Washington and Michigan 8:01 ET

Wolverines (-) over Huskies- I hate to do it I really do and it has nothing to do with a bias walking in. To start with I have professed the entire second half of the season that Washington had the best offensive line for pass protection in the country. I believe that have shown that not only when Penix passed 42 times against the No. 5 defense in the nation (Oregon) in the Pac-12 championship and he was not sacked once and was never pressured and we saw the same protection against Texas. Michigan has been a powerhouse all season and many said that it was their schedule as they pretty much shut down the SEC defeating the Crimson Tide, but they were not very impressive doing it. The Wolves QB McCarthy caught a number of breaks off the top and had a shaky start before putting together a final drive. Okay, before the playoffs began I was touting the Huskies at 7-1 to win it all and when I first saw an opening number of Michigan -4.5 my immediate reaction was ‘Washington is going to win it all.’ Now, remember that was just moments after the Huskies victory and that image was fresh in my mind. Later that evening as I was digesting my Game of the Year winner Michigan (7-1 GOY) I realized how good the Huskies looked and how fortunate the Wolverines were to not only win but over as well. As I was receiving phone calls continuously after the game and before my head hit the pillow I realized that I kept thinking that Washington is not a hard bet to make. They are 14-0 have won every day outright when an underdog and dominated a championship and playoff game and they are getting points. It just didn't set right and I expected money on the dog to show. At first a trickle and then the pace picked and now I believe that so many believe it is easier to take the points in this match-up than it is to lay it after what we saw last. I don't know how and rarely predict scores as all I care is to win be it 7-6 or 44-0 just win. Take MICHIGAN!

Texas vs Washington 8:00 ET

Longhorns (-) over Huskies- Undefeated (13-0) Washington has done everything you could possibility ask of a football team during a perfect season. Deemed underdogs three time during the year they rose to the occasion each time beating Oregon twice as underdogs and at Oregon State. Texas who is favored here was an underdog once, to Alabama, the win that put them into the FBS Final Four.  The Huskies have the nation’s No. 1 passing attack and No. 10 total offense averaging 344 YPG with Michael Penix leading the way. Texas moves the ball even better having the No. 9 offense with better balance. Now, here we go with The Longhorns being the lowest ranked team team in the Finals and they are favored over the No. 1 seed...that smells. I am and you should wait as long as you can and get the best price laying...TEXAS!

Alabama vs Michigan 5:00 ET

Wolverines over Crimson Tide- As far as I am concerned this ended up as the perfect match-up between two teams with similar styles. These two should slug it out for awhile and totals players will probably see it just one way. Michigan of course overpowered most of their opponents in what is considered a weaker Big Ten. Alabama meanwhile struggled but managed to clean their plate with a win over Georgia for the SEC championship after a miracle Hail-Mary that was answer against Auburn on a fourth and goal from the 29 yard line with 30 second to go. We had Alabama as our Conference Game of the Year winner over Georgia and are so looking forward to see this ‘Bama impostor go down hard here. Saban did an incredible job getting the Tide here but they are just not of the same cloth as their other champions. Take MICHIGAN!

Auburn at Maryland 11:00 ET

Terrapins (+) over Tigers- This was one of the first games that I gravitated toward and that was because the line opened Auburn minus-2.5 and I thought the line was short and was looking forward to a Maryland outright upset win. But, as they say in the Crescent City ‘shit happens’ and it did here. The Terrapins were 7-5 and led by Taulia Tagovailoa (yeah little brother) set Maryland and Big Ten records for passing and they still lost five times. The Tigers of course closed their season 30 seconds too late otherwise would have defeated rival Alabama and probably be playing New Year’s Day. As it is they are now close to a TD favorite. But, the Auburn offense which was limited to start with be without three defensive starters and a total of six offensive backs and receivers opt out. Take MARYLAND!

Missouri vs Ohio State 8:00 ET

Tigers (+) over Buckeyes- This game has been all over the place with Ohio State opening at minus-6.5 and moving to the dog at as high as plus +3.5. Rumors of he is and who is not paying have settled down and the line returned to where it should have been the entire time. Missouri (10-2) expects a full roster and appear to be motivated more than the Buckeyes. After getting bounced out of the FBS Championship contention OSU lost their quarterback to the transfer portal (Syracuse of all places) and lost all incentive. If it is a matter of motivation the game belongs to the Tigers. Take MISSOURI!

Arizona vs Oklahoma 9:15 ET

Wildcats (+) over Sooners- Oh boy...what do the Sooners have left after numerous transfers and defections( Every aspect of their play has been affected. I wonder after missing out on a New Year’s Day game and having replacement players in the lineup how much incentive will they have. Some have said that a second-string player at Oklahoma is still better than a starter at Arizona and at one time that might have been true but...not this season. The Wildcats will be playing their last game as a member of the Pac-12, a once proud football conference that dominated the NCAA scene during the late 60’s and 70’s (Anyone remember OJ). The Wildcats who had only one player opt out appreciates being here as they haven’t qualified for a bowl game in six years. They have kept their team and chemistry intact for this one as everyone is psyched and wants to play. In 2021 when head coach Jedd Fisch took over the Wildcats had lost 20 straight games and two years later he told his squad “It is a privilege to play in a bowl game.” I think so too and love what he has going on there. Take ARIZONA!

Rutgers vs Miami-FL 2:15 ET

Scarlet Knights (+) over Hurricanes- Miami has been underachievers under Mario Critobal’s reign as they started the past two seasons with what many felt was going to be a first round draft choice at quarterback. Hurricanes quarterback Tyler Van Dyke has moved into the transfer portal and is on his way to Wisconsin (so I guess his career as a QB should end there). Rutgers has shown huge improvement since entering the Big Ten which didn’t always show up as wins but they haven’t played Miami since 2003 when they lost their 11 straight to the Canes and are looking to post their first series win here. The Scarlet Knight will enjoy playing in Yankees Stadium with the nasty weather and home crowd support. Miami will be thinking of South Beach before the end of the half. Take RUTGERS!

Louisville vs USC 8:00 ET

Trojans(+) over Cardinals- This game has left me swinging in the wind as trends and key factors point toward and away from both clubs. Southern Cal will of course be without last year’s Heisman winner Caleb Williams and will have 19 other players either in transfer portal or prepping for the NFL draft. The Trojans were 6-0 but closed the season losing five of their final six. Miller Moss will get his first start for USC although he has been part of the team for three years and seeing this as his only opportunity to showcase his talents. Louisville has dropped their last two including the ACC Championship game to Florida State. The Trojans are 36-20 in bowl action and those whose didn’t get their chance during the regular season will shine here. Take SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA!

Military Bowl 2:00 ET  Annapolis, MD

Virginia Tech vs Tulane 2:00 ET

Hokies (-) over Green Wave- This was one of the first games among the 42 bowl games that drew my attention because the line is so outrageous it could not be ignored. I actually thought that I had written the spread down incorrectly with Virginia Tech in the favorites role. Okay, I might give you that the Hokies play a more difficult schedule but not by all that much and they were just 6-6 anyway. Tulane has won 11 games after winning 12 last season including a bowl win over USC. So, is this price an over-reaction to the Green Wave entering this game without their head coach and quarterback who is preparing for the NFL draft. This point spread comes under more scrutiny upon seeing that Va. Tech has dropped four straight bowl games. Tulane is using an interim coach and has already hired Jon Sumrall from Troy as their new head coach but he won’t be a part of this bowl game. They will be without their quarterback, their leading rusher, without their leading receiver and five top defensive players. Take VIRGINIA TECH!

Armed Forces Bowl

James Madison vs Air Force 3:30 ET

Falcons (+) over Dukes- James Madison has had quite a year as their 11-1 season would attest and they were so good their head coach left after they defeating Coastal Carolina 56-14 rebounding from their only loss 26-23 to Appalachian State. The Air Force opened the season with eight start wins and then attrition set in and they dropped their last four with a depleted squad. The Falcons running attack ranked No. 2 in FBS rushing yards with 3,309 and this plays into the Dukes strength as they held opponents to just 61.5 YPG rushing No. 1 in the nation. The Falcons average just 8.3 passed a game completing only 4.3 passes a game but for 20.4 yards per completion. This not only be the first game for a new James Madison coach it will be the first Bowl game in school history. Tough start in Armed Forces Bowl...Take AIR FORCE.

