SCOOP'S CFA PICKS: 09/06/2008

I completely misfired on the Alabama-Clemson game. And I got hit on the late cover TD by Akron over Wisconsin (makes my betting record now 1-4 in games involving the F-ing Badgers). But credit where credit’s due: nailed the Utah game outright and overall went 6-4, netting a +16.00 in the overall scheme of things.

Last Week: 6-4
Season: 6-4
Net Gain/Loss: + $16.00

On to this week’s slate, and looking at some of the lines, there wasn’t much that really jumped off of the page to me.

Minnesota (Money Line +220) over BOWLING GREEN: I know, I know…..maroon & gold covered glasses over my eyes. But the odds are playing more of a factor here than the game itself. Is Bowling Green that good? They took advantage of 4 Pittsburgh turnovers and defeated a team that was hyped simply because they beat a West Virginia team last December that featured Pat White playing with a broken throwing hand. With the spread being –6, I’m seeing it as a tough call, in which case, I’ll go with what can possibly give me the best return, and I like the Gophers outright. Weber played efficient, the defense is faster & more equipped to handle the spread, and expect more young kids to play this weekend. Question of the week: What do you think the line would be if Ryan Collado knew how to cover and/or break down? SCOOPS’ PICK: MINNESOTA 34, BOWLING GREEN 27

MICHIGAN STATE (-21) over Eastern Michigan: MSU put up some points last week in their loss at Cal, and look for that to be the order of the day in East Lansing this Saturday. Look for a big day from Javon Ringer and a dominating Spartan victory. SCOOPS’ PICK: MICHIGAN STATE 45, EASTERN MICHIGAN 13

MICHIGAN (-14.5) over Miami, OH: Often times, a large improvement with the spread is from the first game to the second game. Michigan’s offense started going a bit more after they swapped out QB’s, but the run game wasn’t existent against Utah. Look for there to be a bit more emphasis on the run game and the defense to play better than they started off. SCOOPS’ PICK: MICHIGAN 27, MIAMI 10

Northwestern (-7) over DUKE: It took a while, but Northwestern started scoring some points in the 2nd half against a weak Syracuse team. Now they look for revenge from a loss last year to Duke, which was their only win of the season last year. With revenge being served on a cold tobacco dish in Durham, look for the ‘Cats to avenge the loss & do it by double digits. SCOOPS’ PICK: NORTHWESTERN 38, DUKE 20

OHIO STATE (-34) over Ohio: Beanie Wells looks to be out this weekend (which is a wise move). And 34 points is a lot of points. But I don’t expect Ohio to score more than 7-10 points. Therefore, is it conceivable that the Buckeyes, with the WR weapons they possess along with the Pryor show that should be unleashed a bit more, score 44 or more points? I think they do. SCOOPS’ PICK: OHIO STATE 52, OHIO 10

WISCONSIN (-21) over Marshall: The Badgers kept Akron in the game a bit in the 1st half last week, only to put the pedal to the floor in the 2nd half. Look for the Badgers to start off a lot better, both offensively & defensively, and to be cruising at halftime. I don’t even see a garbage TD being able to cover this spread. SCOOPS’ PICK: WISCONSIN 45, MARSHALL 17

PENN STATE (-16.5) over Oregon State: PSU got their kicks in against Coastal Carolina and they now welcome a team that lost at Stanford to set the tone for their season. Penn State has speed on offense and the crowd on defense. SCOOPS’ PICK: PENN STATE 38, OREGON STATE 13 [SCOOPS’ LEAD PIPE LOCK OF THE WEEK]

IOWA (26.5) over Florida International: Iowa cruised over Maine last week and get another cupcake to eat up on this week. I admit I know nothing about Florida International, but I do know that Iowa possesses a strong defensive line and better offensive players. To me, that adds up to a 4 + TD victory. SCOOPS’ PICK: IOWA 41, FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL 10

FLORIDA (-21.5) over Miami, FL: Florida is trying to unseat Ohio State as the only school to have a player win the Heisman twice. These are the type of games that make voters say “Wow, Tim Tebow threw for 30 TD’s and ran for 20 this season, I have to vote for him.” Look for Tebow to have his classic ridiculous statistical game. These games also mean a lot in the recruiting war that goes on in the state of Florida. This is the stuff that Urban Meyer thinks about. SCOOPS’ PICK: FLORIDA 48, MIAMI 20

ARIZONA STATE (-14) over Stanford: These are the type of games that are right in Arizona State’s wheelhouse. Beat the team they should by a lot of points, but then get put on all fours and taken doggy when they get on the same field with USC. ASU will put up yards, points, and a large victory over a Stanford team that will be brought back to earth. SCOOPS’ PICK: ARIZONA STATE 38, STANFORD 17

Georgia Tech (+240) over BOSTON COLLEGE: Another money line game that I like the underdog in and like the odds & payout. Georgia Tech is busting out the triple option that Paul Johnson was known for at Navy. The spread is fun & all and the way of college football, but I will argue with anybody that the most fun college football to watch is the perfectly executed triple option. I like the pay off and smell upset. SCOOPS’ PICK: GEORGIA TECH 28, BOSTON COLLEGE 24