Clemson vs. Boston College (+8.5)
The Tigers have been on a roll but I think Ryan’s got one more comeback for the Eagles
Oklahoma (-7) vs. Texas Tech
The money is pilling on the Red Raiders but I don’t see the Sooners D breaking that easily.
Michigan vs. Ohio State (-4)
It’s close if Henne and Hart can go, if not it’s OSU by 15. (Pay no attention to this pick, it’s optimism at it’s highest…)
I recently started reading The Black Swan by Nassim Nicholas Taleb. Although I’ve just started the book, I can tell you that the crux of the book discusses ”the impact of the highly improbable.”
In particular, I was struck by this early passage discussing the banking industry and the general conception that the industry is ‘conservative’….
In the summer of 1982, large American banks lost close to all their past earnings (cumulatively), about everything they ever made in the history of American banking-everything. They had been lending to South and Central countries that all defaulted at the same time-”an event of an exceptional nature.”
Of course, similar ‘exceptional’ events have reoccurred twice just in the past 25 years. First was the S&L bailout of the early 90’s and now (to a lesser extent) the sub-prime mortgage collapse of 2007. Perhaps Taleb is correct when he states that…
[Bank] profit [is] simply cash borrowed from destiny with some random payback time.
I’m looking forward to diving further into the Black Swan. In the meantime, get yourself a copy….
South Carolina (+7) vs. Florida
Playing at home, the Gamecocks should be able to keep this one close. I’ll give them a 60% chance to win outright.
Notre Dame vs. Air Force (-3)
The Irish go to 0-2 versus the service academies.
Ohio State (-15) vs. Illinois
Nothing stops the Buckeyes, especially on Senior Day.
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Last Week 4-0-1
Overall 20-12-1
Ohio State (-17) vs. Wisconsin
An average Wisconsin offense, minus the services of PJ Hill likely means few points for the Badgers
Boston College vs. Florida State (+7)
I think this will be a bit closer than expected.
Michigan (-4) vs. Michigan State
The Wolverines are ready to win convincingly in the Big House.
Cleveland (-1.5) vs. Seattle
Cleveland scores more than 30 and wins by 3.
New Orleans (-3) vs. Jacksonville
The Saints are on a role.
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Last Week 4-2
Overall 16-12
Penn State vs. Ohio State (-3.5)
I may be a homer but I’m thinking this game won’t be that close.
Arizona St. vs. California (+3)
The Bear’s season is down the tubes but they can play the role of spoiler.
Iowa vs. Michigan St. (-3)
The Spartans offense shouldn’t have too many problems with the Hawkeyes.
St. Louis vs. Cleveland (-3)
Carolina vs. Indianapolis (-6)
Chicago vs. Detriot (+5)
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Last Week 2-3
Overall 12-10
Notre Dame vs. USC (-17.5)
I was guessing this spread was going to be 24 points or higher so this seems like a freebie.
Kentucky (+6.5) vs. Florida
Another situation where the Gators are likely to win but it should be close into the 4th Quarter.
LSU (-10) vs. Auburn
I’ll take the Tigers at home in what may be a statement game.
Update: I didn’t get to the Sunday day games due to the birth of my nephew at 7:30 this morning. Mom and baby are doing fine.
Denver vs. Pittsburgh (-3.5)
Indianapolis (-3) vs. Jacksonville
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Last Week 3-1
Overall 10-7
Penn State vs. Wisconsin (+7)
All logic dictates that the Badgers will get rolled today. Based on how this season is going that means I’m going the other way. On a more serious note, while the Lions will probably move the ball on the ground, it won’t be enough to overcome the rest of their weaknesses.
Arkansas vs. Auburn (+3)
The fact that the Razorbacks have had two weeks to prepare is a bit worrisome but the Tigers have rebounded well after tough, early loses.
Oklahoma vs. Missouri (+12)
The Sooners have been improving but 12 points is just to many for the Tigers offense.
Ohio State (-31) vs. Kent
The Buckeyes defense finally get their shutout and cover by at least 11. Oh, and I needed to pick at least one favorite to cover.
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Last Week 3-2
Overall 7-6
LSU vs Florida (+7)
The Tigers are likely to win outright but I like the Gators to cover.
Purdue vs. Ohio State (-7)
The biggest test of the Buckeyes season thus far. I’m guessing that the Buckeye D will bend but not break, leading to a 10 point victory.
Maryland vs. Georgia Tech (-3)
Will the Yellowjackets make thier way back into the Top 25?
New York Giants (-3.5) vs. New York Jets
Indianapolis vs. Tampa Bay (+10.5)
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Last Week 3-2
Overall 4-4
Ohio State (-23.5) vs. Minnesota
The Buckeyes are improving each week and the worst defense in college football won’t be able to stop OSU.
California (+6.5) vs. Oregon
Easily the game of the day. The money is pilling on Oregon so I’m going the other way.
Michigan State (+7.5) vs. Wisconsin
We’ll find out what the Badgers can do versus the improving Spartans
Seattle vs. San Fransisco (+1.5)
Cincinnati vs. New England (-7.5)
You may have noticed that the weekend came and went without any football picks.
The reason was simple, I didn’t watch much football. Instead I was working around the house. It all started innocently enough when my wife and I decided to paint the dining room. Of course, as these projects often do, it ballooned from there. Before long we were painting the living and dining room, ripping out carpet, installing new wood trim and hanging new curtains. I’m not quite done but what’s left shouldn’t stop me from picking games next week. Stay tuned.
Last Week: 1-2
Overall: 1-2