California vs. Texas Tech 9:15 ET

Golden Bears (+) over Red Raiders- There will be a par of star running backs one for each side that will showcase the Independence Bowl. Texas Tech is most relived that running back Tahj Brooks is going to play in this encounter bringing his 1,443 yards rushing and his No. 4 national ranking. The Pac-12 leading rusher Cal’s Jaydn Ott posted 1,260 yards on the ground as lead he Golden Bears to three straight wins with the aid off freshman quarterback Fernando Mendoza who had seven TD passes in those three games. Cal is 12-11-1 in Bowl games while the Red Raiders are 16-23-1 in post season action. Take CALIFORNIA!

Georgia vs Alabama 4:00 ET

Crimson Tide (+) over Bulldogs- I really can not remember the last time I saw Alabama as an underdog and not just a field goal but a number moving upward. To me and no so much to some others this sets up perfectly well almost but good enough. Maybe it would have been a bit been with the Bulldogs had romped over Georgia Tech but the Yellow Jackets were not all that bad this season. But, the way Alabama enters this fray after a virtual ‘Hail-Mary’ on the games final play has kept their Final-4 hope alive. Most people don’t believe the Tide shouldn’t even be here, a team the doesn’t belong in this championship game or in a fight for the national title. They have nothing to lose and have improved dramatically since their Texas defeat. It’s karma...Take ALABAMA!

Pac-12 Championship Las Vegas, NV

Oregon vs. Washington 8:00 ET

Ducks (-) over Huskies- Seriously, this is the match-up of the NCAAF season with all due respect to the ‘Bama & Bulldog crowd but, I have been keen on both these squads all year and either one could win the National Championship. The QB’s for both Washington and Oregon could possible win the Heisman with Friday night winner with a good performance would probably emerge the favorite right now Vegas has Ducks quarterback Bo Nix a slight favorite over the Huskies Michael Penix. This line is an attention grabber as these two played to a 36-33 decision in mid October with UW getting the win and Oregon getting the money at +3.5. Could be the line is a reflection of the Ducks scoring 45.3 PPG (2nd) and they allow just 15.9 (7th), since their loss they have won six straight by 29.3 PPG. Nix has 37 TD passes and just two int’s (go back and read that again), Penix has 32 TD passes and eight ints and Nix has a 189.8 passer efficiency rating second only to LSU’s Jayden Daniels (he is unbelievable). My personal issue with taking Oregon who I like in the re-match is that I have so much company with them as so many see the revenge factor as a motivation but in send game revenge in Championship games they have split virtually even 51-50 and it doesn’t matter which. I am hoping that the high point spread attracts many players it would me but the ‘sharps’ are who drove this line to where it is now...way too high. Washington is frickin’ good. I’ve watched them all season and their offensive line is awesome and what I’ve seen of Oregon is that Bo Nix is in command and his previous experience at Auburn and last season in Pullman has matured him into a great college quarterback and dare I say he reminds me of Brady. I wonder a bit if I lean toward Nix for all the abuse I hurled at him when playing for Auburn when he just didn’t have the team support, coaching and the maturity needed. But, I am still liking...OREGON!

Alabama at Auburn 3:30 ET

Tigers (+) over Crimson Tide- The Iron Bowl may not have the SEC Championship on the line but it has national implications. Alabama has remained alive and has improved each week as the season progressed and they still have a legitimate shot at winning it all. Auburn would probably be a lot better if Bo Nix remained a Tiger but otherwise they have been nothing special but reeled off three straight wins to become bowl eligible and got caught by New Mexico State last week in their look-ahead game and lost 31-10 as a 25-point favorite. The Tigers were so disinterested they had only 10 first downs with 209 total yards on offense...the may not have the talent but the Tigers will be roaring this week. Take AUBURN!

Ohio State at Michigan 12:00 ET

Wolverines (-) over Buckeyes- I have all kinds of information and trends on the biggest game of the 2023 college football season as a pair of undefeated Big Ten powerhouses clash at noon kicking off Rivalry Saturday. Being No. 2 or 3 really doesn’t mean much to these 11-0 teams but I bucking a NCAAF trend that will be difficult to stand against. According to Playbook when a pair of undefeated 10-0 teams or better meet the underdog has won outright nine times and is a perfect 10 ATS. Tough numbers to go against but that is what it will take to win here. This game is being played because the Wolverines have shown better with the eye test or personal observation. With the fact that I believe that with or without Jim Harbaugh hey are that much better. Take MICHIGAN!

Oregon State at Oregon 8:30 ET

Ducks (-) over Beavers- The development of quarterback Bo Nix who has started more college Division I games than any other QB has been ‘light years’ and I mean at Auburn he just wasn’t the man. Now, a more mature and composed Nix is one of the leading candidates for the Heisman Trophy. When I started covering this match-up it was called the Civil War and now if we refer to it as that we may face ‘cancel culture’ but on the field the players will fiercely battle it out. You learn in the military that the superior firepower will always win out and the Ducks have much more firepower than do the Beavers. A pair of losses in their last four games has taken a bit of bit out of the Beavers...take OREGON!

Iowa at Nebraska 12:00 ET

Cornhuskers (+) over Hawkeyes- It has been a long draught for a school like Nebraska missing a bowl game as they haven’t qualified with enough wins since 2016. No. 17 Iowa (9-2) has got to be the worst Top-20 team that I have every seen in my lifetime and I am not kidding. The Hawkeyes have one of lowest scoring offenses in the country averaging just 18.5 points per game ranking No. 121 out of 130 FBS teams. Iowa is not only going to a bowl game but will play for the Big Ten championship against either Ohio State or Michigan next week. The Cornhuskers hold a 30-20-3 edge over Iowa who celebrated like they won the super bowl capturing a spot in the Big Ten title game. Huskers have more incentive and become bowl eligible with their win here. Take NEBRASKA!

Mississippi at Mississippi State 7:00 ET

Bulldogs (+) over Rebels- It has been a very disappointing season for the Bulldogs as they need this win over arch rival Mississippi to become bowl eligible. Mississippi State has possession of the Golden Egg after last year’s 24-22 win. A victory would help wipe away the disappointment of s season where their head coach was fired 10 days ago after a 51-10 loss to Texas A&M (who also fired their coach Jimbo Fisher after that game). State played a good portion of the season with quarterback Will Rogers (how could I play against Will Rogers) who has returned along with running back and Jo’Quavios Marks. Rogers missed four games because of a should injury and Marks missed three with a leg injury and both are back at full strength. Rogers was sorely missed as even with his absence he hold every Bulldogs passing record. Take MISSISSIPPI STATE!

Washington at Oregon State 7:30 ET

Beavers (+) over Huskies- I feel very fortunate to have won with Utah (+) against the Huskies last week as Washington showed me their offensive line strength and I am duly impressed. But, this is a tough spot for the undefeated Huskies as Oregon State has won 16 of 17 at home. The Beavers still have an outside shot at the Pac-12 Championship and will be all-in for this battle and they have the offensive tools to complete with the nation’s fifth ranked scoring offense (41 points per game). Beavers QB DJ Uiaglelei has 20 TD passes and just four INTS. Take OREGON STATE!  

Central Florida at Texas Tech 5:00 ET

Knights (+) over Red Raiders- Lucky enough to have the Game of Year winner with Florida State last week and played Texas Tech an outright winner at Kansas so I believe I have a good feel for this meeting. The Red Raiders need a win to become bowl eligible as well as Central Florida. The Knights season was derailed by injuries to QB John Rhys Plumlee as they dropped five in a  row after a 3-0 start. UCF averages nearly 500 yards per game offensively ranking No. 3 in rushing with 233.7 YPG and they average 7.2 yards per play. Tech’s defense is Big-12 middle of the pack and will be overcome before games end. Take CENTRAL FLORIDA!

Georgia at Tennessee 3:30 ET

Volunteers (+) over Bulldogs- Do ya think that Tennessee was looking ahead to this match-up last week while they were getting whooped 36-7 at Missouri...I’m counting on it! Georgia is No. 1 again and they should be, after all a back-to-back champion that hasn’t lost yet as their win streak is at 27 one win shy of Alabama’s SEC record 28. The Volunteers have a winning streak of their own where they have captured their last 14 games at Neyland Stadium including a win over Alabama last season. The Bulldogs should be confident as they have won the last six meetings but the Vols have been pointing to this contest and will be at their best. Take TENNESSEE!

