Each week, I will use this space to tell you what I think are a few of the best bets heading into the weekend. I will also give you an upset of the week, which will be a team that is at least a touchdown underdog I am picking to not only cover, but win.
As always, all picks are for entertainment purposes only!
Last week was not so good. My overall record fell to 12-15 on the season, and my upset special wasn’t very special. I'll be looking to get back to .500 this week. In fact, I'm going to try to get over .500. I'm due.
Week 9 Picks
Nebraska at Purdue (-7.5): When you're in a slump, you need to have something you can rely on. For most of this season, I’ve been able to rely on Purdue not covering the spread. Many people feel that the Boilers are playing to save Darrell Hazell’s job. I’m not so sure about that, but they do need to play with a level of desperation. Nebraska has seemingly found every heartbreaking way to lose this season that you can. That should not be a problem this week. Pick: Nebraska (-7.5)
Check out the SportsLine pick and prediction for Cornhuskers-Boilmakers
Michigan at Minnesota (+13.5): I liked this line before the sudden retirement of Minnesota coach Jerry Kill on Wednesday. Obviously, this is now a very emotionally charged game for the Gophers. I was tempted to pick the upset, but I think Michigan is too good to allow that. I do expect Minnesota to hang around until the end though. Pick: Minnesota (+13.5)
Check out the SportsLine pick and prediction for Wolverines-Gophers
Georgia vs Florida (-3): The East division title is at stake for the Gators over the next couple weeks. A win this week and over Vanderbilt next week sews up a spot in the SEC title game. Georgia won’t go quietly though. This figures to be something of a defensive slugfest. If Chubb was available, I’d probably take Georgia outright. Even without him, I won’t be surprised if the Bulldogs find a way to win. Pick: Georgia (+3)
Check out the SportsLine pick and prediction for Gators-Bulldogs
Notre Dame at Temple (+11): Two weeks ago, Memphis played the biggest game in the history of its program and came away a winner against Ole Miss. This week, Temple will play the biggest game in the history of its program against Notre Dame. The Owls have already beaten Penn State and won at Cincinnati. This is a big step up in class from those teams, but Temple won’t back down. I’m not ready to pick the upset, but Temple will make it interesting. Pick: Temple (+11)
Check out the SportsLine pick and prediction for Fighting Irish-Owls
Upset of the Week
Ole Miss at Auburn (+7.5): Auburn is getting close. They lost in four overtimes last week at Arkansas and probably should have won. Of course, the team that loses an overtime game always feels they should have won. Since the Alabama win, Ole Miss has not played well away from home, getting crushed at Florida and losing at Memphis, so I'm going to pick against them again this week. Maybe the second time is the charm! Pick: Auburn (+7.5)
Check out the SportsLine pick and prediction for Rebels-Tigers
