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October 13th, 2010 By Andrew "Mr. Multi-Task" Ryan - Cappersinfo Contributor

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Matchup: Kansas State Wildcats @ Kansas Jayhawks
Date: Thursday, October 14th, 7:30 ET
Location: University of Kansas Memorial Stadium, Lawrence, KS
Game Line: Kansas St -2.5
Over/Under 50.5

The Sunflower State Showdown lacks a little of the luster seen in previous years, but that doesn’t mean the in-state rivalry between the 2-3 Kansas Jayhawks and the 4-1 Kansas St Wildcats will mean any less to the teams involved Thursday night. To say that first year head coach Turner Gill has gotten off to a rocky start with the Jayhawks is a bit of an understatement. Kansas opened their season with a humiliating 6-3 loss against FCS North Dakota State and was blown out by the Baylor Bears two weeks ago in Waco. The 55-7 win that the Bears recorded was the biggest conference win in Baylor history, and it completely dominated the Jayhawks from start to finish. The Jayhawks allowed an eye-popping 678 total yards while their offense could only muster 270 total yards and turned the ball over four times against the Bears. Needless to say, the Jayhawks will need a much better performance in order to beat the Wildcats. Kansas State is coming off an embarrassing outing itself, falling 48-13 to Nebraska in Manhattan last Thursday night on HC Bill Snyder’s birthday nonetheless. The Wildcats defense allowed the Nebraska offense to rush for 451 yards and gave up over 10 yards per play to the Cornhuskers. In particular, Nebraska QB Taylor Martinez was allowed to run wild, carrying the ball 15 times for 241 yards and four touchdowns. For the Wildcats, RB Darren Thomas was completely shut down by the Huskers’ defense despite coming into the game as one of the leading rushers in the country. Thomas carried the ball 22 times for 63 yards and will need to have a better game against the Jayhawks as the Wildcat offense runs through him.

Free College Football Picks: Kansas +2.5
Prediction: Kansas 24 Kansas St 21
Matchup: South Florida Bulls @ #25 West Virginia Mountaineers
Date: Thursday, October 14th, 7:45 ET
Location: Milan Puskar Stadium, Morgantown, WV
Game Line: West Virginia -10.5
Over/Under 43

West Virginia kicks off Big East play Thursday night when they host the South Florida Bulls at Mountaineer Field. The Mountaineers are 4-1 with their only loss being at the hands of undefeated LSU in Death Valley and look to be the class of the Big East this season. Last Saturday against the UNLV Rebels, the Mountaineers put together their most dominant performance of the season, scoring a huge 49-10 victory to get back into the Top 25. RB Noel Devine was battling a toe injury and only carried the ball three times, but racked up 84 yards and two touchdowns in limited action in the victory. QB Geno Smith also had a fantastic day for West Virginia, throwing for 220 yards and three touchdowns in the win. HC Bill Stewart’s defense has also been stellar this year, allowing just 255 yards per game and seven touchdowns in five games in 2010. As for South Florida, HC Skip Holtz has gotten off to a less than stellar start in his first year on the job, losing both games against BCS conference opponents while only mustering wins against two Sun Belt conference teams and an FCS team. Last week against Syracuse, the Bulls put together a pitiful performance at home in a 13-9 loss. QB BJ Daniels was downright dreadful, completing just 9 of 23 passes for 124 yards and two interceptions while being sacked four times. The South Florida offense as a whole was only able to muster 219 yards against the typically porous Orange defense and the USF defense allowed over 300 yards of offense to a Cuse offense which is typically pitiful in conference play. If the Bulls hope to come out of Morgantown with a win on Thursday, Daniels will need to outperform Smith and limit his turnovers.

Free College Football Picks: West Virginia -10.5
Prediction: West Virginia 29 South Florida 10

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October 13th, 2010 By GridironGreat

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There is no greater time to try to get into this competition than right now, as every week you beat me gives you another opportunity at that big cash prize at the end of the year. Let's get started right now with my Week 6 picks…

San Diego Chargers @ St. Louis Rams (+8.5) – Underdogs have treated me well in recent weeks, and I'm hoping that this isn't an exception. There is just something wrong with the Chargers right now, and I can't quite put my finger on it as to why. Special teams absolutely collapsed at the outset against the Oakland Raiders last week, and the defense just wasn't good enough to keep the silver and black off the field. If the Raiders are succeeding like that, the Rams should be able to do much of the game. I don't need a win. I just need a good showing. No doubt, St. Louis +8.5.

Kansas City Chiefs @ Houston Texans (-4.5) – The Texans just burned me and just about everybody else on Sunday against the New York Giants, but I'm still giving them another chance anyway. You don't beat Houston by running the ball. You beat Houston by throwing it. That's something that the Chiefs just can't do right now. The offense will bog down, and when push comes to shove, QB Matt Schaub and WR Andre Johnson are due for an absolute explosion. Don't be shocked if this one turns ugly quickly, as I have no reservations about the Texans -4.5.

Baltimore Ravens (+2.5) @ New England Patriots – Unless you think that you're getting a blocked kick, a blocked punt, and a pick six in this one New England, you don't stand a chance. The Ravens are out to prove that they are the best team in the NFL, and the way that they can do that is by making GQ boy over there, QB Tom Brady go curl into a ball and want to hide. The lesson you should've taken away from last week's game with the Denver Broncos: One dimensional offenses don't work against this team. This won't be an exception. Take the roadies here with Baltimore +2.5.

New Orleans Saints @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers (+5.5) -Right now, there isn't a team in the NFL that I'd be backing the Saints with on the road. They need to get a running game together and soon. The Tampa Bay secondary is good enough to put a real crimp in New Orleans' plan to just run away and hide from the NFC South at some point. Don't be shocked if there's another upset in the cards. I'm going with the gritty Bucs +5.5.

Atlanta Falcons (+3) @ Philadelphia Eagles – This is yet another one of those games that the Falcons just seem to have a radar for how to win. Atlanta does seem to be bothered by anything, especially when QB Matt Ryan is able to stand in the pocket and deliver throws. There might not be a better team in the NFC than the men in black and red, and they'll be out to prove it regardless of who is throwing passes for the Iggles. The prospects of potentially seeing QB Michael Vick go against his former team are fun, but we still think that Atlanta +3 is the right play.

Detroit Lions (+10) @ New York Giants – Everyone who thinks that the G-Men are still a joke, please raise your right hands… Ok, at least there are a few of you that are inevitably going to be smart in this one and realize that New York has no business laying double digits to anyone in the NFL, especially a stingy Detroit team. I tend to believe that the Lions this year could be one of the best ATS teams in the history of the game just due to the fact that they have to play a ton of games like this one on the schedule where they are just getting no respect. I'm backing Detroit +10.

Seattle Seahawks @ Chicago Bears (-7) – Wee! QB Jay Cutler is back! Anyone who ever thought that the media in the Windy City would be praying to see Cutler back in the lineup…….. Anyway, the Seahawks still aren't worth a damn thing away from Qwest Field, and we tend to believe that the men from the Midway can put together another great defensive showing. A win by at least a TD seems to be a formality as long as Cutler hasn't been taking lessons from QB Todd Collins while he has been watching on the sidelines… Chicago -7.

