NCAA Picks 10/11/08

I had another 2-1 week last week but I have to go 3-0.  It will be tough this week because of the Texas-Oklahoma game.  I normally wouldn’t take this game but it’s such a big game and everyone will be into it that I can’t pass it up.  This week might be the most difficult week so far.

(5) Texas v (1) Oklahoma (-6.5)

ATS: Texas 5-0, Oklahoma 4-0

Home/Away: Game played at a neutral site (Cotton Bowl in Dallas)

Pick: Oklahoma

There are a lot of stats you could throw out for this game but it may just come down to a gut feeling.  I’ll give you some info anyway.  These teams have split the last four meetings.  Texas hasn’t given up more than 14 points to any team this year and has not scored less that 35 in those games. 

Sam Bradford is among the leaders in every passing category.  If he keeps this up, I see a Heisman in his future.  Colt McCoy has added speed to his game to make him more balanced.  He’s also the Longhorns leading rusher but is that good or bad?

Oklahoma is ranked 4th in points scored and 15th in points allowed.  Texas is 6th in points scored and 7th in points allowed. 

This is a very tough game to pick and the stats may not mean much.  The game is in Dallas.  Does that give Texas any kind of egde?  Can Colt McCoy win the “Big One”?  After everything, I just think the Sooners are a touchdown better than Texas.  This might be a good game to walk away from.  Don’t take my word for it.  Only take this game if you feel strongly about it.

Oklahoma 30-23 

 

New Mexico @ (8) BYU (-23)

ATS: NM 3-3, BYU 2-2

Home: BYU 3-0, Away: NM 1-1

Pick: BYU

In three home games this year BYU has won 44-0 (Wyoming), 59-0 (UCLA) and 44-17 (N. Iowa).  The Cougars are 7th in passing yards and the D is 8th in points allowed.  New Mexico ranks 100th in offensive yards per game and 100th in passing yards given up per game.  New Mexico will be without their starting quarterback in this one.  Look for a rout here.

BYU 45-10

 

Temple @ Central Michigan (-7.5)

ATS: Temple 5-1, CMU 2-2

Home: CMU 2-0, Away: Temple 2-2

Pick Central Michigan

Central Michigan beat Temple two years ago but this should be an improved Owl team from that one.  Central Michigan can throw the ball but are 97th in total D.  Temple has a below average offense and is 82nd in total D.  While Central Michigan lost to Georgia and Purdue, Temple lost away at Buffalo.  Both teams may not be great but I think it’s the quarterback play that makes the difference here.

Central Michigan 23-13