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Week 3 predictions
The Big East starts to step up in class this week as there are a number of intriguing matchups against other decent BCS foes. The conference needs a few W’s this week to avert the scorn of the sports writers across the nation. I also predict that my undefeated run comes to an end this week. Again, all lines used are provided here:
Last Week: 7-0 Year to date: 14-0 ATS: 5-3
Noon:
Louisville at Kentucky: Line – UK -14; O/U 47. A game of interest in my neck of the woods. Line opened at -10 and has moved more and more towards the Wildcats. Each team comes into this game off of a bye week. The Cardinals need a win in this series or the noose will grow tighter around Coach Kragthorpe. Justin Burke needs to improve on his passing numbers from the Indiana St opener. Randall Cobb could be in for a big day for the Cats. Pick: UK is too strong and too deep – 34-17.
5pm:
Florida International at Rutgers: Line – RU -15.5;O/U 52.5. Another snooze fest for the Knights. I would not expect much of a contest. Pick: Rutgers 45-14.
UConn at Baylor: Line – BU -10.5;O/U 45.5 – Huskies must bounce back from a demoralizing loss to NC where they blew a 10 pt 4th Q lead and lost on a holding penalty in the endzone for a safety. It doesn’t get too easy this week with Baylor. The Bears tamed Wake Forest in Week one and were on bye this last week. If Witten and Co cannot sack the Bears speedy QB Robert Griffin, it could be a long day for UConn. The Huskies really aren’t getting the “sweet life” out of QB duo of Zach and Cody, oops I didn’t just go Disney there did I – oh yes I did. Take Baylor – 27-14.
6pm:
Navy at Pittsburgh: Line – Pitt -7.5;O/U 52.5. The Panthers face the dangerous triple option attack of Navy in what could be an interesting game in Pittsburgh. The Midshipmen gave THE Ohio State quite a scare in week one. Pitt will need to contain QB Ricky Dobbs who is more dangerous with his legs than his arms since he has thrown only 21 times in two games. The Panthers haven’t missed a beat with Dion Lewis running the nut and Dorin Dickinson has 4 receiving TDs already. The Pick: Pitt is just too well balanced for Navy, although it will be a fight for 3Qs – Pitt 34-24.
6:45pm:
Cincinnati at Oregon St: Line Cincy -1;O/U 55.5. Huge credibility game for the BE. Oregon St opened as a 2pt favorite but the line has shifted towards the Bearcats. Cincy has rung up video game scores against Rutgers and SEMO St. UC is the first ranked team not from the PAC 10 heading to Corvallis since 1977. The Beavers are led by the Rodgers brothers – Jacquizz by ground and James via the air. OSU did struggle some against UNLV last week. This week we will know how good UC is or isn’t. The Pick: UC is good. 38-27.
7pm:
Charleston Southern at USF: No line. Another FCS team for the Bulls this week. I’ll cease with any real analysis here. The Bulls continue to stampede. 45-10.
Northwestern at Syracuse: Line – NU -3; O/U 47. Battle of two private universities in what is normally a public school playground. Northwestern took last year’s game in Evanston 30-10. NU got off to a good start vs Eastern Michigan but struggled in the 2nd half. This is the Cuse’s final Big 10 game. Pick will come tomorrow.
7:45pm:
West Virginia at Auburn: Line – AU -7.5;O/U 53. The second BE vs SEC game this week. This will be a tough test for the Mountaineers who looked impressive last week vs ECU. Auburn ripped SEC foe Mississippi St last week. The Tigers are lead by the running duo of Ben Tate and Ontarrio McCaleb, each running for an average of 130+ yards per game. Throw in WR Darvin Adams’ 9 catches for 180 yards and it will be a tall order to tame the Tigers in their den. WV could be without tackle Scooter Berry or MLB Reed Williams. The Pick: Expect the scoreboard to light up, but Mountaineers end up just short. Auburn 33 – 30.