Miami Dolphins @ Green Bay Packers (OTB) – Note: This game WILL NOT be a part of the competition in Week 6. Sorry folks. Until I know whether QB Aaron Rodgers is playing in this one or not, no picks. For what it's worth, regardless of whether Rodgers plays or not, I tend to believe that the Fins are the right side.

Cleveland Browns (+14) @ Pittsburgh Steelers – So let's get this straight. Cleveland is probably going to end up taking a rookie quarterback in his first career outing into Pittsburgh to take on the Steelers, who are getting their suspended quarterback back in the lineup for the first time all season? Bwahahahahaha! I'll take the Steelers' defense and special teams -14 against the Browns and forget about the offense. Good luck, QB Colt McCoy. Hope your life insurance policy is paid up. Pittsburgh -14.

New York Jets @ Denver Broncos (+3) – This Denver team, for whatever reason, is one that I think I have a good feel for. This week, their one dimensional offensive attack takes on the Jets, who can stop just about anything in their way. However, HC Josh McDaniels isn't a dummy. We've said this several times before. The ball leaves QB Kyle Orton's hands incredibly quickly, which should leave for a lot of one-on-one opportunities on the inside of this defense. It could be a huge day of WR Demaryius Thomas if he is used properly, as WR Brandon Lloyd will probably be stuck on Revis Island if DB Darrelle Revis gives it a go. We don't buy that QB Mark Sanchez can keep this going forever, and the front seven of the Broncos is strong enough to stop this run. Going with Denver +3 to pull off the outright upset.

Oakland Raiders (+6.5) @ San Francisco 49ers – And I thought that all of the crappy teams were on bye this week… Forgot about these stiffs in San Fran… Oakland +6.5 for me.

Dallas Cowboys @ Minnesota Vikings (-1) – Man, what an ugly game this could be. The loser of this one is going to have four losses on the year, and many weren't so sure if either of these teams were going to lose four games all season long, let alone in their first five. This could be QB Brett Favre's last stand before getting suspended by the NFL for texting pictures of his goodies to former FSU Cowgirl and New York Jets sideline eye candy, Jenn Sterger. Here's hoping that both of these teams fall off the face of the earth and let teams that really want to be in the postseason get there. As far as the pick… geez… Minnesota -1… I guess…

Indianapolis Colts (-3.5) @ Washington Redskins – Remember to make your tiebreaker picks in this game!!! Ok, QB Peyton Manning. It's Sunday Night Football. Time to wake up and lead your team to a resounding victory so we can all rest easily, knowing that you are still the great Peyton Manning and that this is your world that we are just playing in. The 'Skins are a farce and won't finish .500. Indianapolis -3.5 to round out Sunday.

Official Week 6 NFL Lines Courtesy of Oddsmaker Sportsbook
San Diego Chargers (-8.5) @ St. Louis Rams
Kansas City Chiefs @ Houston Texans (-4.5)
Baltimore Ravens @ New England Patriots (-2.5)
New Orleans Saints (-5.5) @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Atlanta Falcons @ Philadelphia Eagles (-3)
Detroit Lions @ New York Giants (-10)
Seattle Seahawks @ Chicago Bears (-7)
Miami Dolphins (OTB) @ Green Bay Packers
Cleveland Browns @ Pittsburgh Steelers (-14)
New York Jets (-3) @ Denver Broncos
Oakland Raiders @ San Francisco 49ers (-6.5)
Dallas Cowboys @ Minnesota Vikings (-1)
Indianapolis Colts (-3.5) @ Washington Redskins

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October 12th, 2010 By Andrew "Mr. Multi-Task" Ryan - Cappersinfo Contributor

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Matchup: UCF Knights @ Marshall Thundering Herd
Date: Wednesday, October 13th, 8:00 ET
Location: Joan C. Edwards Stadium, Huntington, WV
Game Line: UCF -5.5
Over/Under 44.5

The 3-2 UCF Knights will try to remain undefeated in Conference USA play when they play their second straight nationally televised Wednesday night game against the 1-4 Marshall Thundering Herd. Last week, UCF dominated UAB 42-7 thanks to a fantastic defensive performance by one of the best units in C-USA. The Knights defense held the Blazers to just 269 total yards, forced three turnovers, and scored twice against a UAB offense that was averaging over 400 YPG. On the offensive side of the ball, QB Jeff Godfrey again proved to be a spark plug for the Knights offense, completing 9 of 11 passes for 137 yards while running for 80 yards on nine carries. RB Ronnie Weaver contributed as well, carrying the ball for 50 yards and two touchdowns. As for Marshall, the Thundering Herd suffered a significant blow two Saturdays ago when QB AJ Graham hurt his ankle in the team’s 41-16 loss to Southern Miss. Graham is a very talented quarterback who was recruited by many top flight programs, so his loss is a big one for the Herd. QB Brian Anderson will receive the lion’s share of the snaps against the Knights. Anderson has been pretty solid on the year, completing 58% of his passes for 880 yards with eight touchdowns and five interceptions. If the Thundering Herd hope to upset the Knights this Wednesday night, they will need Anderson to step up in a big way as the Knights have one of the top rush defenses in the country.

Free College Football Picks: UCF -5.5
Prediction: UCF 30 Marshall 17

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October 8th, 2010 By Andrew "Mr. Multi-Task" Ryan - Cappersinfo Contributor

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Matchup: Indiana Hoosiers @ Ohio State Buckeyes
Date: Saturday, October 9th, 12:00 ET
Location: Ohio Stadium, Columbus, OH
Game Line: Ohio State -22.5
Over/Under 57.5

Many might think that the way to go in this NCAA football betting battle is by taking the visiting Hoosiers due to the nature of what they did last week in nearly upsetting the Michigan Wolverines. However, we must remember that IU hasn't faced a team that plays defense like Ohio State all season long, and it also hasn't played a real road test against a legitimate conference contender at this point either. We love QB Ben Chappell and think that he has the goods to be a professional quarterback at some level, but this is too tough of a matchup for him to excel. The Buckeyes had their slip last week against Illinois and lived to tell about it. Unless there is a bit of a look ahead syndrome going on with the Wisconsin Badgers coming up next week, we are sure that OSU is going to want to come back and absolutely throw the gauntlet down. QB Denard Robinson absolutely shredded this Indiana defense last week. QB Terrelle Pryor might be able to do the same. The difference is that the Hoosiers won't be scoring 35 points this weekend like they did last weekend.

