College Football Week 9 Picks/Predictions

Week 8 was another wild week of college football, and we head into what looks like could be another one in week 9.  Here are my college football week 9 picks/predictions:

Lines via Westgate Las Vegas SuperBook

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#10 West Virginia (6-0) at Oklahoma State (5-2) (12:00 PM ET, on FOX, in Stillwater, Oklahoma)

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Line is set at: #10 West Virginia (-4)

My pick: Oklahoma State defeats #10 West Virginia 30-24

What to watch for: Oklahoma State's passing game.  The Cowboys have a great passing game that ranks 13th in the nation, but vs #10 West Virginia's stout defense they'll have to really show up and play well.  With that being said, I think they will enough to pull off the huge upset victory over the #10 ranked Mountaineers of West Virginia.

My thoughts on this game: This is a big game for the Big-12, and for both of these teams.  A West Virginia win keeps them alive for the playoff race, and an Oklahoma State win keeps them alive for a New Years' Six Bowl.  So both of these teams are playing for something, but I see Oklahoma State coming out with the victory.

Photo credit: Rob Ferguson - USA TODAY Sports

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#7 Nebraska (7-0) at #11 Wisconsin (5-2) (7:00 PM ET, on ESPN, in Madison, Wisconsin) 

       Line is set at: #11 Wisconsin (-9)                                                                    

My pick: #11 Wisconsin defeats #7 Nebraska 24-17                                                             

     What to watch for: Wisconsin's defense.  The Badgers have one of the best defenses in all of college football, they have held every opponent under 20 points with the exception of Ohio State (who scored 23 points in an overtime game).  And I think that even though #7 Nebraska has a good offense, I see the Badgers' defense prevailing again.

My thoughts on this game: This is another important game that will be played this week, and I think that it will be close, and down-to-the-wire, but I see the Badgers pulling a close game out at home in Madison vs #7 Nebraska.

Photo credit: Mary Langenfeld - USA TODAY Sports

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#3 Clemson (7-0) at #12 Florida State (5-2) (8:00 PM ET, on ABC, in Tallahassee, Florida)  

UPSET 

Line is set at: #3 Clemson (-4.5)                                                                                        

My pick: #12 Florida State defeats #3 Clemson 26-23                                                           

What to watch for: Florida State's special teams.  Both of these teams have pretty good offenses, and both have pretty good defenses, and there are reasons to pick both teams.  However, I think one possibly overlooked aspect of the game is special teams, and I think that the Noles have a better special teams which could play a big part in this game, and I think it will in a game I see FSU winning.

My thoughts on this game: This is the highest ranked matchup of the week, and I think it will live up to its hype.  Both of these teams have had a bye week to prepare for this game, and I see both coming out ready, but I see Florida State pulling out the victory in a close one in front of their home crowd.

Photo credit: Wilfredo Lee - AP

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My Sneaky Good Game Of The Week

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#15 Auburn (5-2) at Ole Miss (3-4) (7:15 PM ET, on the SECN, in Oxford, Mississippi)     

Line is set at: #15 Auburn (-4)                                                                                        

My pick: #15 Auburn defeats Ole Miss 27-23                                                                   

What to watch for: Auburn's defense.  Auburn has a very good defense, probably the best defense they've had this decade.  However, they will face a good Ole Miss offense that could be trouble for them if they don't come out ready to play.  I see this game being another close game that will be played this week, and I have Auburn coming away with the narrow victory to improve to 6-2 on the season.

My thoughts on this game: This game is mainly interesting because of the fact that Auburn is fighting for their SEC West hopes after starting off the season 1-2, and because Ole Miss is playing spoiler, and is trying to make sure they make a bowl game this season.  So both teams are fighting for something, and I think that both teams will play a hard fought game, but I see Auburn pulling out the win.

Photo Credit: John Reed - USA TODAY Sports

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UPSET OF THE WEEK

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      #4 Washington (7-0) at #17 Utah (7-1) (3:30 PM ET, on FOX Sports 1, in Salt Lake City, Utah)

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      Line is set at #4 Washington (-10)

      My pick: #17 Utah defeats #4 Washington 30-27

      What to watch for: Utah's running game.  The Utes have a great running game, mainly because of a great running back that they have.  Senior running back Joe Williams rushed for 332 yards, and 4 touchdowns last week on the road at UCLA.  Yes, he will be facing a way tougher defense this week, but I think that he and his offense will be able to put enough points on the board to knock off #4 Washington at home.

