Editor's Note: Lawrence Prezman continues to knock out winners in college football. He's locked and loaded with more expert selections this week. Click to win!
This week's big underdogs (at least double digits) we think will cover.
South Carolina (+16) vs. Florida
You think I was kidding about the Gators? Steve Spurrier would love nothing more to salvage this season than to ruin his former school’s national title hopes. Frankly, Spurrier needs a good effort as he has been under fire a bit, and he has said he will take a bigger role in play-calling. The Gamecocks collapsed down the stretch last season and look like they are doing it again, having been pounded by Tennessee and Arkansas the past two games. This game really reminds me of the 2006 season, when South Carolina and Florida played on Nov. 11 of that year and the Gators needed a blocked field goal as time expired to avoid an upset and keep their national title hopes alive. And that one was in Gainesville, while this one is in Columbia, where South Carolina is 5-0 this season (2-3 ATS). I would also remind you that Florida hasn’t gone unbeaten in the SEC’s regular season since 1996 – but a win here would accomplish that rarity for any school.
Idaho (+31) at Boise State
I am flabbergasted at this line in all honesty. I realize that BSU has won 10 in a row over their intrastate rivals (all by at least 14 points) and has averaged 64.3 points in the past three meetings. And I also know that Idaho starting quarterback Nate Enderle will be a game-time decision after sitting out last week’s loss to Fresno State with a rotator cuff injury. Sophomore Brian Reader started against Fresno and nearly led the Vandals to a come-from-behind victory, throwing for 240 yards and two touchdowns in the game. But BSU will get everything Idaho has to give, as this is the chance for a program-defining victory for a team that has made some good strides this year. Idaho can score – it has reached 30 points in six of the past eight games. So assuming the Vandals even get 24, I don’t see BSU putting up 55. I think this stays under three touchdowns, actually, because Boise State might be looking ahead to a red-hot Nevada squad next week.
Louisiana Tech (+24) at LSU
The Tigers’ loss to Alabama last week ended their hopes in the SEC, so you have to expect a bit of a letdown in what looks like a yawner non-conference game. While Louisiana Tech has lost three games in a row, by a total of 13 points, it hung with Boise State last time out and has totaled 69 points in the past two games. LSU will be without leading rusher Charles Scott, who broke his collarbone last week. And QB Jordan Jefferson is iffy after leaving last week’s game as well. LSU, which has won 20 straight nonconference games, has won 17 of 18 all-time meetings in this series. It will be 18 of 19, but by less than 24.
