Fearless College Picks

I write for VegasInsider.com and figured I would post my picks that I do every week there over here for the hell of it.

Enjoy!

Michigan (-8 ½) versus Notre Dame

This game could be called the “battle of the storied train wrecks” since both teams are 0-2 for the first time EVER! Another thing that both squads have in common is they’re starting freshman at quarterback: Ryan Mallett for Michigan and Jimmy Clausen for the Fightin’ Irish. I’m more inclined to take Mallett and the Wolverines. The main reason for this pick is that Notre Dame has given up 681 total yards on defense in two matches (and I know how bad UM has looked recently as well). That is not something you want to see when playing Michigan attack that does have some quality veterans at the skill positions and itching to show that they still can put up points.

Final Score: Michigan 30, Notre Dame 12

Florida (-8 ½) versus Tennessee

The Volunteers got outmatched at Cal to open the year and took Southern Miss to task in Week 2. Meanwhile, the Gators wiped their cleats on Western Kentucky and then played sloppy in the second half against Troy. So where does the edge lie on this match? Well, both teams have defenses that are iffy at the moment. But I’m going to take Florida’s offense against a Vols defense with an underperforming secondary in Gainesville this week. I can’t see this game being all that close.

Final Score: Florida 46, Tennessee 24

UCLA (-13 ½) at Utah

It’s hard not to like the Bruins on the road in this spot. Utah has lost by a combined score of 44-19 in two games. Meanwhile, UCLA has outscored its opponents 72-34. And while I don’t like taking double-digit favorites, the Bruins are 9-0 straight up and 8-1 against the spread when playing on the road against Mountain West foes. It’s going to be a tough game to watch for Utes fans.

Final Score: UCLA 35, Utah 7

Louisville (-6 ½) at Kentucky

If you’re looking for a game with a surplus of offense, then you’ll find it at Commonwealth Stadium this weekend. Both teams have put up 237 points in just four total games combined, so scoring won’t be a problem. In fact, you can actually make the case that the first squad that punts, loses. The Cards undoubtedly have the better of the two offenses and will get to play a lot of pitch and catch against a Kentucky defense that has given up an average of 426.9 yards per game. And while the Cardinals’ defense isn’t anything to fawn over, they’ll be able to hold down Andre Woodson and Dicky Lyons Jr.

Final Score: Louisville 55, Kentucky 30

Boston College (+7 ½) at Georgia Tech

This match could be an early look at the ACC title game, but in the meantime it will be your standard battle of a good rushing offense butting heads with a quality defense. The Yellow Jackets have one of the nation’s best running games with 654 yards and 12 touchdowns on the ground. Meanwhile, Boston College has only allowed 29 rushing yards per game this year and just eight first downs. It’s going to be a low scoring game for GT if they can’t get that rushing attack to produce, which I think will happen. The Eagles will stand as the favorites to win the ACC after this Saturday.

Final Score: Boston College 23, Georgia Tech 10