Free College Football Picks: Ohio State -22.5
Prediction: Ohio State 45 – Indiana 17

Matchup: Illinois Fighting Illini @ Penn State Nittany Lions
Date: Saturday, October 9th, 12:00 ET
Location: Beaver Stadium, University Park, PA
Game Line: Penn State -7.5
Over/Under 42

The Nittany Lions are out of the Top 25 this week, while the Illini nearly snuck into it after a near miss against the Ohio State Buckeyes last weekend. The bottom line for the Nittany Lions is that they are going to be overmatched by the best teams in the Big Ten all season long due to the fact that QB Robert Bolden, as a freshman, just isn't able to keep up with what the conference is throwing his way. However, Illinois isn't a top notch Big Ten team, nor is it even remotely close. This is also a team with a freshman QB Nathan Scheelhaase. Yes, Scheelhaase put together a respectable performance last weekend against the Bucks, but this game will be significantly different on the road in front of 90,000+ screaming fans in Happy Valley. PSU is going to be eager to prove that last week's loss to the Iowa Hawkeyes on the road was merely a bump in the road, and it will do so by stomping Illinois with a strong second half, just like the Bucks did last weekend.

Free College Football Picks: Penn State -7.5
Prediction: Penn State 27 – Illinois 13

Matchup: Tennessee Volunteers @ Georgia Bulldogs
Date: Saturday, October 9th, 12:21 ET
Location: Sanford Stadium, Athens, GA
Game Line: Georgia -11
Over/Under 48

"Between the Hedges" we go for another SEC betting battle between the Dawgs and the Vols. These two teams really don't like each other, and the Bulldogs are going to want to get some big time payback for last season's 45-19 blowout on Rocky Top. The Dawgs only have one win in this series since 2005, including when the Vols came here and won 51-33 in 2006. Tennessee has covered the NCAA football betting lines in four straight between these SEC East rivals. Georgia has never gotten off to this bad of a start in SEC play, nor has it ever endured a four game losing streak under HC Mark Richt. Is this team better than its record? Probably. Is it significantly better than its record? Probably not. UGA has gotten a real shot in the arm with the return of WR AJ Green to the lineup, but the Volunteers are only going to have to key in on him to stop on this offense. Last week, when faced with a similar situation with the LSU Tigers and RB Steven Ridley, Tennessee came just one play away from pulling off the ultimate upset in the Bayou. Don't be so surprised if an upset is in the cards, and if that's the case, Richt might find himself out of a job before the beginning of next week, as 1-5 won't sit well with the Georgia boosters.

Free College Football Picks: Tennessee +11
Prediction: Tennessee 20 – Georgia 17

Matchup: Alabama Crimson Tide @ South Carolina Gamecocks
Date: Saturday, October 9th, 3:30 ET
Location: Williams Brice Stadium, Columbia, SC
Game Line: South Carolina +7
Over/Under 47.5

It's easy to just make college football picks on the Crimson Tide after destroying the Florida Gators last weekend, but this is a type of challenge of the likes that has not been seen before by this team. Yes, the Tide rolled into Fayetteville and took care of the Arkansas Razorbacks with a nice surge at the end of the game. We must note that that was Alabama's one failed cover of the season to date. The difference here? The Gamecocks have had two weeks to prepare for this game and haven't really had anything on their minds but getting revenge for the game two weeks ago at Jordan Hare Stadium, a narrow defeat against the Texas A&M Aggies. We know that RB Mark Ingram is still probably the favorite to win the Heisman Trophy. We still know that QB Greg McElroy hasn't lost a game as a starting quarterback since he was in eighth grade. We still know that the Tide just absolutely crippled the Florida offense last week and has the top scoring 'D' in the land. But there's something about this game that just feels different. The Ol' Ball Coach, HC Steve Spurrier has to have some things up his sleeve, and all of the tricks will be coming out of the bag in this one. This would be a defining moment in South Carolina football history if it could win this game, and we think that the upset just might be in the cards on Saturday afternoon.

Free College Football Picks: South Carolina +7
Prediction: South Carolina 27 – Alabama 26

Matchup: Arkansas Razorbacks vs. Texas A&M Aggies
Date: Saturday, October 9th, 3:30 ET
Location: Dallas Cowboys Stadium, Arlington, TX
Game Line: Texas A&M +5.5
Over/Under 62.5

The Hogs and Aggies have ties going back to the olden days, and this is the second straight year that they will play at a neutral site to renew old ties. Last year, QB Ryan Mallett went absolutely bananas, throwing for 271 yards and four TDs against a Texas A&M team that just had no answers. Arkansas is coming off of that crushing fourth quarter rally of a defeat at the hands of the Alabama Crimson Tide, something that clearly will not be forgotten easily. A&M has struggled trying to protect QB Jerrod Johnson, who is one of the best dual threat signal callers in the land. HC Bobby Petrino has been scheming for this one for two weeks. We also tend to believe that the Hogs have the ability to play with the Crimson Tide, therefore they can beat anyone in America. This game will probably be no exception. Last week was a shootout in which Johnson threw four picks against the Oklahoma State Cowboys, and if he makes those same types of mistakes this weekend, it is going to be one heck of a lot afternoon in "Big D."

Free College Football Picks: Arkansas -5.5
Prediction: Arkansas 37 – Texas A&M 21

Matchup: Michigan State Spartans @ Michigan Wolverines
Date: Saturday, October 9th, 3:30 ET
Location: Michigan Stadium, Ann Arbor, MI
Game Line: Michigan -4.5
Over/Under 62.5

This game has the potential to have some real fireworks in it, as the "Big Game" has really not been this big in a number of years. The Wolverines and Spartans are both 5-0 and both think that this is the year that they can go to the Rose Bowl. However, both have a history of this being the time of year that they fold up shop and are never heard from again, and that's exactly what they're both trying to avoid. For HC Rich Rodriguez, this game is even more important. The Spartans are on house money, and regardless of whether every single game down the stretch is lost or not, HC Mark Dantonio's job is safe after that fake field goal call that beat the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. Rodriguez… not so much. What Rich Rod does have on his side is the most dynamic player in the country, QB Denard Robinson. He'll become the first man to get to 1,000 rushing yards in all likelihood in this game, and he'll also be well over the 2,000 yard mark for the year between rushing and passing when it's all said and done. The Spartans have never faced a team with this type of an offense and haven't played a true road game this year (the one "road game" was "at" Florida Atlantic… at Ford Field). It will be up to RB Edwin Baker and RB Le'Veon Bell to control the clock and keep Robinson off the field. However, Big Blue has struggled trying to stop the pass this year, not the rush. In fact, this is the worst rated pass defense in the nation at over 307 yards per game. Still, if QB Kirk Cousins can't get going in a big way, Michigan is going to end up rolling over the Spartans. This game means too much to the maize and blue to be beaten. A bowl game will be a guarantee when Saturday is over.

Free College Football Picks: Michigan -4.5
Prediction: Michigan 40 – Michigan State 28

Matchup: Virginia Cavaliers @ Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets
Date: Saturday, October 9th, 3:30 ET
Location: Bobby Dodd Stadium, Atlanta, GA
Game Line: Georgia Tech -10
Over/Under 47

The Cavvies were steamrolled last week by the Florida State Seminoles, but they have a shred of promise for the rest of this season. Meanwhile, the Yellow Jackets are still trying to figure out how they have been stung twice this year and why they are just 1-4 ATS a year after going to the Orange Bowl as the ACC champs. QB Josh Nesbitt is just as dangerous now as he was last season when he led this team to a fantastic season, but his 880 total yards in five games just isn't reflecting that. He needs to find a way to get more involved in the offense, which ranks just 58th in the land in total yards at 388.2 yards per game. Virginia hasn't been great, but sticking in front of a double digit spread, even on the road, seems like a legitimate possibility. Something's wrong with the Ramblin' Wreck right now, and we're determined to take advantage of that. GT might win it, but the Cavs are sticking around for the full 60 minutes.

