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.
With Michigan State on its bye, it's a perfect weekend to put down a couple dollars for some extra entertainment.
Sam Sklar, Sports Editor (12-9)
Minnesota-Illinois under 39.5 didn’t hit by half a point. Luckily, I still went 2-1, so I can’t be that upset about it.
Purdue (+115) at Wisconsin
You’re telling me a team that just lost to Michigan State is a favorite against 5-2 Purdue? Payton Thorne and the Michigan State passing offense had one of its best performances of the season against Wisconsin. Now, Aidan O’Connell and Charlie Jones get their crack at the Badgers.
I think Purdue is strides better than Wisconsin and will prove it's one of the top teams in the West with an outright win at Madison.
UCLA (+6.5) at Oregon
I really don’t understand this line. Yes, Oregon has a great fan base and a strong home-field advantage, but I think UCLA has a very good shot of winning this game.
Who do you trust more in a big game: Dorian Thompson-Robinson or Bo Nix? It’s DTR. People like to make fun of Chip Kelly, but he’s got this team rolling. Don't discount Zach Charbonnet either.
Kansas State (+3.5) at TCU
Adrian Martinez hasn’t thrown an interception all year and Deuce Vaughn is a great running back. Plus, high winds are expected in this game, which I think plays as an advantage for the Wildcats. TCU has been a cute story and all, but I think the Horned Frogs have to fall eventually – or at least not cover the spread.
Alex Faber, Football Reporter (9-12)
Finally, an undefeated week. I feel a hot streak coming on.
Texas at Oklahoma State (+6.5)
So the team with the better record and higher ranking is a home dog?
I really don’t understand why Texas is getting almost a touchdown on the road. This one feels like a trap. Vegas knows what they’re doing. However, I’m going to fly right into the sun with this pick. Give me the Cowboys to keep this one close (bet the moneyline if you want more cash).
Bowling Green at Central Michigan (-6.5)
This season has been an utter disappointment for the Chippewas. Pegged as one of the better teams in the MAC heading into the season, CMU has stumbled to a 2-5 record.
However, Central finally nabbed its first conference win last week in Akron. After a mediocre start to the year, I think Daniel Richardson and this Chippewa offense are finally ready to get the ball moving. Give me the home team in a blowout against a bad Bowling Green squad.
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Syracuse at Clemson (-13.5)
I just don’t buy Syracuse.
I don’t think this iteration of Clemson is quite as strong as some of the Dabo Swinney squads of the past decade. However, as always, the defense is legit. I don’t see how the Orange will find the end zone against this Tigers defense. Give me the home team in a relatively low-scoring 24-7 type game.
Eli McKown, State News Contributor (8-13)
Rocky Top, you'll always be home sweet home to me! Good ol' Rocky Top, Rocky Top, Tennessee!
UNLV (+27) at Notre Dame
The UNLV offense has been more explosive than Notre Dame’s all season long. After a loss to Stanford, I think the Irish will be motivated to win by a lot here, but I like the Rebels to at least keep it within 27 after making some major strides this season.
Purdue (+115) at Wisconsin
I’m with Sam on this one, Purdue being the underdog is baffling to me. The West is between the Illini and the Boilermakers, not the Badgers and Hawkeyes like before. Give me Purdue and it won’t even be particularly close.
Northwestern at Maryland (-14)
Has Vegas watched Northwestern at all this season? This is a lock.
