You Can Bet on It! (Week 9)

You Can Bet On It! (10/26/17)

Welcome back,

So I am going to keep this short because I am not even sure if I know what I am doing with my picks this year. In all fairness I have not been scoring well in any of my pick’em league other than my top 25 against the spread. However I am hovering around 50 percent and I am going to see what I can do about getting this train wreck back on track. So without delay here is what I have to probably screw up this week seeing as college football makes no sense to me.

P.S. I would have included my Ohio State Buckeyes against Penn State but as any true fan should tell you, you should not bet on your team it usually backfires.

North Carolina State vs Norte Dame, South Bend IN, 3:30pm

Spread:  Norte Dame by 7 ½ points

Over/Under: 58 points

This game is one of the games this week to keep an eye on even though most of the college football world will be focused on Ohio State and Penn State at this time. North Carolina State is quietly positioned themselves in the top 15 with strong win against than ranked Louisville and Florida State and with doing so put themselves in control of their own ACC destiny. However Notre Dame may prove to be their toughest test to date although Clemson lays waiting for them next week. Norte Dame on the other hand has been climbing the top 25 ever sense their lose to Georgia in the second week of the year however their record seems to reflect strong play against overrated teams like USC and Michigan State at least for this football year. I’m not too worried that North Carolina State will be thinking too far ahead to next, if anything I think they will view this game a chance to sharpen their skills. Norte Dame on the other hand I feel could underestimate this team at home and after many convincing wins, I don’t know if North Carolina State will win this game but I believe that they can so I will take them and the points and go with the over to boot.

North Carolina State: 38 Norte Dame: 35

Texas vs Baylor, Waco TX, 12:00pm

Spread:  Texas by 7 ½ points

Over/Under: 57 points

Now this game is almost surely set to be the polar opposite of the game I just picked and would not worry about this game selling out or look for the TV ratings to be very high. The main reason I like this game a pick is I think the spread is lower than it should be. Baylor has done very little to impress me aside for playing West Virginia close last weekend. Now truth be told Texas has not set the world on fire this season either however they have had back to back strong and competitive games against both Oklahoma and Oklahoma State which are two very decent to strong teams this year. I will take Texas to win by at least 10 but I will take the under as Texas games this game have not set the world on fire this year by any means

Texas: 24 Baylor: 13

Wisconsin vs Illinois, Campaign IL, 12:00pm

Spread: Wisconsin by 26 points

Over/Under: 49 points

Well this going to be short and sweet because there is not much to say about this match up, but I will start with the fact that the spread in this game is over half of the total over/under. What that tells me, which I already knew, is that these teams are in no way equal. Illinois is a team to keep an eye on in years to come but it is not right now and Wisconsin is a playoff contender and needs to keep blowing teams out to impress voters and this a prime game for just that. I am taking Wisconsin because I’m not sure Illinois will even find the end zone and in case they do in garbage time or some special teams play I will take the over.

Wisconsin: 52 Illinois: 7

LOCK OF THE WEEK

Michigan State vs Northwestern, Evanston IL, 3:30pm

Spread: Michigan State by 2 ½ points

Over/Under: 40.5 points

This is a very interesting game to me even though this is not the Big Ten game I will be watching at this particular time for obvious reason if you know me. Northwestern is a team I have a hard time placing because they have had a hard go with team’s way above their skill but have also played some really good football at the same time. Michigan State on the other hand has certainly not had the easiest of schedules and seems often time plays down to the level of their opponents and rose to the level of others. The spread is less than 3 point for the road teams so it’s more like 6. I am going to say we see the Michigan State team that has allowed the team to get to a surprising 6-1 record but I see this as being a good old Big Ten slug fest so I will take the under.