Duke at North Carolina 8:00 ET

Tar Heels (-) over Blue Devils- On the hardwood, the diamond or the gridiron these two rivals will be at emotional season highs. No.24 North Carolina (7-2, 3-2 ACC) has lost its last two conference games, while Duke (6-3, 3-2) snapped a two-game slide by topping Wake Forest last week. The Tar Heels have one of the most accomplished quarterbacks in the country in quarterback Drake Maye, who's expected to enter the 2024 NFL Draft and be a first round pick. Three different starting quarterbacks have directed Duke victories this season including freshman Grayson Loftis who will make his second career start and his first on the road. Mack Brown is in his second stint as North Carolina's coach. He has been in charge in 12 consecutive North Carolina victories in the series, last falling to the Blue Devils in 1989. The BEAT goes on...Take NORTH CAROLINA!  

Oklahoma State at Central Florida 3:30 ET

Knights (+) over Cowboys- They can’t set themselves up much better than this one with Oklahoma State coming off a Bedlam rivalry win over Oklahoma. It was the Cowboys biggest win in the 19 years Mike Gundy has been coaching in Stillwater and the result was a field-storming rampage that had fans taking down the gol post and dumping it into a pond. OSU has won five straight all Big-12 Conference games while UCF has struggled to win just four of nine games played. The Knights lead the conference in rushing with 227 PYG and broke a five-game losing streak at Cincinnati last week. All stats favor the Cowboys except for one number...the number the bookies put on the game. Way too short for these teams past performances! Take CENTRAL FLORIDA!

Utah at Washington 3:30 ET

Utes (+) over Huskies- Washington’s Dillon Johnson rushed for 256 yards, the same number that Penix threw for and four touchdowns as the Huskies won 52-42 last week in Los Angeles besting USC. That will be hard to repeat against No. 18 Utah’s (7-2, 4-2 Pac-12) defense that is ranked first in the Pac-12 in both points allowed (15.9) and yards allowed (282.3) per game. After taking a 35-6 loss to then-No. 8 Oregon at home two weeks ago, the Utes bounced back with a 55-3 blowout of Arizona State. Utah held the Sun Devils to just 83 total yards -- 43 rushing and 40 passing. Arizona State converted just 1 of 15 third-down attempts. A drop in intensity will be natural for the Huskies. Take UTAH!

Michigan at Penn State 12:00 ET

Nittany Lions (+) over Wolverines- This selection has nothing to due with the noise that is surrounding the Michigan football program but a more basic factor that I expounded upon before. If you were with me a few weeks ago I posted Ohio State over Penn State for the simple reason that at that time the Nittany Loins had not played any real competition and that is where the Wolverines are here. This will be their first real test and it will be on the road at Beaver Stadium in Happy Valley. Take PENN STATE!

UCLA at Arizona 7:30 ET

Bruins (-) over Wildcats- Arizona is looking for its third consecutive victory over a ranked team but will have to solve No. 19 UCLA's chaos-creating defense.  The Wildcats (5-3, 3-2 Pac-12) will be trying to make a claim of their own for the Top 25 if they knock off the Bruins (6-2, 3-2), who are 10th nationally in total defense (277.5 yards allowed per game), third in sacks (3.88 per game) and fourth in tackles for loss (8.2). UCLA's two losses at Utah and at Oregon State  were by a combined 19 points. Arizona's three losses at Mississippi State (overtime), Washington, at USC (triple overtime) were decided by a total of 16 points. For sure, Arizona won't catch UCLA by surprise. The Wildcats, last season upset the then-No. 9 Bruins 34-28 in Pasadena, Calif., on Nov. 12, 2022. Revenge is SWEET! Take UCLA

Chip’s ‘Guaranteed’ SEC Game of Month

L.S.U.at Alabama 7:45 ET

Tigers (+) over Crimson Tide- I heard so much about this match-up all summer it got to the point that I had to play against LSU in their opener (they lost to FSU) because so many had them penciled entering this game against Alabama undefeated. It’s amazing to me that all summer I get reports how Nick Saban has four different 5-Star recruits competing for the Tides starting quarterbacking job and up until their starting QB’s have gone starless. Bama has the superior defense but the Tigers and their explosiveness give them the edge. I can not remember ever seeing the Tide this short a favorite at home, at not least in the Saban era...just sayin’. Take LSU!

Oklahoma at Oklahoma State 3:30 ET

Sooners (-) over Cowboys- I can not tell you how much I love this match-up. It is as if the Cowboys were up against a group of cowgirls. I mean from TV pundits to sports handicappers and college football fans from the third-world (which we are quickly becoming) is in LOVE with Oklahoma State. Yes, they have had a good run from the point of the season when they were on the brink yes on the brink of going under .500 but have rallied since. The Sooners are only on the brink of crushing their inferior in-state rival (the Texas game is bigger). Oklahoma has won 7-of-8 meetings and is 91-19-7 lifetime in the series that started in 1910. The Sooners are led by QB Dillon Gabriel who has 19 TD passes and only four Int’s while averaging 489 yard per game. Take OKLAHOMA!

Notre Dame at Clemson 12:00 ET

Tigers (+) over Fighting Irish- Now don’t fret that this game starts so early and that you will have nothing to look forward to the rest of the day. Well, you will be able to play on our SEC Game of the Month between LSU and Alabama (Don’t miss it). Okay, enough said about that (but it’s a winner!). Clemson has not had the best of season’s and this match against Notre Dame was a date circled to begin the season and now at 3-3 this match-up takes on even more significance along with the local media pressure that had been dumped on DaBo Swinney. Poor Dabo he will have to endure it for the rest of his 115 million dollar contract and he can’t afford to lose here and he won’t. Forget the stats and what you have witnessed up to now...”Don’t worry about the mule being blind...just load the wagon.” Take CLEMSON!

North Carolina at Georgia Tech 8:00 ET

Yellow Jackets (+) over Tar Heels- The Tar Heels 31-27 loss to Virginia may be too much for them too overcome to qualify for the College Football Playoffs and they know that it was a death blow to the season’s dream. Oh, they will recover but this game on the road after an unexpected loss to a sub par competition is a mine field to navigate. Georgia Tech has won three games but did surrender 563 yards to Boston College last week although gaining 452 themselves. The Engineers have won four of the last five meetings and are 32-22-3 lifetime with the first meeting in 1915. Take GEORGIA TECH!

Mississippi at Auburn 7:00 ET

Tigers (+) over Rebels- Mississippi (5-1, 2-1) is led by QB Jaxson Dart iwho s completing 64.1 percent of his passes through six games for 1,638 yards with 12 touchdowns and just two interceptions. He's also on pace to rush for more than 600 yards. Auburn has struggled through the air against LSU and may look to other options. Auburn holds a 35-12 lead in the all-time series, including a 17-3 mark at home. Ole Miss took a 48-34 win last year in Oxford. But, the Tigers will win here on defense. Take AUBURN! 

Penn State at Ohio State 12:00 ET

Buckeyes (-) over Nittany Lions- Penn State has been outrageous dominating their opponents with what is the No. 1 defense in college football allowing just 194 total yards per game. They also lead the nation’s with a low of 3.4 YPP and a 49.4% completion rate. Now, here’s the rub, they have played UMass, Illinois, Northwestern, Delaware and oh yeah Iowa  out-scoring these ‘powers’ 236 to 33. This time out they will be overwhelmed in the second half as they have yet to play  ‘hard’ a full 60 minutes. Take OHIO STATE!

James Madison at Marshall 7:00 ET

Thundering Herd (+) over Dukes- James Madison is 6-0 and still trail two other clubs Georgia State and Old Dominion in the Sun Belt East and now they will meet their toughest foe the the season on the road. Marshall has dropped their last but are 18-4 straight-up when coming off consecutive losses. This include 8-2-2 ATS as home underdogs to undefeated teams. I expect them to win outright but will be happy to take the points. Take MARSHALL!

NC State at Duke 8:00 ET

Wolfpack (+) over Blue Devils- After the way Duke blew the Notre Dame game and cover and I have a sour taste in my month when thinking of this Blue Devil squad. NC State brought in former Virginia QB graduate transfer Brennan Armstrong and he wasn’t able to do the job with the Cavaliers and has been ever worse with the Wolfpack and has been replace by MJ Morris. Duke has been resting since that debacle two weeks ago and may have trouble getting focused. Take NC STATE!

