New Mexico Bowl (Albuquerque, NM)
North Texas vs. Utah State (-9), 2pm ESPN

The start of bowl season is a good one. North Texas started the season strong, but ended up with three losses. Utah State on the other hand lost only two games including a close seven point loss to Michigan State. So it should be an easy win for the Mean Green right? Wrong.

Utah State’s coach has departed to Texas Tech and I struggle to trust an interim coach in a bowl game. Both quarterbacks are very good throwing for 3000+ yards 27+ TDs and only 5 INTs. Expect a close game in New Mexico.

Top NFL Draft Prospect: EJ Ejiya, ILB, North Texas

Gambling Advice: Too many points for an interim coach. Still like Utah State to win, but close.

Auto Nation Cure Bowl (Orlando, FL)
Tulane (-3) vs. Louisiana-Lafayette, 2:30pm CBSSN

You have to be a hard core football fan to watch this game of two group of five teams barely above .500. Especially with two better bowls on. Tulane is the most unpredictable team in all of college football. They blowout Memphis and take Wake Forest to OT. They then get blown out by USF, Houston and Cincinnati.

The Ragin Cajuns lead this game with quality losses including Mississippi State and Alabama. I guess I’ll lean towards them.

Top NFL Draft Prospect: Donnie Lewis Jr, CB, Tulane

Gambling Advice: Take the Ragin Cajuns

Mitsubishi Motors Las Vegas Bowl (Las Vegas, NV)
Fresno State (-4.5) vs. Arizona State, 3:30pm ABC

The best game of opening bowl weekend. Fresno State won the Mountain West and only have two losses on the year (one is Boise State who they beat in the MWC Championship). Meanwhile everyone is surprised to see Arizona State in a bowl game in Herm Edward’s first season.

I want to focus in on Arizona State starting QB Manny Wilkins. The guy is in LAW SCHOOL while  playing football. I did the grunt work by finding the exam schedule at the ol’ Sandra Day O’Conner College of Law and guess what… he’s been done with his semester for over a week. Look out Fresno State, Wilkins can finally concentrate on X’s and O’s instead of Civ Pro. Arizona State star WR N’Keal Harry will be at the blackjack table instead of game, but how do you not pick the Sun Devils in Vegas?

Top NFL Draft Prospect: Renell Wren, DT, Arizona State (N’Keal Harry not playing)

Gambling Advice: Arizona State not only covers, they win.

Raycom Media Camellia Bowl (Montgomery, AL)
Georgia Southern (-1) vs. Eastern Michigan, 5:30pm ESPN

Georgia Southern got back to triple option football in 2018. They went from 2-10 to 9-3. Eastern Michigan has tried to stop the triple option before when they gave up 37 points to Army. The 15 point loss was their biggest all season.

I don’t care Eastern Michigan beat Purdue… it’s bowl season and I’m trusting the triple option.

Top NFL Draft Prospect: Nobody

Gambling Advice: Georgia Southern and the triple option

R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl (New Orleans, LA)
Middle Tennessee vs. Appalachian State (-7), 9pm ESPN

Are you really going to bet against a father and son’s last game together? Middle Tennessee State Head coach Rick Stockstill and QB Brent Stockstill team up for their final game together against Appalachian State. Appalachian State is a really good football team with their only losses to Penn State and triple option Georgia Southern.

But I have faith in Middle Tennessee State to keep it close against a team with a interim coach in New Orleans. Good luck to the substitute teacher from keeping the kids from going wild in NOLA.

Top NFL Draft Prospect: Darius Harris, OLB, Middle Tennessee State

Gambling Advice: The Stockstill family keeps this one close for Middle Tennessee State

The SEC does it again. In a weekend full of conference title game snoozers, the SEC put on the game of the year. Anybody that watched the game could tell you Georgia is a talented team capable of beating anyone in the country… but at some point wins and losses throughout the season have to matter.

Georgia’s resume is still impressive with 3 wins over top 25 teams (Missouri, Kentucky, Florida) all by 14 points or over. But the 20 point loss to LSU is keeping the Dawgs in the Sugar Bowl instead of the playoffs. Along with a non-conference schedule that is pretty weak with Georgia Tech being the best team they’ve faced. I’m not saying Oklahoma’s non-conference schedule is good either, but that could’ve seperated helped them separate from Oklahoma.

Now, I absolutely think Georgia would crush Oklahoma this year by 20 points, but OU has the better resume. Oklahoma is a 12-1 Conference Champion with 2 big wins (I’m not going to count Army), and their only loss of the season was a three point loss to a top 15 team who they later beat in the season.

To summarize, we can’t just cherry pick who we think is better unless the resumes are even. Ultimately, it is going to be a 20 point loss to LSU that will keep the Dawgs out of the playoffs and proving once again in College Football EVERY WEEK MATTERS.

1. Alabama

Their Resume: They’ve dominated everyone. The closest win this year has been by 22 points. In addition, they have quality wins with LSU and Mississippi State, along with Texas A&M and Missouri ranked right outside the top 25. The whole “they haven’t played everybody” just isn’t true. Alabama has the best resume in the country.

Road to the playoffs: Beat Auburn and Georgia in the SEC championship and they’re in. Alabama could lose to Auburn and beat Georgia and they’d most likely still be in. The only way it would get close is if they lose to Georgia in the SEC Championship. It’d be tough to leave out a 12-1 Alabama team. I think they’d be in over a 12-1 Washington State, Ohio State and Oklahoma. A 12-1 Michigan team would be close however and it would test the committee how much a Conference Championship game is worth.

2. Clemson

Their resume: Along with Alabama, Clemson has also separated themselves from the rest of the group. They haven’t had a win by less than 20 points since September. However, the ACC is bad this year and they lack quality wins. Syracuse is their best win and they’re a fringe top-20 team. They have a few other wins that could sneak into the top 25 including NC State, Texas A&M, Boston College and Pittsburgh in the ACC Championship game.

Road to the playoffs: Beat South Carolina and Pittsburgh in the ACC Championship. A loss to either of these teams will put Clemson at the risk of missing the playoff due to their lack of quality wins.

