NCAA Football: Kern picks Cincinnati vs Central Florida, Toledo vs Western Michigan, Army vs Tulane, Maryland v Rutgers, and more

Here’s the college picks. Only hope we can do as well as we did last week, which sometimes is hoping too much. But we mostly continue to try. That’s something at least, right?

Cincinnati (+3.5) over Central Florida

I know UCF hasn’t lost an AAC game in a couple of years. But the Knights did just finally lose a regular-season game (at Pitt). They’re still good. But so is Cincy, which is at home on a Friday night. This one is probably for the East Division title, and I just think the Bearcats and the crowd might be enough to get it done. Or at least take it right to the end. So I’m taking the points in this spot, maybe looking for an outright victory. Which means it might also be worth checking out the money line at +155. Just saying. UCF, it should be noted, has won this game easily the last three years.

Toledo (-1.5) over Western Michigan

My guy out that way has been touting the Rockets and it’s worked out pretty good so far. Now he’s touting them again. So who am I to argue? This one could decide the MAC West. Toledo has beaten the Broncs soundly the last two years. Doesn’t mean they’ll do it again, but I’m only asking them to win by a safety. Sounds doable, although the line has come down. For what that might be worth.

Army (+2.5) over Tulane

I know the Green Wave is better than they have been in recently. But I think the Cadets are really good. And they’re home. Tulane was off last week, after rallying from way behind to beat Houston on a Thursday on that weird scoring play at the end. So if nothing else they should be well rested. I’m hoping Army can get ahead early and control the game and not have to throw the ball, since playing catch-up is not its thing.

Iowa State (+3.5) over TCU

Decent matchup between two teams trying to stay near the top of the Big 12. The last two years have been low-scoring games. TCU won last year at home, by three. In 2017 ISU won at home, 14-7. The Cyclones, at home again, are coming off a tough loss at Baylor. I’m just thinking they might rebound in this spot, and I’m rooting for another close one.

Here’s a couple of others I’m not saying I will play (because I can’t take them all, can I?) but did at least consider. So proceed with caution. Of course knowing me these are the ones that will win.

Maryland (-13.5) over Rutgers

I know Rutgers has a new coach, but the Scarlet Knights are still a mess. Which, come to think of it, so is Maryland right now. Ask Penn State. But I think this is a game the Terps almost have to win, just to get some of their whatever back. And it’s never a bad idea to go against RU, even when it’s getting double digits at home.

Oklahoma (-32) over Kansas

I know this is a lot to lay, especially on the road. But that’s sort of where OU and KU are right now. The only question is whether the Sooners will win by 28 or 35. And there is a difference. Plus they have Texas next week. But they should be able to roll it up for at least the first three quarters. Backdoor covers are always the concern in these situations. One of these weeks OU is due to only score like 42 instead of 56.

Hey, we’re simply throwing stuff out there. I’m the one who liked Temple a little on Thursday only to watch East Carolina get a meaningless touchdown with 20 seconds to go to beat the spread. Hate when that happens.

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