My thoughts on this game: The last two times I picked against Washington I was way off, and I don't want to keep on picking against them, but I think that they will drop their first game of the season on the road at #17 Utah this upcoming Saturday, mainly because of the fact they will be in a hostile environment on the road, vs a very tough opponent with their championship hopes on the line.  I see those things being too tough to overcome in this particular game vs #17 Utah.

  Photo credit: Mark J. Terrill - AP

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Enjoy week 9 of the college football season!

Here are some other games to watch out for:

#2 Michigan at Michigan State

#14 Florida vs Georgia*

#8 Baylor at Texas

Northwestern at #6 Ohio State

You can follow me on twitter at: @Footballfile

College Football Week 8 Picks/Predictions

Another great week of college football has passed, and now we head into what looks like another great week of football in week 8.  Here are my college football week 8 picks/predictions.

Lines via Westgate Las Vegas SuperBook

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NC State (4-2) at #7 Louisville (5-1) (12:00 PM ET, on ABC, in Louisville, Kentucky)

Line is set at: #7 Louisville (-20.5)

My pick: #7 Louisville defeats NC State 28-17

What to watch for: Louisville's defense.  After a sluggish performance from a good offense in Louisville's vs Duke last week, I see them facing another sluggish performance when they face NC State, and their defense this week.  So with that being said, I think that the Cards defense will have to show up and play well to get the victory vs NC State, and I see them doing so over a pesky NC State team.

My thoughts on this game: This is another pretty good game that is kinda low on people's radar, but I see it being another tough game for one of the ACC's contenders vs NC State.  I think it will be pretty close, but I see Louisville making some plays to get the victory to keep their CFP hopes alive.

Photo credit: Timothy D. Easely - AP

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#6 Texas A&M (6-0) at #1 Alabama (7-0) (3:30 PM ET, on CBS, in Tuscaloosa, Alabama)         

Line is set at #1 Alabama (-19)                                                                                               

My pick: #1 Alabama defeats #6 Texas A&M 38-17                                                                  

What to watch for: Alabama's defense.  As always, I have Bama's defense as what to watch for.  The Tide's defense is one of the best, if not the best in the country.  Not only have they stopped other teams from scoring a lot, they've also put points on the board.  So with that being said, I see the Tide getting a comfortable victory in an important game over a tough Aggies team at home  to improve to 8-0 on the season, and remain #1.

My thoughts on this game: This is the game of the week, and it has a whole lot of importance to it.  I think that Texas A&M is a good football team, but I think Bama will roll to another victory.

Photo credit: Randy Sartin - USA TODAY Sports

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 #23 Ole Miss (3-3) at #25 LSU (3-2) (9:00 PM ET, on ESPN, in Baton Rouge)                           

UPSET 

Line is set at: #25 LSU (-5.5)

My pick: #23 Ole Miss defeats #25 LSU 27-21

What to watch for: Ole Miss' defense.  The Rebels' defense has talent, but has struggled at points this season; so if they want to pull off a much needed win on Saturday night they'll have to play better, and I think they will enough to get the victory over #25 LSU to improve to 4-3.

My thoughts on this game: This is another top 25 SEC matchup, and it is importance because Ole Miss is trying to avoid losing two in a row, and falling to 3-4 on the season, and for LSU they are still alive in the SEC West championship chase, and are trying to continue on their winning streak.  So with those things at stake, both of these teams will be playing for something, and I see both of them coming out ready and prepared, but I see the Rebels pulling out the close victory.

  Photo credit: The Clarion-Ledger  

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My Sneaky Good Game Of The Week

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TCU (4-2) at #12 West Virginia (3:30 PM ET, on ABC/ESPN2, in Morgantown, West Virginia)

Line is set at: #12 West Virginia (-5)                                                                                    

My pick: #12 West Virginia defeats TCU 40-37                                                                    

What to watch for: West Virginia's offense.  The Mountaineers offense has been interesting this season because they've been some what inconsistent.  With that being said, I see them outscoring TCU in a shootout in a close game to improve to 6-0 on the season, and remain unbeaten.

