Taking OHIO STATE. How the heck is Northwestern keeping this within 30 points? Nebraska 13-10, Wiscy 24-15, 31-10 Michigan State.  So 10-15-10 vs Big  10 teams. Ohio State has given up 17 in 2 Big 10 road games. 48-7 at Nebraska, 51-10 at Indiana. Is Northwestern on either of their levels? 99-17 outscoring conference foes on the road for OSU. Ohio State is scoring 40-50 here. I don't think Wildcats get past 10 - and if they do, Buckeyes will surely answer any score. 5* Best Bet OHIO STATE 

Taking INDIANA. Have to say. As a Jersey guy, it pains me to see how brutal Rutgers is. Every time I watch 30 for 30 The U, I think to myself. Man, can Rutgers just keep NJ kids in this state for a few years. Ah, what could be. That being said, in reality land, Rutgers is terrible. They have scored a grand total of 23 points their last 4 games vs Big 10 games. All 23 at home, 16 vs BC, 7 vs Maryland. Did I mention getting blasted 30-0 at Iowa and 52-0 at Michigan. Ok, Hoosiers may not be that level. The fact Indiana put a 31 spot up on Michigan State is enough for me to get behind them. Yeah, even a Sparty team that was possibly looking past Indiana. Is Rutgers that much better than UConn who Hoosiers beat 38-3? I don' think so. Eastern Illinois lost here 52-0. I can see something in between like the 45-10 range. I feel safe laying 30 here off a bye week.  5* Best Bet INDIANA HOOSIERS

Taking OHIO STATE. I know Michigan State brings a defense. But until I see the Buckeyes offense slowed down, I am not getting in front of it. 26-6 last year, 48-3 the year before. The question isn't will Sparty slow down Ohio State. The question is can Michigan State get into double digits to sneak in the back door! I'll forgive giving up 31 to Indiana (OSU 51-10 @Indy this season) last week with Ohio State on deck. Clear look ahead. But, Sparty struggled with Arizona State at home. They got 3 INTs from Northwestern. OSU putting up 52ppg giving up 8. - Sparty always seems a bit slow vs OSU. And I don't think their D is up to the task vs these athletes. 5* Best Bet OHIO STATE 

Taking GEORGIA. So we lost with the Bulldogs against ND. That was a pretty physical game and bye week was much appreciated. Now time to get back to business. And that is destroying week teams to make the top SEC teams look powerful and mean. Hello Tennessee. Oh how the Vols have fallen. Guys quitting the team in September. Georgia by 41 and 26 the last 2 games. This should shape up as a 30pt win. Not bothered by the OC for Tenn having been on GA sidelines. The Vols offense and QB situation in complete shambles. Tenn 4-13 ATS last 17 at home. 8* Sure Shot GEORGIA BULLDOGS

Taking NORTHERN ILLINOIS. Don't be fooled by Northern Illinois coming in with 3 straight losses. Playing at Utah, Nebraska and Vanderbilt is a bit of step of from MAC play. Now the huge drop off to Ball State. A team that NIU has dominated going 17-3 last 20, 10 straight wins and 7 straight ATS covers. Huskies much better team, battle tested. Nothing better than coming home where you are 47-9 SU last 56 games. This should be a 10 point win. 10* Money Bomb NORTHERN ILLINOIS 

Taking OKLAHOMA STATE. This is not your old Texas Tech team. First off. They are on their 3rd QB of the season. Their old offense is in the NFL. This team is struggling right now. We will toss out the recent numbers head to head based on that. New regime for the Red Raiders. Will on across the field, Gundy just keeps the offense churning. I just don't think Red Raiders can keep up. I know double digits on the road, in conference is a tough pill to swallow. But TT, 1-7 SU and 1-6-1 ATS last 8 games. Tech put up 14 against Arizona and 16 vs Oklahoma. Can't have faith backing that. Add in a revenge spot for the Cowboys. 5* Best Bet OKLAHOMA STATE 

Taking UCF. I get it. People down on these guys right now. Their undefeated and Playoffs hope dashed by a loss at Pitt. Now everyone thinking that Cincy is live home dog. I get it. But this line will probably bottom out around here. I saw some 4.5s which are no long gone. Central Florida just on a 28-1 SU regular season run. That is tough to ignore. Again, we are small fave. Cincy off a blowout win over Marshall. I think that dropped this line a bit. UCF rolled Uconn in a final score that was not even that close. UCF putting up nearly 50ppg and has scored 30 or more in 31 straight games. Not saying UCF is Ohio State, but Cincy can be had by some speed across the field. How about Cincy just 1-5 last 6 as a home dog. 8* Sure Shot UCF 

Taking ARIZONA. No no no. Not sold on UCLA. Even though they buried us coming back from a 49-17 hole. What do they have in the tank here after putting up 63? And really. A team that had not scored more than 14 in a game scored 50 in 20 minutes. Not buying it. Arizona in off bye and back to back road games for bad teams helps our cause. UCLA now 2-16 last 18 SU on the road.  5* Best Bet ARIZONA 

Taking NORTH TEXAS. Was looking at this game before the King news. Figured to be a high scoring affair. King a beast with 50 TDs last season. But do not overlook Mason Fine. He's no slouch. Mean Green should be at top of CUSA North. Balanced O that is stacked with experience. Defense can be shaky. But little brother vs big brother and now a blow like this to Cougars. 8* Sure Shot NORTH TEXAS

Taking OHIO STATE. Rolled with these guys last week. Putting up 70+ with Nebraska on deck. And said Cornhuskers trailed on the road last week by 14 multiple times as a near 14 pt road favorite. Buckeyes are scoring 44+ tonight. I think the defense does the rest in a 20+ pt win. 5* Best Bet OHIO STATE 

Taking OKLAHOMA STATE. One, we have the ol' unranked team favored over 'ranked' team. Love seeing that nonsense. So, again, K-State ranked? Based on a win over Mississippi State? Nicolls State, Bowling Green, road win at Miss State. Barely over 100 yards passing from your QB. A 100 yard Kick return, leading rusher 59 yards on 17 carries. Look. We were big on Texas last week over the Cowboys. Muffed punt cost me the cover the there. But, Spencer Sanders looks solid at QB. This defense will be fine vs Wildcats. 10* Money Bomb OKLAHOMA STATE 

Taking LIBERTY. New Mexico off their biggest game of the year vs New Mexico State. Now have to fly cross country. Hugh Freeze really has this team moving the ball. Liberty won by 9 last year. Their QB last week had 300 yards passing on just 10 completions last week. Eventually Liberty will be up by 20 and New Mexico is going to have to get away from their strength of running the ball. 8* Sure Shot LIBERTY 

Taking TOLEDO.. Rams in off getting crushed by Arkansas. This is a bad team. A bad team with no QB. Rockets with a ton of experience and should contend for MAC Championship. 5* Best Bet TOLEDO ROCKETS 

Taking GEORGIA. Listen. Notre Dame cannon compete on the road with top programs. 0-8 in their January Bowl Game vs elite team getting outscored by 21ppg. Make no mistake about it. Georgia is an elite team. 30-3 losers to Clemson last year. 44-28 losers to Ohio State in 2016. Do I have to go back to 2013 and Bama crushing them in NCG 42-14. Even in the regular season. Last year 24-17 losers at USC. And SC had been down lately. Losers at Stanford 38-20 and 41-8 at Miami U in 2017. 45-27 at USC in 2016. Look. ND a good program. But they get exposed by real football schools as they do not have the depth and speed to keep up. Irish defense will be in for a long day against this Bulldogs OL. Ian Book can't do it by himself. Balanced Georgia and better defense at home. I'll lay the big number. 8* Sure Shot GEORGIA BULLDOGS 