Michigan State: 21 Northwestern: 13

Current Record: 14-16-2

Last Week: 1-3-0

You Can Bet On It (Week 8)

You Can Bet On It! (10/19/17)

Welcome back,

For the record the events that happened from Friday night to late Saturday night is exactly why I love college football so much and to a degree more than NFL. What a week it was in whole for college football and to be honest it was a perfect representation of this year as a whole. In case you were busy apple picking or something ridiculous like that you missed out on a crazy week of college football, some of the highly ranked schools were able to hold their own against much lesser opponents but others like #2 Clemson on Friday night, or #5 Washington on Saturday night, found out the hard way not to overlook anyone. Given the number of upsets and high profile ones at that I consider myself very lucky to get out of last week with 1 win, 2 loses and I’ll even gladly take a push on the lock of the week. Like a lot of teams this week I am more than happy to move on to the next week, so let’s see if I can make any more sense of things this week.

Navy vs Central Florida, Annapolis MD, 3:30pm

Spread: Central Florida by 8 points

Over/Under: 65 ½ points

To be clear Navy is a good football team and although I never thought they were a top 25 team which Memphis did a good enough job showing last week. Central Florida on the other hand is a team that week by week is showing they are a strong all around team putting up high numbers of offense and never giving up more than 23 to any team they have played. Vegas seems to have recognized this as well as they put the game at a 8 point spread for Central Florida on the road which I don’t much care for. Considering Central Florida can score almost at will and Navy is never going to set the score board on fire although with the high quality defense Central Florida can play I will take them to cover the spread and I’ll take the under with it.

Navy: 21 Central Florida: 42

Buffalo vs Miami-Ohio, Oxford OH, 2:30pm

Spread: Miami-Ohio by 3 points

Over/Under: 48 ½ points

Honestly I really can’t say much about either one of these teams as I have not gotten the chance to watch either of these teams’ games this year with the expectation of part of Buffalo’s 7 overtime thriller. With that being said I do know that Buffalo has a quality QB which can be the difference in any college game that and Miami-Ohio doesn’t really have quality anywhere. Buffalo has also covered the spread in all of their 7 games this season while at the same time Miami-Ohio covered once in the only game that the won this year.  The records against the spreads along with Miami-Ohio being the favorite by 3 most likely because they are at home is why I am taking Buffalo getting 3 point in a game I feel they should be able to win and I’ll take the over in this one given how low it is.

Buffalo: 35 Miami-Ohio: 28

Iowa vs Northwestern, Evanston IL, 12:00pm

Spread: Pick

Over/Under: 47 ½ points

So before I begin I do see the irony in this statement but to me this game is truly a gamble but the reason I am adding it to my picks this week is because Vegas agrees making this a pick with a lot of sports books have on or the other as a point favorite depending on where you look. As for the teams, both are solid middle of the road teams in a talent heavy Big 10, yes I know I’m biased in this regards but it’s the truth so whatever. Iowa this year was only 7 second away from beating a real contender in Penn State and only lost by a touchdown to Michigan State. Northwestern on the other hand played almost 3 perfect quarters before Penn State was able to take over the game and had a solid performance against a powerful Wisconsin team. This is really one of those games that could go either way so I am going to go with my gut and Iowa just because of how close they were able to play quality football teams this year and I will take the over considering how low it is set.

Iowa: 38 Northwestern: 35

LOCK OF THE WEEK

Oklahoma vs Kansas State, Manhattan KS, 4:00pm

Spread: Oklahoma by 12 ½ points

Over/Under: 58 ½ points

So for starters I have to say that nothing recently gives me confidence in Oklahoma which is hard for me to see as a Ohio State fan. The simple reason that I chose this game is simply because Kansas State has shown in recent weeks that they are not as good as some of us thought. Given that neither teams has been able to beat the spread in 4 weeks something has to give given the ½ point in the spread or I might have gone with the push, I personally think Oklahoma has a lot to prove and a lot of making up for lack luster play if they want to stay in consideration for the playoff.  I will take Oklahoma to win convincingly and the over because both teams will be out for blood.