Miami-Fl at North Carolina 7:30 ET

Hurricanes (+) over Tar Heels- How about those Hurricanes! Coming back from a decade of misery Miami-FL was on track to be considered one of the NCAA Finalist and a poor coaching decision and a defensive breakdown squandered their opportunity to remain a contender. North Carolina has one of the and expect Drake Maye to be a first round draft pick but, he will be up against an angry bunch who look to atone for their grave error. Miami led 20-17 and could have knelt on the ball to end the game on a third-and-10 play, as there was just 33 seconds left and the Yellow Jackets had no timeouts remaining, but instead the Hurricanes ran the ball and fumbled it. Moments later, Georgia Tech's Haynes King tossed the game-winning touchdown pass. North Carolina is 13-11 against Miami and has won four straight games in the series. The Hurricanes haven't won in Chapel Hill since 2017. That all changes here. Take MIAMI-FL!

Missouri at Kentucky 7:30 ET

Tigers (+) over Wildcats- Two weeks ago Kentucky took down Florida as our SEC Power Play winner and last week we posted Georgia (-14.5) a 51-13 as our Highest-Rated Megabucks winner over the Wildcats and now we look to repeat. Missouri was undefeated and gave LSU everything they had for three quarters before the Bayou Tigers prevailed. The Tigers are a well balanced solid club that has beaten Kentucky seven of eight and have only been the favorite twice and they can beat you a number of different ways.The Wildcats QB Devin Leary has completed just 54.8 percent of his passes for 1,257 yards and 12 touchdowns, with five interceptions, this season.

Take MISSOURI!

Oregon at Washington 3:30 ET

Ducks (+) over Huskies- Here is the Pac-12 folding and this is the first time both No. 7 Washington and No. 8 Oregon have been ranked in the Top 10 when meeting in the rivalry's 123-year history. This contest features a pair of quarterbacks who are Heisman Trophy candidates: Oregon's Bo Nix and Washington's Michael Penix Jr. Both the Ducks (5-0, 2-0 Pac-12) and Huskies (5-0, 2-0) are coming off bye weeks that helped them get healthy. Penix is averaging 399.8 yards per game with 16 touchdowns; Nix has an 80.4 completion percentage with 15 TDs. The Huskies defeated the Ducks 37-34 last season in Eugene, Ore., on a 43-yard field goal with 51 seconds remaining. Revenge will be sweet for a team ranked in Top-10 on both offense and defense. Take OREGON!

Kentucky at Georgia 7:00 ET

Bulldogs (-) over Wildcats- Georgia has won 22 straight games and had to rally from 10-points down to defeat Auburn last week but they never panicked. With this Kentucky entering Athens the Bulldogs will look to bottle up Kentucky star running back Ray Davis who ran for 280 yards against Florida last week. That put Georgia on notice and although the Wildcats are 5-0 they have not seen anything like this Bulldog defense. Pedigree is the difference and the Bulldogs have it. Take GEORGIA!

Oklahoma vs Texas 12:00 ET

Sooners (+) over Longhorns- There was a time this Red River Rivalry was the biggest experience in college football but educators have mad a mess of that. Both clubs are undefeated and 5-0 and this should have national implications as Texas has already beaten Alabama and Oklahoma is looking to atone for last year’s 49-0 thrashing. Sooners QB Dillon Gabriel was down with an injury last season and he is something the Longhorns will have trouble with. Take OKLAHOMA! 1

Kansas State at Oklahoma State 7:30 ET

Cowboys (+) over Wildcats- From what I have seen to date the best thing I can think of to say about Oklahoma State is that teams get better with good coaching and the Cowboys have well respected Mike Gundy at the helm and he is an amazing 14-3 SU when the Cowboys are exactly .500 including 9-0 ATS against teams with winning records. OSU has won seven of eight home meetings since 2003. Take OKLAHOMA STATE!

LSU at Mississippi 6:00 ET

Rebels (+) over Tigers- LSU has bounced back from a season-opening loss to Florida State with three straight victories, including back-to-back conference wins in the last two weekends. The Tigers (3-1, 2-0) and the Rebels (3-1, 0-1) have both shown short-coming as the Ole Miss offense has had issues and LSU on defense. The Rebels were 7-0 and ranked No. 7 in the country last season when LSU beat them 45-20 in Baton Rouge, La. and look to atone for that performance. Take MISSISSIPPI!

Cincinnati at BYU 10:15 ET

Bearcats over Cougars- BYU will aim to bounce back from a 38-27 loss at Kansas in its Big 12 opener. After three non-conference victories BYU quarterback Kedon Slovis completed 30 of 51 passes for 357 yards with two scores and two interceptions. The Cougars (3-1, 0-1 Big 12) got nothing from their ground game (22 attempts, 9 yards) and allowed 6 yards per carry to the Jayhawks. Cincinnati (2-2, 0-1) got Oklahoma at home for its first Big 12 game and kept the Sooners in check but couldn't do enough on offense in a 20-6 loss last week. The Bearcats held the Sooners 35 points under their average but went just 3-for-15 on third-down conversions and couldn't find the end zone. Bearcats tougher than most believe. Take CINCINNATI!

Ohio State at Notre Dame 8:00 ET

Buckeyes (-) over Fighting Irish- Notre Dame signal-caller Sam Hartman will make his 50th career start on Saturday when the No. 9 Fighting Irish host No. 6 Ohio State. Hartman has thrown for 13 touchdowns with no interceptions and has Notre Dame (4-0) rolling, opening the season with four straight 40-point games for the first time since 1900. The Irish have never scored 40-plus in each of their first five games and will up against a real defense this week. Ohio State (3-0) struggled to find consistency on offense but their defense is prepped for Hartman. Ohio State leads the series 5-2 with five consecutive wins since 1995. Take OHIO STATE!

Mississippi at Alabama 3:30 ET

Crimson Tide (-) over Rebels- The No. 13 Crimson Tide (2-1) benched Jalen Milroe for last week's game at South Florida, but his replacement Notre Dame transfer Tyler Buchner didn't last a half and was replaced by second-year player Ty Simpson. That tandem combined for 107 passing yards in a 17-3 victory over the Bulls. On Monday, the dial spun back to Milroe. He accounted for five touchdowns in the season-opening win against Middle Tennessee. But he threw two interceptions in a home loss against Texas a week later and was benched. The Rebels (3-0) didn't rush the ball up to head coach Lane Kiffin's standard the first two games, totaling just 232 yards. But in a 48-23 home victory against Georgia Tech last week, they finished 299 rushing yards. Alabama has won the last seven meetings, including a 30-24 road victory last season. The do it again. Take ALABAMA!

Florida State at Clemson 12:00 ET

Tigers (+) over Seminoles- After all the offseason headlines about being one of the top upcoming teams in the country, the Seminoles (3-0, 1-0 ACC) can validate the hype when they visit the Clemson Tigers (2-1, 0-1). The Tigers have won four straight home match-ups with FSU at Memorial Stadium and own seven consecutive victories in the series although Florida State leads the all-time series against Clemson 20-15. Tigers Quarterback Cade Klubnik accounted for four touchdowns, and the defense scored in Saturday's 48-14 home win over Florida Atlantic. Across three outings, Klubnik has completed 71 of 107 passes for 693 yards and eight TDs, with two interceptions. Take CLEMSON!

Megabucks

Syracuse at Purdue 7:00 ET

Boilermakers (+) over Orange- Syracuse has been impressive through the first two weeks of the season, but things get dicey with the challenge that they will see when they travel to take on Purdue in West Lafayette, Ind. The Orange (2-0) trounced Colgate 65-0 on Sept. 2 and whipped Western Michigan 48-7 last Saturday. They are third nationally in scoring offense, trailing only Oregon and USC, and their defense has been stout, as well. No team has yielded fewer points per game than Syracuse (3.5), which has recorded a defensive touchdown in each of its first two games. Syracuse won last season's meeting with Purdue, 32-29, as the teams combined for 42 fourth-quarter points. The Boilermakers outlasted Virginia Tech and there was a weather related delay of nearly 5 1/2 hours in last weekend's 24-17 road triumph. What is particularly noteworthy is that Purdue (1-1) is one of only nine FBS teams that has yet to commit a turnover this season. Take PURDUE

Oregon at Texas Tech 7:00 ET

Red Raiders (+) over Ducks- Two years ago I was spewing about the incompetence of Auburn quarterback Bo Nix who transferred to Oregon last season. Well, the move has done him good and he has matured into a Heisman front runner leading the Ducks to an 81-7 romp over Portland State going 23-of-27 for 287 yards. Texas Tech was a beaten favorite (-14) as Vegas Hotline winner Wyoming won outright 35-33. The Red Raiders opened a 17-0 first quarter lead and then tried to rest on their laurels. Returning home the will be ready for the Ducks who are flying high but will be shocked by the Raiders intensity. Take TEXAS TECH!

