College Picks
College football has been very kind to the Stool so far this season. In week 1 we announced our presence with authority by going 5-2. This past week we followed it up with a 4-2 performance and easy doesn’t begin to describe just how easy our victories actually were. All four games were blowout winners highlighted by Wisconsin and Virginia Tech who won by a combined 100-0. So as we head into week 3 the question on everybody’s’ mind is can the Stool continue to dominate college football? I’ll admit that this week’s board looks tough, but that’s why I get paid the big bucks.
Season Record 9-4
Last Week 4-2
Mortal Lock Record 1-1
West Virginia at Maryland -3
I feel like Maryland flat out owns West Virginia. Yes, I know that the Mountaineers beat the Terps last year in overtime, but Maryland turned the ball over 5 times compared to only once by West Virginia and the game still went to OT. That’s impossible! The previous three times they met before that Maryland beat West Virginia by a combined 9,353,335 points. Literally. And while all the names and faces are different I just don’t think it matters when these two teams play each other. The entire state of West Virginia could pile into their cousins Chevy pickup truck and drive to Maryland equipped with shotguns in hand and I’d still pick Maryland here. Ralph Freigon and the Terps will protect this house.
Mortal Lock – Maryland
Pittsburgh at Nebraska -10
Right now Dave Wandstedt has a strangle hold on the title of the worst coach in organized sports. Wandstedt is crippling every single team he gets his grubby hands on. He took over the Bears and made them suck. He took over the Dolphins and made them suck. He has taken over Pittsburgh and made them suck. And he did it instantly. Pitt has gone from a New Years Day Bowl Game to losing to Ohio University in the blink of an eye. If this was a Bronx Tale, Dave Wandstedt would be in the closet with Johnny Coffeecake, Jo Jo the Whale and Johnny Mush right now. How bad has it gotten for Dave Wandstedt? He’s actually driven us to do the unthinkable which is bet on a Bill Callahan coached team. What is this world coming to?
The Pick - Nebraska
Miami at Clemson +7
Miami should have never lost to FSU in the opener. They are a MUCH better team than the Seminoles. And their Freshman QB, Kyle Wright, will be an absolute superstar before he graduates. In fact, I’d be shocked if Miami doesn’t win a National Championship during his college career. But despite how bright Miami’s future is this is still only the 2nd game of Wright’s career. And as a result this game is a toss up in my mind. The Tigers have already beaten two good teams this year in Texas A+M and Maryland. They beat Miami last year at the Orange Bowl. Clemson honestly believes that they can win this game and that is a huge part of being able to play with the Canes. I think Miami wins, but it’s close.
The Pick – Clemson
FSU at Superfans +1
Ever since the schedule was announced I’ve been saying that I expect the Superfans to pull the upset against Florida State at the Heights. But guess what? This prediction isn’t an upset anymore. BC is only catching one point vs. the Noles. This my friends is unacceptable. As much as I wanted to bet on BC, my brain just won’t let me. It would go against everything I believe in as a college football fan and as a human being. Rule #1 of betting on college football is NEVER bet against the three Florida teams when it is a pick em or worse unless they are playing each other. It’s on the first freaking page of the hand book. I’m sorry Superfans, but the pick is FSU.
The Pick – Noles
Tennessee at Florida -6.5
I don’t particularly like or dislike Florida or Tennessee in this game. I haven’t made up my mind on either team yet. But 6.5 points just seems like to many to ignore since these teams always play close games. UT has won the last 3 meetings between these two teams including the last two in the Swamp. It’s tough to argue with those results. The Florida coaching change from Ron Zook to Urban Meyer is definitely worth at least a field goal for the Gators, but that still leaves you 3 points to spare. As a side note, no offense to the Superfans, but why in the world is College Gameday at BC instead of Florida? There had to be foul play involved right?
The Pick - Tennessee
Wisconsin at NC +3
I’m one of those guys that is loyal to teams who perform well for me. To say that Wisconsin has done well for me vs. the spread the past two weeks would be a drastic understatement. I’m 2-0 with the Badgers covering by a combined 50 points. I hate spotting UNC points on the road, but El Presidente has a strong feeling that Wisconsin is a great play this week. And while I realize that it’s not the most scientific rationale ever to come down the pike, I just have a strong feeling that Wisconsin will continue to cover with ease. The only other time I’ve felt as confident about a hunch as I do with this one is when a horse at Suffolk Downs winked at me in the post parade. And yes that horse won easily. I don’t know why I know that Wisconsin covers this game, but I just do. Sometimes you can’t explain what makes a gambler tick and this is one of those games. Hopefully that’s good enough for you.
The Pick – Wisconsin