The past couple of weeks have been brutal. Not one team aside from Ohio State has any kind of consistency. And of course, Ohio State is off this week. Which would make you think you should fade the shit out of my picks. Guess what – that’s the exact reason why I’m probably going to hit every pick this weekend. I usually need about 10-20 alarm clocks to wake up, not today. Today I didn’t even need an alarm clock. Today I woke up with the passion and determination for a perfect card. I believe. Sheeeeeeeeitttt you probably don’t, but I do. I believe. Week Ten!
(14) Michigan @ Maryland: Michigan -21
Maryland was such an overrated noise maker the beginning of this season. They absolutely stink. They never show up for Big Ten match-ups. Never. Except for Rutgers, but that’s because it’s Rutgers. They lost to Penn State by 59, Purdue by 26, and Minnesota by 42. They will lose to a Michigan team who should have beaten Penn State and is coming off a big win against Notre Dame.
Final Score: Michigan 48, Maryland 14
Miami @ Florida State: Under 49
This game used to be such a classic. It still is I guess if you’re a fan of either school, but otherwise both these squads stink so it’s kind of lost some of its allure. This match-up should be called the ‘Stay Bowl Eligible Classic’. With that said, these guys hate each other. I’m looking for a low scoring game and a close one at that (maybe sprinkle Miami ML or -3 for a value pick). Miami is coming off a road win against Pitt, so the traveling could be a factor in this one. It could go either way on the scoreboard, but I like them to keep it low for the most part.
Final Score: Florida State 20, Miami 17
TCU @ Oklahoma State: Over 58.5
TCU’s offense is scoring on average 34 points per game. TCU’s defense is giving up on average 25 points per game. Over. Oklahoma State’s offense is scoring on average 37.5 points per game. Oklahoma State’s defense is giving up on average 30 points per game. Over. I smell a shootout. Touchdown after touchdown. If one of these two get on the board on their first drive – lock it up.
Final Score: Oklahoma State 45, TCU 38
Northwestern @ Indiana: Indiana -10
Northwestern might have the worst offense in football. They are averaging just over 10 points per game! Coming off a two-game home stint losing to Ohio State 52-3, and Iowa 20-0, they travel east to take on a sneaky 6-2 Hoosiers squad. Indiana hasn’t played in front of their home fans in three weeks, coming back with two big wins against Maryland and Nebraska under their belts. Expect them to receive a warm welcome with a rowdy crowd behind them to help produce another solid victory against an absolutely lost Wildcat’s team.
Final Score: Indiana 34, Northwestern 13
(7) Oregon @ USC: Oregon -4
USC is going to show up. They are. It’s a matter of fact. Do I trust Oregon? Not one bit. But you can’t not take this line. We're just trying to catch a good time. Would it be nice to bring it down to -3? Of course, it would be. Would it be nice for me to eat steak and lobster every night for the rest of my life? Of course, it would be. But the reality is the line is -4, and this is the last real test, the last big spot, for both of these squads. Oregon knows that. And if they want any shot at potential playoff conversation, they need to win this game and they need to win it right. Not by a field goal. Their only loss of their season is still sitting with the opening game to Auburn on the final drive. They need to win out. For that, I’ll give them my blessing.
Final Score: Oregon 32, USC 16
Running Record: (22-21-2)