Notre Dame at N.C. State 12:00 ET

Wolfpack (+) over Fighting Irish- Okay, after playing two of the weakest team in college football Notre Dame appears to be ready to challenge the field for a finals berth. Hey, not so fast, this will be the first real football that they will play and the adjustment might be more difficult than they conceive. NC State slept walked through 416their opening 24-14 win at Connecticut in a non-cover victory. The Wolfpack have been laying-in-wait for the Irish to show up in Raleigh and have had 10 days and two game films to study. Take NORTH CAROLINA STATE!

Nebraska at Colorado 12:00 ET

Cornhuskers (+) over Buffaloes- If you have not seen the highlights of Colorado’s upset victory over TCU them you have missed an awesome display of raw speed, quickness, great instinct and football awareness. The Buffaloes’ behind QB Shedeur Sanders set a school record of 510 yards passing and four touchdowns completely 37-of-48 attempts. The Buffs did surrender 262 yards rushing and this week they will face a club that in know for running the ball and they gained 181 yards on the ground against Minnesota in their 13-10 loss. Colorado will spend the week a ‘Mile High’ off their 21-point upset win. Take NEBRASKA!

Illinois at Kansas 7:30 ET

Fighting Illini (+) over Jayhawks- Kansas is 1-0 and off to a winning start by routing undermanned Missouri State 48-17 Friday night while the Illinois needed late heroics to defeat Toledo 30-28. Jayhawks QB Jalon Daniels was replace because of injury by Jason Bean who went 22-of-28 for two TD’s and 276 yards. These two meet for the first time since 1968 and the first time in Lawrence since 1892. Jayhawks still just 3-8 in their last 11 overall and being favored here is a bit of a stretch. Take ILLINOIS!

Clemson at Duke 8:00 ET

Blue Devils (+) over Tigers- I’m not so sure this isn’t a hate bet against the Tigers as they have been so disappointing ATS in the past (at least when it seems I had them). Clemson went 11-3 last season and once again dominated the ACC having one of the easiest schedules in the nation. Duke under first year coach Mike Elco won nine of 13 decisions their highest win total since 2014. The Blue Devils return 98% of their offensive production while Clemson lost four player to the NFL draft. Devils deep enough and talented enough to bring this one sown to the final gun (do they still do that...Nah). Take DUKE!

Louisiana State vs Florida State 7:30 ET
Seminoles (+) over Tigers- These two met in last season’s opener and we had the Best Bet winner with Florida State (+3.5) who won outright 24-23. Both clubs had successful season which ended with Bowl victories as LSU crushed an under-manned Purdue team while the Seminoles outlasted Oklahoma 35-32 as a double-digit favorite. Each club has a defensive All-Americans and both offenses feature dynamic quarterbacks that can both can throw and run. FSU has the most returning starters of any D-1 school and it will be the difference. Take FLORIDA STATE!  

South Alabama at Tulane 8:00 ET

Jaguars (+) over Green Wave- Tulane is coming off their best season in over 100 years capped by a huge win over USC in the Cotton Bowl finishing the year 12-2. The Green Wave have been hit hard by players moving on and must replace their top running back who rushed for 1,581 yards and 19 TDs. The Jaguars finished 10-3 in 2022 and have 20 returning starters and tied at 7-1 for the USA West title. They were manhandled in the New Orleans Bowl 44-23 by Western Kentucky and return to the Super Dome with better results this time. Take SOUTH ALABAMA!

UT San Antonio at Houston 7:00 ET

Road Runners over Cougars- Houston will be starting their first season as part of the Big 12 joining along with Cincinnati. BYU and Central Florida but will open with this n0n-conference battle. UTSA was 11-3 last season but closed with a loss in the Cure Bowl 18-12 to Troy. The Cougars defeated the Road Runners 37-35 in last year’s opener a game UTSA believes that they should have won. This time they will. Take SAN ANTONIO!

TCU vs Georgia 7:30 ET

Bulldogs (-) over Horned Frogs- It has been a beautiful ride for 200-to-1 Horned Frogs but they will seem like toads after the way Georgia tough tenacious bulldog defense closes them down. Yeah, that defense that has allowed 71 points their last two games and yet they still rank fifth nationally in scoring defense at 14.6 PPG. TCU is tied for fourth nationally scoring 41.1 PPG but may be without their leading rusher Kendre Miller (1,399 yard rushing and 17 TDS. He will be missed and the Bulldogs defense will hone in on QB Max Duggan who wasn’t even the opening day starter. Yeah, this Sonny Dykes is a genie. Duggan had 41 touchdown passes before this his senior season and Dykes had him benched before the season started. TCU is 5-11 ATS in last 16 games at neutral sites while Dogs are 8-3 ATS in last 11 bowl games and 15-7 on neutral sites. Okay, enough of all that. The line is ridiculously high and there is a reason for that...take GEORGIA!

Penn State vs Utah 5:00 ET

Nittany Lions (+) over Utes- So far, when I hear people speak of this game they feel Utah will destroy Penn State and the first thing I think of is, that gee the line is under a field goal how much better can they be. The Utes were the favorites to be the Pac-12 team to break into the CFP and did what we here expected be over-rated and win out in the end but still be short of their season goal. The Utes won six of their final seven games capping with a crushing pounding of USC. Unheralded Penn State finished 10-2 and their losses came at the hands of two CFP participants Michigan and Ohio State and I don’t think the Utes are of that stature. The Lions have not had a large number of transfers leaving (probably because these guys actually go to school and graduate). here we go with the Pac12 non-conference where Utah is 4-10 ATS while the Nittany Lions are 13-6-1 ATS in non-conference games. Take PENN STATE!

Tulane vs USC 1:00 ET

Green Wave (+) over Trojans- Usually when teams like this meet in a major bowl like the Cotton Bowl and once is a conference champion and one is not I would most likely side against the conference winner. But, this battle sets up differently. Granted both teams are 11-2 and deserve to be here but the disappointment USC feels after beating by Utah had many players despondent and have opted out of this to them meaningless exhibition. Not only will Heisman winner Celeb Williams sit out (finger injury) but so are a pair of offensive line starters and their Biletnikoff Trophy winning receiver is getting ready for the draft I always thought the best way to get read is to play and show your wares). The Green Wave have talent and will be excited to play in the school’s first Cotton Bowl appearance and they are 15-3 ATS in their last 18 games being under-valued while USC is 0-5 ATS in their last five bowl games and 1-11 ATS in their last 12 games at neutral sites. Take TULANE!

Ohio State vs Georgia 8:00 ET

Buckeyes (+) over Bulldogs- I so love this side so much it scares me because I have never considered the other side and usually you look for pros and cons to support your position but don’t care here. Ohio State last played against Michigan and they had a second half that was an anomaly and outscored the Buckeyes 28-3 although the Buckeyes had more total yards and seven more first downs. There is no doubt in my mind that Georgia is the best ream I have seen this season but they don’t win ever game by 50 points. Both clubs have stellar defenses as with the Bulldogs who are ranked No. 2 nationally in scoring defense allowing just 12.8 ppg while Ohio State is No. 13 allowing 19.2 ppg. Bulldogs are 3-8 ATS following an ATS win. Take OHIO STATE!

TCU vs Michigan 4;00 ET

Wolverines (-) over Horned Frogs- My first thoughts were that Michigan who dominated Ohio State in the Big Ten Championship game and opened such strong favorites would just run rough shod over the Horned Frogs. The number has come down and so have I on the Wolverines. Remembering that any team rarely looks as good one game to another and things just don’t always fall into place. so, here TCU losers of the Big 12 Championship game to Kansas State is in the CFP and not many expect much of them here. Frogs looking to prove they belong and have a chip-on-their-should after backing into the CFP. Take TEXAS CHRISTIAN!

