Each week, The State News’ degenerates who are 21 and older will be helping you try to earn some money with three picks of their own. We will also update our records from the last week, so you can see who is really helping you cash in.
Sam is on a heater to start the season. Meanwhile, Alex and Eli have some catching up to do. A 3-0 week from each of them may be on the horizon.
Sam Sklar, Sports Editor (8-4)
All we do is win.
Purdue at Minnesota (Under 52.5)
I thought Minnesota faced its’ toughest test yet last week, but as we all know, that was not the case at all. Purdue in Minneapolis will be the Gophers’ biggest test of the young season, but even then, I don’t think Purdue will be much of a fight.
It all revolves around Aidan O’Connell, whose mysterious injury kept him out last week. Purdue Head Coach Jeff Brohm had no update on O’Connell’s status this week, calling him a game-time decision. If he’s out, I don’t see any way this under doesn’t hit. Even if he plays, Minnesota’s defense is legit and the Gophers’ offensive style of running the ball and chewing the clock will work in favor of the under.
Iowa State (-3) at Kansas
This pick pains me, but I think it has to be done.
I like fading teams coming off big wins. I love Kansas. I really do. I think KU is a top-25 team right now. I am not sure how anyone can’t like the Jayhawks. Kansas has a fantastic resume with road wins at West Virginia and Houston, but I think the undefeated run comes to an end this weekend.
I also enjoy taking teams with good coaches following a loss. Matt Campbell is a good coach. I wouldn’t be surprised if he is in the running for other head coaching positions such as Arizona State. Campbell will have the Cyclone prepared to win by a touchdown in Lawrence.
San Diego State (+6.5) at Boise State
How about a little Friday night action?
Boise State is in shambles. The Broncos fired their offensive coordinator this week and then the starting quarterback promptly entered the transfer portal. It comes on the heels of a Boise State offense that scored just 10 points against UTEP. The blue field isn’t the same, give me the Aztecs.
Alex Faber, Football Reporter (4-8)
Finally, a winning week. My only blemish was betting on the Longhorns — which, in hindsight, was maybe not the best idea.
Hopefully last week was the start of a hot streak. It’s time to recoup some of those early September losses.
Michigan at Iowa (+10.5)
Death. Taxes. Chaos at Kinnick Stadium.
Last weekend, Michigan finally showed some signs of weakness in a 34-27 win over Maryland. While Iowa’s offense is beyond putrid, the defense is legit. J.J. McCarthy’s inexperience could come into play against the Hawkeyes. The Wolverines are going to struggle to move the ball.
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Sure, it’s a noon kickoff, but I think the loyal Iowa fans will create a rowdy environment. I’m not bold enough to say Michigan loses Saturday, but I think the Hawkeyes will keep this one frighteningly close.
Oklahoma (-6.5) at TCU
One of the best signs of a great coach is how their team performs following a loss. The best in the business — Bill Belichick, Nick Saban — are almost always stellar at turning around a team after a rough week.
Last weekend, Oklahoma was upset at home by Kansas State. It’s time to see just how good of a coach Brent Venables is.
I believe in Dillon Gabriel and this Oklahoma offense. Venables is going to have his guys ready for Saturday. I think the Sooners rebound with a blowout win against the Horned Frogs.
UTSA (-4) at Middle Tennessee Stare
Last weekend, Middle Tennessee State had perhaps its’ greatest win in program history, beating Miami on the road 45-31. Quarterback Chase Cunningham eviscerated the Hurricanes’ defense with over 400 passing yards and three touchdowns.
Keeping things stable after such an emotional win is going to be tough for the Blue Raiders, especially against a gritty squad like UTSA. The Roadrunners are going to bring MTSU back down to earth this Saturday and win by at least a touchdown.
Eli McKown, State News Contributor (3-9)
In the words of Harvey Dent in The Dark Knight, “The night is darkest just before the dawn.” The sun is rising this week for me, I can just feel it.
Washington (-3) at UCLA
I am all in on Kalen DeBoer as a head coach at Washington and out on Chip Kelly at UCLA. A weird hire from the beginning, Kelly has skated through his time with the Bruins thus far and that is especially true so far this season.
DeBoer has unlocked Michael Penix Jr. after being his offensive coordinator in his prior stop at Indiana. I love this Washington team and think they’ll win by double digits in what will be an empty Rose Bowl.
Kentucky (+7) at Ole Miss
As much as I think UCLA is overrated, Ole Miss is still the most overrated team in the nation.
I love Lane Kiffin, truthfully. However, this ongoing quarterback battle seemingly has no answers between Luke Altmyer and Jaxson Dart as both have been okay, but not great.
Kentucky has been battle tested so far where the Rebels have not. I like Kentucky to shut down Kiffin’s offense and leave Oxford with a double digit win.
Illinois (+7) at Wisconsin
I’ve been on Illinois as a bowl caliber team all year long and while the Indiana loss is the flukiest loss of the season, I still think the Fighting Illini are legit. Not sure if they will win this one, but I like Chase Brown to do enough on offense to at least cover against Wisconsin on the road and put Paul Chryst on edge.