Oklahoma: 45 Kansas State: 31

Current Record: 13-13-2

Last Week: 1-2-1

You Can Bet On It! (Week 7)

You Can Bet On It! (10/12/17)

Welcome back,

What difference a week can make but that is the way to college football cookie can crumble some times, and I will take the wins from last week. I’m not going to ride the wave right now because last time I did that this year it backfired on my big time, so this time I am just going to give it the college try yet again. I am happy to say that I finally was able to moved just beyond 50% thanks to a 4-0 week last week and that one push I had earlier in the year. Without dragging this out too long and wasting everyone’s time let’s see picks I’m confident in and likely to overthink this week.

Rutgers vs Illinois, Champaign IL, 3:30pm

Spread: Illinois by 2 ½ points

Over/Under: 47 ½ points

Now this is not going to be the game you want to grab the phone and call up a friend to tell them they should watch this game by any means. That being said I believe this is going to be sloppy yet entertaining toilet bowl. Neither one of these teams is decent let alone good, but the spread is what has caught by eye at first glance. Now a one or two point game is not out of question however that outcome is far less likely especially in a college game, and if I am being honest this game has the chance to go either way. I am going to go with coaching when it comes to this game and in my opinion Illinois has the better coach in Lovie Smith so I will take the Illini to cover and the under. 

Rutgers: 17 Illinois: 24

Texas Tech vs West Virginia, Morgantown WV, 12:00pm

Spread: West Virginia by 3 ½ points

Over/Under: 76 points

This game is going to be the polar opposite of the game we just went over because as mentioned in our pod cast this week the Big 12 does not play any defense. So if you were looking for a high scoring shootout this is going to be the game for you as Vegas has noted with the crazy high yet not unbelievable over/under. Now both teams are having pretty good years with Texas Tech having a slight edge in the wins department, yet even with the better record is still the underdog which I know is because they are on the road this week. With that being said I am going to go with the over because it’s the Big 12 after all but I am going to take Texas Tech to keep the game within in the 3 ½ because they have yet to lose against the spread this season and I believe they have a fighting chance to even leave Morgantown with the win.

Texas Tech: 48 West Virginia: 45

Texas Christian vs Kansas St, Manhattan KS, 7:00pm

Spread: Texas by 6 points

Over/Under: 53 points

Why leave the Big 12 when we don’t have to plus the games are usually good for a wild battle. I will say that this game is not going to quite the shootout that the game I just went over will be and I believe will be much less entertaining. The reason I believe this has everything to do with how bad Kansas St has been as of late, last week I took a weak Texas team over them and I’m not about to start believing in them now. Texas Christian is also a much better team than in state Texas and even though this is on the road I have no problem picking Texas Christian to win by more than a touchdown and well because it’s the Big 12, you guessed it the over.

Texas Christian: 35 Kansas St: 21

LOCK OF THE WEEK

Michigan vs Indiana, Bloomington IN, 12:00pm

Spread: Michigan by 7

Over/Under: 47 points

This game was the first game that stood out to be when I took a look at the spreads this week and I can understand why it is only 7 points given what happened last week to Michigan. That logic has to be what the odds makers were thinking because this spread is really low considering how bad of a team Indiana is this year. Michigan has had a bad lose and they are in mega rebuild mode after losing most of their starts but Harbaugh’s coaching and the talent difference should be enough for Michigan to rebound even on the road by more than a touchdown. The over under in this one could really go either way so I am going to say over but just barely.

Michigan: 31 Indiana: 17

Current Record: 12-11-1

Last Week: 4-0

You Can Bet On It! (Week 6)

You Can Bet On It! (10/6/17)

Welcome back,

Well I may have to re name this blog to you can bet on it but I wouldn’t the way this season has been going for me so far. I will say that I am also struggling in the yahoo random pick’em against the spread but at least there I am 47% correct there, which is more than I can say for my picks in games in this blog. That being said all this crazy football I have been privileged to see brings me so much joy, in my opinion my incorrect picks further shows how entertaining and unpredictable college football can be. With all of that being considered I am going to pray that October is a month for redemption so without further delay let’s see how I can botch up these games this week.