3. Notre Dame

Their Resume: Notre Dame has turned it on as of late and actually has more quality wins than Clemson. A win against Michigan is the most impressive of the playoff contenders and they have also beat ACC and Big Ten Divisional champions Pittsburgh and Northwestern. However, the eye test favors Clemson as Notre Dame has a 8 point win against Ball State, 5 point win over Vanderbilt, and close wins against Pittsburgh and Northwestern.

Road to the Playoffs: Notre Dame’s road is simple. Beat USC and they’re in. Lose and they’re most likely out unless they get some help.

4. Michigan

Their Resume: Pretty solid. They have quality wins against Penn State and Northwestern with just one loss against Notre Dame. The problem is they are anchored by Notre Dame. Meaning they cannot be ranked above Notre Dame due to the head-to-head loss.

Road to the Playoffs: If they beat Ohio State and Northwestern in the Big Ten Championship they are most likely in. The only scenario where that is not the case is if Georgia upsets Alabama in the SEC Championship game. Then the question becomes 12-1 Michigan or 12-1 Alabama? Alabama would have the eye test, but Michigan would have the conference championship, solid resume and quality loss against Notre Dame.

5. Georgia

Their Resume: They have quality wins against Kentucky and Florida, but the 20 point loss to LSU isn’t great. It does help that LSU is a quality opponent. They do have a monumental showdown with Alabama that will decide everything.

Road to the Playoffs: They control their own destiny. Just beat Georgia Tech and Alabama and they are in.

6. Washington State

Their Resume: They have one quality win over Utah and a close loss to USC that doesn’t look great. However, they have some blowout victories and an upcoming matchup in the Apple Cup with Washington. Washington State is hurt because the Pac 12 is bad this year.

Road to the Playoffs: Win out against Washington and Utah in the Pac-12 Championship is a start. They then need Alabama to win out, Oklahoma to lose a game, and Northwestern to win the Big Ten. It’s going to take a miracle.

7. LSU

Their Resume: They have a great win against Georgia and quality win over Mississippi State. The Florida loss isn’t terrible and they get a small increase to the resume for the non-conference win against Miami.

Road to the Playoffs: They need a miracle that includes: Alabama winning out, Clemson losing out, Northwestern winning the Big Ten, Oklahoma losing, Washington State losing a game. They would then have a shot at the playoffs. Oh, they have to beat Texas A&M too.

8. Oklahoma

Their Resume: No quality wins yet, but they will have West Virginia and Texas (if they beat West Virginia) left on the schedule. The Texas loss isn’t bad and only have one loss, but the problem is they’re not passing the eye test. Giving up 40 points to Kansas does not help.

Road to the Playoffs: Win out and then have Northwestern win the Big Ten. Notre Dame losing would be an interesting debate, as well as a 12-1 Oklahoma or 12-1 Ohio State debate. I think they could get in over Ohio State if it came to that.

9. Ohio State

Their Resume: Just like Oklahoma they’re not passing the eye test. They have a quality win against Penn State, but a terrible blowout loss to Purdue. Beating Michigan would give them a great quality win, but the way they’ve been playing that is looking unlikely.

Road to the Playoffs: Win out and have Alabama win the SEC Championship would be a great start. Oklahoma losing a game would also solidify their spot in the playoff.

10. UCF

Their Resume: Pittsburgh could be a quality win, but the rest of their schedule hurts them. If they blew everybody out that’d be one thing, but they barely won against Memphis by one point and the defense has looked bad. They do not have a resume that earns them a spot in the College Football Playoff.

Road to the Playoffs: Chaos. They need absolute chaos. They need to blowout their next two opponents to make this possible. But after that they’d need:

• Georgia losing last two games to Georgia Tech and Alabama
• Ohio State beating Michigan and losing to Northwestern
• Washington State losing a game to either Washington or Utah
• The winner of Oklahoma and West Virginia losing to Texas in the Big 12 Championship
• LSU losing to Texas A&M

We’re back again! I know it is the week with the least exciting matchups, but the season is winding down and this is just an appetizer to the Thanksgiving lineup of College Football action. Here are this weeks top bets!

Indiana +28.5 at Michigan

Too many points against an average Indiana team. I know Michigan has absolutely been smoking people, but 28.5 points? That spread should be reserved for Alabama and Clemson. Michigan is not on that level. Michigan wins by a few touchdowns, but not by 28.5.

Texas Tech -6 at Kansas State

Texas Tech is a pretty good football team and their offense can score some points. Even without QB Alan Bowman, Texas Tech is by far the better football team. Tech by double digits.

Cincinnati +7.5 at UCF

College Gameday will be there. However, Cincinnati needs to be the team talked about. Cincinnati’s defense is by far the best UCF has faced. And don’t give me this “UCF is undefeated” garbage. Half the SEC would be undefeated with their schedule. No I’m serious. HALF THE SEC would go undefeated with that schedule. It’ll be a tight football game, but I like Cincinnati to win outright.

Syracuse +10 at Notre Dame

Notre Dame does not consistently blow teams out. Syracuse is a good team that can score and even kept it close with Clemson. They’ll be able to keep it close and may even mess around and win the thing.

Arkansas +21.5 at Mississippi State

Arkansas is a lot better than their record says they are. Their defense may not be great, but their offense can score. Mississippi State has a great defense, but their offense can’t put up points. 21.5 points is way too many for this game.

West Virginia -5.5 at Oklahoma State UNDER 73.5

DOUBLE BET. Love West Virginia being favored by only 5.5. They are the best team in the Big 12, they can score points, and unlike the rest of the Big 12 their defense doesn’t stink. West Virginia wins big.

Also, Taylor Cornelius is not as good as the Oklahoma defense made him look. There will not be 74 points scored in this game. West Virginia wins 34-17.

Iowa State +3 at Texas

It is the end of the season. It is time for a Texas collapse. Iowa State also is undefeated since making Brock Purdy the starting quarterback. Iowa State wins, Texas fans comeback from the earlier season fantasy that “TEXAS IS BACK!”

Also how dumb is it that this game is on the Longhorn Network?

TCU at Baylor UNDER 52

TCU’s offense struggles just to get to double digits, but their defense is still pretty good. I know it’s the Big 12, but this has low scoring game written all over it. TCU wins 21-17 or something like that.

