It’s Another Underdog Saturday

MARYLAND +11 @ Clemson

First of all I hate Clemson so I’m always looking for a chance to pick against them.

The thing that made me pull the trigger here is that Clemson’s O line is in disarray.

It was a team weakness to start the season (1 returning starter) and they looked really bad against Bama (zero total rushing yards).

Now they have 3 starters injured and no decent replacements.

Clemson is actually starting an O lineman who began the season as a volunteer assistant coach!

I don’t know too much about Maryland except they whipped Cal, they upset Clemson in “death valley” (please) two years ago, and they are getting a generous spread here.

COLORADO +6 v. Florida St. (@ Jax)

Why does FSU keep getting respect?

They are well established as a middling ACC team.

The only people who refuse to acknowledge this are Bobby Bowden, Burt Reynolds, and Las Vegas.

Last week FSU desperately wanted to beat Wake at home but could only manage 3 points.

Their only wins are against big time cupcakes.  On top of their sorry-ness, this is also a sandwich game for FSU coming between their two biggest conference games (next week @ Miami).

The Buffs are undefeated, are showing improvement under former Boise coach Hawkins and freshman tailback Scott is super fast and was the #1 RB recruit last year.

I give them a 50% change of winning and a great chance to cover.

NORTHWESTERN +9 @ Iowa

This line is way too big.  Iowa finished 2nd to last in the Big 10 last year and does not appear to be improved.

Northwestern has built confidence with a 4-0 start and feature a surprisingly good defense and RB Sutton.

Another possible upset where I will take the points.

ILLINOIS + 15 @ Penn St.

Another huge line that is tough to figure out in a game matching teams that are 9 spots apart in the rankings.

This has all the makings of a shootout like Illinois’ game with Mizzou in week 1 (which they only lost by 10).

I feel like Illinois has an edge b/c they have played that game where Penn St. has not played anyone decent at all.

Seems like Penn St. has mostly laid an egg or squeaked by in their big home games over the past few years.

Here they can win by 2 TDs and Illinois still covers.