Central Florida vs Cincinnati, Cincinnati OH, 6:00pm

Spread: Central Florida by 17

Over/Under: 57 ½ points

So last week I must admit that I was Rip Van Winkle sleeping on Central Florida and I will have to keep that in mind for the rest of the season. Now I didn’t have much to go on with the Knights but last week against a quality Memphis team, even to my anguish, proved that this team is pretty well rounded. Cincinnati on the other hand has not done much of anything to instill confidence in them as a team, especially with back to back losses against Navy and Marshall the latter being at home is not a good look. Now typically like I said in the past 17 points is a large spread but it’s not crazy enough to scare me away, given how poorly Cincinnati has played this season and the quality defense that Central Florida has shown this year I think the spread could easily have been higher. Now bettors must agree with me seeing as this game open up at 14 points and has already risen to 17, so I am going to get while the getting is good and take Central Florida to cover early and just breeze to victory so I will take the under as well. 

Central Florida: 37 Cincinnati: 18

Michigan vs Michigan St, Ann Arbor MI, 7:30pm

Spread: Michigan by 13 ½ points

Over/Under: 40 points

This seems like it has trap game written all over it and I am least confident about this game more than any other game that I chose to pick this week, mainly because of the inconsistency of Michigan State. Now this is no doubt a rivalry game as should be obvious, however this game has a lot of questions about both sides. Michigan has so many questions from the QB position to what the identity of this defense will be considering their inconsistency. Michigan State on the other hand has played pretty much as most would expect and had a very convincing win over a strong Iowa squad after getting shown up by Norte Dame the week before. With all of this in consideration and given the almost two touchdown spread I think the rivalry, passion, and hate for each other will take the lead in this type of game. Now I won’t even try and say I know who is going to walk out with the win given the way this season has gone, but I do think this game will be close so I will take Michigan State and the over considering the low 40 points.

Michigan: 24 Michigan St: 21

Texas vs Kansas St, Austin TX, 7:00pm

Spread: Texas by 4 points

Over/Under: 50 points

To start off this selection neither one of these teams are really anything special when you really look at the quality of wins this year. That being said I do really enjoy this match up and almost chose this as my lock of the week, not that that mean all that much for me this year. Kansas State has had moments that they looked really good but have struggled in the last two games against some sub par opponents in Vanderbilt and Baylor. Texas came out really slow in a loss to Maryland but was able to get things together with a strong showing in a field goal loss to USC  and two wins against teams they should have beat including an underrated Iowa State. I think with the momentum on their side and the home town crowd in Austin I am going to take Texas to win this game by at least a touchdown and I’ll take a shot with the over. 

Texas: 31 Kansas St: 21

LOCK OF THE WEEK

Miami vs Florida State, Tallahassee FL, 3:30pm

Spread: Miami by 3 points

Over/Under: 48 ½ points

First of all I realize that this is a rivalry game the same as the battle for Michigan is, but the difference here is spread and quite frankly... talent. Not that Florida State can really do much about losing their starting QB in the first game of the season but they have done little in the way of correcting the issue among others. Florida State has yet to cover spread in any of their first three games which stands out to me; Miami on the other hand has covered in two of their three games. Now it’s worth noting that Miami hasn’t played any really tough teams this season even though I think that the Duke team they played last week is better than they showed in that performance. The reason I am taking this game as my lock of the week is because of how small the spread is which I can attribute to the rivalry, but the talent and momentum is clearly in Miami’s favor. I am going to say Miami can go on the road and get a convincing win against a depleted and confused Florida State team combined with the under on well a gamble.