I know. I took a few weeks off with writing reviews. But don’t think that means TGIS hasn’t been keeping an eye out across the college football landscape. I’m like Batman, always watching. I was the hero you deserved, but not the one you needed during those few weeks. But now the Dark Knight returns. LET’S START THE RUN DOWN!!!

The Run Down

Saturday Morning Hangover Games 

#8 Michigan (-7.5) at #24 Michigan State, Noon FOX

The Wolverines offense is actually looking good. They’ve averaged 40 points the past two games and have won by over 20 points in both games. But the rivalry game in East Lansing could create a closer game than it should be. Let’s see how top ten Michigan actually plays.

Gambling Advice: Take Michigan if you’re going to bet it.

#9 Oklahoma (-7.5) at TCU, Noon ABC 

The classic game of good offense vs. good defense and bad offense vs. bad defense. WHO’S GOING TO BE WORSE! This is Oklahoma’s first game since the loss to Texas and I’d expect a bounce back. But never forget… they went to OT with Army so I will never trust OU.

Gambling Advice: OU by double digits, but I’m not confident.

Auburn (-3.5) at Ole Miss, Noon ESPN

I’m not exactly sure why you’d watch this game. Auburn is bad at football and Ole Miss is bad at football. I guess we will see who’s worse?

Gambling Advice: Don’t bet. Don’t Watch 

6-Pack Deep Games

#16 NC State (+17.5) at #3 Clemson, 3:30 ESPN

An ACC undefeated showdown. Sure NC State hasn’t played anybody, but has Clemson really been that impressive either? Never know what could happen, this could be the upset of the weekend.

Gambling Advice: Take NC State. 17.5 is too many points in a game that I think will be close.

#1 Alabama (-28.5) at Tennessee, 3:30 CBS

Tennessee hasn’t beat Alabama since 2006. Alabama gets to smoke the cigars after this one.

Gambling Advice: Alabama because they’re Alabama and the over because Tua is Tua

Whiskey Night Games

#22 Mississippi State at #5 LSU (-6.5), 7:00 ESPN 

Is Mississippi State good or average? I cannot figure them out. Meanwhile LSU is coming off a huge win against Georgia and need to win out to win the SEC West. Also they have some cool helmets that change color for the night game at Death Valley

Gambling Advice: LSU at night 

#12 Oregon (+3) at #25 Washington State, 7:30 FOX

Why won’t anyone give Oregon some respect? They have one of the best quarterbacks in the nation and have proven to be dangerous. Sure this is the first time Washington State has every had College Gameday, but that is not enough to make Oregon an underdog. Oregon is the best team in the Pac-12.

Gambling Advice: Oregon, bet the money line.

One-Eye Open Game

Arizona at UCLA (-10), 10:30 ESPN2

They have a combined record of 4-9 and both teams have been a huge disappointment. It is a chance for Chip Kelly to try to get win number 2 or Kevin Sumlin to turnaround a nightmare season. Hopefully your Saturday night isn’t as bad as these two Pac-12 teams.

Gambling Advice: No idea how UCLA is 10 point favorites. So take Arizona.

Top Ten Bets

Season Record: 31-23-2

1. Oregon (+3) at Washington State
2. Ohio State (-12) at Purdue- Ohio State is still really good. Definitely two touchdowns better than Purdue
3. Illinois (+24.5) at Wisconsin- What’s my rule? When Wisconsin is a double digit favorite we take the underdog
4. USC at Utah Over 48- Utah has scored over 40 points the past two weeks. Over hits easily
5. Tulsa at Arkansas (-6.5)- They won’t make a bowl, but Arkansas is improving. They can beat Tulsa by a touchdown
6. Penn State (-14.5) at Indiana- Penn State can still score a lot of points and help us cover
7. Alabama at Tennessee Over 56.5
8. Michigan at Michigan State Over 41
9. NC State (+17.5) at Clemson
10. Alabama (-28.5) at Tennessee

 

My Top 25

1. Alabama
2. Notre Dame
3. Ohio State
4. Clemson
5. LSU
6. Georgia
7. Michigan
8. Oregon
9. Texas
10. Oklahoma
11. Kentucky
12. Florida
13. NC State
14. Texas A&M
15. UCF
16. West Virginia
17. Cincinnati
18. Iowa
19. Mississippi State
20. Michigan State
21. Penn State
22. Washington
23. Washington State
24. South Florida
25. Stanford

Not part of the rant of the week but… fall weddings. Seriously.

I love weddings. Seeing people you haven’t seen in a while, tearing up the dance floor, and an open bar. But can’t we do that in the spring when football isn’t on?

“The world doesn’t revolve around football.” Um yeah, it kind of does. Haven’t you noticed the streets are empty during the Super Bowl? Or how entire college campuses shut down for the football game.

Congratulations you get to love each other for the rest of your life or until the divorce attorney steps in, but I would love to celebrate that in the spring because you’re kind of ruining everyone’s marriage to their favorite college team. Really selfish of you to pick your marriage over my marriage with Alabama (got lucky this week with a noon kickoff against Louisiana-Lafayette).

So to the people that have a fall wedding, don’t complain about people being on their phones watching the game, you knew the consequences. You knew people were going to watch.

I have two weddings this fall, one is this weekend. You bet I am going to bring an extra portable charger for my phone so I can see the top ten matchups in Happy Valley and South Bend on a Saturday night. What’s worse is I have a wedding the night of November 3^rd with a former Alabama fraternity brother. I’ll give you a moment to check the calendar.

*Checks calendar* OH MY GOD

I know right? Alabama at LSU in Death Valley and most definitely will be at night. I honestly don’t know what’s going to happen. I’ll make sure to give all the details of the atrocities that will happen if there are no TVs or bad cell service.

My advice for fall weddings? Don’t. But back to actual football.

The Playoffs will become clearer after these next two weeks. Ohio State and Penn State look to play for the division championship already, and the winner of the Notre Dame and Stanford game will also be in really good shape. I think this week they gave us a nap time as the best games seem to start at Noon and 6:30pm. But just like last week, everyone is on upset alert (except Alabama) so sleep with one eye open on the couch and let’s get to the RUN DOWN!!!