Taking TEXAS. Not backing a freshman tonight. Tough place to play. I was down a bit on Texas. Had LSU over them to open things up. But Longhorns have been putting up plenty of points. Cowboys also, 52-56-40. But this defense a little tougher than Oregon State, McNeese and Tulsa. Oklahoma State has really owned Texas going 7-2 SU last 9. Time for some payback. Again, Spencer Sanders on the road. Not buying it. 3rd road in 4 weeks for Cowboys. Ehlinger looking good. 8* Sure Shot TEXAS 

Taking OLD DOMINION. They guys hung vs Va Tech. Now, a run first team, who look to milk the clock, getting 4 TDs. And, 4 TDs from a team that let it all hang out in huge program win over Florida State. Now, Noles not be old time Noles, but for Virginia, huge, huge win. And, hello Notre Dame on deck. Do we really expect them to come out and put 40 plus after rallying last week? Play down to the competition week with ODU off a bye ready for this VA attack. 5* Best Bet OLD DOMINION 

Taking OKLAHOMA. This UCLA team. Geez. Had them them in both of their losses this season. And they have looked terrible. I am the first to say we don't overreact to a game. But I have seen nothing the last 2 games that says Chip Kelly is going to be able to keep up here. This opened at like 18/19. I still think anything under 30 is a gift. 14 pts in for UCLA. Sooners with 700 yards of O in their games. Oklahoma a bye week next. UCLA with PAC 12 home opener up next. Only way this game is close is if UCLA manages 3 8 minute TD drives to keep visitors off the field. Not happening. 10* Money Bomb OKLAHOMA SOONERS 

Taking ALABAMA. Yeah, I will lay a quarter on the road. Freshman QB vs the Tide. Bama in a normal game wins by, like 22-23 a game. Now they get to feast on a young signal caller. This is Charleston Southern. I can't see South Carolina getting into the teens here. Alabama is good for 45+ today. 8* Sure Shot ALABAMA 

Taking AIR FORCE. So Colorado comes in off huge rivalry games. Wins over Colorado State and Nebraska. The Cornhusker Comeback was a wild down 17-7 win 34-31 OT win. If there was a ever a spot for a little letdown, here it comes. Triple Option team who is off their bye week. Now, this isn't a huge number, but worth the value on the dog. A good schedule spot for Air Force. They will want to show up against in-state 'big brother.'  How pumped will this crowd be for Air Force after Nebraska? 5* Best Bet AIR FORCE 

Taking LOUISVILLE. Irish couldn't cover 20 in 4 contests last year. Can't see them doing it here. Ok, ND has Ian Book back at QB. But - lost their leading rushing and receiver. And 4 of their top defensive guys. We see them get rolled in January Bowl games because they don't have the depth to compete. Not that UL is a New Year's Day bowl team, but the talent is still ACC level and pretty decent. Satterfield comes over from Appy State where he was 28-4 in Sun Belt play. This team absolutely quit on Bobby Petrino last year. Leading Florida State before losing 28-24. Then they get wholloped 66-31 by Georgia Tech. And then the wheels just fall off as they allow 56-77-54-52-56. That is nuts. But, a new regime in charge. A new attitude. A defensive coach with 10 starters back, 6 on offense. UL players have been waiting a year to redeem themselves. Irish to open a good start and getting 20. 10* Money Bomb LOUISVILLE 

Taking RUTGERS. These guys basically in my backyard. And nothing would make me happier for them to start winning games in the Big 10 and bringing some respect to our State's football status. Chris Ash needs a big win for his program. UMass is the right opponent to start the year. A new HC breaking in schemes. Just 8 returning starters. Last year, 4 wins, 3 vs FBS teams. All 8 losses by double digits. 34 at BC, 21 at Georgia Southern, 39 at FIU, 16 at Ohio, 39 at Georgia, 19 vs BYU, 16 vs USF. Look Rutgers not some awesome program. 1-11 last year and laying 2 TDs. This is probably Ash's best team. As bad as they were last year, they didn't quit. Nearly beat Northwestern and Michigan State. Lost to Penn State here by a TD. 8* Sure Shot RUTGERS

Taking UTAH. So this line has been sliding down. I get BYU is tough at home. But I really like this Utah team. I am as of this writing Tuesday, trying to find the best number for them to win the PAC 12. That is where I think this team is. Great coach. Like the defense. Always solid units. Returning starters. They check all the proverbial boxes. 5* Best Bet UTAH UTES 

Taking HAWAII here.  I get people like Arizona a bit thinking Tate is healthy at the QB spot. Kid was a beast 2 years ago. I also think people are expecting him to become Johnny Manziel under Kevin Sumlin when he was at A&M. That was 2013. Rainbows were a little bit of a darling to start the year. Off a 3-9 season, finished with 8 wins. Now, they have Arizona, Oregon State and head to Washington to start this year. That isn't easy. But you have to like having 18 starters back including your QB who went for 36 TDs and nearly 3900 yards in the air (just 10 INTs.) Getting double digits as a home dog is always nice - But the long travel for any team coming here adds more value to the points. Again, off a nice break out season, these guys are thinking they can win both of these games vs the PAC 12. Big brother vs Little brother and we will grab the live dog here. 5* Best Bet HAWAII RAINBOWS 

Taking the GATORS. This should be a double digit win for Florida. I'm a Canes guy, but this is not a good spot for them. New HC. New schemes. New coaches. New plays. New systems. Defensive guy taking over a team that couldn't get any QB play from a good offensive coach. Gators with another year under their newer coach Dan Mullen. Gators always bring a defense and the offensive should take another step forward. 10* Money Bomb FLORIDA GATORS 

Taking OHIO STATE. Urban's swan song. We saw these guys destroy Michigan and their 'great defense.' Do we think that Washington has seen anything like this Buckeyes team in the PAC 12. Rose Bowl is a big deal for the conferences. But in today's day and age, they really are a step down from the Play-offs. This is all about motivation. And the OSU kids will want to send out their coach on a winning note. Not even going to overthink things. 10* Money Bomb OHIO STATE BUCKEYES

Taking CINCINNATI here. I am actually kind of shocked that this line moved down a bit. I thought it would be moving up. Not sure why there is so much love for Virginia Tech. Hokies had to pay Marshall to come play to qualify and be bowl eligible. I think the Herd took the payday and got ready for their bowl game (who we cashed with) as it was 21-7 after 1 and off to the races. Back to the Hokies. This isn't Beamer ball. These guys are giving up more than 30ppg. 6-6 vs 10-2 yes the line looks low. But I am backing the Bearcats with something to prove beating an ACC team. 5* Best Bet CINCINNATI BEARCATS 

Taking SYRACUSE. I would have been on the Orange outright with or without Will Grier. Zero motivation for West Va. Big year for Babers and company in Syracuse. 10 wins a big deal for the team and coach. I think they pick their score and nothing closer than 10. 5* Best Bet SYRACUSE 

Taking VANDY. Won't be shy about laying a couple points even if Baylor has a bit of home edge playing in Texas. Bears come in losers in 4 of their last 6. Their wins, a TD pass with 6 seconds to go over Oklahoma State. And win over Texas Tech who canned their HC after the game. How about that Baylor didn't beat a team with a winning record this year? Vandy was competitive in their games. I give them a pass on getting run out by Georgia. The other bad loss was to South Carolina after they played ND on the road and lost 22-17. They just ran out of gas in the 2nd half to SC. They have better talent right now with Shurmur at QB and a 1000 yard RB averaging 7 yards a carry. 8* Sure Shot VANDERBILT 

