College Football Picks

Virginia Tech runs the ball very well, but poorly-timed penalties continued to stall out drives. Meanwhile, Cal is average at times in the passing game, and struggling to run the ball.

In addition, the Bears managed just 21 points against a UNC defense that allowed 34+ to all three of its power conference foes. And they never scored again after a 21-7 start against Duke.

The Hokies will want to run the ball and shorten the game by proxy, and neither team hits explosive plays at even an average rate. I'll take the Under here. 

Three of Cal's five wins have come against teams that have a combined 1-17 record against FBS opponents. And they needed last-minute defensive turnovers to narrowly defeat Boston College and UNC. So you'll excuse me if I don't think they're actually any good. 

Virginia Tech can run the ball extremely well, and have had a much-needed bye week to let some injured players recover. The Hokies are also playing much better since Philip Montgomery took over, and gave Georgia Tech a game prior to the bye.

Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele has been a turnover machine against some really bad defenses, and those will hurt Cal on their latest cross-country trip on a short week. 

South Carolina's broken offensive line may find a touch more traction now that its flaws have so openly and loudly been acknowledged, but that broken offensive line will still slow the Gamecocks' offense too much to have any hope of keeping up with the blossoming Alabama juggernaut. Catching this spread on the favorite's side of two touchdowns is a genuine shock, particularly as South Carolina head coach Shane Beamer continues to bat away rumors of possible Virginia Tech interest.

Missouri's defense fares well against mobile quarterbacks. If that reins in Diego Pavia, it should spell the end of Vanderbilt's dramatic run. Furthermore, Missouri enjoys the edge both offensively and defensively in late-down conversions. This unexpectedly high-stakes matchup should be determined on the margins, and a late-downs edge is the biggest of the margins.

It's much more advantageous to take the points than to lay them with a low total (38.5). I haven't been overly impressed with Iowa like the market has. They just beat a team with an interim coach and they beat a Wisconsin team that's gonna have an interim coach in a few weeks.

Texas Tech knows it has no worries against Oklahoma State. The playbook should be treated as such, as vanilla as possible. The Red Raiders will ready for the Cowboys broadly, but not specifically. There is no reason to.

Cincinnati's trenches are underappreciated. This Baylor defense just gave up 42 points to TCU. The Bears' defensive woes are too many to slow the Bearcats, and without slowing them, it may be a long night.

A loud, while atmosphere at Tiger Stadium in a game where LSU wants to slow the game down and lean on its defense. 

Tough scheduling spot for A&M, playing in a second consecutive SEC road game. Night games in Death Valley are no joke, and the Tigers are 5-0 ATS in the last five home games agaisnt the Aggies.

The scoreboard didn't reflect how well Michigan State played in their last game. Asking a true freshman QB to lay two touchdowns, in a rivalry game, on the road at night is a lot to ask and I like the Spartans to play one of their better games of the season.