Run Down (All Times EST)

Saturday Morning Hangover Games

#12 West Virginia (-3.5) at #25 Texas Tech, Noon ESPN2

Shoot, the Texas Tech students may actually go to this game after their upset win against Oklahoma State last week. They should be use to the 11am local time kickoff by now, but what they are not used to is being ranked.

The Texas Tech defense will be tested by QB Will Grier and one of the best offenses in the country. The Mountaineer defense has also been surprisingly pretty good.

Gambling Advice: Take West Virginia. They’ve played really well and I think the season will prove Oklahoma State is more bad than Texas Tech is good. 

Syracuse at #3 Clemson (-24.5), Noon ABC

REVENGE GAME!! Remember when 4-8 Syracuse upset Clemson on a Friday night? Dabo Swinney ‘members. Syracuse is much better this year starting 4-0 and in my opinion should be ranked. But this game isn’t in the Carrier Dome, it’s down south. Clemson should keep sleep walking to the playoffs.

Gambling Advice: Syracuse covering should seem like the obvious pick. But Clemson wants to make up for last year so I wouldn’t bet the house.

Six Pack Deep Games

Baylor at #6 Oklahoma (-23.5), 3:30 ABC

Well Oklahoma went to overtime with Army, guess they can go to overtime with just about anybody. Baylor only lost by 8 points last year so this could be a potential surprise game. This is one you watch, but once Kyler Murray starts slinging it all over the field against the Baylor defense just change the channel.

Gambling Advice: I have no clue. That’s my advice. I guess Oklahoma? Bees? I’m Ron Burgundy?

#18 Texas (-8.5) at Kansas State, 3:30 FS1

Texas is back! No I already told you that wasn’t true, but Kansas State is bad this year. Like really bad. Like beat South Dakota by 3 bad. Like maybe not even bowl eligible bad. If Texas struggles here we can officially put Texas back on the not actually back list like we do every year.

Gambling Advice: The game being in Manhattan makes me pause, but there should be no reason Texas doesn’t win by double digits.

#14 Michigan (-14) at Northwestern, 4:30 FOX

I told you the afternoon games were a snoozer. Northwestern has surprised me by not being better this year with some decent defensive talent and a senior quarterback. We will see if Michigan dominating Nebraska was a fluke. They won’t be able to run the ball as well against Northwestern.

Gambling Advice: Northwestern loses by 10. Michigan won’t have as much offense.

Whiskey Night Games

Florida at #23 Mississippi State (-7.5), 6:00 ESPN

The return of Dan Mullen to Starkville is a great appetizer before the top ten match-ups. Florida’s loss to Kentucky actually doesn’t look bad anymore. Plus Dan Mullen knows every player still in Starkville better than Joe Moorhead himself.

Also, I have finally declared that Mississippi State is not actually good despite my preseason optimism.

Gambling Advice: Florida covers and may even win 

#4 Ohio State (-3.5) at #9 Penn State, 7:30 ABC

This is basically to see who will win the Big Ten. I don’t see anybody but these two teams winning it unless Wisconsin pulls the upset in the championship game. Penn State has the homefield advantage which is the only reason I pause, but Ohio State has the better team and better quarterback. Look for a lot of points especially with the Buckeyes missing Nick Bosa.

Gambling Advice: Ohio State wins by 7 and the Over 70 points hit. 

#7 Stanford at #8 Notre Dame (-5.5), 7:30 NBC

If you would’ve asked me this game a week ago I would’ve said Stanford. But after that debut of new Notre Dame starting quarterback Ian Book, I’m a believer in the Irish. Now Ian Book was facing Wake Forest who somehow gave up 41 points to Boston College, but the offense looked totally different. Stanford somehow won against Oregon even with only rushing for 70 yards, but Notre Dame has a tough defense too.

Gambling Advice: Notre Dame wins at home by 7. The Over 54 hits too as I’m a full believer in the new Notre Dame offense.

#20 BYU at #11 Washington (-17.5), 8:30 FOX

BYU’s defense is not that bad and Washington’s offense is not very good. The over/under in this game shows that at 45.5. I honestly have no idea why the line is so big here, I really feel BYU could even pull the upset.

I think after this week people will finally see that Washington is not very good.

Gambling Advice: New Gambling strategy. Bet against Washington when they’re double digit favorites. BYU loses by a field goal.

One-Eye Open Game

#19 Oregon (-3) at #24 California, 10:30 FS1

Oregon lost a game they dominated. Until the collapse, I would venture out to say they looked like a top ten team in the nation. Now they have to regroup and play a Cal team that have won close games against North Carolina and BYU. I don’t know if the kids at Berkeley will be studying or at the football game, but I know I will be

Gambling Advice: Vegas says to never take a road team off a heartbreaking defeat… But I’m not Vegas. I’m a sucker that says Oregon is 20 points better than California and should not have a problem.

Top Bets of the Week

Season Record: 24-15-2
Last Week’s Record: 7-7-1

Little bit of a rough week last week (thanks TCU). We’re turning it around this week though!

1. Louisiana Tech at North Texas (-7.5)- BET UNT. They have won every game by at least 23 points
2. BYU (+17.5) at Washington
3. Oregon (-3) at California
4. Boise State at Wyoming Over 45.5- Boise State plays to fast for this over not to hit. They may score 40 points by themselves
5. Purdue (-3.5) at Nebraska- Purdue can score. Nebraska cannot. No idea why the line is this low
6. Pittsburgh at UCF Over 65- I quickly learned I was dumb for thinking UCF couldn’t have an over 77.5. Well Pitt’s defense is bad and so is UCF’s. This is me learning
7. West Virginia (-3.5) at Texas Tech
8. Arkansas vs. Texas A&M (-20.5)- Arkansas may lose every SEC game by 20 points
9. Texas (-8.5) at Kansas State
10. Stanford at Notre Dame Over 54

Bonus Picks

1. Ohio State (-3.5) at Penn State
2. Ohio State at Penn State Over 70
3. Virginia at NC State (-5)– NC State is the better team and at home
4. Michigan at Northwestern (+14)
5. Tennessee at Georgia Over 52- Georgia’s defense is not the same. Georgia also has scored 40+ points every game. So If Tennessee can just do a little we have the easy cover.

