Big rebound last weekend. I think read into a little bit of bias when I was making picks a couple of weeks ago and it threw me off. Last week was like Martin Lawrence asking “The Sledgehammer” to teach Big Mac math, but instead of him actually teaching her math, “The Sledgehammer” taught me to ignore the math and trust the science that is me simply looking at a line and liking it. (Editor’s note: I understand not everyone will get that reference but “Rebound” is a classic 2000s comedy and I won’t apologize for it). Also, it’s a lot easier to make picks when you’re drinking (responsibly) and the group chat says they’re taking a side and you throw your money on that (still, responsibly).
All-in-all, we went 6-7 in college football and 5-4 on the NFL. That’s an even 11-11 (thanks Big Mac). The Toretto pick hit again and I’ll be following that algorithm again this week by taking USC. I actually went 1-3 on picks from the group chat so really I had a winning week if you look at it. The SEC Insider went 1-2 but the mouthwatering pick moved to 3-0 with the Dawgs rolling again.
NFL picks woulda looked a lot better if not for the AFC North looking like a train wreck. Save for the Steelers hitting the under, I was in the contingent of Browns & Ravens backers that just crushed our collective souls. And then the Bengals. At the end of the day, we rebounded. Let’s get to the picks:
CFB (25-21 overall):
Dominic Toretto’s “Take it or leave it” Pick of the Week (2-1): USC (-6.5) at Oregon State – ride or die
Maryland at Michigan (-16.5)
Clemson at Wake Forest (+7.5 AND over 55.5) – the science loved these picks from the jump.
Central Michigan at Penn State (-27.5) – CMU lost to some “USA” team a couple of weeks ago, so let’s call this America’s Pick of the Week.
Duke at Kansas (-7.5) – ESPN should’ve sent Jay Bilas and Dickie V to call this game with Reece Davis. Duke has played some bums so far so I’ll take my neighboring state.
James Madison (+7.5) at App. State – this would’ve been my “take it or leave it” pick if USC didn’t cover last week.
Indiana at Cincinnati (-16.5) – As an IU alum, I know when to not get your hopes up about Indiana football when things seem like they’re going in the right direction. I’ve had a lot of training as a Bengals fan.
Southern Miss. at Tulane (-12.5) – this is strictly betting against Brett Favre.
Vanderbilt at Alabama (-40.5) – negative publicity around Vandy and the science just loved this one.
Kansas State at Oklahoma (-12.5) – I think the Sooners are just really good and need to be favored by more in games against far inferior opponents. Translation: the line is too low.
Hawaii (+4.5) at New Mexico St. – these teams suck, this should be a pickem so take the points.
SEC Insider picks of the weekend (4-4-1 overall):
Mouth Watering Pick of the Week (3-0): Arkansas (+2.5) at Texas A&M – “what looks to be a big year for the Hogs playing in former Hog Jerry Jones (sic) palace? What could go wrong?”
Duke at Kansas (-7.5)
James Madison (+7.5) at App. State
NFL (*8-12 overall):
*Browns -4.5 was the TNF pick*
BAL (-2.5) at NE – this line is too fishy to not take. I might be dumb.
BUF (-4.5 AND over 52.5) at MIA – taking the over because you have to in this game and I ultimately think the Bills are the best team in the league.
KC (-5.5) at IND – again, too fishy so I’m taking the bait.
GB AT TB (under 42.5) – trust the science
SF (-1.5) at DEN – Jimmy G back under the lights feels right and I think Hackett won’t be able to handle primetime again. In fact, Hackett might be a fraud.
Griffin Weinberg 