Free College Football Picks: Virginia +10
Prediction: Georgia Tech 24 – Virginia 20

Matchup: Pittsburgh Panthers @ Notre Dame Fighting Irish
Date: Saturday, October 9th, 3:30 ET
Location: Notre Dame Stadium, South Bend, IN
Game Line: Notre Dame -6
Over/Under 49.5

Is something really wrong with the Panthers right now, or have they just run across a tough spot in the schedule? Their two losses are very respectable ones against the Miami Hurricanes and Utah Utes, and their two wins were both by respectable margins even though they were against sub-par teams. This is the first time this year that they are really on a team in their weight class, per se. The Irish finally got a big win together last week against the Boston College Eagles, and maybe that will jumpstart the season, as the next portion of the schedule just isn't that difficult. The Panthers have health concerns with RB Dion Lewis, while the Irish are still rolling offensively to the tune of 24.6 points per game. We tend to believe that that will be enough to take care of U-Pitt, which really needs to find an identity going into the Big East campaign next week.

Free College Football Picks: Notre Dame -6
Prediction: Notre Dame 28 – Pittsburgh 17

Matchup: Clemson Tigers @ North Carolina Tar Heels
Date: Saturday, October 9th, 3:30 ET
Location: Kenan Memorial Stadium, Chapel Hill, NC
Game Line: North Carolina -2.5
Over/Under 52.5

The Tar Heels are still dealing with a plethora of defensive suspensions, but they seemed to overcome all of those problems last week when they really shut down the powerful East Carolina Pirates with a 42-17 victory. Clemson comes to town now with a slew of questions. The Tigers have two losses, but are defeats against the Auburn Tigers and Miami Hurricanes really that bad? However, they have two wins as well. We already know that beating the North Texas Mean Green and the Presbyterian Blue Hose is nothing to write home about. This is a very good litmus test for both teams. The difference here is that North Carolina is very battle tested and already knows what it takes to win in the ACC. The home game against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets might have been a defeat, but it certainly might have set the tone for the rest of the season. UNC is the better team in this battle, and as long as QB TJ Yates doesn't put on his pick face all of a sudden, the Tar Heels should be able to snare a win.

Free College Football Picks: North Carolina -2.5
Prediction: North Carolina 27 – Clemson 20

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October 7th, 2010 By Andrew "Mr. Multi-Task" Ryan - Cappersinfo Contributor

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Matchup: Connecticut Huskies @ Rutgers Scarlet Knights
Date: Friday, October 8th, 7:30 ET
Location: Rutgers Stadium, Piscataway, NJ
Game Line: Connecticut -5.5
Over/Under 41.5

The 3-2 UConn Huskies and the 2-2 Rutgers Scarlet Knights both kick off their conference schedule Friday night in this battle between Big East opponents. Connecticut has had some major problems away from Storrs this year, getting trounced by 20 in the Big House against Michigan and falling to lowly Temple by two touchdowns in front of a sparse Philadelphia crowd. To stave off more road woes, they will need a big game from RB Jordan Todman. Todman is currently the fourth leading rusher in the nation with almost 160 yards per game on the ground and the Scarlet Knights will see a big dose of him on Friday night. Last week against Vanderbilt, Todman carried the ball on almost half the team’s plays, rushing for 190 yards and two touchdowns on 37 carries. Rutgers comes into this game struggling mightily with their two wins being against FCS Norfolk State and Sun Belt bottom-dweller Florida International. Last week was perhaps the biggest indicator of HC Greg Schiano’s current struggles with the team, as they suffered a humiliating 17-14 defeat at home against Tulane despite being a 17 point favorite per the college football betting line. In the game, QB Tom Savage got hurt during the second quarter and was replaced by Chas Dodd at halftime. Schiano has been vague regarding the specifics of Savage’s injury and it remains a game-time decision whether Savage or Dodd will start against the Huskies. No matter who starts, the Scarlet Knights must get some productivity from their quarterback position rather than the benign play they have been getting for the first four games.

Free College Football Picks: Rutgers +5.5
Prediction: Connecticut 21 Rutgers 20


Matchup: #21 Oklahoma St Cowboys @ Louisiana-Lafayette Ragin’ Cajuns
Date: Friday, October 8th, 9:00 ET
Location: Cajun Field, Lafayette, LA
Game Line: Oklahoma St -24
Over/Under 61.5

#21 Oklahoma St puts their undefeated record on the line Friday night when they travel to Cajun Country to take on 2-2 UL-Lafayette. Last Thursday night, the Cowboys played in one of the most exciting games of the young NCAA football betting season against Big XII South rival Texas A&M. Oklahoma St went from down 14 to up 14 to needing a last second FG off a Jerrod Johnson interception to beat the Aggies 38-35 and propel the Cowboys into the Top 25. The Cowboys struggled mightily on offense in the first half, but QB Brandon Weeden and RB Kendall Hunter both came out strong in the second half and finished the game with respectable numbers. Oklahoma St must improve on the defensive side of the ball though. The Aggies put up pinball numbers against the Cowboys’ defense, amassing 535 total yards on the night, and would have put up even better numbers if they didn’t turn the ball over five times. The Ragin’ Cajuns are currently 2-1 in conference play, with their only game against a BCS opponent so far this year being a 55-7 trouncing at the hands of 1-4 Georgia. Last week against North Texas, UL Lafayette got a magnificent stroke of luck when the Mean Green kicker missed a game-tying extra point with less than a minute to go to give the Ragin’ Cajuns a 28-27 victory. QB Chris Masson had a very good game last week, completing 18 of 32 passes for 310 yards and two touchdowns while not turning the ball over in the victory. UL-Lafayette must get better at running the ball though, after carrying the ball 25 times for only 41 yards as a team against the Mean Green last Saturday.

Free College Football Picks: UL Lafayette +24
Prediction: Oklahoma State 45 UL Lafayette 27

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October 7th, 2010 By Andrew "Mr. Multi-Task" Ryan - Cappersinfo Contributor
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Here at Cappers Info, we are taking a weekly look at the teams that could be ones ripe to pull off some major upsets! Check out the potentially ugly dogs that could come up and bite you in the butt in you aren't careful for the Week 6 of college football betting action!