Rant of the Week

Well this new redshirt rule has made its mark. The new College Football rule allows a player to play in four games and still use his redshirt for the season. It was first looked at as a benefit to the coaches as they could get younger players playing time without having to burn a redshirt. But the players have took full advantage of their new right.

The past few weeks players have transferred from major programs including Clemson, Oklahoma State, and Auburn. Honestly, good for them. If a player’s situation is bad enough to transfer after four games, they should be allowed to. I’ve never been in favor of players being able to leave whenever they want with no consequences, but this seems like a good balance to keep College Football from going full free agency.

Clemson QB Kelly Bryant transferred after getting beat out by true freshman QB Trevor Lawrence. The new rule gave this senior another chance at a senior year, something he wouldn’t have had before this rule.

Meanwhile, Oklahoma State had WR Jalen McCleskey transfer after not getting enough touches and Auburn had three players transfer to try and find new opportunities elsewhere. The new rule offers a great out for players in a bad situation.

On the other hand, this could leave coaches in a bind if too many players transfer. Clemson has had numerous quarterbacks transfer and now is stuck with only three scholarship quarterbacks. Nebraska has had to turn to a former walk-on as they only have two scholarship quarterbacks. The increase of transfers, especially at the quarterback position, will lead to coaches offering more quarterbacks so they do not end up in this situation. Overall, the new rule has shown to be a major win for the players.

I’m pretty sure I warned everyone before this past week. Whenever you think you have a bad lineup of games, that is where upsets happen. Boy, was I right! There were four top 25 upsets this week and Oklahoma went to overtime with Army. Virginia Tech lost to some team called Old Dominion (No, not the country band), Texas Tech shocked Oklahoma State, Texas is starting to think they’re back after beating TCU, and Mississippi State is actually not good.

Tyler’s Thoughts

No Texas is Not Back

I honestly had to re-watch this game to assess if Texas was really back. A fuzzy memory from the bars in Uptown Dallas was the cause.

But after further review: Texas is not back. TCU was the better team for almost a full three quarters of that game. However, a key to the Texas 15-point win was the turnover battle. TCU had four costly turnovers including two interceptions and a fumble by young QB Shawn Robinson. Robinson actually had an alright day other than the crucial turnovers.

If these teams played a rematch I’d lean towards TCU, but the after game assessment is TCU is worse than we thought and Texas is just a little better than we thought. I look at Texas as a seven or eight win team.

By the way, one of the worst decisions I saw all week was TCU Head Coach Gary Patterson punt on 4^th and 4 with 2:36 left in the fourth quarter down 15 points. Time is your enemy at that point. Punting took over a minute off the clock and backed TCU up to their own 22. It was a give up play and one of the worst coaching decisions of the year.

Where did the ACC go

After the Virginia Tech loss to Old Dominion, Clemson and Miami look like the only real contenders. Duke is undefeated, but unproven. It looks like Clemson should have a nice walk to the College Football Playoffs. I say should, but they’ve been known to trip to bad teams (last year loss against 4-8 Syracuse). If they lose, they could be looking at a similar situation as Wisconsin last year where they may not have enough quality wins to make it.

Oregon Blew it

Oregon absolutely gave the game away to Stanford. Oregon was the best team through all four quarters, but two costly fumbles gave Stanford a chance. They outgained Stanford in yardage 524-398, and held Stanford to just 71 yards rushing! Not only that, I don’t think I’ve ever seen a game where the quarterback completes over 90% of his passes in regulation and doesn’t win the game. Justin Herbert was fantastic and I’m still processing how exactly they lost that game.

Now I did pick Oregon to make the College Football Playoff and that pick was looking very good through the first half. Oregon would’ve controlled the Pac 12 North with the tie-breaker against Stanford. I actually really like Oregon to beat Washington in three weeks as I see no shot of Washington’s offense being able to keep up with Oregon’s in Eugene. The Pac 12 North race should be a fun one.

Notre Dame has found their guy

Not sure if you paid attention to this noon game, but the Notre Dame offense looks ten times better with Ian Book starting at quarterback. He completed 73 percent of his passes and threw for 325 yards against Wake Forest in a 56-27 win. Notre Dame could be a legitimate playoff contender if the offense keeps this up.

Tua May Not Play a 4^th quarter until November

Tua is gone til November. Texas A&M was no competition for Alabama and their October looks like a breeze. They play Louisiana-Lafayette, Arkansas, Missouri and Tennessee before the November 3^rd game against LSU. Missouri has the only shot of forcing Tua into the 4^th quarter if QB Drew Lock can score enough points, but that’s doubtful. ESPN has taken notice and scheduled the next two Alabama games for noon. This may be the first case of a team being so good they get moved to noon because it’s over by the end of the first quarter.

My Top 25

1. Alabama
2. Georgia
3. Ohio State
4. LSU
5. Clemson
6. West Virginia
7. Stanford
8. Oklahoma
9. Penn State
10. Notre Dame
11. Auburn
12. Miami
13. UCF
14. Washington
15. Kentucky
16. Duke
17. Michigan
18. Oregon
19. California
20. BYU
21. Wisconsin
22. North Texas
23. Syracuse
24. NC State
25. South Carolina

AP Mess of the Week

What a week for the AP Poll. The voters have legitimately forgot about games that happened less than three weeks ago. The problem is the voters are ranking week by week instead of looking at the total resume. There are so many examples to choose from:

#18 Texas (3-1) lost to Unranked Maryland (3-1) in Week One 34-29

#15 Wisconsin (3-1) lost to #20 BYU (3-1) in Week Three 24-21

#25 Texas Tech (3-1) lost to Unranked Ole Miss (3-1) in Week One 47-27

But my pick goes to undefeated #24 California being ranked behind #20 BYU even though California beat BYU on the road in Week Two 21-18. BYU doesn’t have a better record or the head-to-head advantage yet the AP voters think BYU should be ranked ahead? I get that BYU has an impressive win over Wisconsin, but it does not erase the fact that California went on the road and took down BYU. We need the Playoff Committee to straighten this out soon.

