1.Texas Tech vs Texas-Take Tech plus 3. These 2 teams have played close games the last couple of years with Tech covering the spread both times. It used to be a pass vs pass contest between these 2 schools. Now it's pass vs run since Texas is now a one dimensional offense. And what looks like another QB war between Mock and Young brewing doesnt help matters either. It's looks like deja vu all over again for Texas. I like their inproved defense, but as they showed with OU, that alone just isn't enough in the very tough Big 12 South. As for the Red Raiders, they've enjoyed the 2 weeks rest since that beating they gave Nebraska. As the Cornhuskers found out, you can't beat Tech at their own game. I don't see Texas making all the silly mistakes Nebraska made. But I also don't see them scoring the points that they have in the past. Tech is a much improved team since that loss to New Mexico early in the season. Once Leach's offenses get going and start finding their rhythm they can really be a thing of beauty. Plus this year they have an improved defense with 9 starters back. It won't be an easy game, but I still see Tech winning it outright. Tech 28-24
2.Minnesota vs Illinois-Take Minnesota -19...The Gophers are coming home after 2 straight losses on the road. One blowout by Mich. St. and a close one with Michigan. I prefer the Minnesota team who played Michigan to the wire. These guys are talented. Especially on offense. And the defensive challenged Illinois team visiting the Metrodome should be in for a long day. Minnesota takes out their frustrations on the Big 10 doormat. Minnesota 56-21
3.Toledo vs Central Michigan-Take Toledo-27...I know this is alot of points. But when Toledo gets this offense cranked up there's just no stopping em. They played an improved Ohio team with a stout defense last week and still covered the spread. They don't face that tough defense this week. Plus this is a strong trend game. The Rockets have covered 16 of their last 18 games as a favorite as well as 10 straight at home in the Glass Bowl! Lay the points. Toledo. Toledo 49-14.
4.Bowling Green vs Ohio-Take Ohio +13. This is a classic offense vs defense game. Bowling Green has been red hot having covered the last 3 in a row. But Ohio has covered the last 3 out of 4 themselves. They held a hot Toledo team to 31 points at home. I don't see Bowling Green going on a scoring fest like they have against the MAC cellar dwellers the last few weeks. I love good defensive teams playing at home as a dog. And Bowling Green is due for a close game. Bowling Green 24-20
5.UCLA vs Arizona St.-Take UCLA +8..This one almost looks too easy. But I'm playing it anyway. If UCLA hadn't gambled on a last minute onside kick they would have covered against a great California team who should be playing in the BCS on New Years Day. UCLA has a great offense, but sometimes leaves their defense at home when they travel. Nevertheless Arizona St. came back down to earth in a hurry last week against a USC team that totally dominated them in every aspect of the game. How demoralizing is that after 2 weeks off to prepare. I can't see this team having a whole lot of confidence in themselves this week. They need an easy game. They ain't gonna get it this week. UCLA wins it outright. 35-21
6.Conneticut vs Temple-Take Conneticut -17..Bad matchup for Temple who has a banged up secondary going against an excellent senior QB from Conn. He had a bad week last week against a stout West Va. team who picked him off 3 times on national television. He won't throw in 2 duds in a row. This QB takes out his frustrations on a very weak Temple team. And it ain't gonna be pretty. Conn. 56-7
7.Utah vs UNLV-Take Utah -26...This Utah team is 15-3 against the spread since their ace coach Urban Meyer took the helm last year. They have a great offense and a defense that allows just 15 ppg. As for UNLV..well they don't have any of the above. Utah will be a BCS buster and will be playing on New Years Day. It's hard to go against this team. They are very good. Lay the points. Utah 42-10
My upset of the week goes to Wyoming over Colorado St. 27-24
2.Minnesota vs Illinois-Take Minnesota -19...The Gophers are coming home after 2 straight losses on the road. One blowout by Mich. St. and a close one with Michigan. I prefer the Minnesota team who played Michigan to the wire. These guys are talented. Especially on offense. And the defensive challenged Illinois team visiting the Metrodome should be in for a long day. Minnesota takes out their frustrations on the Big 10 doormat. Minnesota 56-21
3.Toledo vs Central Michigan-Take Toledo-27...I know this is alot of points. But when Toledo gets this offense cranked up there's just no stopping em. They played an improved Ohio team with a stout defense last week and still covered the spread. They don't face that tough defense this week. Plus this is a strong trend game. The Rockets have covered 16 of their last 18 games as a favorite as well as 10 straight at home in the Glass Bowl! Lay the points. Toledo. Toledo 49-14.
4.Bowling Green vs Ohio-Take Ohio +13. This is a classic offense vs defense game. Bowling Green has been red hot having covered the last 3 in a row. But Ohio has covered the last 3 out of 4 themselves. They held a hot Toledo team to 31 points at home. I don't see Bowling Green going on a scoring fest like they have against the MAC cellar dwellers the last few weeks. I love good defensive teams playing at home as a dog. And Bowling Green is due for a close game. Bowling Green 24-20
5.UCLA vs Arizona St.-Take UCLA +8..This one almost looks too easy. But I'm playing it anyway. If UCLA hadn't gambled on a last minute onside kick they would have covered against a great California team who should be playing in the BCS on New Years Day. UCLA has a great offense, but sometimes leaves their defense at home when they travel. Nevertheless Arizona St. came back down to earth in a hurry last week against a USC team that totally dominated them in every aspect of the game. How demoralizing is that after 2 weeks off to prepare. I can't see this team having a whole lot of confidence in themselves this week. They need an easy game. They ain't gonna get it this week. UCLA wins it outright. 35-21
6.Conneticut vs Temple-Take Conneticut -17..Bad matchup for Temple who has a banged up secondary going against an excellent senior QB from Conn. He had a bad week last week against a stout West Va. team who picked him off 3 times on national television. He won't throw in 2 duds in a row. This QB takes out his frustrations on a very weak Temple team. And it ain't gonna be pretty. Conn. 56-7
7.Utah vs UNLV-Take Utah -26...This Utah team is 15-3 against the spread since their ace coach Urban Meyer took the helm last year. They have a great offense and a defense that allows just 15 ppg. As for UNLV..well they don't have any of the above. Utah will be a BCS buster and will be playing on New Years Day. It's hard to go against this team. They are very good. Lay the points. Utah 42-10
My upset of the week goes to Wyoming over Colorado St. 27-24
