DiHard
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TOP MATCHUPS
SEPTEMBER 25
Now we are talking…finally a stellar week for old DiHard. In the game of the week I picked Auburn to upset LSU by one and they did just that in winning 10-9. In game two I picked the Neers to reverse a big trend and beat Maryland by 2…and WVU ended up winning by three. Game three was Fla-Tenn and again I picked Tennecheat to reverse a trend and win at home, by ten…they won by two. And finally, I believed in the Buckeyes and said they would win by 6 and they came away winners by 8. That’s four games.. all picked correctly and within a total of 11 totals points off of my predictions….not too shabby…
Now comes this week where most of the great CFB teams seem to have decided to take the week off….last week I really felt like I knew what I was talking about…but this is one darn tough week to figure out…
Game of the Week: ALABAMA @ ARKANSAS
Spread: Arkansas -6
The Game: Both of these teams have played really solid football this year. Last week at this time I would have said the Tide easily, but the season ending knee injury to Brodie Croyle (QB-Bama) on Saturday throws this game in new directions…Because of the loss of Croyle I will now say that a better than expected Razorback team wins this game…
My Prediction: Arkansas by 8
Why: How do you replace your quarterback and team leader in a week?? Also, Houston Nutt has shown a propensity for preparing his Hogs for big games….Matt Jones (QB-Ark) is quietly having a sensational season in Fayetteville and this is a great chance for him to jump on the national stage.
Would I bet on this game: yes
Game 2: NCSTATE @ VIRGINIA TECH
Spread: VaTech -8
The Game: NCState makes the games of the week for the second straight week…and this time they are the underdogs. VaTech played well in keeping the Trojans from blowing them out of a “home” game in the opening game of the CFB 2004 season. I’m still not sold on the Turkey’s…even though they are traditionally tough before November. This should be a tough hard-hitting game with a ton on the line.
My Prediction: NCState by 4
Why: Do you see the spread on this game…you would think that losing to the Buckeyes at home is a disgrace for a team. NCState learned more last week than it could have in ten pre-conference games. The Pack also rebounded nicely from last year’s loss to Ohio State to beat a good TexasTech team easily. Also, the last time the Hokies played an “open” offense like the Pack they lost 52-49 to Cal.
Would I bet on this game: No
Game 3: IOWA @ MICHIGAN
Spread: Michigan -13
The Game: Both teams looked like hell last weekend with Iowa being flat-out embarrassed…I mean humiliated. We all know how the Hawkeyes have won two in a row against the rodents under Kirk Ferentz…but the streak will not go to three. Period.
My Prediction: Michigan by 10
Why: I think Iowa keeps this game close and it will be a conservative game from the get-go. Besides, Iowa has only lost one game (before last weekend) by more than 13 since the start of 2001. And the Wolves rarely win by more than 13 in any type of big game. Michigan wins, but it will stay tight.
Would I bet on this game: No.
Game 4: OREGON STATE @ ARIZONA STATE
Spread: ASU –6 1/2
The Game: I don’t get to see a whole lot of these two teams, but I can’t see Oregon State keeping this thing close. Arizona State still has everything to play for and the Beavers are already hoping to get back to .500.
This game is being played in Tempe and the Sun Devils seem to be living up to the hype they received before last season.
My Prediction: ASU by 8
Why: ASU just seems like they are one of the blessed teams this year that makes a nice jump from average to conference contender. Andrew Walter has some receivers to throw to this year and has a chance to throw his name into serious Heisman Consideration with a great game Saturday.
Would I bet on this game: No
Season Record Straight Up: 11-5
Season Record vs. the spread: 7-9
Season Record on games I bet on: 4-5
Season Records on Locks: 0-1
Season Record vs. the spread: 7-9
Season Record on games I bet on: 4-5
Season Records on Locks: 0-1