Week 4 is a lackluster lineup with only two top 25 matchups this week. But with this comes a time for reflection. Remember in Week 0 when we stayed up excited for New Mexico State and Wyoming because football was back? That was only one month ago. Let’s keep the football is back attitude all year! Plus, it is quiet weekends like these where upsets happen. Let’s start the run down!

Run Down (All Times EST)

Friday Night Frenzy

Florida Atlantic at #16 UCF (-13.5), 7:00 ESPN

CLEAR YOUR FRIDAY NIGHT! CANCEL YOUR DATE! INVITE THE BOYS OVER! We have Lane Kiffin AKA Joey Freshwater going up to Orlando for a Florida showdown. The winner will be in prime position for the top team in the group of five. UCF quarterback struggled against South Carolina State throwing 3 interceptions in a 38-0 win. He won’t be able to get away with that against Florida Atlantic.

Gambling Advice: I like FAU to keep it close. Maybe even pull the upset. Also the over/under is set at 77!! FAU doesn’t have a bad defense and neither offense has lit it up. Hammer the under.

Washington State at USC (-3.5), 10:30 ESPN

USC has been terrible. Sam Darnold must’ve really been holding that team together last year. As for Washington State they’ve won by more than 20 points each game with their toughest opponent being Wyoming. Who knows what’ll happen… which makes for a great Friday night.

Gambling Advice: Stay away. The Cougars are unproven and USC is bad. This could go either way, but if you have to bet go Washington State.

Saturday Morning Hangover Games

#2 Georgia (-14) at Missouri, Noon ESPN

If you want to take a nice nap that’s ok too. Georgia should be in no trouble against a team that had to sneak out of Purdue with a last second field goal. Missouri QB Drew Lock is very good and the offense could put up some points, but the defense is nowhere near being able to stop Georgia.

Gambling Advice: Georgia wins in a blowout.

#8 Notre Dame (-7.5) at Wake Forest, Noon ABC

Notre Dame is playing ,so the game is going to be close. They couldn’t blow out Ball State and barely survived Vanderbilt. Let’s see how they handle going on the road to Winston-Salem.

Gambling Advice: Wake Forest keeps it close and maybe wins. Take Wake Forest and the points.

6-Pack Deep Games

#22 Texas A&M at #1 Alabama (-27), 3:30 CBS

The Aggies made it interesting against Clemson, but this Bama team is a totally different animal. Tua Tagovailoa hasn’t played an entire game yet because of how big their leads are. The Aggies are the toughest defense Alabama has played, but it won’t be good enough to slow down the offense with Tua on the field.

Gambling Advice: Alabama’s covered the past three games, the strong bet is for them to cover again. Also over 61 with Kellen Mond scoring a few touchdowns.

#17 TCU (-3) at Texas, 4:30 FOX

No. Texas is still not good. They beat a bad USC team that featured a few very questionable calls (how was that not a safety??). TCU on the other hand put on a very strong performance against Ohio State. Think everyone can head to 6^th street a little early with TCU winning by double digits.

Gambling Advice: ALL THE MONEY ON TCU

Whiskey Night Games

#14 Mississippi State (-10) at Kentucky 7:00 ESPN2

I still think Mississippi State is one of the most underrated teams in college football. The Bulldogs and Crimson Tide are the only two teams to average more than 50 ppg and give up less than 10 ppg. Kentucky is alright, but Mississippi State wins by double digits.

Gambling Advice: Bet Mississippi State

Texas Tech at #15 Oklahoma State (-13), 7:00 FS1

Oklahoma State may be one of the most surprising teams in college football. Their defense is actually pretty good and Taylor Cornelius does a good job managing the offense. Texas Tech has found their rhythm over the past few weeks on offense including putting up 63 points against Houston. I still can’t get over them only scoring 27 points against Ole Miss though.

Gambling Advice: Think Oklahoma State wins a close one. Also bet the under 77.5. Oklahoma State hasn’t gave up more than 21 points all year. Texas Tech should obviously score more than that, but they won’t get to 78.

#7 Stanford (-2) at #20 Oregon, 8:00 ABC

A really good Pac-12 matchup. Oregon was my pick to be the surprise team at the start of year and so far they haven’t disappointed. But Stanford has also looked really good even though their win against USC looks less impressive. Saturday night in Eugene will be tough and I think the game will be close.

Gambling Advice: Not confident, but give me Oregon and the two points.

#18 Wisconsin (-3)  at Iowa, 8:30 FOX

Can Wisconsin avoid losing 2 in a row? That would turn “Jump Around” into “Sit Down.” Wisconsin really has not been that impressive at all in the past three games. Iowa holding Iowa State to 3 points looks more impressive after Iowa State scoring 27 points against Oklahoma. Iowa is a good football team and the home game at night will be a major advantage.

Gambling Advice: Iowa in a close one. Take the points. Also 43.5 is a very low over/under. Think the over hits.

One-Eye Open Game

Arizona State at #10 Washington (-17.5), 10:30 ESPN

Huskies continue the Pac-12 at dark tradition from last week. The offense looked horrible last week against Utah and was a much closer game than it seemed. Arizona State also had a tough loss against San Diego State.

Gambling Advice: Washington’s offense right now looks like it can barely score 17 points. They’re supposed to cover by 17.5 points? Bet Arizona State in a potential upset.

Top Bets of the Week

Season Record: 17-8-1
Last Week’s Record: 9-5

1. TCU -3 at Texas
2. North Texas -13.5 at Liberty– They just beat Arkansas by 27 points and the closest game has been a 23 point win. They can handle beating Liberty by 14.
3. Georgia -14 at Missouri
4. Miss State -10 at Kentucky
5. Nebraska +19.5 at Michigan– Nebraska isn’t good, but they have a little bit of defense. That’s enough to keep it within 19.5 points.
6. FAU at UCF Under 77
7. Boston College -6.5 at Purdue– How is Purdue going to stop AJ Dillion? Answer: They’re not going to be able to.
8. NC State -5 at Marshall– NC State is much better than Marshall. They cover the 5 points easily.
9. East Carolina +24 at South Florida– South Florida barely beat Illinois. How are they going to cover 24 points against East Carolina?
10. Texas Tech at Oklahoma State Under 77.5

Bonus Picks

1. Kansas State at West Virginia -16– West Virginia has a lot of offense. Kansas State is bad. West Virginia is going to win by 20+
2. Pittsburgh -4.5 at North Carolina– North Carolina has been off for a week and still has players suspended. Pittsburgh should win.
3. Arizona State +17.5 at Washington
4. Clemson -17 at Georgia Tech– Georgia Tech has looked awful. I think Clemson finally puts together a solid blowout this week.
5. Florida Atlantic +13.5 at UCF

Rant of the Week

My rant this week is about having nothing to rant about. Why is everyone being so rational? Nobody is saying the Big Ten is the best conference, a terrible team is playoff bound, or arguing strength of schedule. It is extremely early and I know in about one month I’m going to have five things to rant about, but right now there is nothing.

