By Robert Perea and Tony Erquiaga
Robert
It’s been quite hectic past few days, so it’s just straight to the picks this week…
UCLA (+11 ½) at Oregon: This may be a leap of faith, but I don’t believe UCLA’s 4-0 record is a fluke. The Bruins run the ball like they mean business, and QB Nico Iamaleava is maturing into a leader. I watched a podcast over the weekend featuring UCLA head coach Bob Chesney, and I came away very impressed. As he said in that interview, Oregon has the best team, the best environment and the best coach the Bruins have faced this season, but they had a bye last week and I am confident they will be prepared and be competitive enough in this game with enough success to keep the score close.
Cal (+10) over Virginia Tech: Cal backup QB Jackson Brousseau brought the Bears back from a 24-7 deficit last week before the Rebels responded for the win, so I’m not too concerned whether starter Jaron Keawe-Sagapolutele plays or not after he got a concussion in that game. Virginia Tech has to travel across the country after their attempt at a game-winning field goal last week against Pittsburgh caused a viral online debate about whether it was actually good. Now they have to travel across the country and dominate a feisty home team to get the money, and like UCLA, I think Cal can stay close in this one.
West Virginia (+3) over Arizona: Arizona’s win over Cincinnati last week ended past 11 p.m. in Tucson, and now here are the Wildcats playing at 9 a.m. body clock time in Morgantown, and they have to do it without their top three receivers and starting tight end. The scheduling situation is tough enough, the injured players are all key guys and West Virginia runs the ball for 294 yards per game. I’ll take that with a competitive home team almost every time, especially with the other factors thrown in.
Patriots (-3 ½) over Raiders: Maybe I’m stubborn, maybe I’m stupid, but I’m back with another bet against the Raiders. Their all-out effort against a hated rival last week came up short, even though they covered the spread. Meanwhile the Patriots came up big in a backs-to-the-wall spot with their season on the line against the Bills. My guess is the Patriots build off that win, while the Raiders have a tougher time getting back up.
Lions (-5 ½) at Cardinals: The Lions have been burned on defense time and again through the first four games, and now defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard is being questioned about his blitzes that the Panthers exploited those. But the best time to bet on a good team, (and yes, I still believe the Lions are a good team) is when they’re being doubted. The offense hasn’t been the problem, averaging 29.8 points per game and the defense has a chance to silence their critics for at least a week, Even if they don’t completely shut down the Cardinals, they should be able to do enough to get a win by a touchdown.
Giants (+4) over Commanders: I’m going against Tony on this one, especially once I saw the line went up a half point. Even though Jayden Daniels is going to start for the Commanders, I can’t imagine they want him to run much with a brace on his arm, and his running ability keys everything else he does, especially since the offense was nonfunctional with Athan Kaliakmanis after Marcus Mariota hurt his knee. They’re also missing Terry McLaurin and Jacory Croskey-Merritt, and I can’t see them extending a margin if Daniels has to play careful instead of making things happen with his legs.
Last week
College: 2-1
NFL: 1-2
Season
College: 11-7
NFL: 7-5
Tony
Oklahoma vs. Texas (-8.5) at Dallas: Oklahoma was supposed to be the surprise pick to make the CFP. After falling flat on its face against Michigan and Georgia that is not the case. Arch Manning along with the Texas defense will make life tough for Oklahoma QB John Mateer. Texas 27, Oklahoma 10
Indiana (-7.5) at Nebraska: Indiana is still as good as they have been since the start of last year. Nebraska is knocking on the door of the top 25 but that door gets slammed. The Hoosiers make a statement in Lincoln. Indiana 34, Nebraska 20
Iowa State (+10.5) at BYU: BYU will be missing its top running back and have a date with Notre Dame coming up. This could be a trap game for the Cougars. Iowa State will keep it close. BYU 27, Iowa State 24
Colts at Steelers (-2.5) The Colts played in London last week and easily beat the Commanders. The NFL decided to put them back on the road to Pittsburgh. A Aron and Steelers can’t be that bad, right? Steelers 27, Colts 21
Bears (-1.5) at Packers: The Packers are at a crossroads, with its season on the line. At what point do you look to go in a different direction? Meanwhile, the Bears have finally found themselves. Will be a long day at Lambeau. Bears 33, Packers 14
Giants at Commanders (-3.5): The Commanders laid an egg in London and look to get back on track. Jayden Daniels returns from an injury. If the offensive line keeps him upright, Washington should be okay. Commanders 20, Giants 14
Last week
College: 2-1
NFL: 2-1
Season
College: 7-11
NFL: 5-6-1
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