Taking ARMY today. Right off the bat you know Army is showing up big time for the Armed Forces Bowl. Army has won 3 straight bowl games over SMU, North Texas and San Diego State. Houston comes in with 2 straight bowl losses vs San Diego State and Fresno State. Where is the Cougar motivation? They lose their QB and were blitzed in their final game 52-31 by Memphis. We add game and we see the Cougars dropping 3 of their last 4. Army has reeled off 8 straight after losing by a TD at Oklahoma. Houston canned their DC, will be without their best DL and will also be missing some other key DL members. Black Knights roll. 10* Money Bomb ARMY 

Taking MARSHALL. So South Florida playing a quasi-home game - Do you really think that matters? Banged up QB - 5 straight losses , all by double digits by nearly 20ppg. The OC left for McNeese State. I think that is a step backwards! Look. Marshall defense very good. Doc Holiday a perfect 5-0 SU/ ATS in bowl action. Herd come in off loss at Va Tech. But don't fool yourselves. They got a nice payday from the Hokies to show up, lay down, and get VT bowl eligible. Low scoring affair that Marshall should wrap up 29-13. 5* Best Bet MARSHALL 

Taking FRESNO STATE. Big turn around for this program under Jeff Tedford. Not a chance in hell they take this game for granted. Mountain West vs PAC 12 and the little brother has something to prove. Nobody expected much from Herm Edwards at ASU. Yet, they are bowling. Good for him. But they will be without a huge piece of the offense as their star WR is sitting out getting ready for the NFL Draft. Bulldogs bring it and win this one going away. 5* Best Bet FRESNO STATE 

Taking NORTH TEXAS. Will also be sprinkling in some ML on Mean Green. Right off the bat. Where is the motivation for Utah State? Yeah. A great year. 10-2 - close loss at Michigan State. Ranked in the Top 25. But losing to Boise crushed their MWC Title hopes. So here they are in an early bowl game vs Conference USA, in the New Mexico Bowl, which they have been to already. To add insult to injury, their HC is off to greener pastures to take over Big 12 Texas Tech and probably will be bringing his OC and DC with him. North Texas gets a shot at 10 wins and win a bowl game. NT is the only team in FBS to not trail a team by more than 1 possession in a game this season! 3 losses in conference play by a combined 13 points (3-8-2). Live dogs. 8* Sure Shot NORTH TEXAS 

Taking OHIO STATE. So I am no fan of tOSU - But I will lay it and would lay 20 here. Fast track in the dome and I don't think Northwestern is keeping up. I know that Buckeyes have had some up and down performances. But not in Championship Games. They come to play, and Meyer won't be ashamed to run it up tonight. Last game on the card, so he will know how all the Sooners and Georgia did. I think Alabama, Clemson are locked in no matter the outcome of their games, plus ND. Who saw last week's butt-kicking of Michigan coming? Much like that 59-0 drubbing of Wisconsin in 2014 Championship Game. Not sure how Wildcats going to slow this machine done. No grass to help the cause. Ohio State has dropped 50+ 4 times and 49 on 2 more occasions. 10* Money Bomb OHIO STATE 

Taking ALABAMA today. My NJ Fan Dual app had this at 11 and I grabbed it.They sometimes have lines a couple points off, so that is nothing new. I feel just as fine laying this. We had the Tide last week. Eventually. This train breaks loose and it's a 20pt win. This isn't last year. Yes, Bulldogs with revenge for the Championship OT loss last year.  A full season, and a full game Tua is a tough match-up. I hate comparing how they do in SEC play. But, Alabama 29-0 at LSU and Georgia losses 36-16 at LSU. I'm going to lay it. 5* Best Bet ALABAMA 

Taking OKLAHOMA. Forget about Tom Herman dog trends. Big revenge spot for the Sooners. Oklahoma has a bad defense- Well, after spotting Texas 3 turnovers and a 45-24 lead, Oklahoma only reeled off a 21-3 4th quarter. Did Texas just sit on their heels? Or did the Sooners play some defense? 56 points allowed last week. But hey, 2 defensive TDs. I don't think Ehlinger can keep Texas in this thing. If you are telling me you know that Boomer Sooner is turning the ball over 3 times and Longhorns hold onto the ball and turn those into 21 points - then I can see taking Texas here. No way Texas slows these guys down. 7 times scoring more than 50. 10 times scoring more than 45. High Noon Assault in Jerry's World. 5* Best Bet OKLAHOMA SOONERS 

Taking NOTRE DAME. I think ND is the real deal. We have see the Irish drop 40+ the last 3 meetings. Were any of those teams better than 5-6 SC team? I know you can rally around the, 'well it's their Super Bowl or whatever' I just can't get behind the Trojans in anyway tonight. ND, like other playoff teams, know they need to pass the eye test. And that is putting up points. They need to pull a 48-17 win on the road, in the books tonight. 8* Sure Shot NOTRE DAME

Taking SMU. Had these guys last game vs Memphis. Not only did they fail to cover, they did it a painful fashion with a missed 2pt conversion. Ouch. Look- SMU needs this W for their bowl birth. No let-down off that bad loss in site. Tulsa miserable this year. When they aren't turning the ball over, they are thinking about how to turn it off 3 possessions from now. Tulsa is 2-9 for a reason. They're bad. 10* Money Bomb SMU 

Taking SAN DIEGO STATE. The ole bubble burst fade. We had Fresno as they blew a 17-3 lead last week and hopes of a New Year's Day bowl get flushed down the blue turf toilet. Now they have to face SDST, who, is also off a disappointing loss. But I do like Rocky Long. And  nothing will get an upset loss out of their minds like taking care of Fresno. Aztecs 7-1 ATS last 8 as dogs with outright wins over Boise and Arizona State this year. San Diego State has played 8 straight games decided by one score. Fresno 18-4-2 ATS run, but that is why we are getting extra points with the dog tonight. 8* Sure Shot SAN DIEGO STATE 

Taking CENTRAL FLORIDA. Just think this is the old 'statement' game for UCF. Disrespected again the playoff poll. Only undefeated again. Last year they did everything asked of them including beating SEC Auburn. This is a game they will want to run it up as the powers that be say 'they don't pass the eye-test' or 'who do they play'. I see a 40-50 spot being dropped tonight. College Game Day in town. Huge home game of for the Knights. Cincy D gets a lot of press. But, 1 Top 30 offense faced all year. That was Ohio, who put up 30 points and over 400 yards. Reigning in the #3 offense is a bigger challenge. UCF should win this one by double digits. 10* Money Bomb CENTRAL FLORIDA 

Taking NOTRE DAME. So. It looks really nice getting a 'ranked' Syracuse team and double digits. I mean, - these guys almost beat Clemson this year and beat Clemson last year. And Clemson is good right!! Clemson lost their starting QB. They had a 3rd stringing in for the game this year. Who has Syracuse beaten? I see ratings where they are 30th or below. They trailed NC and needed OT to beat a 3 win team. They lost in OT to Pitt. Played LSU tough, Yes played Clemson tough on the road. And this is a tough spot for ND travel wise if you look at their schedule. But yet, 10 points. This line has ticked up. 5* Best Bet NOTRE DAME 

