Mike Kern's NCAA Football Picks: UCLA vs Colorado, Nebraska vs Purdue, Northwestern vs Indiana, Army vs Air Force, Boise St. vs San Jose St.
OK, time for the dreaded college football picks. If only I could bet, say, on Sungjae Im on Saturdays. Hey, I’m allowed an inside golf joke. And I have had some good weeks in this sport too. Just not as many as I’m sure we would all like. So sue me. Or give me some mulligans.
UCLA (-6.5) over Colorado
Don’t look now, but Chip Kelly’s guys have been playing a lot better the last few games. They were beating Arizona State by 32 last week. And the Sun Devils aren’t bad. Colorado isn’t that good. And Chip is Chip when he can be a frontrunner. I know his quarterback left last week after injuring his knee (for the second time this season), but I believe he’s expected to play. I’m hoping that doesn’t slow the Bruins down any. I guess we’ll see. I got burned last week when the Nebraska QB stayed out. It happens.
Nebraska (-3.5) over Purdue
Speaking of which, the Cornhuskers did lose a close one last week at home to a not-bad Indiana team. Now they’re supposed to get their QB back once again. And he’s pretty good when he’s healthy. I don’t think much of Purdue, even at home. And the visitors need this one if they’re going to make it to a bowl game. And second-year coach Scott Frost does not want to stay home this holiday season. That would be a setback.
Northwestern (+10.5) over Indiana
Speaking of the Hoosiers, and teams that have let me down, Northwestern is supposedly getting its QB back after over a month. That had nothing to do with injury, but with him being there for his mother, who was dealing with a serious health issue. NW hasn’t been the same. But the Wildcats can play some defense, and this rivalry situation might be a chance for them to salvage something from what’s been a rough ride. Don’t think they’ll win, but can keep it close even against a decent Indy team.
Army (+16) over Air Force
Army hasn’t exactly been kind to me, or itself, so far. But the Cadets are getting a lot here, maybe too much. And it is one of those military matchups. I just think it’ll be tighter than the line. And I’m also going to take the teams to go over 45.5, just because. I know they both run the ball, but unless the weather gets in the way, asking this game to get into like the mid 20s or so probably isn’t asking too much.
Bowling Green (-5) over Akron
Two of the worst teams in FCS. But the BGs have at least seemed to have shown a little more life. And the Falcons are home, for whatever that means in a matchup like this. And the line has actually come down a bit. Let’s hope the public is wrong.
Boise State (-17) over San Jose State
Boise had a week off after losing by three at BYU without their starting QB. He’s supposed to be back, and San Jose isn’t a great defensive team. The Broncs have pretty much owned this conference, and they probably think they still have a shot at getting into a New Year’s Six bowl game (they do have a win at Florida State), so don’t think they’re going to miss out on a chance to maybe win big.
Be back soon with those pro picks.
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