Miami: 28 Florida State: 13

Current Record: 8-11-1

Last Week: 1-3

You Can Bet On It (Week 5)

You Can Bet On It! (9/29/2017)

Welcome back,

So last week was not the week I expect in college football and a lot of teams really showed they are the real deal while others showed they are flashes in the pan. I feel lucky enough that I came away with a win and am just happy I didn’t pick pro games because that would I have been a disaster. Without any further delay I am going to try and see if I can correct those mistakes this weekend even though I know I am sadly getting to this blog later than I would like

Michigan State vs Iowa, Lansing MI, 7:30pm

Spread: Michigan State by 4

Over/Under: 44 points

This is one of those classic big ten battles between two teams that are often overlooked yet make the depth of talent in the big ten very obvious. Now neither team has done a lot to blow viewers mines this year but they both have been impressive. Now given that Michigan State is at home this is why I believe that they are favored in this contest even after a bad loss in East Bend last week to the Fighting Irish.  With Iowa come only seven seconds away from another huge upset at come last week against Penn State I think Iowa is clearly the better team. I am willing to take Iowa keeping it with a field goal even though I think they will win this game out right, however I don’t foresee a high scoring game so I’ll take the under as well.

Michigan State: 18 Iowa: 24

Memphis vs Central Florida, Orlando FL, 7:00pm

Spread: Central Florida by 4 ½ points

Over/Under: 69 points

Now this game is a tough on to call but it’s a game I really like and think will be an enjoyable game to watch even though I believe that most people will sleep on it. Central Florida has only played two games so far this season but was looked good and covered they spread in both, one of which last week came back to bite me. Memphis on the other had has not had the same luck although they are undefeated and this game being postponed to this later date I feel works in the Tigers favor, the only real question is how much of an advantage. Now I am going to going to take the gamble on this one and find out if it should be shame on me as I don’t know if Memphis has enough to win but I think they can so I will take them to at least keep it to a field goal and I’ll take the over it what will be a back and forth contest till the end.

Memphis: 38 Central Florida: 35

Notre Dame vs Miami (OH), South Bend IN, 5:00pm

Spread: Notre Dame by 20 ½ points

Over/Under: 53 ½ points

Let me be clear as I start, I do not have faith in either of these teams and although that should be expected from Miami of Ohio, I still don’t by the hype or belief that this is a good Fighting Irish team. With that being said Notre Dame is coming off a big win against Michigan State where they were able to cover the spread at home and Miami has struggled to beat the spread in any of their games this season with the expectation of one they actually did. Coming off the high from last week’s win and this being the 2^nd Notre Dame home game in a row and Miami of Ohio’s second road game in a row combined with if I’m being honest the separation there should be in talent I am going to go with Notre Dame to continue the momentum in South Bend before there season goes bottoms up. I will take the over as I expect Miami of Ohio will be able to score but Notre Dame will not back off wanting to keep the lead as large as they can.

Notre Dame: 42 Miami (OH): 18

LOCK OF THE WEEK

Air Force vs New Mexico, Albuquerque NM, 7:00pm

Spread: Air Force by 2 ½ points

Over/Under: 50 points

First of all Air Force has proven to be my cash cow this year and I am not going to abandon the golden goose just yet. Air Force has covered in all but their loss last week, but they still manage to stay with any team they try and face even those games that don’t look close like the Michigan game. New Mexico on the other hand has had a hard time this year against most good to decent teams they have played, and I am surprise to see they are the underdog at home which show Vegas is showing the Falcons some respect over the Lobos. I will stick with my lucky charm and take Air Force to win this out right by a touchdown and with the over/under so low I will take the over as well

Air Force: 31 New Mexico: 24

Current Record: 7-8-1

Last Week: 1-3

You Can Bet On It (Week 4)

You Can Bet On It! (9/21/2017)

Welcome back,

Well I certainly made up for the mega fumble on my pick is week one by going perfect last week, including Air Force keeping it close against Michigan, so my goal is to use the momentum. This was week is like last week another one of those weeks where you see some close games and a few that our going to have outrageous spreads because we are still just outside conference play really kicking off in college, which in my opinion is where some of the best football is to watch. With that being said I chose to go with a lot of big games this week, and most with close spreads that I may be a little unsure about but I would like to see if my picks last week were more luck or if I still have the touch against the spread. So before lady luck leaves let’s get into this week’s picks.

