Season record: 2-6-1

Last week: 2-3 (Tulane -5, Wisconsin -3.5, Texas A&M -3.5, Central Florida -12.5, Texas/Oklahoma State over 73)

I was able to get into the win column, but it was not easy. I am still below .500 on the year, so there is plenty of work to be done.

It was a wild night in New Orleans. Tulane overcame a 28-7 deficit in the first half to defeat Houston on Thursday night. The final minute gave us all the excitement we could handle, and more importantly, a Tulane cover.

Houston tied the game with a field goal with twenty one seconds remaining. Tulane took over from their own twenty nine yard line. It looked as though the Green Wave would kneel and take it to overtime, but it was a fake and Amare Jones took it around the left side for eighteen yards. Tulane quarterback then hit Jalen McCleskey for a fifty three yard touchdown with three seconds remaining. Tulane won the game 38-31, covering the 5-point spread.

Wisconsin absolutely dominated Michigan on Saturday. Wisconsin running back Jonathan Taylor ran for 203 yards and 2 touchdowns as the Badgers imposed their will on the Wolverines in a 35-14 rout. Wisconsin quarterback Jack Coan was efficient, completing 13 of 16 passes for 128 yards. He also added two rushing touchdowns.

The Michigan offense was ineffective for most of the day. The Wolverines only mustered up 299 yards of offense. They were unable to convert a third down throughout the game and had four turnovers.

Auburn came out and scored touchdowns on two of their first three drives. Their defense dominated most of the day before giving up seventeen points in the fourth quarter. The Tigers would go on to win 28-20 in a game that was never really in jeopardy.

A big key to this game was Auburn’s ability to run the ball and stop the run. The Tigers outgained the 193 to 56 on the ground. True freshman quarterback Bo Nix did enough, completing 12 of 20 passes for 100 yards and a touchdown. Nix also had no turnovers.

Central Florida erased an early 21-0 deficit, but came up short against Pitt on Saturday. The Knights saw their regular season winning streak end at twenty seven games.

It looked like Central Florida was about to pull away in the second half as they took a 31-21 lead. However, Pitt hung around and late in the game pulled out their version of the play that the Philadelphia Eagles made famous in Super Bowl LII.

The impending extra point would give Pitt a 35-34 lead and they would win by that score.

I would like to give a shout out to Sean Siebenkittel for calling the Pitt victory last week.

The over of the weekend came up just short. Surprisingly, after one quarter, Oklahoma State led Texas by a score of 3-0. However, it was a scoring explosion in the second quarter and at the half, Texas led 21-20. That means I needed only 32 points in the second half to reach the over.

The scoring would slow down, though. Oklahoma State and Texas each scored on their opening possessions, but Oklahoma State turned the ball over on downs twice deep into Texas territory. Oklahoma State’s first touchdown in the second half did not come until late in the fourth quarter. That cut Texas’ lead to 36-30 and that would hold.

Can I turn it around this week?

Rutgers Scarlet Knights (1-2) @ Michigan Wolverines (2-1) | September 28 | 11:00 AM CT | Michigan Stadium

Line: Michigan -27.5 | Total: 48

After being dominated by Wisconsin, who is the best team to see on the schedule?

Rutgers, that’s who!

The Scarlet Knights have lost their two games by a combined score of 60-16.

Michigan quarterback Shea Patterson may miss this game due to a shoulder injury, but given his inconsistent play that may not be a bad thing for the Wolverines.

Jim Harbaugh said that he wants to get back to being physical this week. That means they should emphasize the running game, and again, who better to do that against than Rutgers? The Scarlet Knights are giving up 218 rushing yards per game at a clip of 4.88 yards per carry.

Give me Michigan -27.5 in a bounce back spot.

Arkansas Razorbacks (2-2) vs. Texas A&M Aggies (2-2) | September 28 | 11:00 AM CT | AT&T Stadium (Arlington)

Line: Texas A&M -23.5 | Total: 58

Arkansas is coming off of a brutal 31-24 loss to San Jose State. Quarterback Nick Starkel threw five interceptions in the game. The Razorbacks’ defense had problems of their own, giving up 503 yards.

However, this is a new week and it is a big time revenge game. Starkel transferred from Texas A&M to Arkansas. Also, Arkansas defensive coordinator John Chavis was the Texas A&M defensive coordinator from 2015-2017.

Starkel has vowed to respond to the San Jose State loss via Twitter:

He has also decided to put aside his Justin Bieber pre-game shirt.

Revenge game – Justin Bieber shirt = Arkansas +23.5

SMU Mustangs (4-0) @ South Florida (1-2) | September 28 | 3:00 PM CT | Raymond James Stadium

Line: SMU -7.5 | Total: 61

The SMU Mustangs are off to a hot start at 4-0. Sonny Dykes has the offense rolling as the Mustangs average 43.5 points and 514 yards per game.

On the other hand, there is South Florida. The Bulls have struggled to begin the year and only have one win over FCS South Carolina State. South Florida only averages 292.3 yards of offense per game, which ranks 124 of 130 FBS teams.

South Florida has played one good team, Wisconsin, and was defeated handily, 49-0. SMU is a good team and they are looking to start off American Athletic Conference play strong.

SMU -7.5 is the pick.

North Carolina State (3-1) @ Florida State Seminoles (2-2) | September 28 | 6:30 PM CT | Doak Campbell Stadium

Line: Florida State -5.5 | Total: 60

While Florida State has struggled to begin the season, they showed some improvement last week with their win over Louisville. Transfer quarterback Alex Hornibrook came in and threw for 255 yards and 2 touchdowns. With starter James Blackman out this week, Hornibrook will be in line to start this week.

Florida State has struggled with pass defense this season. The Seminoles are giving up 307 yards per game through the air. However, North Carolina State quarterback Matthew McKay has not been the most effective passer. McKay is completing only 58% of his passes and 6.2 yards per attempt. Therefore, I do not expect him to fully take advantage of Florida State’s weakness.

Against my better judgment, I am taking Florida State -5.5.

Kansas State Wildcats (3-0) @ Oklahoma State Cowboys (3-1) | September 28 | 6:00 PM CT | Boone Pickens Stadium

Line: Oklahoma State -4.5 | Total: 60.5

I did not get the over with Oklahoma State and Texas last week, but it is a new week. Oklahoma State is taking on Kansas State this week and both teams average at least 44 points a game.

The problem is Kansas State is only giving up 12.7 points per game. However, the Wildcats have only played one team from a power conference.

This is the Big 12 where points are aplenty. I am taking over 60.5.

OUTTA HERE!