The Degenerate Digest v.86

4-1. I write the Digest in another language, in another country, and we go 4-1. I contemplated how to proceed with last week's successes at length. Do I write this week's installment in Spanish again? Do I call my local beer distributor and order a case of San Miguel to have intravenously pumped into my veins while making my picks? Do I drop everything, quit my job, and just move to the Ronda mountainside? The pondering that has taken place towards all these possibilities was extensive, but alas I could only ride with one true solution. Just keep on keepin on. We know what we have to do. It’s easy. Make the best picks possible. Making great picks doesn’t rely on your language, or beer selections (unless it’s Bud Light), or where in the world you take your pre-game dumps. Nope. A good gambler can read a line from anywhere. We’re back in the comfort of our own home this week for a strong slate of games, let’s make some good picks.

(17) TCU @ (19) Kansas: Over 69

We’re starting the day off with a real nice over. Just a nice, nice over. There’s already an S-word (shootout) game on the books for today - but this one is particularly nice. Both of these teams are undefeated, and both plan to stay that way. How have both these teams found themselves without a loss over a week into October? Points. TCU is averaging 48.5 PPG, while the Jayhawks are averaging 41.6. Not too shabby for a basketball school! In fact, that’s pretty damn nice. Last one to score wins this S-word (S is for shootout btw).

Final Score: TCU 42, Kansas 35

Texas @ Oklahoma: Texas -7.5

THE RED RIVER SHOOTOUT! There is only one reason I’m taking Texas, who historically burns me, by more than 7 today. Quinn Ewers is back. Ewers went down in the first half of the Alabama game where Texas almost stamped ‘Texas Is Back’ on the foreheads of every college football fan nationwide. Before he got injured, he looked phenomenal. Just diming it down the Crimson Tides defense one bomb at a time. While this game does tend to always be a toss up, I have no choice but to ride with the Ewers news and the fact that Oklahoma has been a dumpster fire (as expected) the past two games when they had actual opponents to face. Texas is more than an actual opponent.

Final Score: Texas 45, Oklahoma 32

Texas Tech @ (7) Oklahoma State: Texas Tech +9

Texas Tech has faced a ton of talent thus far this season. Houston, NC State, Texas, and Kansas State. Playing all of them with a lot of resilience, but just can’t close it out in the end. I’m not saying the Red Raiders do that exactly today, but for a Top 10 home squad whose scariest opponent this season was last week at Baylor (who they only beat by 11), I can see them putting up a formidable performance.

Final Score: Oklahoma State 35, Texas Tech 27

UNC @ Miami: Miami -3.5

I hate the half point that I have to take here, but I’m taking it regardless. Miami has to win this game. They have to. That’s really all that needs to be said. Nothing else. It’s simple. Miami has to win this game. Just win it by 4 goddamnit.

Final Score: Miami 34, UNC 30

Washington State @ (6) USC: Washington State +13

Woah woah woah. This is way too many points for a Pac-12 matchup where, once again, the Top 10 undefeated home team has beaten the following bozo’s: Rice, Stanford, Fresno St., Oregon St., and Arizona St. I mean come on. Wazzu should be chomping at the bit to win this game outright. Give me a break with this line - way too many points.

Final Score: Washington State 28, USC 27

Running Record: (158-135-5)