YTD: 13-15 (-20.6*)
(Someone corrected my math last week, saying I was down -20.6* and not -21.7* as I had myself. I love that there are guys out there taking care of things like that.)
10* plays: 1-1
As easy as my 10* on USC in week 1, my selection of Texas last week was pitiful. Looking back, I can see that I was influenced by the media more than I want to be, and it inspired a critical misjudgment. Sorry about that. I want you to be able to trust my 10* plays.
7* Louisville -4
There's just something about this game that winks at me. I remember a few years ago when FSU was ambushed here, in a day when FSU was tougher than the rest. Can you imagine how big this game with Miami is to the people in Louisville, and how much energy will be rocking in the stadium Saturday? Miami showed how good their defense was against FSU, and they'll need it against these guys, with or without their Bush. The Canes will find things different on the road, visiting the Big East team that essentially took their place.
5* Mississippi St -10
OK, I admit, I bought this down to -10. I can't trust the Bulldogs with more than that. Yet after going scoreless in their first two games against tough defenses, the young Dawgs are going to discover that they enjoy scoring, and once they get the hang of it, they might do it a few times. They need to build some offensive confidence, and a small scale blowout will do them worlds of good. For one thing, State's defense is totally SEC-ready. They can play with anyone. Tulane won't have much offensive success against this bunch. And here is a name to remember for MSU: Anthony Dixon, a true freshman RB. This guy is around 6-2, 230, and he runs hard. He will be a punisher against teams like this. He was supposed to miss last week with a broken finger, but when the starting RB went out, he went in and played well. Watch him wear down Tulane, and perhaps get a couple of TDs himself.
5* Vandy +6
Arkansas takes their vaunted freshmen attack on the road, and it might not be a pretty sight. The Hawgs have some guys who are going to grow up and be pretty dang good, but their first game in a strange stadium might work to their disadvantage, even with Vandy's relatively listless crowd. The Dores already played Michigan and Bama close, and they can do it again, if not steal the outright upset.
(Someone corrected my math last week, saying I was down -20.6* and not -21.7* as I had myself. I love that there are guys out there taking care of things like that.)
10* plays: 1-1
As easy as my 10* on USC in week 1, my selection of Texas last week was pitiful. Looking back, I can see that I was influenced by the media more than I want to be, and it inspired a critical misjudgment. Sorry about that. I want you to be able to trust my 10* plays.
7* Louisville -4
There's just something about this game that winks at me. I remember a few years ago when FSU was ambushed here, in a day when FSU was tougher than the rest. Can you imagine how big this game with Miami is to the people in Louisville, and how much energy will be rocking in the stadium Saturday? Miami showed how good their defense was against FSU, and they'll need it against these guys, with or without their Bush. The Canes will find things different on the road, visiting the Big East team that essentially took their place.
5* Mississippi St -10
OK, I admit, I bought this down to -10. I can't trust the Bulldogs with more than that. Yet after going scoreless in their first two games against tough defenses, the young Dawgs are going to discover that they enjoy scoring, and once they get the hang of it, they might do it a few times. They need to build some offensive confidence, and a small scale blowout will do them worlds of good. For one thing, State's defense is totally SEC-ready. They can play with anyone. Tulane won't have much offensive success against this bunch. And here is a name to remember for MSU: Anthony Dixon, a true freshman RB. This guy is around 6-2, 230, and he runs hard. He will be a punisher against teams like this. He was supposed to miss last week with a broken finger, but when the starting RB went out, he went in and played well. Watch him wear down Tulane, and perhaps get a couple of TDs himself.
5* Vandy +6
Arkansas takes their vaunted freshmen attack on the road, and it might not be a pretty sight. The Hawgs have some guys who are going to grow up and be pretty dang good, but their first game in a strange stadium might work to their disadvantage, even with Vandy's relatively listless crowd. The Dores already played Michigan and Bama close, and they can do it again, if not steal the outright upset.