Georgia vs Mississippi State, Athens GA, 7:00pm

Spread: Georgia by 6 points

Over/Under: 50 points

Now this was a game I over looked when I reviewed and we talked about our preseason outlook for the SEC on our podcast and I’ll happily admit that. With that said I do love great mid season surprise when a good game appears in the schedule. But picking this game is no easy task considering both teams have cover the spread in 5 out of 6 of their games this season. This game is going to be won or lost when Georgia has the ball against that Mississippi State defense and with that how well the Bulldogs 1-2 punch at running backs can move the chains and control the clock verses the other Bulldogs being able to get the defense off the field.  With that being said and the fact that this is a conference game after all, I see this being a close game that could go either way and come down to the final possession so I am going to go with Mississippi State to cover the spread and the over.

Georgia: 31 Mississippi: 28

UCLA vs Stanford, Stanford CA ,  10:30pm

Spread: Stanford by 7 ½ points

Over/Under: 62 points

This game is another one of those games between two teams that know each other very well and it’s not hard to see why considering how close these schools are to each other. The first thing I noticed is that both of these squads have had a hard time beating the spread in their games this year going 2-4 in their combined 6 games this season. The second thing I have seen with regards to my choice is UCLA’s history of having trouble against any team that is halfway decent and consistency of having to battle or come back in the 4^th quarter. Now I know that Stanford had a hard time against USC this year but if you have seen the Trojans play this year that shouldn’t be a surprise to you. With all that being said I still believe that Stanford is the better team in this one and will take the gamble that the Carinal will cover the spread even if it’s just barley so I will take Stanford and the over.

UCLA: 30 Stanford: 38

Alabama vs Vanderbilt, Nashville TN, 3:30pm

Spread: Alabama by 18 ½

Over/Under: 43 ½ points

Okay so let’s be honest with this one right out of the gate… Alabama is just a much better team as you see by the large spread and typically that would make me want to look closer at the underdog to keep it closer than that. However Vanderbilt has not really played anyone but Kansas State this season and other than Florida State neither has Alabama, but the difference in talent in this game is just to glaring to me for a under 20 point spread. I think Alabama is going to have no problem with winning this game and being able to hold Vanderbilt’s offense off so I will take Alabama and given that the Crimson Tide has scored 41 points in their last two games I will certainly take the over.

Alabama: 45 Vanderbilt: 24

LOCK OF THE WEEK

Maryland vs Central Florida, College Park MD, 3:00pm

Spread: Maryland 3 ½ points

Over/Under: 64 points

This is a game that I would normally not want to choose for my lock of the week considering Central Florida has play 1 game this season and Maryland has played 2 so there is not much prior information to go on. With that in mind I chose this game because I love the spread, I don’t know what kind of team Central Florida is going to be this season but having watched Maryland this season they have shown that they are a much better team than most and in my opinion Las Vegas thinks. I believe that this spread would have been much higher if Central Florida had to go up against Memphis so if Vegas wants to make Maryland a 3 ½ point favorite I will gladly take advantage as I think Maryland can win this game handedly but I don’t know we will reach 64 points so I will take the under with this matchup.

