Mike Kern picks Michigan vs Ohio St., Alabama vs Auburn, Wake Forest vs Syracuse, Kansas St. vs Iowa St. & issues Temple, Penn St. warnings
And here’s the rest of the weekend’s college football picks, rivalry edition. Hope we do better than the Cowboys.
Michigan (+8) over Ohio State
I know, I know, I’m an idiot. Yet for whatever reasons I really think the Harbaughs can make this a game. Or maybe even pull off an upset. Given the fact that the Bucks have owned this series, that could be asking too much. The Wolves are way overdue. This is their Super Bowl. I’m hoping that’s enough to make the difference.
Wake Forest (-3.5) over Syracuse
I realize Wake is on the road, but I don’t think much of the Orange, even though this is their last game of what’s been a really disappointing season. So they might come up with a big effort. Still, I’m willing to take the chance that Dave Clawson’s team can get it done in this spot before heading off to yet another bowl.
Alabama (-3.5) over Auburn
Maybe I should give more credit to Auburn’s defense, especially at home, or the fact that Bama doesn’t have its quarterback. I just think the Tide knows this is their last chance to do whatever it takes to try and convince the committee that they should still be playoff worthy with one loss. Auburn of course might have other ideas. The hook might wind up killing us, but I’ll take the risk.
Kansas State (+5.5) over Iowa State
K-State was good to me last week, coming up with an outright win as a dog at Texas Tech. So I’m sticking with the Wildcats, in what should be a pretty good matchup. I think it could be low scoring, and if they don’t win straight up I think that many points could make them a solid investment.
For whatever it’s worth, both Temple and Penn State play two of the worst teams in the land in Connecticut and Rutgers, respectively. I can’t believe there’s any reason either of those opponents will be excited in the least about traveling to South Philly or Happy Valley. But the Owls are laying four touchdowns, and the Nits nearly six. So you might want to tread lightly. Maybe even a two-team parlay, just in case. PSU might not have its QB, but the visitors might not score. Temple has played especially well at home for the most part, so there is that.
Be back soon with the dreaded pro stuff. Hope you had a good Gobble Gobble.
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