Well, we're stretched out and loose and we have the first batch of results. There were no real shockers in week one with the exception of 31-point favorite Washington State losing to Portland State. Ouch. Thankfully, that game wasn't on our list of selections.
Last week's record was 5-4 against the spread. Let's see if we can do better this week. All picks are against the spread:
-- Louisiana Tech at Western Kentucky -2. Skip Holtz takes his Bulldogs to Kentucky to face a Hilltopper team that outlasted Vanderbilt last week. In this battle between two of the best teams in Conference USA, home field will make the difference. Take Western Kentucky.
-- Utah State at Utah -13.5. Utah opened the season with a victory over Michigan. The Utes should have no trouble with their in-state rival Aggies.
-- Appalachian State - 17 at Clemson. Applachian State brings a seven-game winning streak to Death Valley. Several years ago, the Mountaineers did upset mighty Michigan. But since that historic upset, they have moved up a division. The Mountaineers are still adjusting to playing with the big boys. We should see Clemson's starters a little longer this week. This spread is interesting but not interesting enough. Take the Tigers.
-- Tulane -28.5 at Georgia Tech. Tulane cannot and will not stop Tech's brutal ground attack. Pick Tech.
-- Georgia -20 at Vanderbilt. Traditionally, the Dawgs have struggled in Nashville. But Vandy is bad. Really bad. Get prepared to see Aaron Chubb run wild. Take Georgia.
-- Kentucky -7 at South Carolina. There are a lot more questions than answers about South Carolina after they managed to squeak by North Carolina. Kentucky rallied to win in Lexington last season. The unknowns scare me, so I'm going to take Kentucky and the points.
-- Notre Dame -11 at Virginia. Is Texas that bad or is Notre Dame that good? I don't think we'll get any clarification this week because Virginia is bad. Pick the Irish.
-- Iowa -3.5 at Iowa State. The pressure is mounting in Iowa to make a step forward. Iowa State is capable of rising up at home. Take the Cyclones.
-- Oklahoma at Tennessee pick'em. There has been a lot of hype spewing out of East Tennessee about the Vols turning the corner and being a factor in the SEC East this season. This is their first chance to show off their improvement against one of college football's big boys. The Sooners can throw it, which could be a big problem for the Vols, who allowed more than 400 yards passing in the opener. I'm not buying Tennessee yet. The pick here is Oklahoma.
-- Oregon at Michigan State -3.5. Michigan State gets revenge for last year's loss in Eugene. Take Sparty.
-- LSU -4.5 at Mississippi State. LSU got rained out last week and will play just 11 regular season games. Mississippi State faced an emotional opener at Southern Miss, but they had no problem with the Eagles. Several experts say LSU has what it takes to be a playoff team. But the Bayou Bengals are going to find trouble in Stark-Vegas. Hail State.
Last Week -- 5-4. Season -- 5-4.
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