Going into week three of this column we have learned that Vegas knows there stuff. Over that time period, we have picked 6 pushes. Many of them coming from last minute garbage time scores… (Tennessee -17.5 vs Florida). With the second week of conference play there many good games on the slate.

Locks of the Week

#17 North Carolina (-6.5) vs #25 Virginia Tech: All the money has been placed on the Tar Heels this past week; as the spread has risen 4 points from (-2.5 to 6). In this case, the best move is to follow the money. The Tar Heels Quarterback Mitch Trubisky is the most underrated QB in the nation, passing for 1711 yards for 13 touchdowns and no interceptions while possessing a 76% completion percentage. However, with the forecast looking nasty for Chapel Hill on Saturday cause of Hurricane Matthew, the Tar Heels may have to rely on star tailbacks Elijah Hood and T.J. Logan. The Tar Heels are ranked 12th in rushing offense compared to Virginia Tech’s feeble 86th ranked rushing offense. Virginia Tech produces a stifling defense especially against the run where they only allow 113 yards per game. The game will be decided on decision making of Virginia Tech QB Jerod Evans. North Carolina continues to ride the momentum from the Florida State game and they win this one convincingly. Final score prediction 24-6 UNC.

UCLA (-4.5) @ ASU: The presumed to be number one overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft is facing the nation’s worst passing defense. ASU has given up at least 40 points against teams with decent quarterbacks. In addition, redshirt freshman QB Brady White will be making his first start against a very talented UCLA defense. This is a perfect game for Rosen to build chemistry with his young and inexperienced receiving corp. UCLA wins big 42-17

Texas A&M (-6.5) vs Tennessee: The Volunteers are having a magical season full of Hail Marys and second half comebacks. Throughout the season the Tennessee o-line has been abysmal which has negatively impacted the performance of QB Joshua Dobbs. The Volunteers will face the most talented pass rushing duo in the country when they face Myles Garrett and Deshon Hall. Star running back Jalen Hurd will not be available to stabilize the run game. Trevor Knight will continue to efficiently orchestrate the Aggie offense. This game should be close, but the Aggies win this one with the help of the 12th man.
Final score 27-17 A&M.

Trap Game: Minnesota (-2) vs Iowa:
This is a game that I recommend staying away from. Just five games into the season, last season’s Big Ten runner-up finds themselves as a two-point underdog on the road to Minnesota.Due to recency bias of Iowa’s last year’s success, most of the betting community will put their money on Iowa. Iowa is not the same team from a year ago. The Hawkeyes lost to a North Dakota State team without Carson Wentz, and they struggled to beat Rutgers. Only mediocre teams struggle to Rutgers. Minnesota’s Shannon Brooks is one of the most underrated running backs in the country, and the Hawkeyes have given up over 200 yards on the ground in each of their past three games. If you are degenerate midwestern gambling addict who needs to bet on this game, take Minnesota on the money line.

Balls to the Wall Moneyline Call.
#16 Arkansas (+14) (+400) vs #1 Alabama:
The number 16 ranked Razorbacks are two touchdown home underdogs against the number 1 ranked Crimson Tide. This is the first time I’ve seen a line with a ranked a team as a two-touchdown underdog. It’s hard to say whether this is disrespect towards Arkansas, or Vegas thinks Bama is that good. The last time the Tide came to Fayetteville the Tide barely snuck out with a 14-13 victory. In last year’s contest, the Tide pulled away from the Razorbacks 27-13; but it was a very close and physical contest throughout. Arkansas is one of the few teams that match Bama’s physicality on both fronts. In addition, Arkansas is the first team that will test Bama’s depth. The keys of the game will dependant on the Quarterback play of both teams. Austin Allen of the Razorbacks has looked very good thus far throwing for 1232 yards with 12 touchdowns and only two interceptions. However, he has not faced a defense close to the Crimson Tide. The Razorbacks will need to WR Drew Morgan to make plays in order to help extend drives and move the ball. The challenge for the Arkansas defense will be the limit the big play. Texas A&M was able to score quickly in the second half two weeks ago, and though Alcorn State couldn’t generate points the Braves did manage to pile up yardage in chunks. Texas A&M was able to score quickly in the second half two weeks ago, and though Alcorn State couldn’t generate points the Braves did manage to pile up yardage in chunks. Jalen Hurts has dynamic weapons in Calvin Ridley and O.J. Howard. The one diminishing factor in Hurt’s game is his inconsistency throwing the deep ball. If Hurt ’s can connect on a couple of deep balls, the Hogs will be in trouble. Bret Bielema is a veteran coach and has a had a solid approach to this game. With Tennessee coming up on Alabama’s schedule, the game in Fayetteville is a perfect trap game. Look for Bilemnia to knock off the number one team for the second time in his career. Arkansas pulls off a stunner.
Final score 20-17.