I even went on twitter trying to get triggered. I’ve done everything this week and nothing has helped. Maybe I’m just not grouchy enough. I’m not old enough to be yelling at clouds. I’m just not cut out for this college football writing stuff.

But then I remembered there is one absolute terrible college football analyst with the most ridiculous takes. A guy that could spin just about anything into a terrible take. Let’s see what terrible take he has for the week!

*Opens Twitter, Searches Danny Kanell, Scrolls past tweets*

I give up. Here’s your rant about nothing. Sorry for wasting the past 5 minutes of your life.

Here come the top ten upsets! Wisconsin and Auburn were both upset by double digit underdogs BYU and LSU. Those were not the only upsets as the Big Ten had seven teams lose to unranked nonconference teams. The most since 1936! And there were people that said the Big Ten was the best conference…

Overall it was a pretty exciting week 3 and next week conference play picks up. Here’s some thoughts from the action on Saturday.

Tyler’s Thoughts

LSU has the best resume in the country

It may not be sexy. But LSU keeps on beating good teams. They’ve beaten #21 Miami and #9 Auburn which is by far the best resume out there. LSU still has major challenges awaiting including three straight games starting October 13^th against Georgia, Mississippi State, and Alabama.

If the playoff committee met today though, you’d have a hard time convincing me they wouldn’t be in the top 4.

It’s Alabama’s world, we are just living in it

 For about two minutes I thought Ole Miss could make it interesting. DK Metcalf broke loose on a go route for a 75-yard touchdown on the first play of the game. After that, Alabama made Ole Miss look like a high school defense. I honestly want to know what a full game of Tua looks like.

But the biggest surprise was the Alabama secondary. Ole Miss has three legitimate NFL receivers and they could not move the ball. Taking out the 75 yard opening pass, Jordan Ta’amu went 6/21, 58 yards, and 2 INTs. The defense is a strength again for Alabama. 

Time to pump the brakes on Oklahoma 

I was all in on Oklahoma after the first two weeks of football. Week 3 made me reassess. The offense is fantastic again and Kyler Murray is an explosive athlete at quarterback. However, this defense is rough.

Iowa State, who scored 3 points against Iowa last week, had their backup quarterback throw for 360 yards against Oklahoma. If the secondary can’t figure it out, there are going to be some shootouts against teams like TCU, West Virginia and Oklahoma State. Not to mention if they have to play elite teams like Alabama, Georgia and Ohio State in the playoffs.

Pac 12 South may be the worst division of all-time 

There is only one team in the Pac-12 South that is undefeated through three games. Colorado is the only undefeated team and they needed a last second hold against 1-2 Nebraska. It is incredible that either Colorado, Arizona State, Utah, Arizona, USC, or UCLA will be in the Pac-12 championship. The winner of the Pac-12 North is going to roll over whoever wins the South.

My Top 25

1. Alabama
2. Georgia
3. Ohio State
4. LSU
5. Clemson
6. Oklahoma
7. Mississippi State
8. Stanford
9. West Virginia
10. Penn State
11. Auburn
12. Notre Dame
13. Oklahoma State
14. Oregon
15. Virginia Tech
16. Miami
17. UCF
18. TCU
19. Washington
20. Texas A&M
21. Iowa
22. Michigan
23. Wisconsin
24. Duke
25. North Texas

AP Mess of the Week

There’s honestly nothing too bad this week. Having LSU ranked sixth is a little low considering their resume, but it’s debatable. I guess I will focus on a specific voter this week… Soren Petro.

Soren has Alabama the 3^rd ranked team in the nation behind Clemson and Georgia. Now I don’t know if Soren has a television in Leawood, Kansas or he just hates the Tide, but how can you watch Alabama and not think they’re the top team in the nation? They’ve dominated on both sides of the ball. I do not understand how a 1-point win against Texas A&M screams that Clemson is the number one team in the nation Mr. Petro.

YA I DID TOO JAMES FRANCO.

Instead this dang hurricane is out here wreckin’ our football! Brilliant, CTE-free, football scientist Danny Kanell had the great idea of not canceling the football games until everyone has traveled to the place where the hurricane is supposed to hit:

It may be news to Danny, but the goal of hurricane evacuation is to get out of the way of the hurricane. Maybe at Florida State, Kanell should have got out of the way of a few more Miami Hurricanes then he would be able to see this clearly. But I will go easy on him since Florida State and the ACC are a dumpster fire.

In all seriousness, stay safe East Coast.

Now moving onto the football that isn’t cancelled, we have our rundown of the week!

The Run Down (All Times EST)

Thursday Happy Hour Game

Boston College (-5.5) at Wake Forest, 5:30 ESPN

Yes, you read that right. A 5:30 game. Boston College goes from playing Holy Cross to traveling to play the Demon Deacons. Heisman hopeful AJ Dillon should run wild against a Wake Forest team that barely escaped the Green Wave in New Orleans. No, I’m not talking about a sea of Dos Equis, I’m talking about the Tulane Green Wave.

Gambling Advice: Take Boston College, they’ll win by double digits.

Saturday Morning Hangover Games

#5 Oklahoma (-17) at Iowa State, Noon ABC

REVENGE GAME!! Last year Iowa State went to Norman and pulled off the upset. This year Oklahoma has been killing everybody. Sure they haven’t had much competition with UCLA and FAU, but their offense looks legit. Iowa State on the other hand scored 3 points against Iowa last week and have a hurt quarterback.