Underdog Pick #1: Florida State Seminoles (OTB at Diamond Sportsbook) @ Miami Hurricanes, Saturday, 8:00 ET: When this game opened up earlier in the week, Florida State was a 6.5 point underdog. There are still some outlets that have this game on the board, but right now, QB Jacory Harris is up in the air with a shoulder injury, and if he can't play, this line will move dramatically. We're sort of opening that Harris does play, giving us a more favorable line. The Seminoles are absolutely legit this year, and they have proved it in ACC play by blowing away both Virginia and Wake Forest. This would be the biggest win in the Jimbo Fisher era, one that badly needs to get off the ground in a hurry to live up to expectations. The Canes have been very, very impressive during this rough stretch of games, and though they aren't usually candidates to end up losing their second home game of the season, Florida State provides a significantly different challenge. The garnet and gold remember that loss suffered last year at Doak Campbell Stadium. Payback could be a you know what on Saturday night.

Underdog Pick #2: Colorado Buffaloes (+400 at Diamond Sportsbook) @ Missouri Tigers, Saturday 7:00 ET: Now we'll get the chance to see whether the Buffs are real or not. HC Dan Hawkins knows that he needs to string together at least four wins in conference play this year, and this very much so a winnable fixture that could make the Big XII North race very, very interesting. Though we know that the Tigers are still undefeated and ranked, we aren't so sure that they belong there. The schedule hasn't been particularly difficult, and though there have been a few stingy teams show up, none are probably as strong as Colorado really is. If the Buffaloes hold onto the football, this is a very, very winnable game, and we'll take our chances that it will happen at least one out of five times for us to break even. Here's to QB Blaine Gabbert not choosing now to go off on one of his patented 450+ yard passing tirades.

Underdog Pick #3: Pittsburgh Panthers (+200 at Diamond Sportsbook) @ Notre Dame Fighting Irish, Saturday, 3:30 ET: If the Panthers are legitimate contenders in the Big East this year, they certainly are underrated in this game by the oddsmakers. The more we watch Notre Dame, the more we aren't so sure of their abilities. Yes, they notched another cover last week by beating Boston College, but who doesn't beat the Eagles nowadays? U-Pitt is still feeling the effects of that beat down suffered at the hands of the Hurricanes, but in "The U" is that good, losses to Miami and Utah shouldn't cause you to shy away. QB Tino Sunseri has to be getting better just by experience, and if RB Dion Lewis comes back into the lineup, it will make the offense just that much better. Don't be overly shocked to see the Panthers come out and take care of the Golden Domers with ease, especially if that front four can really put pressure on QB Dayne Crist in the pocket.

Underdog Pick #4: USC Trojans (+300 at Diamond Sportsbook) @ Stanford Cardinal, Saturday, 8:00 ET: Losing last week to the Washington Huskies will clearly do one of two things for the Trojans. They'll either wake up and remember that they still have over half of a season to play, or they'll fold up shop remembering that they don't have a bowl game to go chase after. We know that this team is good enough to win this game, just as Stanford was good enough to win back in LA last year. However, that victory could be a cause for concern for HC Jim Harbaugh's crew. The Men of Troy aren't usually ones to forget about defeats easily, though things are clearly different this year. We have to remember the psyche of the Cardinal as well. Just how well will they bounce back after they not only blew a 21-3 lead against the Oregon Ducks last week, but were ultimately obliterated? We'll take our chances that the upset very well could be in the cards, knowing that the Trojans could legitimately get their doors blown off as well.

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October 5th, 2010 By Andrew "Mr. Multi-Task" Ryan - Cappersinfo Contributor

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Matchup: UAB Blazers @ UCF Knights
Date: Wednesday, October 6th, 8:00 ET
Location: Bright House Networks Stadium, Orlando, FL
Game Line: UCF -13
Over/Under 49

The University of Central Florida Knights kick off their conference schedule Wednesday night when they play host to the University of Alabama-Birmingham Blazers. UCF is 2-2 and very well could be 4-0 with a little bit of luck. The Knights outgained NC State by 70 yards in their second game, but five turnovers killed their chances of beating the Wolfpack and led to a seven point defeat. Two Saturdays ago, the Knights had two fourth quarter leads in Manhattan against Kansas State, but allowed a touchdown with less than a minute to go and lost 17-13. Still, the Knights have looked a lot better after true freshman Jeff Godfrey supplanted Ryan Calabrese at quarterback. The mobile Godfrey gives the Knights a dual threat and although he isn’t much of a quarterback at this point, he gives the Knights the best chance to win. As for the Blazers, they could be legitimately 3-1, but a one point loss to Florida Atlantic and a double overtime loss at Tennessee leave UAB at 1-3. The loss to Tennessee was particularly brutal as the Blazers routed the Vols in every area but the scoreboard. UAB put up 544 yards of offense against Tennessee while only allowing 287 but still found a way to lose the game. QB Bryan Ellis will need to put up a big game for the Blazers if they hope to beat the Knights on their home turf.

Free College Football Picks: UCF -13
Final Score Prediction: UCF 34 UAB 17

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October 4th, 2010 By Andrew "Mr. Multi-Task" Ryan - Cappersinfo Contributor

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Matchup: Troy Trojans @ Middle Tennessee St Blue Raiders
Date: Tuesday, October 5th, 8:00 ET
Location: Johnny Floyd Stadium, Murfreesboro, TN
Game Line: Middle Tennessee St -3
Over/Under OTB

Much was expected of the Middle Tennessee St Blue Raiders at the start of the season, but All-Sun Belt QB Dwight Dasher’s suspension and a 2-2 start have dampened expectations for a team that quite a few experts thought could run the table. However, the Blue Raiders are currently 1-0 in conference and with Dasher returning to take over the starting job from Logan Kilgore, MTSU is in good shape coming into the game that will probably decide the winner of the Sun Belt conference. Middle Tennessee St got off to a strong start in conference play last Saturday, coasting to a 34-14 road win against the Louisiana-Lafayette Ragin Cajuns. Running backs Phillip Tanner and D.D. Kyles dominated the game for MTSU on the ground, with the two combining to carry the ball 22 times for 188 yards and three touchdowns, while Kilgore was efficient enough through the air for the Blue Raiders to secure the win. Meanwhile, Troy comes into this key match-up 1-0 in conference as well after last week’s 35-28 victory against Arkansas St. In the victory, Troy put up over 500 yards of offense led by QB Corey Robinson who threw for 316 yards and two touchdowns with one interception. Troy will need to shore up a defense though that is allowing 32.5 PPG despite facing only one BCS opponent in their first four games. Another interesting note for bettors to consider is that all four of Troy’s games have been decided by seven points or less. Thus, gamblers should expect a close high scoring game with Middle Tennessee St eventually pulling away and the Blue Raiders putting themselves in the driver’s seat for the Sun Belt title.