Taking CINCY. Man. South Florida was undefeated 2 weeks ago. Then Houston beat them by 57-36. They followed that up as a 7pt home fave and losing to Tulane 41-15! USF 33-3 last year. We will see that flipped tonight. Cincy in off blanking Navy 42-0. They are licking their chops at a wounded Bulls team. USF 2-7 ATS. So even when they were winning, they were over-valued and under performing. Cincy 6-3 ATS on the year. Bulls defense in for a long night - last 3 road games, 57-24-42 points allowed. Bearcats last 3 at home 42-37-34. 8* Sure Shot CINCINNATI BEARCATS 

Taking NORTH CAROLINA. Yeah. A best bet on a 1 win team. NC fighting in every ACC game. This is a Tobacco Road game so I can't see them mailing it in on the season now. Duke not all that sharp on the season- and if they are to lay an egg, coming home off a big win over Miami laying double digits would be the spot to do it. Think this is a 1 score game. 5* Best Bet NORTH CAROLINA 

Taking SYRACUSE. yes, a GOY. Like last weeks Big 10 GOY on Michigan, we expect another big blowout. Big revenge spot as Orange were blasted last year 56-10.  62-28 the year before.I can see the complete opposite of those scores tonight. 56 or more allowed by Louisville in 3 of the 4 games. Going on at limb and saying perhaps a new HC on the sideline next season for the Cards. 10* Money Bomb ACC GOY SYRACUSE 

Going OVER the total. Kent is pretty bad. I think Buffalo can challenge this on their won if they play the entire 60 minutes. I know they are scoring in the mid 30s. Anything out of Kent early would be a bonus. I expect a garbage TD from them late. Doubt we even need it though. Final home game before hitting the road. Should be pumped up for the fans. Blowout in the making. 8* Sure Shot OVER 

Taking FIU - Had these guys last week. We faded FAU last week. Team Lane a ship without a rudder. Big revenge spot as FAU walloped FIU last year 52-24. Shoe on the other foot this season. FIU top dogs right now in CUSA - 10* Money Bomb FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL 

Taking FLORIDA. Gators in off getting blasted in their game vs Georgia. But it wasn't anything like the way Missouri went down. Oh the humanity in losing on a TD pass as time expires. Tough to get over that. Now, in The Swamp. Florida lost last year 45-16. HC Mullen wasn't here for the Gators - But I am sure his players getting smacked like that. Lock 0-9 in his starts for MizzU vs 'ranked' teams. Can't see a let-down here as Gators in a position to win out and get 10 wins. 8* Sure Shot FLORIDA GATORS 

Taking MICHIGAN. 42-13 last year as PSU crushed the Wolverines. Pay-Back time. Defense will be able to contain McSorley. This will be a blood-bath. Michigan in off their bye week. Not going to overthink things here. Michigan the better team. 10* Money Bomb MICHIGAN WOLVERINES 

Taking GEORGIA. Yeah. In off big win over Florida. Hangover game- Doubt it. This is for the SEC East. And they won't overlook a team a couple spots behind in the Playoff Ranking and a team 'ranked' 15 overall. Kentucky somehow pulled a rabbit out of the hat last week over Missouri (We had MizzU) - Punt return TD and that end of game TD pass. Brutal loss for those Tigers. And a huge win for Kentucky. Stoops doing nice job. But Kirby Smart is from Bama. And there are no let down games or look aheads in this coaching tree. Talent prevails and Bulldogs should win this one by double digits going away in the 2nd half. 5* Best Bet GEORGIA BULLDOGS 

Taking IOWA STATE. Kansas just won their Super Bowl. A last second win over TCU. Now - Yes, Kansas now has 3 wins on the year. It wasn't like they were win-less. But TCU had been a pretty good program before falling apart this year. That is a huge win for Kansas. A literal last second FG with 1 second left on the clock propels them to the W. Out-yarded by 200 yards. TCU fumbled at the Kansas 7 and was stopped on the Kansas 1.. 2 TOs help the home dog cause also. That is a lot of mojo working in your favor. Two weeks in a row? Doubt it - 45-0 last year. Iowa State had put up at least 40 in 2 of their last 3. 5* Best Bet IOWA STATE

Taking TEXAS A&M tonight. Now. Normally- I am taking the home 'unranked' team over the 'ranked' team. That's in CBB or CFB. But we have to look a bit deeper into this besides the 'rankings'. First - State came into College Station last year and spanked the Aggies 35-14 last year and have won the last 2 meetings. So a little double revenge in place. A&M of a tough win at South Carolina. But to counter that, we have Bulldogs coming in off 19-3 loss at LSU. (I had MSU) - Now. Somehow, State put up 23 points vs Auburn. Which, I guess shows how terrible the Tigers are. If we look at the 3 losses in their last 4 games, we see 3 points at LSU. 6 points at home vs Florida. 7 at Kentucky. This offense is putrid. And honestly, it kinda scares me a bit to see them favored here. That being said. I am grabbing the low hanging fruit with the road dog. Aggies do have a decent defense and can, and have scored - both at home, and on the road. 10* Money Bomb TEXAS A&M 

Taking MISSOURI. So. I always say things like 'ranked' team getting points catches my eye. Well. When the ranked team is a 7pt road dog to an unranked team - Let's just say my ears perk up. Sign me up all day on MizzU today. UK has won 3 straight in the series to boot and are getting points like this! I think the Tigers run away with this one. 10* Money Bomb MISSOURI TIGERS 

Taking IOWA today. Penn State slide continues. Lost to Ohio State who they had dead to rights. Off that brutal loss, lose to Michigan State - Then, as 14pt road faves, let Indiana hang around with a chance to steal a win late. Now vs this team. A streaking Hawkeyes bunch. A bad loss to Wiscy the only blemish on the record. They are just playing good football. And catching points like this. Sign me up. Oh, PSU also has big, bad Michigan on deck. They know they are out of the Playoffs. If Iowa gets up early, this could get ugly. 8* Sure Shot IOWA HAWKEYES 

Taking PURDUE. I know we have them off huge win over Ohio State. But Boilermakers looking good last few weeks. 49 on Ohio State, 46 at Illinois, 42 at Nebraska - 4 straight wins. Sparty comes in off loss to Michigan (we cashed a 8* on big brother). That was a tough, physical game. And lets keep things real here. Michigan State was off a big win at Penn State. That wasn't an easy task. Battling the Wolverines is a rough assignment. Just think with Purdue peaking, and Sparty in a terrible flat spot, dog outright in my eyes. 5* Best Bet PURDUE 

Taking LA TECH tonight. Almost went ML here. But didn't want to end up like MNF where the Giants cover but don't win outright. So in this revenger (48-23), we will grab the points. FAU not looking like last years version. 1-6 ATS run for Lane's crew. La Tech comes in ready having this game circled. Holtz with a solid 32-14 ATS number when his team are dogs and 14-5 his last last 19 in that spot. LT brings a the better defense to the field today. How about FAU giving up a full TD more than they score on the year. Barking Dog. 8* Sure Shot LOUISIANA TECH 

Taking ARMY. Also like the OVER in this game. I know this line has moved down from 11. But I am still on the Black Knights. For all intention purposes, Army with a bye week last week as they won 52-3 over San Jose. This team just improves every week. Miami O playing for the 8th straight week. Redhawks haven't faced the option in years. You think a few days will have the ready for this. All you need to know about Army is this. - They took Oklahoma to the wire only to lose in OT. That is impressive enough. I mean, covering and losing by 20-29, ok, Sooners just overlooking them. But play to OT. Then, to top it off. Coming to Buffalo, a good Bulls team, off said heart breaker. Falling behind 7-0 a minute 10 into the game. And I had Buffalo!! - Falling behind 7-0 a minute into the game and winning 42-13! Army to the races. 45-17. 5* Best Bet ARMY BLACK KNIGHTS 