My thoughts on this game: This game is huge for the Big 12 because if West Virginia loses, they will only have one team (Baylor) left that has a chance to get into the CFP.  I think that TCU will play them close in this game, and will have a chance to win late, but I see West Virginia escaping with the victory.

Photo credit: Ben Queen - USA TODAY Sports

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UPSET OF THE WEEK

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#17 Arkansas (5-2) at #21 Auburn (4-2) (6:00 PM ET, on ESPN, in Auburn, AL)                     

UPSET  

Line is set at: #21 Auburn (-10)                                                                                            

My pick: #17 Arkansas defeats #21 Auburn 35-27                                                                   

                                                                  

What to watch for: Arkansas' offense.  The Razorbacks have a great offense, while Auburn has a stout defense, so that will be an interesting matchup.  People say defense wins championships, and they do.  However, in this game I see Arkansas' offense scoring enough to get a big win over Auburn to improve to 6-2 on the season.

My thoughts on this game: This game is an interesting game for multiple reasons, but probably the biggest reason is the fact that Auburn is so heavily favored for a team that is lower ranked than their opponent.  Even though Auburn is at home, and they had a bye week, I see Arkansas pulling off the upset win.

Photo credit: Chris Brashers - AP

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Enjoy week 8 of the college football season!

Here are some other games to look out for:

BYU at #14 Boise State (FRIDAY)

#10 Wisconsin at Iowa

Purdue at #8 Nebraska

#2 Ohio State at Penn State

You can follow me on twitter: @Footballfile

                                                          

College Football Week 7 Picks/Predictions

After another exciting week of college football, teams head into week 7 where conference play really heats up, and we see the contenders separate themselves from the pack.  Here are my week 7 picks/predictions:

Lines via Westgate Las Vegas SuperBook



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NC State (4-1) at #3 Clemson (6-0) (12:00 PM ET, on ABC, in Clemson, South Carolina)

Line is set at: #3 Clemson (-17)


My pick: #3 Clemson defeats NC State 31-21

What to watch for: Special teams.  Special teams isn't usually something I add in here, but I think it will be a decently close game in much of this game, that the special teams play a role in.  With that being said, I think that #3 Clemson will be able to find a way to make a few big plays on special teams that ends up lifting them over the top at home over a pretty tough NC State team.

My thoughts on this game: This game is a pretty sneaky game, that could spell some trouble for #3 Clemson.  I think it will be pretty close, but I see the Tigers pulling away late over the Wolfpack to get to 7-0 on the season.

Photo credit: Jim Rogash - Getty Images

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#1 Alabama (6-0) at #9 Tennessee (5-1) (3:30 PM ET, on CBS, in Knoxville, Tennessee)

Line is set at: #1 Alabama (-13)

My pick: #1 Alabama defeats #9 Tennessee 31-16

What to watch for: Alabama's defense.  Once again, it is Alabama's defense that is the thing to watch for.  Alabama has a great defense already, but after giving up 30 to Arkansas, the Tide's defense will come out even more hungry to play great at Tennessee, and I think they will do so in a big win for the Tide to keep them unbeaten, and ranked #1.

My thoughts on this game: This is one of the biggest games of the weekend, but not just for the weekend, but probably also for the whole regular season.  I think that this game will determine a lot for who could be in the CFB Playoff at the end of the season, and I see the Tide coming up big in this one to stay unbeaten.

Photo credit: Samantha Baker - AP

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#12 Ole Miss (3-2) at #22 Arkansas (4-2) (7:00 PM ET, on ESPN, in Fayetteville, Arkansas)       

Line is set at: #12 Ole Miss (-8)                                                                                             

                                                            

My pick: #12 Ole Miss defeats #22 Arkansas 41-27                                                                  

What to watch for: Ole Miss' offense.  The Rebels have a very good offense, that has put up 40+ points in 3 out of the 5 games they've played so far this season, and I think they'll do it again on the road at Arkansas en route to a victory that could put them in the top 10 in the nation.

