Editor's Note: Judd Hall has gone on a 7-2 run in college football since Oct. 4. Be sure to get his latest winners now. Click to win!
Curse those half-points!
That’s all I can say about last week’s challenge as a damned half-point was the difference between a 3-2 week and another 2-3 outing. Georgia won against the Volunteers, 26-14, which was a nice win after the funeral it held nationally versus Alabama. The problem for me was the Bulldogs were a 12 ½-point favorite. And they could have covered too, if Mark Richt wouldn’t have run three straight times within the Tennessee 11-yard line. It really makes you wonder whatever happened to the silent majesty of a meaningless touchdown.
At least I’m not in the minority with my record from last week as 368 other contestants in the challenge.
Time to give out some new picks…let’s give it a go!
Wisconsin (+3 ½) at Iowa
I don’t think the Badgers could have looked worse in losing at home to Penn State, 48-7, last Saturday. As bad as the final score was, Wisconsin did hold the Nittany Lions to a season-low 377 yards.
Now Wisky gets to take to the road for a showdown with the Hawkeyes, who crushed Indiana last weekend. As high as Iowa is feeling right now, it should realize that the deck is stacked in the Badgers’ favor.
The Badgers are giving up 120.7 YPG on the ground and their linebackers can swarm all over the field. It also helps that Wisconsin is 12-1 SU when coming off of consecutive losses. Given the small line here, I’m seeing Bret Bielema’s kids to win outright.
Final Score: Wisconsin 23, Iowa 17
Northwestern (- 4 ½) versus Purdue
Pat Fitzgerald’s Wildcats saw their unbeaten season fall by the wayside last Saturday by losing to Michigan State, 37-20, as 2 ½-point home ‘dogs. If there is one thing that Northwestern can take away from the loss is the fact it gave up just 169 yards through the air.
Northwestern’s pass defense should have a field day against the Boilermakers. After all, Purdue has averaged just 193 yards passing in the last two games. And we’ve got no idea who will be under center for Joe Tiller’s offense.
The ‘Cats will get back on track this Saturday against the free falling Boilermakers.
Final Score: Northwestern 23, Purdue 10
Navy (+3 ½) versus Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh was able to upstage the Bulls two weeks back in prime time, 26-21. A big reason for the Panthers’ victory was the ability to hold down the mobile QB Matt Grothe and South Florida’s running attack to just 116 yards on the ground.
Now Dave Wannstedt’s team will get to take on the Midshipmen, who do nothing but run…after all, the Middies are gaining 313.5 rushing YPG this season. That’s good enough to be second in the nation on the ground.
Last year, Navy ran for 331 yards in its 48-45 overtime win at Pittsburgh. I’m thinking the Midshipmen will pull the same game off at home with Kaipo-Noa Kaheaku-Enhada under center.
Final Score: Navy 38, Pittsburgh 30
Colorado (-3 ½) versus Kansas State
The Buffs and Wildcats are on opposite sides of the spectrum right now. Colorado can’t get any consistency on offense, leading to it hitting the skids over the last three weeks. Meanwhile, Kansas State has two of its last three matchups.
Let’s give a look to the Buffaloes here as Dan Hawkins is 19-10 ATS in his last 29 home games against conference foes.
Final Score: Colorado 24, Kansas State 15
Virginia Tech (+2 ½) at Boston College
The Hokies are playing some good football now, winning five games straight after falling to East Carolina to open the year. And Frank Beamer’s club is on a 2-0 SU and ATS run on the road now. Boston College has won its last three games. Although the Eagles did their level best to give North Carolina State the win back on Oct. 4. BC seem primed to fall here as the Hokies are 8-1 in their last nine matches when listed as a road pup.
Final Score: Virginia Tech 27, Boston College 13
You can reach Judd Hall via e-mail at judd@vegasinsider.com.