Taking MICHIGAN here. We have Wolverines favored here - But lo and behold, the Spartans, 10-0 ATS and 8-2 SU in this series last 10 game. MSU 17-5 ATS last 22 as dogs overall. Last year, as 13 faves at home, Wolverines fall 14-10 as O'INT, oops O'Korn tosses 3 INTs and Michigan gets nothing going on offense. Not so much of a problem this season. We have Michigan in off of crushing a decent Wiscy team. Michigan State in off a road upset of a good Penn State team. What is the difference for me is the Sparty offense, or lack of - 13 points vs Arizona State, 19 vs Northwestern - Heck, only 21 vs Penn State. Michigan has a pretty good defense themselves. Harbaugh finally getting some wins vs better Big 10 teams. 8* Sure Shot MICHIGAN 

Taking SOONERS here. Yes, TCU with double revenge as Oklahoma picked them off twice last year. But Oklahoma in off their bye. Done licking wounds from last second FG by Texas to lose Red River Rivalry. They fire their DC so things can only get better on that side of the ball. Murray is a beast at the QB position. TCU is just having a bad year. I get the defense is still solid. The offense is down right anemic. 16-17-14 points scored their last 3 games. Sooners should win this one by double digits going away. 8* Sure Shot OKLAHOMA SOONERS 

Taking ARKANSAS. Ok. At first glance, this line does look a bit short. SEC only minus a TD vs AAC Tulsa squad. But the Hogs themselves just 1-6 with new HC Chad Morris enduring a tough run. Can't discount Tulsa coming in off a brutal loss against South Florida last week. Up 14 in the 4th, allow 15pt on USF final 3 drives for the loss. Ouch. Back to SEC vs AAC. I know Tulsa will want to play up to the big conference. But I can't see it happening. It isn't like we are laying double digits here. QB situation for visitors is rough. Skipper out after tossing 6 INTs to just 4 TDs and 716 yards. Enter Boomer who has been better? just 1 INT but 19 of 52 for 37% Completions. Yikes. Arkansas was competitive in 24-17 loss at Texas A&M. The put up 31 against Alabama for a cover 65-31 (+35). They did choke away a 27-10 lead over Ole Miss last game. But this is probably their last chance at a win. Chad Morris won't have his team overlooking a smaller school especially when his own school has just 1 win. Vandy, LSU at home up next, then 2 road games at Miss State and Missouri to end things. I look for a big win for the Razorbacks today. 10* Money Bomb ARKANSAS RAZORBACKS 

Taking OREGON. Now. The Ducks crushed our soul with they way they lost at home to Stanford. I mean. Really. How did they end up losing that up 10 with 4 minutes left in the game! So. The did bounce back from the epic loss with a win at Cal. Then they had a nice little break to gear up for Washington who rolled them 38-3 last year. You already know I like this kid Herbert at QB. I think he is the top QB in the upcoming draft. Not that I put stock on 'rankings.' But this Huskies team is just 7-11 vs 'ranked' teams. That shows me they aren't as talented against similar competition as when they beat up as mid pack teams. Give me the home dogs for the outright win this afternoon. 8* Sure Shot OREGON DUCKS 

Taking INDIANA here. Ok. first thing. College hasn't been as great as our NFL. Depending on the site, we are either 36-35 or 34-36-1. Again. Sites and lines are different where one game I could get at a better ML price and a site I might take +2. Doesn't matter. Being .500 isn't putting money on our pockets- 2nd week of October, we have plenty of time to get on track - it start here with this High Noon BEST BET - Home dog, sign me up. This is a tough little team. Off an Ohio State loss. On the road at Penn State next. Iowa is a big team for them yes. But I think they believe this is a game they can win. Like I said PSU next. Michigan down the road. Those are games they won't win. Maryland, Minnesota, Purdue are not gimmies. This team wants to go bowling. 2nd year HC Allen has a talented QB/RB combo. Back to back conference road games are tough no matter what program you are. Facing a hungry underdog doesn't help. Might have to sprinkle some ML +170/175 on these guys. 5* Best Bet INDIANA HOOSIERS 

Taking BOISE. Just think this an big mismatch for San Diego State. They are banged up coming to the Smurf Turf. I get they are off a bye week. But when you are down your starting QB, RB and FB, you are walking into a tough atmosphere. This is a good Boise team this year. I know they have terrible ATS numbers as home favorites. Looking back a few years, I see several home non covers in between 4 game road trips, and some early games vs non-con foes. This number just seems high as if they are begging you to grab Rocky Long's bunch. Something tells me Rypian tosses 5 TDs and he climbs the conference all-time passing leader board. 10* Money Bomb BOISE STATE 

Taking SYRACUSE today. Yeah. Could be a bit of let-down spot for Syracuse who had Clemson on the ropes. They just couldn't close the deal. But a good coach will have these guys ready to take out that frustration on the next opponent. Orange can't take teams for granted. 5* Best Bet SYRACUSE 

Going OVER. Look. Alabama can get this by themselves. They will score 50 points. What I am really betting on here is for Arkansas to put something on the board. 5* Total Money OVER 

Taking WEST VA - I am not really a fan of laying huge points like this. But I think this is a statement game for West Va. Grier, if he wants to get more into this Heisman talk, need 6 TDs today. I don't doubt we put up a 50 spot here. Kansas hard pressed to put up 21. I'm looking for a 52-17 type of game today. 5* Best Bet WEST VIRGINIA 

Taking FRESNO. Rested home team. I'm in. Toledo off a win over Nevada. But playing that game is much different than the Bulldogs on the road. Blocked punt and KO TDs help the cause. But Reno also has allowed 50pts in 8 of their last 12 games. Come on. Bulldogs should take care of business at home tonight. Fresno 9-2 ATS last 11 at home and 14-3 ATS last 17 overall. Not going to knock Toledo offense who has scored 60 twice this season. But this is a long way from Ohio vs a pretty solid defense. 4* Money Maker FRESNO STATE 

Taking OHIO STATE. Look. Not a fan of either school. OSU has the W's lately in the series, 5 of 6 SU. Penn State 3-1 ATS last 4. But the numbers show me how much more dominate Buckeyes have been. The Bosa loss can't be overlooked. This defense isn't elite. But McSorley hasn't matched last years numbers either. Haskins is putting up huge numbers for the OSU offense right now. These lines are normally double digits. 7, 17, 17.5, 14, 15. Now it's a baby number. 73-8 overall , 47-3 in Big 10 play for Meyer here at OSU. Lost at home 17-14 to Mich State in 2015. 2016, on this field 24-21. Remember that game. 21-17 OSU, line up for FG, blocked, to the house 24-17 PSU. And of course, who can forget them getting demolished 55-24 by Iowa last year. I see something close to a 10pt win here. 10* Money Bomb OHIO STATE 

Taking BOISE tonight. Will lay the big number. Had Boise in their no-show at Oklahoma State. Well this is the team they take out all that frustration on. Both teams off byes. So they each have had time to lick their wounds off losses. But this Boise team is much better. Hello. Laying 3 scores on the road. We are winning by 20. And could probably stretch this to a near 30pt in the area of 42-14 type of game. The defense for Boise should have no problems containing this Cowboys offensive unit. 5* Best Bet BOISE STATE

