| 22 October 2009
Homecoming weekend! I hope some of you champs are lucky enough to watch the battle in person. Before we slide headfirst into your Friday let's take a look back at the college ball weekend that was. Week 7 was incredible, no? Mizzou's bleak North outlook got a nice little sunshine injection as Nebraska and Kansas lost games they were supposed to win - easily. Cincinnati showed its claws, the Longhorns knocked out Bradford and the Sooners, Florida survived a swine scare (Arkansas strain) and USC won on a last second incompletion. Of course, I'd be remiss not to mention Mizzou pissing a game down their leg, enduring the wrong side of some suspect calls and ultimately succumbing to a talented but underwhelming OSU team. The Tigers sit at 0-2 in the Big XII but will have their shot in the coming weeks. Lick your chops.
Last week's picks went 3-3 (2 stars 1-1) for a stalemate week at the books. After so much flaccid wobbling about I think my picks will show something this week. Positive energy, comrades, let's make this happen:
Season record ATS 40-35 (+2 Units), lines are Mirage as of 9 PM 10/22
Oklahoma State (-9.5) at Baylor
While OK State didn't blow me away against the Tigers, Baylor languished against an improving but mediocre Iowa State squad. OK State has the advantage on both sides of the ball in this game, with or without their injuries. RB Tolson and WR Anyiam should continue to break out against the 72nd ranked Bears defense.
Ride with the Pokes as they roll 35-16
Oklahoma (-8) at Kansas
It looks like Vegas understands that fairies are magical creatures. As Tiger fans know, Reesing is one hell of a fairy capable of some big game magic. The KU QB, averaging 330 through the air, is the main reason this line is under double digits. I do expect KU to put points on the board for a largely indifferent crowd, but the Landry led Sooners will have fun with the friendly and playful Jayhawk defense that spots opponents 33 ppg.
The pick is Oklahoma with the 31-20 road W
Georgia Tech (-5.5) at Virginia
How baffling is Al Groh's team? WTF all over the place. Since dropping their first three the Cavs are flexing and in 1st place of the ACC Coastal. The Bees have the offense but the Cav's defense and home field will keep this one close.
Go Cavs plus the points as they lose 23-20
Arkansas (+6) at Mississippi
The Pigs will probably win this one outright. They're a significantly better team than the group that nearly beat the Rebs last year. I can't say the same for the Ole Miss team that squeaked out the victory in 2008. The Rebs have had their offensive struggles and the Hog defense has looked steadily better since that Georgia debacle with good showings against Auburn and Florida, two legitimate offenses. I'd like jump on the moneyline here but will take the points on the road.
Pick Hogs as they almost win 27-24
Texas (-13.5) at Missouri
I cannot wait to watch this one unfold in front of a massive TV audience. With another week to heal and learn to cope with his injury Gabbert will thrill the throngs of Mizzou fans with a few long balls. I simply cannot call for the upset despite all the ingredients present because the Longhorn defense is a brutal, brutal rapist. That doesn't mean Mizzou can't win this one, but its going to take a plus turnover margin and more specifically some defensive takeaways.
Go Tigers at home as they keep the fans in their seats but lose 27-20
Kent State (+10.5) at Ohio
I'm liking Ohio this year. The Bobcats have shown the ability to win with defense and offense and gave Tennessee a scare back in September. The Cats are winning MAC games by an average of 13.3 ppg and Kent State is not the team to end that trend.
Pick the Cats as they win 30-13
Best of luck, Gentlemen. Enjoy the Tiger game and find some trouble to get into.
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