Gambling Advice: OU smokes them. Take Oklahoma.

Florida State (-3) at Syracuse, Noon ESPN

Just how far are the Seminoles going to fall. The Willie Taggart era hasn’t started smoothly with a blowout loss to Virginia Tech and close game against Samford. We will see if Florida State can turn it around in the Carrier Dome.

Gambling Advice: Stay away. Florida State is unpredictable right now which is never good for betting.

6-Pack Down Afternoon Games

Vanderbilt at #8 Notre Dame (-14), 2:30 NBC

It’s always nice seeing a SEC team go into South Bend, even if Vanderbilt doesn’t exactly scream SEC atmosphere. Notre Dame is coming off a not impressive 8-point win against Ball State. Meanwhile, Vanderbilt actually has been playing some decent football against weaker opponents.

Gambling Advice: Take Vanderbilt and the 14 points. They may not win, but they’ll cover. Vanderbilt has a decent defense and Notre Dame’s offense has only averaged 24 points a game. Might as well take the Under 52 points while you’re at it.

#12 LSU at #7 Auburn (-9.5), 3:30 CBS

Best game of the week. SEC Football. Top 15 Matchup. This is what fall is all about. Both of these teams have had impressive non-conference wins, but Saturday will show which one is the real threat to Alabama in the SEC West.

Gambling Advice: I don’t get the 9.5-point spread. I think it is going to be a close game and I’m not confident who is going to win. But give me LSU and the points.

#17 Boise State at #24 Oklahoma State (-2.5), 3:30 ESPN

The best group of five team with a legitimate power five matchup. Nobody is talking about how good this Boise State team is. They have a legitimate quarterback in Brett Rypien and a very good defense. Oklahoma State’s quarterback, Taylor Cornelius, on the other hand hasn’t played as well. Think Boise State is the better team and comes out with a win in Stillwater. Cowboys fans will need a few Payne County Painkillers at Copper Penny (You Shotgun a Red Bull with Alcohol in it… so I’ve heard).

Gambling Advice: Boise State +2.5 and take the over 62.5.

Houston (-1) at Texas Tech, 4:15 FOX

Red Raiders and Cougars in Lubbock. Tech students will be glad it’s not a 11am kickoff, but it could be the last non-conference game for Kliff Kingsbury. Especially with a 1-2 start before Big 12 play even starts. Houston blew out an unimpressive Arizona team and I think they win a close one against Texas Tech.

Gambling Advice: Bet Houston.

Whiskey Night Games

#1 Alabama (-21) at Ole Miss, 7:00 ESPN

The Rebels have offense, but absolutely no defense. Tua may accidentally throw for 500 yards. The Alabama secondary will be tested, but Bama hasn’t gave up at least 30 points since Deshaun Watson in the 2016 National Championship. Ole Miss will keep it closer than last year when they lost 66-3, but Alabama still wins big. At least the Rebels still have the Grove. And a $75 cover at the Library.

Gambling Advice: Alabama, Alabama, Alabama

#4 Ohio State (-12.5) vs. #15 TCU, 8:00 ABC (Arlington)

The first test for Ohio State. Dwayne Haskins and the Buckeye’s offense has looked elite against mediocre competition. TCU’s defense will be a little bit more of a test. The TCU offense isn’t bad also as they’ve scored 40+ points against non-FBS competition. This is going to be new QB Shawn Robinson’s first test.

Gambling Advice: Ohio State wins by two touchdowns and the Over 60 points hits

#22 USC at Texas (-3), 8:00 FOX

Honestly both of these teams aren’t very good. They’re big name College Football programs that have very little offense. USC scored just 3 points against Stanford and Texas hasn’t scored more than 30 points all season. Texas could only beat Tulsa by seven points. I guess enjoy 6th street because both of these teams are extremely average this year.

Gambling Advice: Take USC +3

One-Eye Open Game

#10 Washington (-6.5) at Utah, 10:00 ESPN

Have to stay up for this one because it could be a Pac-12 After Dark upset. Top ten team traveling to play a late night game in Utah sounds like an upset recipe to me.

Gambling Advice: Stay Away, unless you need some entertainment. Then I’d go Utah and the points

Top 10 Bets of the Week

1. LSU (+9.5) at Auburn
2. Missouri (-7) at Purdue– Purdue is not very good and Missouri can score some points. Mizzou by double digits.
3. USC (+3) at Texas
4. Alabama (-21) at Ole Miss
5. Boise State (+2.5) at Oklahoma State
6. Ohio State vs. TCU (Over 60)
7. Georgia Southern at Clemson (Over 44.5)– This line confuses me. Georgia Southern has scored 30+ the past two weeks and Clemson could score 45 points by themselves. I’d watch the weather though.
8. Boston College (-5.5) at Wake Forest
9. Houston (-1) at Texas Tech
10. Vanderbilt (+14) at Notre Dame

Bonus Picks

1. Vanderbilt at Notre Dame (Under 52)
2. Boise State at Oklahoma State (Over 62.5)
3. BYU (+21) at Wisconsin– Wisconsin hasn’t covered the last two weeks. BYU isn’t a bad team and Wisconsin struggles blowing these teams out.
4. Rutgers (+3) at Kansas– I get it. Kansas won last week. But they’re still Kansas and I don’t think they can beat Rutgers.

 

Rant of the Week

Why is fumbling out of the end zone a touchback? Down 28-20 with 2:13 left, Quartney Davis for Texas A&M made a move for the pylon and fumbled. It looked like the ball went to the left of the pylon, but replay didn’t have a good enough angle to overturn it. Clemson’s ball.

But my question is why should Clemson get the ball. They never recovered the fumble and the possession was last with Texas A&M. It remains one of the dumbest “it is what it is” rules in not only College Football, but in every level of football. There is no reason for Clemson in this case to get the ball. How fumbling at the one-yard line somehow turns into the other team’s ball at the twenty is mind-boggling.

Let’s say they did change the rule. Wouldn’t that make football more exciting? It would mean more diving for the pylon and not worrying about losing the ball out of bounds. Changing the rule makes sense and would add more excitement to the game.