Free College Football Picks: Middle Tennessee St -3
Prediction: Middle Tennessee St 41 Troy 31

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October 1st, 2010 By Andrew "Mr. Multi-Task" Ryan - Cappersinfo Contributor

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Matchup: Florida Gators @ Alabama Crimson Tide
Date: Saturday, October 2nd, 8:00 ET
Location: Bryant Denny Stadium, Tuscaloosa, AL
Game Line: Alabama -8.5
Over/Under 48

This is the game that everyone has been waiting for this year. The winner of the Alabama/Florida battle has played for the BCS Championship in each of the last two seasons, and this year very well might not be an exception either. The Gators enter this one with a defense that is probably significantly underrated. There aren't many teams in the land that can say that they have held four teams, all of FBS quality to 17 points or less. RB Jeff Demps has been knocked up just a tad, but that is probably because he has been called upon too many times this year. Still, this is a man with lightning quick speed that can bust a game open in a heartbeat. Watch out for QB/WR/RB Trey Burton, who comes in on the goal line to run the old QB Tim Tebow playbook. QB John Brantley might not be capable, but Burton already has seven scores on the year on the ground and one through the air. As for Brantley, he is improving as his center Mike Pouncey is improving. He has thrown for 700 yards with six scores and a pick this year. However, stopping the Tide is going to be a totally different challenge. RB Mark Ingram is averaging over 150 yards per game on the ground since coming back to the lineup, while QB Greg McElroy still hasn't lost a game at this level. He came up big last week, throwing for 194 yards in the comeback win against the Arkansas Razorbacks. Still, when push comes to shove, we think that we've seen every trick in HC Nick Saban's book. We certainly haven't seen it all out of HC Urban Meyer as of yet. This could be a mighty interesting game, and we want as many points as we can in this NCAA football showdown.

Free College Football Picks: Florida +8.5
Prediction: Florida 24 – Alabama 23

Matchup: Stanford Cardinal @ Oregon Ducks
Date: Saturday, October 2nd, 8:00 ET
Location: Autzen Stadium, Eugene, OR
Game Line: Oregon -6.5
Over/Under 66

These two Top 10 teams could both be in the running both for the Rose Bowl and for the National Championship, and both are clearly at the top of their game right now. The Quack Attack might have the best offense in the land, and RB LaMichael James might be reintroducing himself to the world on Saturday night. James has rushed for 475 yards this year, which is saying something considering the fact that he was suspended for the first game of the year. This is an offense which has put at least 42 points on the board in all four meetings. Of course, save that 31 points against Arizona State last week, the 'D' had only allowed 13 total points as well. It's not like Stanford has slacked, though. In two home games, the Cardinal have a combined margin of victory of 120-41. On the road, it is 72-14. QB Andrew Luck might be making himself a Heisman Trophy contender. He'll get over the 1,000 yard mark for the year on Saturday, and he'll hopefully add to his 11 TDs on the season. The problem that Luck has is that no one will be watching this game, since they'll all be watching Alabama play Florida. The good news for Luck, though? He'll be leading a tremendous upset at Autzen Stadium.

Free College Football Picks: Stanford +6.5
Prediction: Stanford 38 – Oregon 34

Matchup: Washington Huskies @ USC Trojans
Date: Saturday, October 2nd, 8:00 ET
Location: Los Angeles Coliseum, Los Angeles, CA
Game Line: USC -10
Over/Under 60.5

If there is one game that the Trojans should be getting up for this year, this is it. The Huskies embarrassed USC last year, and considering the fact that there isn't a bowl game to look forward to, an immense heaping of payback would be the sweetest recourse. U-Dub has a lot of troubles right now. The Huskies need to get a much better game out of QB Jake Locker, and Locker needs to have the big game as well, not just for his team, but for his NFL Draft stock as well. It feels like centuries ago, but two weeks ago when Locker ran up against the Nebraska Cornhuskers, he only went 4-for-20 through the air. QB Matt Barkley has already thrown for 12 TDs and 941 yards this year, and he is clearly showing that he wants to lead this team. The last time that Washington came to LA, the Men of Troy won 56-0. It might not be that bad in the end, but when push comes to shove, even a victory by 11 points is as good as one by 50. Back the Trojans on Saturday night.

Free College Football Picks: USC -10
Prediction: USC 34 – Washington 17

Matchup: Notre Dame Fighting Irish @ Boston College Eagles
Date: Saturday, October 2nd, 8:00 ET
Location: Alumni Stadium, Chestnut Hill, MA
Game Line: Boston College +2.5
Over/Under 46

The two Catholic schools that are bitter rivals in on the collegiate gridiron will duke it out on Saturday night. The Eagles and Fighting Irish really don't like each other, and that really takes away the fact that neither of these teams are heading anywhere in particular this year. Notre Dame badly needs a win to get going, or HC Brian Kelly might be finding himself out on the streets very, very soon in his first year. QB Dayne Crist has thrown for 1,155 yards and eight scores this year, which is a far cry from what anyone on Boston College has been capable of doing this year. The Eagles are coming off of a pathetic offensive performance that they have had in quite some time in the form of a 19-0 loss to the Virginia Tech Hokies. This is an interesting battle between teams that could blow up and could fizzle out. BC has covered three of the L/4 in this series, but this seems to be too important of a game for the Fighting Irish to lose. We've been losing with the Golden Domers quite a bit, but we still think this is a team that is underrated and is worthy of backing.

Free College Football Picks: Notre Dame -2.5
Prediction: Notre Dame 27 – Boston College 20

Matchup: Penn State Nittany Lions @ Iowa Hawkeyes
Date: Saturday, October 2nd, 8:05 ET
Location: Kinnick Stadium, Iowa City, IA
Game Line: Iowa -7
Over/Under 40.5

This is a very interesting tussle between two teams that don't like each other, and no one is really talking about it. The Hawkeyes just seem to have Penn State's number, and HC Joe Paterno knows that this is going to be a very, very difficult task. His freshman QB Robert Bolden is trying his best this year, but he is only completing 60.2 percent of his passes for 823 yards with three scores and five picks. Last week was the resurgence of RB Evan Royster, who finally had his first 100 yard rushing game against the Temple Owls. However, Iowa is still upset about that loss to the Arizona Wildcats two weeks ago. The Hawkeyes still have to have the ability to win the BCS Championship, but they have a lot of work to do and need to get quite a bit of help in doing so. QB Ricky Stanzi has thrown for 999 yards and has nine scores and a pick, but the Hawkeyes' 'D' has been the key. Save allowing 34 to Arizona, the defense has only allowed a total of 14 points in three games. Go with the Hawkeyes and lay the tuddy.

Free College Football Picks: Iowa -7
Prediction: Iowa 21 – Iowa State 7

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October 1st, 2010 By Andrew "Mr. Multi-Task" Ryan - Cappersinfo Contributor

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Matchup: Ohio State Buckeyes @ Illinois Fighting Illini
Date: Saturday, October 2nd, 12:00 ET
Location: Memorial Stadium, Champaign, IL
Game Line: Illinois +17
Over/Under 50.5

This game has the makings to be a very interesting one. The 2010 Buckeyes have never seen what it's like to play on the road, while the 2010 Illini have never felt what it is like to go up against a defense on this caliber. Here's what we do know. QB Terrelle Pryor is going to get his yards and his points, and there's nothing that Illinois can do about it. Pryor is just that good. There's a reason that he leads this team in rushing and is starting to put up passing numbers that can rival anyone in the nation. Pryor is completing 66.4 percent of his passes, is averaging right around 235 passing yards per game, and a 10/2 TD/INT ratio. Here's what else we know. The Buckeyes have an amazing defense. The 'D' did look relatively mortal last week, allowing three TDs to the Eastern Michigan Eagles, the lowliest team on the schedule, but prior to that, the unit had only allowed three TDs all season. The other three scores came via special teams blunders. For Illinois, RB Mikel LeShoure is going to have to take the pressure off of freshman QB Nathan Scheelhaase. If Scheelhaase is forced into trying to make things happen, he is going to be in for an incredibly long day. The frosh is only completing 54.4 percent of his passes, and he is just barely over 120 yards per game on average. However, the Fighting Illini had two weeks to prepare for this game, and the Buckeyes might be caught napping just a tad. This could be closer than the experts think.