My thoughts on this game: This game is a very interesting one because of these two teams' record, and because of what happened last season in Oxford when Arkansas pulled off a 53-52 victory in OT.  However, in this game I see the result being different with the Rebels getting their revenge on the road to improve to 4-2 on the season.

Photo credit: Matt Bush - USA TODAY Sports

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My Sneaky Good Game Of The Week

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#10 Nebraska (5-0) at Indiana (3-2) (3:30 PM ET, on ESPN2, in Bloomington, Indiana)                  

Line is set at: #10 Nebraska (-5)                                                                                             

My pick: #10 Nebraska defeats Indiana 36-31                                                                          

What to watch for: Nebraska's offense.  The Cornhuskers have played well this season on offense, but they'll face a tough test on the road in Bloomington when they face Indiana.  I think that this game will be close, but I see Nebraska's offense playing well enough to hold off Indiana at home.

My thoughts on this game: This game isn't getting too much hype this weekend, and that is probably because of the fact that there are two top 10 ranked vs ranked matchups this weekend, along with some other games that are more entertaining to talk about.  However, I think it will end up getting noticed because of how good the game will be, and I think that Nebraska will pull it off late to keep their college football playoff hopes alive.

Photo credit: Nati Harnik - AP

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UPSET OF THE WEEK

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#2 Ohio State (5-0) at #8 Wisconsin (4-1) (8:00 PM ET, on ABC, in Madison, Wisconsin0      

UPSET 

Line is set at: #2 Ohio State (-10.5)                                                                                       

My pick: #8 Wisconsin defeats #2 Ohio State 24-21                                                                 

What to watch for: Wisconsin's defense.  The strongest part of this Wisconsin team is their defense.  They have held every opponent they have played this season to under 20 points.  However, vs #2 Ohio State I see them giving up just over 20 points, but remember that this Ohio State team has scored at least 38 points in every game they've played.  So there will be a great offense facing up against a great defense, and they say that "defenses win championships" so I see the Badgers pulling out a close one in this game largely because of their stout defense.

       My thoughts on this game: This is one of the best games of the weekend, and I think it will live up to that hype on the field.  I see both teams coming out ready, and motivated, but I see Wisconsin pulling out the victory over #2 Ohio State to improve to 5-1 on the season, and keep their CFP hopes alive.

Photo credit: Tony Ding - AP

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Enjoy week 7 of the 2016 college football season!

Here are some other games to look out for:

Duke at #7 Louisville (FRIDAY)

#20 West Virginia at Texas Tech

Wake Forest at #14 Florida State

#17 Virginia Tech at Syracuse

You can find me on twitter: @FootballFile                                                                                      

College Football Week 6 Picks/Predictions

After another great week of college football, we head into another week full of great matchups in week 6.  Here are my college football picks & predictions:


Lines via Westgate Las Vegas SuperBook

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Texas (2-2) vs #20 Oklahoma (2-2) (12:00 PM ET, on FOX Sports 1, in Dallas, Texas)

Line is set #20 Oklahoma (-10.5)

My pick: #20 Oklahoma defeats Texas 30-20


What to watch for: Oklahoma's defense.  The Sooners' defense hasn't played great so far this season, but even though they will face a tough offense in Texas, I think they will show up and play well enough to lift themselves over the top to avoid falling to 2-3 on the 2016 season.

My thoughts on this game: This certainly isn't the biggest game of the weekend in terms of impact, and rankings, but since this is a rivalry game, I decided to put this game on this weekend's picks.  But in terms of how I think the game will be played on the field, I see Oklahoma getting redemption from their loss last season to the Longhorns and I see them improving to 3-2 on the season.

Photo credit: Ronald Martinez - Getty Images

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#8 Texas A&M (5-0) vs #9 Tennessee (5-0) (3:30 PM ET, on CBS, in College Station, Texas)     

Line is set at: #8 Texas A&M (-7)                                                                                           

My pick: #8 Texas A&M defeats #9 Tennessee 34-31                                                                 

What to watch for: Texas A&M's offense.  The Aggies have an explosive offense that can score some points, but vs Tennessee (even though the Vols have been inconsistent), I think that A&M will have to play even better, because of the fact that Tennessee is probably the most talented team on defense the Aggies have faced so far this season.  With that being said, I think the Aggies will play well enough to pull out the very close and important win.