Alabama vs Kansas State 12:00 ET

Wildcats (+) over Crimson Tide- The question here is just how motivated are the Crimson Tide going to be after all their goal is the CFP and they are even playing on New Year’s Day. Nick Saban is aware as he keeps insisting this game is important to them. Alabama’s QB Bryce Young the 2021 Heisman winner will play but the Tide have lost 15 players to the transfer portal including five offensive lineman. While Alabama was the preseason No. 1 Kansas State was even ranked in the Top-25 but managed to hand undefeated TCU their lone loss in the Big-12 title game. Bama just 1-5 ATS against teams with winning records while the Wildcats are 4-1 ATS against winning teams and are 5-1 ATS at neutral sites. Take KANSAS STATE!

Tennessee vs Clemson 8:00 ET

Tigers (-) over Volunteers- Both of these clubs will be without their starting quarterbacks and for one side the impact will be too much to overcome and for the other it is a blessing. Clemson’s Dabo Swinney insisted that DJ Uiagaleli be the tigers quarterback and it took almost two full season’s before he benched because of overall poor play and now he’s in the transfer portal. Tennessee is not as pleased that QB Hendon Hooker tore his ACL and will be replaced by Joe Milton III (yes that Joe Milton III) who’s talents are still unknown. The Tigers QB Cade Klubnik entered the ACC Championship game in the second quarter and went 20-24 for 279 yards. The Volunteers are 0-4 ATS at neutral sites while the Tigers are 20-6 ATS at neutral site and 11-3 ATS in their last 14 bowl games. Take CLEMSON!

Texas vs Washington 9:00 ET

Longhorns (-) over Huskies- Okay here we go with that ‘don’t make sense’ shit. Washington is 10-2 SU and ranked No. 12  and has the No. 2 ranked offense averaging 521 yards behind Michael Penix Jr. who leads the nation in passing yards averaging 377 yards through the air and had 4, 354 yards on the season. Texas will be without their tow top running backs All-American Bijan Robinson and Roschon Johnson have both opted out. So, No. 20 Texas who lost four games by a total of 18 points and have their top backs out be favored. Once again I believe the odds maker is trying to tell us something and that is Texas is much better with or without their star players. Take TEXAS! 

Texas Tech vs Mississippi 9:00 ET

Red Raiders (+) over Rebels- These contest bring conflict to the table as Mississippi enters have lost their last three while Texas Tech has won their last three including our Big-12 Game of the Year 51-48 win over Oklahoma. The Red Raiders had a five game lull winning just once as QB Tyler Shough returned for their final three games. Ole Miss and Lane Kiffin attract plenty of attention as their no. 8 ranked offense averages 262 yards rushing ranking No. 3 on the ground. rebels closed the season with three straight losses to Alabama, Arkansas and Mississippi State. look for the trends to continue. Take TEXAS TECH!

Central Florida vs Duke 2:00 ET

Knights (+) over Blue Devils- Under first year coach Mike Elko Duke has returned to Bowl action for the first time in four years. The Blue Devils improved from No.102 to 34th in scoring offense and from No. 127 to No. 36 in scoring defense. They No. 11 in take-aways and also rank 6th only turning the ball over 0.6 times a game. central Florida is on the move and this will be their last game playing for the American Athletic Conference a they enter the Big-12. This is their seventh straight bowl game and they have dominated the ACC offensively for years and average 236 yards on the ground this season and are seventh nationally. Take CENTRAL FLORIDA!

Wisconsin and Oklahoma State 10:15 ET

badgers (-) over Cowboys- These schools are veterans when it comes to Bowl appearances as the Badgers are making their 22 straight showing and for Oklahoma State it will be their 18th straight bowl game. After a 5-0 start the Cowboys lost five of their last seven games as QB Spencer Sanders when down with an injury and has opted out of this encounter. Wisconsin who fired their coach mid-season will also have inexperience at quarterback as three year starter Graham Mertz who entered the transfer portal and he will be replace with either a senior or freshman who combined have thrown 11 career passes. OK State will also be without their leading rusher and tackler while Badgers 1,000 yard running back Braelon Allen is looking forward to showcasing his talents. Take WISCONSIN!

Wake Forest vs Missouri 6:30 ET

Tigers (+) over Demon Deacons- Wake Forest quarterback Sam Hartman is on the brink of setting numerous ACC records starting with his next touchdown pass. His task should be that much easier as three of Missouri’s standout defenders are deferring to the NFL draft and will not be in play. That being known the odds makers never blink and the price hasn’t changed even with other entering the transfer portal.  Missouri played a much tougher schedule and played some pretty good defense ranking No. 28 allowing only 337 ypg. Deacons just 4-10 ATS last-14 on grass and the Tigers are 5-1 ATS on grass. Take MISSOURI!

Air Force vs Baylor 7:30 ET

Bears (-) over Falcons- The moment I saw this match-up I knew I would have Air Force...not so fast my friend. Of course that was my keen jerk reaction and I stayed with it for a while. But, Baylor has dropped their final three games and after playing seven straight bowl opponents they will have played a much tougher schedule. Air Force leads the nation in rushing and total defense as well as time of possession but this isn’t New Mexico or UNLV it is a Big-12 power and they will wear down the Falcons. Take BAYLOR!

Western Kentucky vs South Alabama 9:00 ET

Jaguars (-) over Hilltoppers- Last season I saw the Hilltoppers in the Boca Bowl blow out Appalachian State 59-38 as Bailey Zappe threw six touchdown passes, zero interceptions and for and for 422 yards. Austin Reed has replaced Bailey and has thrown for 4,249 yards and 36 TD passes for 8-5 Western Kentucky and was named USA New Comer of the Year. This is year’s squad overall is not as good as last year’s version and they will be up against the No. 11 defense in yards allowed surrendering just 303.4 per game. Toppers are 1-4 ATS against the Sun Belt Conference and the Jaguars are 4-0 ATS in non-conference games as well as  8-3 ATS on field turf. Take SOUTH ALABAMA!

Liberty vs Toledo 7:30 ET

Flames (+) over Rockets- In recent season’s the Liberty Flames have come to national prominence and have won three straight Bowl games. But, the enter this fray having lost not only three straight but lost their head coach as well as Hugh Freeze who departed for Auburn. Toledo is led by quarterback Dequan Finn and have never lost (3-0) to the Flames. The problems for the Rockets is that a one-man gang doesn’t fare well against tough defenses. Liberty was wasted by New Mexico State 49-14 last time out allowing over 200 yards rushing and they are 13-3-1 ATS after allowing 200 or more rushing yards. Add that the Rockets are 1-5 ATS both against winning teams and on neutral sites. Take LIBERTY

Kansas State vs Texas Christian 12:00 ET

Wildcats (+) over Horned Frogs- This is sad for me because I believe that TCU is good enough to win the National title, I love their backs and defense. But, the odds-makers who I trust more than any wife (nah kidding) tells ‘us’ that the Horned Frogs will not make it. Now, I like Kansas State and other than last week I’ve been riding Martinez and the Wildcats and for good reason as they are 8-3 ATS this season. Number is too inviting for an undefeated team. Take KANSAS STATE!

Utah vs Southern California 8:00 ET Utes (+) over Trojans- Oh man the guys aren't giving Southern California too much room here to win and not cover. Utah has already defeated the Trojans at home in a non-cover 34-33 victory at home. Have you seen these two teams of late, USC is electric and QB Caleb Williams is now the Heisman favorite while Utah like the rest of the state is very vanilla. When comparing team stats the USC offense has a 50-yard per game advantage but Utah wins on the defensive side of the ball by almost a 100 yards. Quick note USC is 1-10 ATS in their last 11 at neutral sites and the underdog is 4-0 ATS in the last four meetings. Take UTAH!

Oklahoma at Texas Tech 7:30 ET

Red Raiders (+) over Sooners- We have had both these teams racked especially Oklahoma who was our Power Play winner Saturday over Oklahoma State. after jumping out to an early 28-0 lead the Sooners cruised to victory against the Cowboys how were playing with an injured quarterback. The Red Raiders have dropped 10 straight in this series and yet they are merely a 2-point underdog. looks inviting doesn’t it. But, the home team is 13-3 ATS in their last 16 meetings and Oklahoma is just 1-5 ATS against teams with winning records. Take TEXAS TECH!

LSU at Texas A&M 7:30 ET

Aggies (+) over Tigers- Talk about reversal of fortunes these two clubs have each done the exact opposite of what was expected of them this season. To start with with Brain Kelly coming into ‘cajun’ territory where there were defections before he arrived and he is battling for the SEC championship while Texas A&M...well. It started with Saban accusing the No. 6  Aggies of buying players and they were supposed to threaten Alabama and they have been a huge flop. Whoever the got they have over-paid for what we’ve seen on the field.  Last year we posted LSU (+6) as a Game of the Year and the WON Outright 27-24 and it’s only right we reverse the field and call the Aggies here. take TEXAS A&M!   

