Lee’s away on his honeymoon, and apparently can’t be bothered with the blog, so I’ve taken it upon myself to fill in for him (sans the team logos). Most of the Big East is off this week, so there isn’t a lot to pick that I feel real emotional one way or another.
West Virginia (-26.5) at Miami
Miami showed against Boston College a few weeks ago that they have far too much talent to be concerned about most of the jilted Big East schools. West Virginia, after blowing a close game against Wisconsin in the beginning of the season, has struggled. Interestingly enough, the Miami offense appears to be struggling a bit. In its first 4 games, Miami has only scored 20 touchdowns, but 7 were scored by the defense and special teams. Last year, Miami’s offense produced 23 touchdowns through 4 games. Remove the defense and special teams touchdowns and Miami’s average point total drops from 39.2 to 26.5 per game. Hmmm. That being said, WVU’s spread offense is a high risk/reward deal. I have to go with Miami and give the boatload of points.
Wisconsin (+1) at Penn St.
After every loss, the “Joe should go” whispers get louder. Paterno blames the media for this. On the plus side, he isn’t blaming the refs. Wisconsin looks to be getting stronger, yet they are only a one point favorite. No brainer. Wisconsin to roll.
Michigan (+3) at Iowa.
Only a 3 point favorite after a humiliating loss to the worst dressed team in college football and a lackluster home game against consistent Big 11 bottom-feeder Indiana; Michigan is going to Iowa (motto: It beats being in Idaho.). Last year, Iowa humiliated Michigan in the “Big House” 34-9. Michigan was/is expected to contend for the national championship/Big 11 title, before the bloom came off. Iowa was a surprise team that was exceding expectations for a team believed to be rebuilding — until a beating from Michigan St. Michigan had to be looking past Indiana for the revenge game. With only a field goal to give. You have to take Michigan.
Washington (+1.5) at UCLA
Sure Rick Neuheisal is shady scum, who got what he deserved by being axed before the start of the season; but the guy can recruit. Washington with ease.
Illinois (-14) at Purdue
So let me see if I have this straight: Illinois plays an absolute stinker of a first half against Winsconsin and loses by 18. Purdue, at home, with all the incentive to beat a bad Notre Dame team that had beaten them 3 straight times, only wins by 13. ESPN thinks that Purdue might win the Big 11, a la Ohio St. from last year. Well then, Purdue might win the game but I’ll take the points with Illinois.
USC (+12) at Arizona St.
I see a lot of pent up anger after a futile comeback against Cal. USC to rout ASU.
Oregon St. (+1) at California.
See, also: Washington St. decimating Oregon following the Duck’s big win over Michigan. The Pac-10 is nothing, if not inconsistent. Oregon St. over the Birkenstock crowd.