Maryland: 34 Central Florida: 27

Current Record: 6-5-1

Last Week: 4-0

You Can Bet On It (Week 3)

You Can Bet On It! (9/14/2017)

Welcome back,

Yet another week in the book and although last week was not a bad week it certainly isn’t anything you want to brag about, at the very least it was 2-2 so progresses is being made. Now it’s true that most teams this early on are still filled with question marks and as the season goes on, especially as we get closer to conference play, teams will be easier to figure out. Now was this happen not only goes Vegas spreads become a lot closer but if you have been paying attention to teams throughout the year the games will get easier to pick. With all that being said this is not that week as a lot of games are going to be filled with big spreads as the big 5 conference teams are still for the most part playing much easier opponents so I can going to do my best to give 4 games I hope will turn my year around now that I have finally gotten on the right side of the board.

Kentucky vs South Carolina, Columbia SC, 3:30pm

Spread: South Carolina by 5 ½ points

Over/Under: 51points

First and foremost Kentucky is much more of a basketball school than they are with football and you if you go back and view their previous years records you will see that easily. On the other side of the ball in this matchup South Carolina has built a solid football team for many years and this year they have not given any reason to think they won’t continue to be a quality football team. Now I am going to take South Carolina in this matchup not only because history says it is a good idea but because Kentucky was not able to cover the spread in either of their first 2 games and those were against Southern Miss and Eastern Kentucky and have not scored more than 27 in either of those games. South Carolina on the other hand was able to cover the spread against much better school in North Carolina State and Missouri in the last two week while scoring over 30 in both contests. With that all being said I think the over/under is going to be pretty close but I’ll take the over barley and South Carolina easily covering the spread.

South Carolina:31 Kentucky: 21

Michigan vs Air Force, Ann Arbor MI,  12:00pm

Spread: Michigan by 27 points

Over/Under: 54 points

This another one of those high spread games that are always cause for pause for most people trying to pick against the spread, however I see a big opportunity to take a gamble. Michigan is not the team they were last year with all the players the lost last year to the NFL draft and there is serious concern regarding the QB position in Ann Arbor. As for Air Force they are never going to be at the Michigan level and there is very little to go off of this season given they only played the Virginia Military Keydets and seeing as this is the first I have heard of them I am a little concerned. Now with all that being said 27 is a very large spread and Air Force always knows how to throw the ball, combined that with all of the questions on the Michigan squad I will take Air Force and the over even though I don’t believe Air Force can win this game, I do think they will cover that 27 point spread.

Michigan: 38 Air Force: 21

North Carolina vs Old Dominion, Norfolk VA, 3:30pm

Spread: North Carolina by 7

Over/Under: 57  points

For starters, yes, I do understand that this one seems a little obvious and should be by lock of the week given how small the spread is and the level of teams facing off. Well I did think about this as the game of the week however a couple of things kept me from doing that, one of which being the lack luster start North Carolina has gotten off to and their lack of being able to cover a spread so far this year. Now Old Dominion has not and is not a team any ACC team should worry about beating however the spread only being 7 points is a bit shocking considering even with Old Dominion being decent team for the level they play at. I do believe North Carolina should be able to finally find their rhythm in this game and finally get a win and it should be by more than 7, so I am going to take the Tar Heels but go with the under in a game that I feel will be lower scoring and closer than most people would think.

North Carolina: 34 Old Dominion:21

LOCK OF THE WEEK

Iowa State vs Akron, Akron OH, 12:00pm

Spread: Iowa State by 10

Over/Under: 62 ½ points

This match up is pretty obvious why I would choose it my lock of the week and that’s because to be perfectly honest Iowa State is a very good and underrated team and well Akron is not either of those things. Iowa State is coming off a tough overtime loss to in state rival in a great game against Iowa, on the other hand Akron is coming off of a blow out of Arkansas-Pine Bluff and yes that is a real school. Given the fact that Iowa has covered the spread in both of their first two games even with the loss and Akron being as well bad as they are I don’t foresee a team like Iowa State having any problem taking out last week’s frustrations on the Zips. I will take Iowa State by way more than the 10 they are favored and I will also take the over.

Iowa State: 45 Akron:27

Current Record: 2-5-1

Last Week: 2-2