Free College Football Picks: Illinois +17
Prediction: Ohio State 31 – Illinois 20

Matchup: Louisiana Monroe Warhawks @ Auburn Tigers
Date: Saturday, October 2nd, 12:00 ET
Location: Jordan Hare Stadium, Auburn, AL
Game Line: Auburn -35
Over/Under 54

The Warhawks might be coming into this battle at 1-2, but they are clearly going to be outmatched by a very strong Auburn team. Perception on the Tigers is awfully high right now after they took out both the South Carolina teams, the South Carolina Gamecocks and Clemson Tigers in close calls at home in the L/2 weeks. QB Cam Newton is still in the discussion for the Heisman Trophy, and for good reason. It's not what Newton is doing with his arm that is so dangerous. It's what his legs are accomplishing. Newton has rushed for 485 yards and five TDs, and he has directly accounted for all but three scores for Auburn all season long. Newton parlayed with RBs Michael Dyer and Onterio McCalebb creates a backfield that cannot be stopped by a team from the Sun Belt. The three are the majority of the Tigers' seventh ranked rushing attack in the land. The defense has been shoddy at times, but when push comes to shove, Auburn knows how to buckle down and get three and outs and turnovers when need be. The same just can't be said about ULM. The Warhawks are averaging just 16.0 points per game offensively and are conceding 413.0 yards per game in total, a number that is significantly higher against FBS foes. This will be a blowout from the start.

Free College Football Picks: Auburn -35
Prediction: Auburn 41 – Louisiana Monroe 3

Matchup: Miami Hurricanes @ Clemson Tigers
Date: Saturday, October 2nd, 12:00 ET
Location: Clemson Memorial Stadium, Clemson, SC
Game Line: Clemson +3
Over/Under 50.5

These two ACC foes have only locked horns three times in their existence, and all three games have been classics won by the road team in overtime. Clemson is already 2-1 SU and 3-0 ATS against Miami all-time. However, the Tigers have some real problems right now. QB Kyle Parker was supposed to be the savior this year, but that just hasn't been the case since he decided to come back and play another year at quarterback for Clemson instead of pursuing a baseball career. Though Parker's 6:1 TD/INT ratio is rock solid, he is only completing 58.3 percent of his passes and has just 504 yards through the air in three games. The defense has been even more questionable, allowing 388.3 yards per game and 19.3 points per game. Those numbers might not all seem that bad, but the game against the Auburn Tigers was the only game of substance on the schedule. For the Canes, they took care of the Pitt Panthers last week in resounding fashion with a 31-3 victory on primetime football on Thursday night. The victory more than atoned for the 36-24 defeat at the Horseshoe back on September 11th. QB Jacory Harris has an outside shot at winning the Heisman Trophy this year, but the defense is going to have to carry this team. This unit has only allowed 131.7 passing yards per game, a number that Parker had better test for the Tigers to have a shot at victory in this one. Don't be shocked if Miami jumps out to another quick start in this one and runs away with it in the second half.

Free College Football Picks: Miami -3
Prediction: Miami 27 – Clemson 13

Matchup: Northwestern Wildcats @ Minnesota Golden Gophers
Date: Saturday, October 2nd, 12:00 ET
Location: Mall of America Field, Minneapolis, MN
Game Line: Minnesota +5.5
Over/Under 53.5

There's something fishy that's bothering us about this game. The Wildcats are 4-0 this year, and even though they haven't looked all that great in doing so, there's a great chance for them to crack into the Top 25 with wins in these next few weeks. QB Dan Persa has been one of the most efficient signal callers in the entire land, as he has accounted for 1,221 yards of offense and ten total scores against just one pick on the year. His 80.2 completion percentage is also the tops that the country has to offer for QBs with at least 100 attempts. The Northwestern defense also ranks 22nd in the nation in scoring defense at 15.5 points per game and hasn't allowed more than 25 all season long to a foe. Meanwhile, Minnesota is a mess. The Gophers have lost three straight, all at home, and they haven't covered any of the three games. The offense has totally lost its identity after rumbling all over the Middle Tennessee State Blue Raiders on opening night on the ground. As for the defense, is it ever a good thing to give up 41 points to South Dakota? 32 to USC was remotely acceptable, but 34 to Northern Illinois really wasn't either. So why on earth are the Wildcats only short favorites? Logic tells you that at some point, the Golden Gophers are winning a game at home, and with the only home dates left after this one coming against Penn State, Ohio State, and Iowa, there is certainly a desperation to avoid a winless season at home. Don't be shocked if this one ends with the mild upset.

Free College Football Picks: Minnesota +5.5
Prediction: Minnesota 37 – Northwestern 31

Matchup: Navy Midshipmen @ Air Force Falcons
Date: Saturday, October 2nd, 2:30 ET
Location: Falcon Stadium, Colorado Springs, CO
Game Line: Air Force -10
Over/Under 49.5

If you like the triple option, this is the game for you! The Middies and Falcons clearly do it as well as anyone in the country, and they'll do it down after down after down regardless of what the situation is. The bottom line here is that these offenses are both stellar and both know exactly what the other defense is up to. For Navy, it's QB Ricky Dobbs that is going to be leading the way one year after he led the nation in rushing TDs. For Air Force, QB Tim Jefferson has the ability to throw some as well as running the option to a high level of success. The question that is going to separate these two teams is whether either can really stop the other or not. So far this year, no team is holding foes to fewer passing yards per game than the Naval Academy at 99.3, while the defense ranks in the Top 25 in both total 'D' (262.0 YPG, 12th) and scoring 'D' (15.7 PPG, 24th). For Air Force, the unit has been a little bit more modest at 306.8 yards per game and 19.0 points per game. The difference that we must consider though, is strength of schedule. The Falcons have already taken on BYU, Oklahoma, and Wyoming this year, a far cry from Louisiana Tech and Maryland Terrapins for Navy. This is a lot of points, but we are going to trust the hosts to sink the Middies in what could be a big statement game towards the Commander in Chief Trophy.

