Free Pick for Ohio State at Nebraska (Odds -11) Start Time 8:00 PM EST ABC: These storied programs each appear in the prized 8:00 PM EST time slot for consecutive Saturdays. Each is off embarrassing losses. Ohio State had another sleepwalking performance in their 10-7 home loss to Michigan State. The game was not as close as the final score with the Buckeyes gaining just 178 total yards and scoring in the final minute. Though this was the week of the expected return of their best runner and receiver, they have each been suspended an additional game. Without key suspended players, the loss of HC Tressel and QB Pryor, this is an offense averaging just 308 YPG and 4.8 YPPL. Their overworked defense can only keep their finger in the dyke for so long. The Huskers loss at Wisconsin was far more outrageous. HC Pellini apologized and vowed improvement after Nebraska was dominated in every phase of the game in a 48-17 nationally televised embarrassment. It is clearly not the way Husker Nation expected to start their Big 10 career. Now back at home, look for the rebound from the far superior offensive team who will use the momentum of their home crowd to wear down and pull away from an overworked Ohio State defense.
TCU (Odds -4) at San Diego State Start Time 10:30 PM EST CBSC: What goes up, must come down! How long did TCU HC Patterson believe he could keep his Frogs in the talk for a National title. Certainly not in a year in which he has just 8 returning starters. Key issues have been the decline of a defense that had allowed an average of only 12 points and 230 yards in the previous 3 seasons combined. This year, after 5 games, this defense allows 28 points and 410 yards. Already, they have been torched for 414 PY by Baylor and 349 PY last week in a 40-33 loss to SMU. Why not home-standing San Diego State behind the passing of QB Lindley and the offensive balance provided by RB Hillman. In addition, there have been few situations that have been more profitable in College FB over the years than playing an avenging home dog with a week of rest. No reason why the Aztecs can’t win this outright.
San Jose State at BYU (Odds -12-) Start Time 10:15 PM EST ESPNU: Each week, I have written about the troubles of this BYU offense. After averaging 30+ PPG for 3 years through 2009, they dropped to 26 PPG in 2010 and now average just 18 PPG. QB Heaps is not the answer. Nor may be his senior replacement Nelson. In any case, we clearly don’t want to back them after their miracle come-back win gained revenge against rival Utah State in front of the ESPN cameras last Friday night. It came courtesy of a pass deflected by a State defender that bounced into a Cougar’s waiting arms. At 5-10 ATS HF, we want no part of this BYU team despite the reduced price. San Jose is a team on the come. After not being able to win a game since Lassie was a puppy, 2nd year HC McIntyre has turned around the Spartan fortunes. Led by senior QB Faulkner, they have recorded consecutive wins, albeit Colorado State and New Mexico State. Combined with an improved defense, the dog is the way to go in this late night east coast start.
Free Picks: Texas A&M at Texas Tech Betting
What college football bettors need to know about Texas A&M at Texas Tech (Saturday, October 8, 2011) from Pregame.com - Including predictions from Bryan Leonard and analysis from host Marco D'Angelo.