Taking BUFFALO. So, at first look, yes. Fade the Bulls off beating Rutgers. Yeah, Rutgers is not a good team. But it is still a Big 10 team, that you mauled on the road. Looking at the numbers, and being an NJ guy, we see that Buffalo really took the foot off the gas in the 2nd half. They are ready for Army. They face Army enough not to be had by their offense and the defense can make a stop or two. And what about Army. Man, tough loss at Oklahoma. I always give the service academies a bump in my ratings just because of the career paths they have chosen. It is do the job, back to work. But that is a draining affair. Again OT at Oklahoma. Offense held the ball for 45 minutes. Not tired at all here? They converted 3rd and 4th downs. Buffalo pulls away last for a double digit win. 8* Sure Shot BUFFALO BULLS 

Taking COLORADO. Now normally, I would be looking at the the dog in this spot. But I cannot come anywhere near UCLA right now. The Westgate send out line for this was PK back in July. Well, when you lose your starting QB. A back up transfers. You have a young QB learning a new offense from an old NFL coach who ran a great College offense, and a father of a QB questions play calling. Safe to say you are having a tough go. Chip Kelly will have this team back on track soon enough. But it will take some time. Colorado cruising at 3-0. Will like to smack around the bigger PAC 12 name  and has revenge for 27-23 loss last year. No lack of focus for Buffs. Bruins with 12 straight losses away from the Rose Bowl. The Colorado defense isn't any great shakes for sure. But the offense is running very well right now. Should easily get to the mid 30s and that should be enough for a double digit cover. 10* Money Bomb COLORADO BUFFALOES 

Taking OREGON. Will grab the ducks on the ML. I just think this is a different team when Herbert plays. This guy makes the offense go. 52ppg down to 15ppg - I know Stanford is good. They have a Heisman guy in RB Love. But I feel the Ducks want to show they are back after 4-8 and 7-6 seasons. This is a huge game for the program in a revenge role. 5* Best Bet OREGON 

Taking LA TECH. So nice little spot to grab 3 TDs. LSU stole our soul last week as we backed Auburn. But off that huge upset, we get them in a bit of let-down spot. Nothing like a last second win and then a game vs a mid-major. Make no mistake though, this big brother/ little brother fight has huge implications for the dogs. How many of this kids grew up wanting to play for LSU? And they are at La Tech. Total disrespect card to be played along with huge dogs in an instate battle. Skip Holtz group should battle for their conference championship. I am still not sold on LSU even after that big road win. Down 21-10 last second FG to win on road. Ole Miss on deck. LSU should win, but I can't see them covering this number vs rested dog with a chip on their shoulder. 5* Best Bet 

Grabbing RICE and the points. Owls have covered 6 of the last 8. Off a bye (last played at Hawaii), while Southern Miss bye caused by Hurricane. Southern Miss is probably the better team based on Rice's 1-11 record last season. But sometimes you get a new coach and every thing changes. They have covered both games vs Houston and Hawaii putting points on the board. Against Houston, they put points up early. In Hawaii, it was late. That is where that long travel comes into play. But it also shows no quit. So we get an under-achieving Southern Miss team laying a pretty big number. Give me the hungrier team with something to prove. 5* Best Bet RICE OWLS 

Taking VIRGINIA as our Top Play. Like this team. Like the coach. Clearly 2 programs going in opposite directions. Petrino at the 'Ville misses Lamar Jackson behind center. I just can't see them really keeping pace with the Cavs. Bronco Mendenhall will have the team focused in revenge mode. Too much offense as Virginia jumps out fast (last week 35-7 3 minutes to go in 2nd Q) and never looks back. 10* Money Bomb VIRGINIA CAVALIERS 

Taking NORTH TEXAS. Like this little squad. Arkansas blew a 27-9 lead last week. Will have their hands full with a Fine QB for NT. Mean Green should be able to put up some passing yards with the best QB in conference.  Enough points for us to easily back NT. 8* Sure Shot NORTH TEXAS 

Taking AUBURN today. Look. I had LSU on the ML over the Hurricanes. But I am laying it and expecting a 15-20 point win Saturday afternoon. Right off the bat - Huge revenge spot for us blowing 20-0 lead last year. Home team on a 16-2 SU and 13-4-1 ATS run. LSU still has some QB issues. Do we really think they are coming in here and winning? Because, if I am taking a dog, I think it wins outright. I don't think the back door will be in play here. Guess people forget that Auburn smacked both Georgia and Alabama when they were ranked #1 on this field. This is a good Tigers team. 10* Money Bomb AUBURN TIGERS 

Taking OHIO here. Nearly made this a ML play. I have Ohio as the best in MAC East. I know Virginia isn't a sexy big school, but for the MAC, it's a big game. Off their bye week, I expect them to be more than ready to hang with this ACC team. Now. We did cash backing Virginia last week. But in this spot, game being played in Vandy's Stadium with Hurricane in town. I can't think they are fully focused here. As much as they need this win, I think Ohio is the hungrier team with less on their plate right now. Bobcats can stop this run game and force Perkins to beat them with his arm which he hasn't shown much consistency in doing. Solich is a solid mid-major coach and has pulled some upsets out of his hat before. 5* Best Bet OHIO BOBCATS 

5* Best Bet BAYLOR BEARS

Taking VIRGINIA TECH. I think FSU is a very good program. But I think they start a little slow tonight. Might take a game or 2 to get things flowing in real time under new HC Willie Taggart. This guy could have a QB problem depending on how things go. VT had all summer to get ready for the Noles. I think they can keep this close and have a shot at an outright upset if things go to plan and they get a turnover or 2. 5* Best Bet VIRGINIA TECH 

Taking LSU and going ML. You can grab the points - But for me, if I am taking small points like this, I have to believe in my numbers and that at this price, we can get an outright win. I know Miami is a trendy pick this year. Everyone high on them. I like them, am a fan. But money is money. And LSU is not some joke program. They get kids who can play. And in Game 1, right out of the gate with the nation watching, these guys will want to make a statement. No 'turnover chain' nonsense. I believe that Ed Orgeron is on the hot seat of LSU. 9-4 seasons won't cut it. Talent is there every year and he needs to deliver soon. 5* Best Bet LSU TIGERS 

Taking FLORIDA ATLANTIC. Have to grab the big points with Lane's squad. CUSA Champs this year. Have to be thought of as the top program with Marshall on their heels. This is a huge game for them. As a small, mid-major conference team, they have to show they can play with the big boys. Sooners breaking in a new QB and always a bit shaky on defense. I like that last year on the road, they lost to Wiscy 33-14. That is a tough venue and tough team to play. Shows me they won't be intimidated. Defense has 10 starters back which is huge to me getting this many points. Can't discount the fact that FAU new starting QB is a Sooners transfer. As if he needs more motivation for his first of the year.  8* Sure Shot FLORIDA ATLANTIC

