LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- It's kind of a strange day in college football in these parts. Louisville and Kentucky are both on bye weeks, and both coming off a loss. WKU doesn't play until Tuesday night. Indiana is in one of the national spotlight games of the day, but it's more than 2,000 miles away in Eugene, Oregon.
But the picks just keep on coming. A week ago, I rebounded with a 4-1 record against the spread, improving to 29-19 on the season.
Louisville | Kentucky | Indiana | Eric Crawford
This week, another shorter schedule, but let's get to it, for entertainment purposes only!
No. 1 Ohio State (-14.5) at No. 17 Illinois (over/under 51.5), noon, FOX
The Pick: Ohio State 35, Illinois 17
The only thing that tapped the breaks on this for me is that Sagarin has Illinois just a little more than a touchdown underdog at home, suggesting the Vegas line might be double what it should be. But when I look at it, the Ohio State defensive line is too good, and visions of giving up 63 to Indiana are still dancing in my head. I'll give the points, and take the Buckeyes.
No. 8 Alabama (-3.5) at No. 14 Missouri (51.5), noon, ABC
The Pick: Alabama 28, Missouri 24
This is the toughest game on the board, by far. Alabama has played better competition and looks to have itself stabilized. But Missouri's running game poses a problem. The Tigers could easily win this, could easily cover. But I give Alabama the edge based on being the more battle-tested team.
No. 7 Indiana (+7) at No. 3 Oregon (53.5), 3:30, CBS
The pick: Oregon 35, Indiana 24
This is a huge game for Indiana in terms of national reputation and potentially even at-large playoff standing. And I think the Hoosiers will play well. But this Oregon team is so good on both lines, and that's where the game will be won. Fernando Mendoza gives the Hoosiers a chance, but Oregon has a guy who can sling it, too.
No. 6 Oklahoma (+1.5) at Texas (44.5), 3:30, ABC
The Pick: Oklahoma 21, Texas 17
It looks as if Oklahoma QB John Mateer is going to try to give it a go, just 17 days after surgery on his throwing hand. I'm less concerned about that than how Texas has struggled to sustain drives and keep from turning the ball over. I'll take Oklahoma to win, with or without Mateer, even on the road.
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