent. He is coming of his best game of the year and I feel he will carry that momentum into Corvallis on Saturday. Look for Cal to rely on Shane Vereen, an extremely versatile back who should give the Beaver defense fits. From there, Riley will let his talented receiving group takeover as the Beavers are prone to give up big yardage through the air. The road woes will stop this Saturday as I just can’t get around the rough schedule OSU played early on. They’re tough, but worn down. OSU will let this game slip under their radar as they play two weaker Pac-10 foes the next two weeks (UCLA, WSU). The Beavers will re-engerize their season starting next week, but this one slips away. Take the Golden Bears.
Kentucky (+6) vs. Mississippi State
I love betting on a game like this. Kentucky pooped themselves out of the SEC race and have nothing to lose really. A bowl game is still in their peripheral, but without a legitimate shot at the SEC title, they’ll be trying to destroy anyone and everyone left on their schedule. The Wildcats are offensive juggernauts, but lately have a propensity at turning the ball over. Look for Hartline and co. to put up those juggernaut like numbers this weekend against the Bulldogs. Defensively, Kentucky they can’t stop the run, which is what the Bulldogs do very well. This game will be a shootout to likes of something MSU isn’t hasn’t seen yet this year, which should give Kentucky the upper hand. Take the points.
Oregon vs. USC (+6.5)
Barring a double digit upset, USC is most likely the last real test Oregon will face on their road to a Nat’l Championship birth. The big worry for me in this game is whether USC’s shoddy defense can keep up with the amazing quickness that the Ducks Possess. USC, despite disappointing most people in Kiffin’s first year, have only lost by a combined 3 points. Their offense has picked up tons of steam coming in this weekend, especially the play of Matt Barkley. I’ve heard a few prognosticators say he’s the hottest QB in the nation right now (aerial). For what that’s worth. Barkley is going to need to make this his signature game with how quickly this Oregon defense hawks the ball. One thing is for certain in this game, USC is the only team in the Pac-10 that has the talent to beat the Ducks and despite whether or not you like people coining this game as USC’s bowl game, you should know that this would be a huge and obvious boost to this Trojan team and that they want nothing more right now than to upset the Ducks. They will give everything they have this Saturday and you can bet it helps to be at home. Oregon most likely should win this game, but I really like USC if you take the points. It should be a fun one to watch.