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I know it’s already Wednesday, but I’m still drinking away the pain of that horrific loss in Tucson. I mean, damn guy, if you’re gonna commit three (!!!) personal fouls, at least make them count! Knock someone out cold!
I went 5-3 last week. Here’s my theory though: I don’t mind blowing the picks against the bottom dwellers of the Big 12. Kansas, Tech, and … OSU? Let’s just take another shot and move on.
With two positive weeks under my belt, I’m feeling pretty good about this week, but that could just be the Captain talking. We open up conference play this weekend. Of course, I don’t know if you can call it much of a game. Anyway, picks after the jump.
TCU (-21) @ Kansas, 11 am, FXWelcome to the Big 12, Horny Frogs! Beat up a few weak foes, and your very first conference opponent might be worse than last week’s opponent, Grambling State. Kansas blew a big third quarter lead, and watched the win disappear between the uprights as Rice stole it at the last. Easy pick here.
Pick: TCU to cover
Louisiana @ Oklahoma State (-24), 11 am, FSN
So, we welcome the Rajun Cajuns back to town. Last time we played them, we were down at halftime. And that was with Weeden2Blackmon. Hopefully the boys have their head on straight this week, because we saw last weekend that the Louisiana schools come to play.
By the way, I've been told this game won't be on DISH. Not sure how accurate that is.
Pick: OSU to cover
Texas A&M (-13) @ SMU, 2:30 pm, FSN
Wait, what the hell are the Gaggies doing in here? They aren’t part of the Big 12 anymore! Although, after last weekend, I bet you they’d much rather be playing the likes of Kansas and Iowa State than Florida (or any SEC team for that matter). If you're a gamblin' man, I'd recommend laying money on SMU covering whatever the second half spread is. God knows the Ags won't cover it.
We are all Mustangs fans this weekend. Go Ponies.
West Virginia (-infinity) @ James Madison, 3:30 pm
Infinity might be a legitimate point spread this week. The James Madison Dukes are currently ranked as the fourth best team in FCS, and have beat their opponents by a combined score of 97-10. Their opponents haven’t been anything like this West Virginia team. Right now I’ve got the West Virginia-Kansas State game determining the winner of the Big 12. That’s how good both of these teams look right now.
Pick: West Virginia by 40+
New Mexico @ Texas Tech (-33.5), 6 pm, FCS
New Mexico just got blanked by Texas, 45-0. Are you telling me that Tech would lose to Texas on a neutral field by 11 points? I don’t believe it. However, the Texas heat (and the lack of actual talent) will be too much for the Lobos to overcome.
Pick: Red Rash Raiders to cover
North Texas @ Kansas State (-28.5), 6 pm, FSN
I know Miami is far from being "The U", but Kansas State absolutely dismantled them last weekend. If any team scares me right now, it’s the Wildcats. Bill Snyder has them firing on all cylinders, and looking even better than last year. He won’t let them overlook this game. Big matchup in Norman next weekend, but the Wildcats will send the Mean Green scampering back home.
Pick: Kansas State to cover
Sam Houston State @ Baylor (-infinity), 6 pm, FCS
The entire Big 12 non-conference schedule makes me sick.
Pick: Baylor by 40+
Western Illinois @ Iowa State (-infinity), 7 pm
See game above.
Pick: Iowa State by 35+
Texas (-10) @ Ole Miss, 8:15 pm, ESPN
Finally, a big game! A big non-conference game against quality opposition! Oh wait, it’s Texas? And they still don’t have a functioning quarterback? And they are playing an SEC team on the road in prime time? I can’t help it. This has to be my upset special of the week.
Pick: Ole Miss to cover, and likely win
OU has the week off ahead of its big clash at home next week against Optimus Kline and the Wildcats.
You know the drill. If I’m wrong, let me know in the comments below. Better yet, make the picks yourself. 5-3 last week brings me to 11-4 on the season so far.