Taking ALABAMA tonight. So. Tide is the team that shouldn't have been playing say a lot of people. Even though as the 4 seed they were to be favored over every other team in the playoffs, and the country for that matter. It is easy to say that the only real team Alabama played, Auburn, beat them. And then you Auburn beating what was the #1 Alabama and then #1 Georgia before falling to Georgia in the SEC Championship. But this Bama team was #1 for nearly all season for a reason. Just like they are favored over every team for a reason. Again, they have been dogs exactly once since 2010. A 1.5 to these same Georgia Bulldogs in 2015. Crimson Tide rolled to a 38-10 win. We know what to expect from Alabama. I thought they would cruise to a relatively easy win over Clemson and they did. I think the Clemson defense is as good, or better than Georgia's. Now. Is Baker Mayfield and the Sooner offense better than the Tide. Absolutely. But they pasted this defense for 48 points. And really, they should have won. And I am not saying that as a guy who had the Sooners. Their 1st year HC Riley really wet the bed when it mattered most. Kirby Smart is an old Bama assistant. Well, Saban is 11-0 winning with an average score of 38-10 over his old coaches. 427-111 in those 11 games Tide have outscored Tennessee (Dooley) , Colorado State (McElwain), Florida (Muschamp)+ (McElwain), Florida State (Jimbo) , and Michigan State (Dantonio. I am not expecting some wild game like that. I think this is going to be more along the lines of Bama/LSU, Auburn/ Oregon than the last 3 playoffs where we saw at least 60 scored in each game. These are really 2 of the same molded programs. But I am backing the teacher over the student. 5* Best Bet ALABAMA 

Taking ALABAMA. So here we are. 3rd times a charm right. Who takes the crown? I had Clemson ML last year. Had Alabama minus points the year before. Back to the Tide. Look. All I heard coming into the playoff selection was how Bama didn't play anyone. Lost to the only good team they played. Didn't deserve to be here. Forget the fact they were ranked #1 all year long. You don't think Saban uses this crap to motivate. Hard to motivate when you have been favored in 50 straight games or whatever it is. Well. After I typed that I went all the back to the 2010 season. 1 game. They were a 1.5pt dog at Georgia in 2015. They won 38-10. These guys are healthy. The defenses might offset. But Bama offense has the edge. They aren't facing Watson who carved them up. Heck, we saw what he did in his brief NFL stint. No. They get Kelly Bryant. 13 TDs 6 INTs on the year. In the 2 previous Championships, we saw 76-75, Bama by 1. That was with Watson. As good as Clemson is. I can't sit here and think they are that good right now. I know you will here about their great bowl run the last few years. We aren't laying 6.5 like the previous 2 years. It's a FG. And I am in on the Tide. 8* Sure Shot ALABAMA 

Taking OKLAHOMA. Backing the Sooners to make it to the Championship. Strength vs strength. Georgia defense, vs the Heisman winner and a monster offense. I know, I know. Defense wins champions. Stoops can't win big games. Throwing that out here. This Sooner defense is good enough to slow things down on Georgia. I don't think the Bulldogs can do the same with Oklahoma. I am trying to find the offense they faced that is anything like what they see in this game. I have no idea what the heck happened at home vs Iowa State. Laying 31, losing outright. That is some mind-boggling crap. But that being said - Sooners went to the Horseshoe and dominated Ohio State. They took care of a pretty tough TCU squad twice. Georgia put up 50+ on Missouri who put up 16 on Texas. Not that I like comparing teams this way. But Georgia has yet to face this kind of team. I think Sooners win this by double digits. 10* Money Bomb OKLAHOMA 

Going OVER the total here. Won't be shocked if we are over 50 by halftime today. UCF will put up some points. I think Auburn will get 40+. Look. We can sit here and say, oh, Auburn mails it in. They were a game away from the playoffs. And I can't blame you for that thinking. But then they get a match-up vs the only undefeated team. I think that will peak their interest. Again. Yes, they beat then #1 Georgia, and then #1 Alabama. But playing an undefeated team, even from the AAC will get their attention. Scott Frost and all the assistants stayed on to complete the 13-0 season. We know they will all-in here. Slaying an SEC team? A team that beat a pair of #1 ranked teams. Heck. That is a nice trophy to hang their hats on their. This game has absolute 45-44 thriller written all over it. Or the Tigers absolutely mail it in and get throttled 47-13. I am betting on a wild shoot-out. 5* Best Bet OVER Auburn/ Central Florida 

Taking LOUISVILLE here. Big edge for the Cards. First, the coach. Plenty of bowls under his belt. Miss State HC left for greener pastures. Second. QBs. Last year's Heisman who had a pretty good follow up season, in his last college game. For the Miss State, their season starter lost for the year in Egg Bowl vs Ole Miss. I just think this lines up with a lot of positives for UL. Like I said - Mullen to the Gators. No Fitzgerald. Tough to overcome a UL team looking to make up for last years 29-9 loss to LSU, another SEC team. No lack of focus as their QB is looking to go out on a high note. 8* Sure Shot LOUISVILLE 

Taking NEW MEXICO STATE. First bowl game in nearly 60 years for the Aggies. These guys looked pretty evenly matched in my eyes. Not a far ride for Aggies backers. Word is they will be rolling in pretty deep with fan support. Huge game for the school. 5* Best Bet NEW MEXICO STATE 

Taking MICHIGAN STATE. Now. I will say that I was looking at Washington State. They lose their top 2 WRs for the game. Not that should matter since they have other players with 30+ catches. What really flipped me to Sparty is 1 - The coaches. Does anyone really have faith in Mike Leach? He tossed his hat into the ring of HC openings. Who knows if he was serious. But the coaches under maybe raised an eyebrow. Freshened up resumes. Dantonio, I know, will bring his A game. Dude got into with Michigan HC over the bowls. This team will come out angry with something to prove. 17-4 ATS 14 outright wins in Dantonio's last 21 listed as dogs. Now. This opened with Wash State as a the fave. Now it is a pk or even MSU favored. Either way, Sparty is the play. 8* Sure Shot MICHIGAN STATE 

Taking BOSTON COLLEGE. I like Steve Addazzio. I think the kids really play for him. We saw wins over Louisville and Florida State. They get up for big games. Playing a bowl game, even in Yankee Stadium is big for these guys. And really, how is Iowa laying points to anyone. Forget about them ripping apart Ohio State. That is clearly a blip in their season. These guys are a barely a .500 team that isn't that good. Iowa 0-5 SU their last 5 bowl games. Losing by 27 to Florida, 29 to Stanford, 17 to Tennessee, 7 to LSU and 17 to Oklahoma. Now, they are playing BC in the Bronx - Zero motivation factor in a step down spot. 5* Best Bet BOSTON COLLEGE 

Taking SAN DIEGO STATE here. I know you worry about option running offenses. Normally, it is a team you take the points with they step up in class against a bigger school. But let's not forget that Rocky Long has seen this offense plenty. Air Force and New Mexico have the same run game. Aztecs defense gave up just 502 yards in those 2 games this year. Now SDST doesn't thrill you out of the stadium with their offense. But in RB Penny, they have a guy who can explode for us. Guy is a beast and will go over 2000 yards in this game. The defense should be the difference for us covering this number. 5* Best Bet SAN DIEGO STATE 

Taking CENTRAL MICHIGAN here. Man how times have changed. Last year we were riding a Cowboys wave with this team. Now we have a banged up QB who was the 'top pick' in the NFL draft coming into the season having thrown 13TD passes this year! Shane Morris for the Chips is on a nice 14-2 TD/Int run his last 5 games. 4th straight bowl for CMU, lost last year in Miami Bowl. Facing a week offensive team that has a pretty decent defense, I think the Chips are in position to pull out a nice 10pt win on the day. 10* Money Bomb CENTRAL MICHIGAN 