South Carolina at Clemson 12:00 ET

Tigers (-) over Gamecocks- Believe me when I say this is the rivalry for South Carolina and is the most important game on both their schedules. For the Gamecocks coming off their Vegas Hotline 63-38 win over Tennessee it will be a struggle to get mentally ready and maintain focus to face a legitimate contender for the title. Clemson has not passed the eye-test every often as they have not been impressive in their wins. This is a series that has been total domination of the Cocks by the Tigers. Clemson has won seven straight and is 72-42-4 in 118 meeting and 4-1 ATS in the last five meets. Don’t over-react to last week win by USC they won’t be close here. Lay-it! Take CLEMSON!  

Arkansas at Missouri 3:30 ET

Tigers (+) over Razorbacks- Thank you Razorbacks for coming through as our Megabucks (13-4 76%) 42-27 OUTRIGHT winner over Mississippi last Saturday. Arkansas has six wins and that means that they are bowl bound no matter the outcome here. Missouri on the other hand need to win here to become bowl eligible and they will be ready here. The Tigers should have already qualified for the post season spot but blew a few chances where they should have won (see Auburn) and will get it done today. Arkansas has an exciting offense and won last year 34-17 breaking a 5-game losing streak in the series, but the home team is 9-1 ATS in the last 10 meetings. Take MISSOURI!

Mississippi State at Mississippi 7:00 ET

Bulldogs (+) over Rebels- Both of these clubs from this impoverished state have fallen off the charts after promising starts. Mississippi started 7-0 and were ranked in the Top-10 but since have lost 3-of-4 while Mississippi State started 5-1 and were ranked No. 16 but have dropped 3-of-5. Both clubs look to salvage their season with a win over their arch rivals and Ole Miss fans wonder how much it means to carpetbagger Lane Kiffin who is rumored to be on his way to Auburn. Rebels are 2-6 ATS in their last eight home games and the underdog is 5-1 ATS in the last six meetings and the road team is 6-1 ATS in  the last seven meets. Take the MISSISSIPPI STATE BULLDOGS!

Mississippi at Arkansas 7:30 ET

Razorbacks (+) over Rebels- The Razorbacks were our Early-Bird Game of the Month winner (+3.5) 10-13 over LSU this week as the Rebels were blowing a 10-point lead at home to Alabama. Ole Miss has to be heartbroken after out-gaining the Tide by over 100 yards. This has been a one-sided affair as the Hogs are 16-5 ATS in the last 21 meetings and the underdog is 10-1 ATS in the last 11 meetings. Backs are 8-0 ATS after scoring 20 points or less. Take ARKANSAS!  

Connecticut at Army 12:00 ET

Cadets (-) over Huskies- You would have thought that Connecticut had won the National Championship of the Super Bowl the way they celebrated their upset win over Liberty. Players and fans alike joined together on the field for an extended period of time. It wasn’t so much the win over Liberty but the fact that the Huskies had become bowl eligible for just the second time in 50 years. Despite being 6-5 Connecticut has been out-gained by all but one of their opponents (Fresno State) as they average only 295 YPG while Army averages 300 yards on the ground. As it is UConn allows 153 rushing yards and only gains 106 yards rushing. Look for Cadets to man handle the Huskies on their way to a dominating win as the Huskies go through the motions here. Take ARMY! 

Texas Christian at Baylor 12:00 ET

Bears (+) over Horned Frogs- No. 4 TCU put away Texas 17-10 in Austin while gaining only 280 yards of offense including a one play 75-yard run. The positive is that they only allowed the Longhorns 28 yards rushing and a lone score that came on a fumble return for a touchdown with about four minutes left in the game. Baylor is the 3-time defending league champions and had their 3-game winning streak end last week against Kansas State. The Horned Frogs have won the last three meetings and six of the last seven meets. Baylor is not out of the Big-12 race yet, if the win out they can get to the title game plus the underdog is 8-2 ATS in the last 10 meetings. Take BAYLOR!

SMU at Tulane 7:30 ET

Mustangs (+) over Green Wave- I just can’t see Tulane winning the AAC and getting to play on New Years Day it just doesn’t seem to fit. I don’t mean to say that it would be any better if the Mustangs win out and rep the lower tiers. since these schools have been hooking up in the AAC the Mustangs are 7-0 (ATS 5-2) and are also 5-2 ATS in the last seven meetings at Tulane. If it means anything o'r not the Wave are not used to the spotlight and are 0-4 ATS on Thursday nights. Stangs 4-0 ATS in last four all AAC games and still have a shot at the conference title. SMU has the better offense but Tulane’s defense has made more stops. In a tight one (I think it should be)...take SOUTHERN METHODIST!

TCU at Texas 7:30 ET

Longhorns (+) over Horned Frogs- Well, this is the one that has attracted everyone’s attention as undefeated No. 4 TCU (9-0) is a touchdown underdog to No.18 three-loss Texas (6-3) in Austin. There has got to be good reason why the Longhorns are favored by a touchdown. I may not know what it is but, they won for us in this position last week as a 3-point favorite at higher ranked Kansas State, and three weeks ago they were once again favored over an undefeated Oklahoma State in Stillwater and lost after having a 17-point second quarter lead scoring 31 first half points. But they managed just a field goal in the second half still gaining 530 yards but a pair of fumbles and three interceptions did them in. This price is so intimating that even the ‘wise guys’ want no part of it. The Horned Frogs are No. 4 on offense in the nation averaging 509 YPG and  yet...not this night. Take TEXAS!

North Carolina at Wake Forest 7:30 ET

Demon Deacons (-) over Tar Heels- To start with when I saw this match-up my first impressions is that they have the wrong team favored. Then it takes a while to sink in that their is reason for this number and it is it to get action on both side of the game. How could anyone lay points with Wake Forest as they’ve lost two straight outright as 3-point favorites road favorites and now stay in that role at home against the Tar Heels. Demon Deacons are 5-1 ATS after a loss and the home team is 7-1 in the last eight meetings. Take WAKE FOREST!

LSU at Arkansas 12:00 ET
Razorbacks (+) over Tigers- It is scary how much I am attracted to this match-up. LAU has moved up to No. 7 in the ranking after their 32-31 win over a flawed Alabama squad and like Tennessee last week they are being a bit over-rated. The Tigers actually control their own path but it would take an incredible coaching job by Brian Kelly who calls this a ‘trap game’ to win out or even here. I expect a huge letdown after such an emotional win and I’m looking for an embarrassed Razorback squad that lost to Liberty 21-19 at home. Hogs 5-2 ARS in last seven meetings as hosts and 4-10-1 ATS in the last 15 meetings overall. These Pigs are 7-0 ATS after scoring less than 20 points. Take ARKANSAS!

Texas at Kansas State 7:00ET

Longhorns over Wildcats- Okay, I’ll set this up for everyone to see my logic in backing the Longhorns here. Start with Kansas State who was ‘our’ Power Play winner over OK. St. 49-0 last week. The same team that Texas lost to the week before. So, here I have Texas a loser against the Cowboys and then the Wildcats crushing the ‘Boys last week and they meet in Manhattan, KS with the Horns favored. Longhorns are 1-7 ATS in their last eight meetings as visitors. Something isn’t right about this and I expect that Texas should win easy. Take TEXAS!

Alabama at LSU 7:00 ET

Crimson Tide (-) over Tigers- Oh boy...this is our chance to see Alabama actually rout a decent team in their backyard. LSU has defeated the tide once in the past 11 years and that was the season led by Joe Burrow the Tigers won the National Championship. The difference between these two will be witnessed on both sides of the ball as Alabama’s defense allows just 295 YPG and that includes the 567 yards put up by No. 1 Tennessee. Note that the road team is 6-0 ATS in the last six meetings and that trend continues here. Take ALABAMA!

Chip’s Highest-Rated SEC Game of the Year

Tennessee at Georgia 3:30 ET

Bulldogs (-) over Volunteers- Oh, so you think that Tennessee is the No. 1 team in the land and that Georgia is No.3...think again. The Bulldogs are the most dominate  team in college football and they will be out to prove it here against a great Vol's offense. Tennessee is leading the nation is scoring at 49.4 PG and 553 YPG while Georgia is No. 2 in total offense 531 YPG and score 41.8 PPG. On defense is where the winner will be determined and that mean the Bulldogs have a huge advantage. defense allows nearly 400 YPG of which 300 yards come from the passing game. Bulldogs are 5-1 ATS in the last six meetings and the beat goes on...Take GEORGIA!

