By: Nick Radivoj
We recap Week 8 with a lackluster 4-6 record bringing us to 44-36 (55%) on the year. Last week easily could have given us another winning record as we were a mere point away from a total we played along with some spreads we could have easily landed our way on. We learn and we move forward as Week 9 provides us an exciting slate to look forward to.
#2 Ohio State (7-0) at #13 Penn State (6-1)
When: 10 PM on 10/29
Line: Ohio State -15.5
O/U: 61
CJ Stroud and the Buckeye offense have finally hit their stride looking explosive in every facet of their offense. Stroud has his eyes on a Heisman Trophy this year but better yet a National Championship as Ohio State has everything they need to compete. Penn State is better equipped to face Ohio State than they were Michigan as they contain a better pass defense than rush defense but ultimately it won’t be enough to quiet this Ohio State team. Penn State’s QB Sean Clifford could be the game changer in this one either being Jekyll or Hyde but with his shaky track record I don’t expect him to shock the world. This one may be close early but Buckeyes pull away big late.
The Play: Ohio State -15.5
#7 TCU (7-0) at West Virginia (3-4)
When: 12 PM on 10/29
Line: TCU -7.5
O/U: 69
TCU could have very well found themselves coming into this game with their first loss of the season were it not for a second half explosion from the Horned Frogs and some injury luck on their side with Kansas State starting QB going down in that contest. They were almost caught slipping and it almost caught them so I fully expect the Horned Frogs to be ready in this one. West Virginia is coming off a horrific 48-10 loss by the hands of Texas Tech and I see more of the same in this game. Max Duggan and TCU’s offense shouldn’t have too much difficulty moving the ball against West Virginia and building themselves a comfortable lead will make this already pass happy West Virginia team even more one dimensional. TCU keeps their perfect season going with a blowout win.
The Play: TCU -7.5
Florida (4-3) at #1 Georgia (7-0)
When: 3:30 PM on 10/29 (Jacksonville)
Line: Georgia –22.5
O/U: 57
Both teams come into this contest well rested as they are both coming off a bye. Although lacking in the passing game, Florida QB Anthony Richardson brings a different skill set behind center that Georgia and most every other team haven’t seen this year. Richardson is very capable to killing opposing defenses in the run game but still needs to develop tenfold as a passer. Georgia should handle this one rather easily as the Gators are still a year or so away from competing under Billy Napier’s new regime. I think Georgia builds an early lead and looks to get out of dodge as they prepare for their biggest game net week against Tennessee. Early lead for Georgia leads to running the ball the rest of the game.
The Play: Under 57
#8 Oregon (6-1) at California (3-4)
When: 3:30 PM on 10/29
Line: Oregon -17
O/U: 58
Oregon has quietly dominated their schedule after the beating they took from Georgia Week 1 of this College Football season. Oregon’s domination continues as they find themselves playing one of the worst teams in the Pac 12 in California. As long as Bo Nix’s road woes don’t show up here then I think this game should look awfully similar to the one played last weekend against UCLA. I’m going to keep this one short and sweet just like Oregon will for us behind Bo Nix and this rather explosive offense located in Eugene.
The Play: Oregon -17
#9 Oklahoma State (6-1) at #22 Kansas State (5-2)
When: 3:30 PM on 10/29
Line: Kansas State -1.5
O/U: 56
A tale of two stories for these teams as Oklahoa State comes from behind late against Texas to win while Kansas State folds over an 18 point lead to ultimately lose by 10 against TCU. Kansas State didn’t score a point in the 2nd half but much of that is do to their starting QB exiting the game with injury. Martinez is expected to be back for this game which is great news for the Wildcats as they didn’t find much success moving the ball behind their backup QB not scoring a single point after halftime. Meanwhile, Spencer Sanders and company look to keep their Big 12 Championship dreams alive but face a difficult contest going on the road to face Kansas State. I believe under could be a great play in this one, but Kansas State has shown time and time again the ability to play spoilers at home.