Free College Football Picks: Air Force -10
Prediction: Air Force 45 – Navy 28

Matchup: Texas Longhorns vs. Oklahoma Sooners
Date: Saturday, October 2nd, 3:30 ET
Location: Cotton Bowl, Dallas, TX
Game Line: Oklahoma -3
Over/Under 45

Speaking of games that look a little fishy… Ok, we'll be the first to admit that the two combatants in the Red River Rivalry this year haven't played up to par, especially last week when the 'Horns were trashed at home by the UCLA Bruins 34-12. Oklahoma hasn't played well either, except when good competition comes calling. The Florida State Seminoles were dumped 47-17. Aside from that, the Sooners haven't beaten anyone by more than a TD this year. Still, we tend to think that DC Will Muschamp is going to be the difference maker in this game. We aren't quite sure how he does it game in and game out, but Muschamp always finds a way to frustrate opposing quarterbacks and come up with great game plans. He got a great look at QB Landry Jones last year and knows what the sophomore is up to. Now, it will be up to the likes of DE Sam Acho to get to Jones and pressure the OU offense into some dumb decisions. The season is on the line for the Longhorns, who absolutely will not be able to recover from defeat. We tend to believe that Texas got its wake up call last weekend and will be able to shake it off. Oklahoma has had some close calls, but has yet to be defeated. If the Sooners just try to coast by in this one, they'll get beaten and potentially beaten bad. We love the Longhorns on Saturday afternoon.

Free College Football Picks: Texas +3
Prediction: Texas 27 – Oklahoma 16

Matchup: Wisconsin Badgers @ Michigan State Spartans
Date: Saturday, October 2nd, 3:30 ET
Location: Spartan Stadium, East Lansing, MI
Game Line: Michigan State +2
Over/Under 50.5

Will the real Wisconsin Badgers please stand up? The Badgers have had three very questionable games and one totally dominating one this year, but that doesn't instill a lot of confidence in us that this is a squad that is really ready for Big Ten play this year. We know what we're getting out of Michigan State, a team that we are convinced is incredibly overrated. Without that "Little Giants" play, the Spartans are 3-1 right now and are probably 5-6 point underdogs against the Badgers, particularly off of their 70-3 romp over Austin Peay last week. We tend to believe that we've seen as good as it gets out of HC Mark Dantonio's men. We know that we haven't seen the best from Wisconsin yet. There's a reason that this is a Top 10 team in the nation. The combination of a massive, veteran offensive line, a second year quarterback that many think is a pro prospect (QB Scott Tolzein), a Heisman Trophy caliber running back (RB John Clay), and a defense that is historically stifling should be too tough to tame. If the Badgers can give this one everything that they have, they'll pick up a monstrous win in Big Ten play to start off their march towards the Rose Bowl this year.

Free College Football Picks: Wisconsin -2
Prediction: Wisconsin 34 – Michigan State 16

Matchup: Tennessee Volunteers @ LSU Tigers
Date: Saturday, October 2nd, 3:30 ET
Location: Tigers Stadium, Baton Rouge, LA
Game Line: LSU -16.5
Over/Under 42.5

Perception is certainly down right now on HC Derek Dooley's team, especially after needing OT to just narrowly knock off a bad UAB Blazers squad last week. However, this is a team that finds ways to scrap and claw in games and just stick around to be a thorn in the opposition's side, something that the Bayou Bengals will be finding out on Saturday afternoon. We still have absolutely zero confidence in QB Jordon Jefferson's abilities to run this offense. The Tigers rank 116th in the nation in passing 'O' at 110.0 yards per game and just 102nd overall at 299.8 yards per game. The toughest part of this schedule hasn't even gotten started yet. In order to cover 16.5 points in NCAA football betting action, you have to find a way to score at least 17 points. Though this is a team that has scored at least 20 in all four of its games, it is also one that has not scored more than 30 against anyone either. Meanwhile in Rocky Top, QB Matt Simms is starting to round into his own, and it could get scary for the opposition as this season wears on. Simms has a 6/3 TD/INT ratio and has thrown for 836 yards in four games. No, he's not better than his departed brethren QB Jonathan Crompton, but he is doing the little things to make this work. The Vols were victorious here in 2005, so they know that beating the Bayou is possible. We might be a little adventurous to be calling for the outright upset, but this is certain a ton of points that we are catching regardless.

Free College Football Picks: Tennessee +16.5
Prediction: Tennessee 17 – LSU 14

Matchup: Michigan Wolverines @ Indiana Hoosiers
Date: Saturday, October 2nd, 3:30 ET
Location: Memorial Stadium, Bloomington, IN
Game Line: Indiana +10.5
Over/Under 65

Last year, it was a 36-33 win by the Michigan Wolverines in this series that really started the downward spiral for Big Blue, as things never really got better from there. The Hoosiers have to be beaming with confidence right now from the standpoint that they are 3-0, albeit against lousy competition, but that they have a legitimate chance to go bowling, especially if they can pull off this upset. QB Ben Chappell, again, against bad competition, has been stellar this year and is really learning how to take care of the football. He is completing 72.4 percent of his passes for 890 yards and nine scores without an INT. Meanwhile, all eyes are going to be fixated on Heisman Trophy favorite QB Denard Robinson. All of a sudden, Robinson went from being the second best signal caller on his team to one of the best in the country. He still leads the nation in rushing with 688 yards, and his six rushing scores leads the team. Michigan ranks second in the country in rushing offense at 331.2 yards per game and is tops overall at 562.8 yards per game. An experienced Indiana offense which returns the majority of the players from last year's team that also went into Ann Arbor at 3-0 should be able to move the ball against the offense. The key last year was keeping QB Tate Forcier, and eventually Robinson in the pocket. The two quarterbacks only combined for 21 carries, 39 yards, and a TD. If that's all that Robinson comes up with on Saturday on the road, the Wolverines are in a boatload of trouble. There could be an upset brewing in the Big Ten, but we tend to believe that Big Blue will find a way to narrow survive, just like last year.

Free College Football Picks: Indiana +10.5
Prediction: Michigan 42 – Indiana 38

Matchup: Virginia Tech Hokies @ NC State Wolfpack
Date: Saturday, October 2nd, 3:30 ET
Location: Carter Finley Stadium, Raleigh, NC
Game Line: NC State +3.5
Over/Under 53

When are the oddsmakers going to learn that the Wolfpack are for real? HC Tom O'Brien has a winning team that gained all sorts of momentum from last year's narrow escape at home against the North Carolina Tar Heels to end the year. Since that point, the Wolfpack are 5-0 SU and ATS. QB Russell Wilson is largely to thank for that. The third year starter has thrown for 1,112 yards and 11 TDs against just one INT this year. Many probably don't realize it, but NC State is averaging 434.2 yards per game against a respectable schedule that includes games against C-USA favorites, the UCF Knights, a team that went undefeated last year in the regular season, the Cincinnati Bearcats, and last year's ACC champs, the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets. Though it is fairly clear that this Virginia Tech team is significantly better than your average unranked 2-2 team, we still don't quite buy in yet. RB Ryan Williams is out once again from this game, which really leaves some big question marks at running back. QB Tyrod Taylor is the only man averaging more than 45 rushing yards per game on the season. If NCSU can lock down Taylor in the pocket and keep him from finding deep threats WR Jarrett Boykin and WR Danny Coale, this game will be relatively easy. Time for some R-E-S-P-E-C-T for the Wolfpack in a game in which the wrong team is favored by the oddsmakers.

Free College Football Picks: NC State +3.5
Prediction: NC State 31 – Virginia Tech 20

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