Oregon State at Washington 10:30 ET

Huskies (-) over Beavers-  Interestingly enough both of these clubs come off bye weeks and should be relatively healthy  and both support identical records (6-2, 3-2). When I first gazed upon this match-up I’m thinking here is an un-ranked squad (Washington) favored over a ranked team (OSU) and I begin to wonder what is going on. The Beavers  can pound it on the ground averaging 230 rushing and they would need every bit of that this week as starting QB  Chance Nolan is out with a concussion. The story here is Michael Penix Jr.  who leads the nation in passing with 366 YPG. State is 8-2 ATS in their last 10 trips to Seattle but are 1-6 ATS in their last seven road games overall while Huskies are 4-1 ATS in their last five home games. Take WASHINGTON!

Pittsburgh at North Carolina 8:00 ET

Panthers (+) over Tar Heels- Whoa, really now, the Tar Heels are favored by how much, at home, over who. It can’t be Pittsburgh because they have three losses and were crushed by Louisville last week after falling to a win-less Georgia Tech team. North Carolina has the No. 6 offense averaging 506 ypg but they don’t tackle well and surrender 476 ypg ranking No. 125. Panthers are 6-0 ATS in last six after a SU loss and are 8-2 ATS in their last 10 road games. UNC defeated Duke 38-35 a non-cover win last time out two weeks ago and they are 0-6 ATS following a bye week. Take PITTSBURGH!

Wake Forest at Louisville 3:30 ET

Cardinals (+) over Demon Deacons- This is the first game that caught my attention as I felt Wake Forest was being slighted as a meager 5-point favorite at Louisville. It just doesn’t look right as the Demon Deacons have been rolling over opponents covering four straight with their only loss in OT to Clemson. They have been bet down to -3.5 as the ‘sharps’ knocked it down even more. Louisville looks like a different club from the one that lost to lowly Boston College and got crushed by Syracuse and it is the defense that has turned things around for the Cardinals.In their last two wins over Pittsburgh and Virginia they allowed less than 600 total yards. Take LOUISVILLE!

Notre Dame at Syracuse 12:00 ET

Fighting Irish over Orange- It all catches up to the Orange this week as their bubble was burst lat week in allowing Clemson to come from behind in the final quarter handing them their first defeat despite the cover. Early on Notre Dame was a disappointment and then they turned to more than most expected only to fail once again at Stanford after three straight wins. Syracuse will be a little saddened and then surprised at the level of the Irish talent and just how far away they actually are. Domers are 21-8-1 ATS on the road and 5-0 ATS vs the ACC. Take NOTRE DAME!

East Carolina at Brigham Young 8:00 ET

Pirates (+) over Cougars- Usually under these circumstances I would be looking for reasons to the play the home Cougars. East Carolina is coming off their best game of the season a 34-13 win over Central Florida and BYU is off their worst game a 41-14 loss at Liberty. The line here looks a bit short but it is probably right as the Pirates have higher ranked offense and defenses and are 11-5 ATS in their last 11 games on the road. The Cougars have not cover since defeated and are 0-6 ATS in their last six games overall. Straight-up the Pirates get it done. Take EAST CAROLINA!

Chip’s GOM Winner

Texas at Oklahoma State 3:30 ET

Longhorns (-) over Cowboys- Now let me get this, No. 20 Texas (5-2, 3-1) who just struggled at home to defeat Iowa State (24-21) go to Stillwater to face No. 11 Oklahoma State and open a 7-point favorite on the road. The Cowboys return home after blowing a 17-point lead to TCU and fall in double-OT after surrendering two TD’s in tjr final 1:47 to send the game into overtime. Texas is 26-10 lifetime in the series and the road team is 12-3 ATS in the last 15 meetings. Take TEXAS!

UCLA at Oregon 3:30 ET

Ducks (-) over Bruins- I expect that we will have very little company with ‘us’ on this one and that’s just the way I like it. Both clubs are coming off bye weeks with No. 9 UCLA (6-0, 3-0) visiting Eugene where No. 10 Oregon (5-1, 3-0) will be laying in wait as they are 19-8 ATS following a bye week. The Ducks are 12-3 against the Bruins since 2000 and has won 9-of-10 last meetings. Bo Nix is maturing as QB after a career (not much of one) at Auburn and he can match Thompson-Robinson’s numbers. Take OREGON!

UAB at Western Kentucky 8:00 ET

Blazers (+) over Hilltoppers- Bailey Zappe may not be starting for the Patriots Monday night but he will be paying attention to his high scoring Alma mater as the Hilltoppers are 17th in the nation averaging 490 ypg. UAB is not that far behind averaging 450 ypg themselves but the Blazers have the stronger defense allowing just 319 ypg ranking No. 20. Defense will be the difference...Take UAB

\Virginia at Georgia Tech 7:30 ET

Cavaliers (+) over Yellow Jackets- Neither of these clubs have been very impressive as Georgia Tech has won their last two to even their record at 3-3 while Virginia continues to slide and is 2-4 and 0-3 in ACC action dropping four-of-five. Tech has an interim coach Brent Key and he is 2-0 while the Cavaliers have first year head coach Tony Elliott who spent 11 years as a Clemson assistant. Cavs are 13-4 ATS after a bye week and the Jackets are 7-19 ATS in their last 26 home games and 2-11 ATS after a straight-up win. Take VIRGINIA!

Clemson at Florida State 8:00 ET

Seminoles (+) over Tigers- In the mist of their comeback season Florida State (4-2, 2-2) blew a 17-3 lead to NC State last week and dropping their second straight. No. 4 Clemson (6-0, 4-0) leads the ACC in take-a-ways and allows just 18.3 ppg while scoring 39.3. The Tigers are 14-20 lifetime in this series while the home team is 4-1 ATS in the last five and they are 5-1 ATS in their last six ACC games. Take FLORIDA STATE!

Alabama at Tennessee 3:30 ET

Crimson Tide (-) over Volunteers- No. 1 Alabama (6-0, 3-0) has won 15 in-a-row against the No. 6 Volunteers who are led by QB Hendon Hooker who leads the SEC with a 175 QB rating. The question for the Tide is will QB Bryce young be ready to play and he needs to play after what we saw last week from the crimson offense. Well, that might not matter because Hooker (I just love that, where’s Dandy Don) hasn’t faced a defense like Alabama’s. ‘Bama averages 6.99 ypr and only allows 250 ypg on defense. Vols learn how far they have to go. ALABAMA. 

Kansas at Oklahoma 12:00 ET

Sooners (-) over Jayhawks- There are couple of stats that I want to give you and then I will just say no more. The Sooners have dominated Kansas forever. This is the first time that I can ever remember KU being ranked and OK not. The Sooners have won 17 straight in the series with the Jayhawks last win coming in 1997. QB updates Sooners returns and Kansas QB is out. Take OKLAHOMA!

Florida State at N.C. State 5:00 ETSeminoles (+) over Wolfpack- The Wolfpack (4-1, 0-1 ACC) fell from the ranks of the undefeated with a 30-20 loss at No. 5 Clemson last weekend. The Seminoles (4-1, 2-1) also dropped its first game of the season last weekend as it fell 31-21 to visiting Wake Forest. As far as trends go don’t look at them as they are so one sided I can only get you this...the  Seminoles are 4-0 ATS in their last four road games. Take FLORIDA STATE!

Houston at Memphis 7:30 ET

Cougars (+) over Tigers- Prior to the season, Houston was picked to win the AAC in a media poll, edging Cincinnati but the Cougars' have struggled to close out games. The Cougars head to Memphis on the heels of a 27-24 overtime loss at home to Tulane on Sept. 30. Houston has played three overtime games this season, a program record, and has dropped two of them. Houston (2-3, 0-1 AAC) scored 14 straight points in the fourth quarter before Tulane produced a tying TD with 39 seconds left in regulation before falling. Memphis heads into Friday's game on the heels of a 24-3 win at home over Temple. Cougars Quarterback Clayton Tune threw for 208 yards and two scores in the loss, in which he became just the fourth player in Houston history to amass 10,000 career total yards. Take HOUSTON!