The Play: Kansas State -1.5
#17 Illinois (6-1) at Nebraska (3-4)
When: 3:30 PM on 10/29
Line: Illinois -7.5
O/U: 50.5
No, you aren’t dreaming Illinois still finds themselves in the Top 25 here in Week 9 of this College Football season. Unfortunately for them, I think their run ends here with a potential outright underdog winner for Nebraska. I’m taking the points here with the Cornhuskers as some young teams aren’t built to win on the road. Nebraska’s offense seems to have hit their stride here scoring over 35 in 2 of their last 3 and winning 2 since the firing of Scott Frost. Meanwhile, Illinois’ offense has takena little bit of a step back and with a young team going on the road I will gladly take the points for a Nebraska cover.
The Play: Nebraska +7.5
#19 Kentucky (5-2) at Tennessee (7-0)
When: 7 PM on 10/29
Line: Tennessee -12.5
O/U: 63.5
Death, taxes, and a Tennessee over. Tennessee fans and faithful find themselves experiencing the highest of highs being ranked #3 in the nation with what should be the biggest game of the year next week facing off against #1 Georgia in Athens. I know this game is coming up and most likely so do Tennessee players so let’s hope we aren’t overlooking Kentucky here and slip up before the big dance. Hendon Hooker and this Volunteer offense provide too much explosion for Kentucky, or any team, to contain. Tennessee’s hurry up offense and explosive plays leave opposing defenses drained and defeated. Kentucky should be playing catch up which will help us find ourselves over this total. I love taking Will Levis in big games but can’t find myself pciking against Tennessee after having seen how they’ve looked the past few weeks.
The Play: Over 63.5
Michigan State (3-4) at #4 Michigan (7-0)
When: 7:30 PM on 10/29
Line: Michigan -22
O/U: 54.5
Week 9 welcomes us with an exciting matchup between these in state Big Ten rivals. A tale of 2 stories for these two teams as Michigan has its eyes set on a Big Ten Championship game and potential College Football Playoff berth while Michigan State is scratching and clawing their way to try and stay bowl eligible. As displayed throughout the year, one of the easiest ways to take down Michigan State is through the air passing. Michigan has shown the ability to pass the ball all over the field but at the same time are much more of a run team behind star RB Blake Corum. The BIg House will surely add an extra element to this game as it will be packed for a night time showdown with the Spartans. Michigan’s defense isn’t as stout as normally would expect but don’t go up against much talent in Michigan State so this one should result in a blow out on paper but never know what to expect in a rivalry game.
The Play: Michigan -22
#15 Ole Miss (7-1) at Texas A&M (3-4)
When: 7:30 PM on 10/29
Line: Ole Miss -2.5
O/U: 55
How will Ole Miss bounce back after taking their first loss of the season? The Rebels seemed to be on their way to their 8th win of the year last season jumping out to an early 17-3 lead before LSU came stormng back to take that one away in a big win for the Tigers. Ole Miss stays somewhat alive for the SEC West needing a little help from friends, but they will all but seal their fate if they don’t win in College Station this weekend. Texas A&M is coming off a loss of their own losing to South Carolina on the road last weekend but will have the 12th man behind them in this one to impact Ole Miss. Both teams enjoy running the ball here and with that continuously keeping the clock ticking I will gladly find myself on yet another Texas A&M under. Neither team crosses the 30 mark as we cash another under in Kyle Field.
The Play: Under 55
Pittsburgh (4-3) at #21 North Carolina (6-1)
When: 8 PM on 10/29
Line: North Carolina -2.5
O/U: 64
Pat Narduzzi and this Pittsburgh team look like a far cry away from the team we saw last year with QB Kenny Pickett. Their offensive playcalling seems to have fallen back to old school football as opposed to the scheme they were running last year and it shows on tape and in the stat sheets. I normally love playing aNorth Carolina over but with a major question mark in regards to Pittsburgh’s offense I can’t recommend. North Carolina’s defense has been shaky all year which should lead to some easier drives for Pittsburgh than they have experienced as of late but Pitt will be going up against a buzzsaw in North Carolina’s offense. Drake May has continued to impress throughout the year and will showcase this high powered Tar Heel offense under the lights as North Carolina wins this one at home.
The Play: North Carolina -2.5
Thank God It's Saturday 