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.
Last week was forgettable for all three of the guys, but that's why we play the long game.
Sam Sklar, Sports Editor (12-12)
Just like that, I no longer have a record above .500. Let’s get back on track this weekend.
Ohio State at Penn State (Under 61)
Yes, I know Penn State just gave up a ton of points at Michigan and Ohio State can hang 50 on just about anybody. But if there is any team that consistently gives OSU trouble, it’s Penn State Head Football Coach James Franklin and the Penn State Nittany Lions.
In the last six meetings between Penn State and Ohio State, the average margin of victory is 6.3 points. Plus, the under is 3-0-1 in the last four meetings between the two teams. I still think Ohio State wins, but I think the defenses will both play well during this Big Noon matchup.
Stanford at UCLA (-16.5)
I like taking good teams fresh off a loss and this is a perfect opportunity here. UCLA lost to a very good Oregon team – one that may even make the College Football Playoff – but I think the Bruins have a huge rebound back at home.
Yes, Stanford has won two in a row and its defense has only given up 28 points combined in those games. However, I am still not sure this is a good team at all. I think Stanford got a little lucky running into two sputtering teams. Give me UCLA in a blowout.
Rutgers at Minnesota (-14)
Minnesota has been in a freefall ever since dominating MSU in East Lansing. I can’t think of a better time to face Rutgers at home.
Senior quarterback Tanner Morgan is questionable after missing last week at Penn State, but his replacement sophomore quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis was not horrible in his first career start. Even if Morgan can’t go, I trust senior running back Mo Ibrahim to tear up the Rutgers defense after a teasing home win at Indiana.
Alex Faber, Football Reporter (10-14)
Well, after going 3-0 a couple weeks ago and bringing myself just a few wins away from .500, I fell back to earth last week with a 1-2 showing. What hurts worse is there weren’t really any bad beats that screwed me over — I was just straight up on the wrong side of the games.
It’s a new week. Let’s get back on track.
Ohio State at Penn State (+14.5)
I hate to put my confidence in Franklin. I really do. But for whatever reason, Penn State always seems to put up a competitive game against Ohio State.
This matchup has been close for years now. Sure, the Buckeyes have won five straight against the Nittany Lions, but every year it is a surprisingly close game. OSU hasn’t won by more than two scores since 2015. If this year’s matchup was in Columbus, Ohio State would be the bet. However, in front of a raucous crowd at Beaver Stadium, I think Penn State keeps this one dangerously close.
Northwestern at Iowa (Over 37.5)
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One of the few bets that has worked consistently for me this season has been about the most putrid games.
On paper, Northwestern Iowa should be a disgusting football game. The Hawkeyes rank dead last in the FBS in yards per game and the Wildcats have been God awful this season.
However, 37.5 is just a ridiculous number for a college football game. Give me the over in a game I will not be watching.
Ole Miss at Texas A&M (ML)
I haven’t trusted Ole Miss all year. Last week, they were finally exposed by LSU in a 45-20 drubbing.
I still don’t trust Ole Miss. Things haven’t been exactly pretty in College Station this season, but the Aggies have proven that they can keep things close against elite opponents. At home, I think Texas A&M takes care of business against Ole Miss.
Eli McKown, State News Contributor (9-15)
A couple of bad beats last week, basically the theme of my season thus far. Time to get back on the horse with some games you may not see anywhere else.
Cincinnati (ML) at UCF
This is an odd one to me. On one hand, Cincinnati has taken a step down and I can see how they can be the underdog in this one. On the other hand, UCF was trucked by East Carolina last week, albeit a good team.
I like Cincinnati here to cover the +1.5 point spread and ultimately win.
Missouri at South Carolina (-4)
South Carolina is a spunky football team that has found itself at 5-2 despite some bad performances this season. However, this Missouri team may just be the worst team in the SEC. Run with this one.
South Alabama (-10) at Arkansas State
Remember the name Kane Wommack. The current South Alabama Head Coach and former Indiana defensive coordinator has his team in Mobile rolling. I like South Alabama to win this one by three or more scores after their 10-6 loss to Troy their last time out.