My thoughts on this game; This is the highest ranked matchup for this weekend, and I think it will live up to its hype, and be a very exciting close game, that the Aggies get the win in to improve to 6-0 on the season.

Photo credit: Sean Rayford

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#1 Alabama (5-0) at #16 Arkansas (4-1) (7:00 PM ET, on ESPN, in Fayetteville, Arkansas)         

Line is set at: #1 Alabama (-14)                                                                                                

My pick: #1 Alabama defeats #16 Arkansas 31-16                                                                       

What to watch for: Alabama's defense.  The Tide has one of the best defenses in the country, but they'll face a tough challenge in Fayetteville at the #16 Arkansas Razorbacks, and it won't be easy.  But, I think the #1 Crimson Tide will come out ready and prepared, en route to a big road victory over the Razorbacks.

My thoughts on this game: This is a big game, and it has SEC West implications, along with national championship implications, so both teams will be playing an important game on Saturday.  But I think Alabama will play the more complete game to get the victory in Fayetteville.

Photo credit: Marvin Gentry - USA TODAY Sports

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#23 Florida State (3-2) at #10 Miami (FL) (4-0) (8:00 PM ET, on ABC, in Miami, Florida)         

Line is set at: #10 Miami (FL) (-3)                                                                                        

My pick: #10 Miami (FL) defeats #23 Florida State 40-34                                                         

What to watch for: Miami (FL)'s offense.  The Canes' offense has been great so far this season, while the Noles' defense has struggled, and I think if you mixed those two things together, you'll get some high scoring from the Canes' offense, and I think it will be just high enough to get them the W at home.

My thoughts on this game: Before the season started, people probably would've expected the rankings to be reversed, with Miami being somewhere around #23, and FSU being around the top 10.  But we're now here and the Canes are inside the top 10, while the Noles are struggling with two losses out of their last three games and find themselves #23 in the nation.  Florida State needs this game for confidence, and to stop their struggles, but I don't think they'll be able to at Miami, where I think they'll fall in a close one in a rivalry game.

Photo credit: Chuck Burton - AP

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Sneaky Good Game Of The Week

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#25 Virginia Tech (3-1) at #17 North Carolina (4-1) (3:30 PM ET, in Chapel Hill, North Carolina)

Line is set at: #17 North Carolina (-2.5)                                                                                     

My pick: #17 North Carolina defeats #25 Virginia Tech 36-31                                                     

What to watch for: North Carolina's offense.  North Carolina's offense has been pretty good so far this season, especially in their last game, which was an upset win over then top 15 Florida State 37-35.  But they'll have to keep that up when they face the Hokies this Saturday, and I think they will enough to pull out the victory.

My thoughts on this game: This is actually a very important game for both teams nationally, and it is in the ACC also, because of the fact that both of these teams have a chance to get to the ACC championship game.  I think it will be a close game that North Carolina finds a way to win in, to improve to 5-1 on the season.

Photo credit: Mark Wallheiser - AP

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UPSET OF THE WEEK

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#5 Washington (5-0) at Oregon (2-3) (7:30 PM ET, on the PAC-12 Network, in Eugene, Oregon)

UPSET

Line is set at: #5 Washington (-8)                                                                                         

My pick: Oregon defeats #5 Washington 39-35                                                                       

What to watch for: Oregon's offense.  The Ducks' offense is pretty good, but their defense on the other hand, is not.  So vs #5 Washington, I don't see a way Oregon will be able to pull out a victory in a low scoring game.  So it will be very important for them to pull out their victory in a higher scoring game, which I see happening in a big upset.

My thoughts on this game: This is a tough one to pick because Washington looked so good last week, and I think what we saw last week from Washington is how good they are.  But since this team isn't used to being in the spot light, and they are coming off of a big win, I see them falling short in a trap game on the road at Oregon.

Photo credit: Cole Elsasser - USA TODAY Sports

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Enjoy week 6 of the 2016 college football season!

Here are some other games to look out for:

#3 Clemson at Boston College FRIDAY

#6 Houston at Navy

Indiana at #2 Ohio State

#21 Colorado at USC
Georgia at South Carolina

Washington State at #15 Stanford