Taking LA TECH on the ML. You can go +5 if you want, but it's Bowl Season, and we are gambling! Like me some Holtz coaching. Skip Holtz has won 3 straight bowls with the Bulldogs. We are sitting at 6-6, winning our last 2 games. So obviously getting over .500 is huge. As is winning another Bowl. They face a 7-5 SMU squad who lost their coach to Arkansas and the SEC. Not sure how much motivation they have playing. I know this is a game in Texas, but LA Tech has been in this area 3 of the last 4 years. Nothing new to them. But it is all new for the Mustangs. They haven't been bowling since 2012 Hawaii Bowl. So without their season long play-caller now ex-HC, I think SMU falls a little short offensively. We know their defense gives up points. I expect Holtz to get the most out of his team as he has done in previous bowls. 5* Best Bet LA TECH BULLDOGS 

Taking FLORIDA ATLANTIC. Yeah. I will lay 3+ TDs with Lane. The guy is a kook and a total follow on Twitter trolling old teams and coaches. So we get an extra home game with the Owl. Let's be honest. They can write their own score in. I am expecting at least 50. Lane will love to run it up here. You know he is looking for his next job already. Akron out of the MAC is miserable on defense. This is an average team like what FAU beat up all year in CUSA. Do we forget Akron down 38-0 in the 3rd in MAC Championship Game before Toledo called off the dogs for an unlikely back door cover (45-28)? Owls 9th in scoring just under 40 game. If this was another year, or some other team, I would be worried about motivation. But FAU has won 3 games each of the last 3 years. The home fans will be pumped to come see them roll to a Bowl Win. 8* Sure Shot FAU 

Taking CLEMSON tonight. Let's start with the Tigers and their 5-1 SU post-season record the last 2 years. Experience. Depth. Those two things alone vault us to a 10pt edge over the Canes. And I'm a U fan. Believe me. I hope that Mark Richt can bring back the glory days of Miami past. But this team is not talented enough to play in this spot. 10-1 is a great year. But really. These guys pulled out some miracles. We faded and played on them in key spots. They have been up and down all year. They bring the show for the marquee teams. Florida State, Va Tech, ND. 2 convincing wins, but a last second one over FSU. How about that win over GT? Or the play down to Syracuse and NC. Again. I just don't think Miami has the horses for Clemson. This is the Tigers 5th ACC Championship Game. The first for the Hurricanes. Tigers have been a top recruiting team for years and Dabo just reloads. With Bama out of the picture, Clemson is the marquee football school. Not Ohio State. This is the 11th straight game week for The U. Clemson had a bye in mid-October. They scheduled a cake walk in mid-November 61-3. The jumped out to a 34-0 lead before South Carolina got a FG on the board in the 4th quarter. This team is rested and focused. Oh, it won't be 58-0 like 2015 when the Tigers mauled Miami on the road. But this should be at least a 14-17pt win for Clemson. 10* Money Bomb CLEMSON TIGERS 

Taking OKLAHOMA. I'll tell you what it really comes down to for me. I know that TCU is the prime defense in the Big 12. But this Sooners offense has been pretty good. We know that Baker Mayfield can move the ball on the Horned Frogs. Do you have that kind of faith in Kenny Hill? I sure don't. 2 years ago it was 49-24 Sooners heading to the fourth quarter. Don't be fooled by a 52-49 final. 64 and 74 yard TD passes for Hill. I know Sooners defense is leaky. But it can be when you have a QB with 37 TDs and just 5 INTs. 8* Sure Shot OKLAHOMA SOONERS 

Taking USC here in the PAC 12 Championship. This is it. Pretty simple thinking for me. Forget the fact that the Trojans beat these guys 42-24 back in September. What really jumps out for me on SC is this. They are off a bye. How huge is this in December! After 12 straight games, a 10-2 record and 4 game win streak, Trojans should have an edge tonight. Stanford in off 38-20 thrashing of Notre Dame. But that game was 20-17 heading into the fourth quarter before 3 Cardinal TDs. Love is a beast RB. Again. I saw USC have 2 RBs go for over 100 vs Stanford when they first met. Plus I saw SC QB toss for 300+ yards while Stanford went for 160. A near 20pt win and your QB has 2 INTs. You take away a 75 yard run for Love and that 160 drops to 85. SC hasn't won the PAC 12 since 2008! Stanford has won it 3 times since then. I know Darnold and the offense is a bit turnover prone. But this is a short number. I can't under-value the extra prep + rest for USC. 5* Best Bet USC TROJANS 

Taking AUBURN and going ML. I see 4.5, and even a 5 pop up. But I think the Tigers pull off the upset. What is there to say about Bama. We cashed them a few times this year. That being said, I thought the Tigers were the only team that would have the shot at knocking them off. And that's that. I know Auburn has 2 losses. But beating unbeaten Tide, and knocking them out of the Playoffs will erase those losses and thrust them into Playoff conversation. Iron Bowl 10* MONEY BOMB on the AUBURN TIGERS 

Taking BOSTON COLLEGE. BC read hot with the number 7-0-1 ATS last 8 and are now small faves over the Orange. Syracuse throttled their last 2 giving up 43 and 56 in those losses. Not sure where the motivation is as they sit at 4-6. BC looking to get to 7 wins which guarantees them a winning record regardless of bowl outcome. Syracuse has won the last 2 years in the series, so I think BC gets their revenge. 5* Best Bet BOSTON COLLEGE 

Taking TEXAS here. Just see 2 programs going in completely opposite directions. Wheels spinning for Texas Tech. Kingsbury should be on the hot seat for coaches as far as I am concerned. No such problems like that in Texas. New guy has this team believing. A win here clinches their first winning season since 2013. I'll tell you what. This Longhorns team has suffered for a few years. I think they win this one going away. And whatever bowl they end up, they will win that game also. 8* Sure Shot TEXAS LONGHORNS 

Taking MEMPHIS here. Well, I don't like laying double digits with any team. But I think we still rate a nice edge. Memphis off their bye. Memphis has won the last 3 51-7, 63-0 and 48-10. I can see what you are thinking.. Oh revenge angle, huge. Now, the first 2 games, Memphis was favored by 20 and 22. Last year -3 on the road. Now 12. Look I do like the Mustangs. Nearly played them last week. But they are finishing up a tough run here. So back to back vs a team off their bye. While they faced Navy in a thrilling 43-40 last second loss. Down 34-11 and coming back to tie with 3 minutes left to lose as the clock hits 0. Tough one. That takes a bit out of you. A week before, you lose a back and forth 31-24 battle to undefeated Central Florida. How about that 38-34 comeback win over Tulsa before that. Or that 31-28 OT win over Cincy before that. I am not saying teams don't play close games. But there is a spot where you pull a clunker. SMU is bowl eligible. They wrap up their season with a winnable home game vs Tulane next. 7-4 is a nice year. 5* Best Bet MEMPHIS 

Taking TOLEDO tonight. Faded the Rockets last week and it paid off for us. But today, nope, all in on Toledo. Look. Bowling Green is bad. This is a recipe for disaster. Toledo will look to take out some frustration and get back on track. I know this is their 3rd road game in 4 weeks, but it is a cupcake. BG has given up 38-48-48 their last 3 losses. Take out the 2 games vs MAC elites Ohio and Northern Illinois, and Toledo has tallied 58-48 their 2 games vs lesser MAC teams. Rockets with the top offense in the MAC and just outside the Top 10 nationally. Bowling Green, a terrible defensive team, last in MAC play and 125 out of 129 teams overall giving up over 500 yards a game. I'll lay it as Toledo looks to lock up a rematch in the MAC Championship vs Ohio. 5* Best Bet TOLEDO ROCKETS