After a couple abysmal weeks have dropped our season record to a pedestrian 15-13-4, I promise this the week we are turning this ship around. I’m feeling really good about these underdogs and I believe a majority of them can win their games outright. So let’s get down to it and make some money.
#23 Arizona (+7.5) @ #17 USC:
The Arizona Wildcats have simply become a different team under Khalil Tate. In the month of October alone, Tate passed for 743 yards and six touchdowns with just two interceptions. On the ground, Tate rushed for 840 yards and eight touchdowns, on route to a 4-0 record. Arizona now is 6-2 on the year and 4-1 in the conference. They are looking to spoil USC homecoming month. Also Arizona has had success with emerging running back JJ Taylor who had 152 yards on just 13 carries against Washington St. USC has a banged up front seven and they do not have the speed to contain the explosive Arizona backfield. The improved Arizona defense will do just enough to keep this game competitive. Seven and a half points is too much to give in a game that will decide the Pac-12 South. I love the Wildcats here.
Oklahoma (+3) @ Oklahoma St:
In the famous words of our editor Austin Brown; “Oklahoma has won more national championships since World War II than Oklahoma St has won games in Bedlam.” Oklahoma simply does not lose to the Cowboys and look for that trend to continue here. Oklahoma has already gone into a tough environment and beat Ohio St in the Horseshoe this season. Baker Mayfield is undefeated on the road as the Sooners Quarterback. The Sooners simply have the better team here and look for their talented secondary to finally figure out. Buy a half a point to secure the W on the parlay. Sooners win this one big 54-41.
#6 Ohio St @ Iowa (+18):
Iowa is 5-3 with all three losses by seven or less. One of these losses included a devastating last-minute loss against Penn St. this year. Iowa burned everyone on the road against Northwestern a couple weeks ago, but good gamblers don’t hold grudges. Ohio St. Quarterback J.T. Barrett lead an 18 point comeback against Penn St., passing for 328 yards and 4 touchdowns on 33 of 36, including 13 of 13 in the fourth quarter. Will Barrett be able to repeat that performance on the road? I don’t believe he can look for the Buckeyes to take a step back after an emotional come-from-behind home win. The Buckeyes escape Iowa City with a win but the Hawkeyes find a way to cover the spread.
Score Ohio St 21 Iowa 10.
#18 UCF @ SMU (+14.5):
I honestly think the SMU Mustangs have the capability to win this game outright. Scott Frost has done a remarkable job turning the Golden Knights around from 0-12 team to being the #18 best team in the country. UCF struggled guarding big receivers on the outside from Austin Peay. Look for SMU receiver Courtland Sutton to dismantle the Golden Knight’s secondary. Another potential shootout will benefit the two touchdown road underdogs. I will cover this game more extensively in another article, but the Mustangs should cover in Dallas.
#19 Stanford @ #25 Washington St (-1.5):
Hammer the hell of out of this game if Love doesn’t return. Currently, according to David Shaw, Bryce Love is a game time decision, and is unlikely to play at 100%. Love has not participated in any team drills throughout the week. If he is unable to go, Washington St wins this game by four touchdowns. Additionally, Stanford is making a change at quarterback and KJ Costello will be making his first college start in Pullman. Although the Cougars gave up 328 rushing yards to the Wildcats in desert, don’t expect Stanford to completely run through the Cougars stout defense again. Despite giving up over 500 total yards, the Cougars defense still ranks 17th nationally. Look for Luke Falk to bounce back after an abysmal performance against Arizona. This is a must win for the Cougs, and I think they take care of business at home.
