Michigan(-5) over Ohio State (1*)
- - I've been on board with the potential and purpose of this year's Michigan squad all year, even after they disappointed in their tough opener at Notre Dame, and they have been resolute throughout. Against any opponent, they have opportunities to create significant matchup advantages. I've got over a decade of capping games that puts me squarely in the camp of those rating the Harbaugh coaching regime as underrated rather than overrated. The Ohio State team they are facing needs some real immediate fixes to their defensive scheme, at least. This Michigan team and program is relishing this opportunity to compete today against a rival that has gotten the better of them 13 times in 14 years of season enders. Maybe the points come into play, but I will be greatly surprised if Ohio State leaves the field at 11-1.
Alabama(-24') over Auburn
- - My post on October 6:
Alabama (-35) over Arkansas (1*)
- - While watching games and talking football two weeks ago, I made that decision that this healthy Alabama team now has the piece it has lacked at QB to cement the strength and depth it has across the board, and they will carry my cash every week going forward. . . . Then I saw the next game was against Louisiana, and although I knew some letdown was not in this team?s DNA at the moment, I had some doubts about any value in betting on Bama going as full tilt as they will in conference games, and I stayed away, which was already an excellent decision. But I?m fully on board this week, and maybe a first half bet is a better play, but I?m not so inclined or so sharp.
- - Last week was Citadel, and just like LaLaff, I once again doubted whether the 50+ point non-conference opponent would have Bama's full attention, and I stayed away. This week's opponent will have Bama's full attention, and I'm back on board with the capping ANGLE that has been 4-1 so far.
Miami(-4') over Pittsburgh (1*)
- - Classic sandwich spot for an overachieving Pitt squad after clinching a crown last week, with a beat down from last year certainly on the minds of the Canes for more than just the last seven days. I think an often sloppy Miami squad, even under HC Richt who has led plenty of late season swoons, will be braced for a 60 minute clash in this spot, while Pitt will be hard pressed to go back on the road again and elevate this week for another grinding paced performance, producing the turnovers and gashing runs that form their identity.
Kentucky(-16') over Louisville (1*)
- - This rivalry is very, very real on the gridiron; there is a chasm between what these squads bring to Week #12 in this year's renewal.
Minnesota(+12) over Wisconsin (1*)
- - The Gophers are often toothless and overmatched in this clash, and I don't see it playing out that way at all today.
Arizona State(-1') over Arizona (1*)
- - ASU has surprised the hell out of me as IMO being as sound and well coached as I remember seeing them in a decade or two or more. They can carry my cash here as the better team.
GL
