Season record: 11-12

Last week: 1-4 (Maryland +3.5, Michigan/Wisconsin under 43.5, Pittsburgh -3.5, Kent State -17, Army -7.5)

YIIIIIIIIIIIIIKES!

Brutal week, but thankfully Kenny Pickett and Pitt kept me from going winless. I find myself back under .500 on the season and looking for answers.

LSU Tigers (3-2) @ #16 Kentucky Wildcats (5-0) | October 9 | 6:30 PM CT | Kroger Field

Line: Kentucky -3 | Total: 50.5

The LSU Tigers are certainly searching for answers. LSU surrendered 14 fourth quarter points in a 24-19 loss to Auburn last week. Now they must regroup to face an undefeated Kentucky team.

While some are ready to bury LSU, I am here to say not so fast!

In SEC play, the Tigers are averaging more yards per play than the Wildcats. That advantage is 5.6 to 4.9 in favor of LSU.

Last week, LSU gave up 163 rushing yards to Auburn. However, they were able to keep running back Tank Bigsby in check with only 27 yards on 9 carries. Slowing down Kentucky running Chris Rodriguez will be a key this week. Rodriguez leads the SEC in rushing with 612 yards.

Kentucky quarterback Will Levis has been inconsistent this season. Last week against Florida, Levis completed only 7 of 17 passes. He has thrown at least one interception in each game this season. Those interceptions have contributed to Kentucky’s -9 turnover margin, which is tied for last in the nation.

This is a good chance for a desperate LSU team in need of a win to right the ship. Give me LSU +3.

#6 Oklahoma Sooners (5-0) vs #21 Texas Longhorns (4-1) | October 9 | 11:00 AM CT | Cotton Bowl Stadium

Line: Oklahoma -3.5 | Total: 63.5

Oklahoma quarterback Spencer Rattler got back into his groove last week in the 37-31 win over Kansas State. Rattler completed 22 of 25 passes for 243 yards and 2 touchdowns.

While Rattler shined, the Oklahoma defense showed some vulnerability as Kansas State quarterback Skylar Thompson threw for 320 yards and 3 touchdowns.

Texas has a potent passing attack with quarterback Casey Thompson. The Longhorns have won three straight since Thompson took over as starter. He currently averages 9.3 yards per attempt.

Not only can Texas throw, but they can also run it with Bijan Robinson. Robinson is coming off a huge game against TCU in which he ran for 216 yards and 2 touchdowns.

Texas ranks 6th nationally with 43.8 points per game, while Oklahoma is 15th with 38.4.

Points should be aplenty in the Red River Shootout, so I am taking over 63.5.

Virginia Cavaliers (3-2) @ Louisville Cardinals (3-2) | October 9 | 2:00 PM CT | Cardinal Stadium

Line: Louisville -2.5 | Total: 69.5

In Louisville’s last three games, they have scored an average of 35.7 points. Their opponent, Virginia, has scored at least 30 points in every game but one. Virginia also comes in 7th nationally with 526.6 yards per game.

While these two teams put up points, their defenses offer little resistance. Louisville allows 6.3 yards per play and Virginia allows 6.5 yards per play. Scoring-wise, Virginia allows 27.6 points per game, which is slightly better than Louisville at 28.2 points per game.

Give me over 69.5 for these two teams.

#1 Alabama Crimson Tide (5-0) @ Texas A&M Aggies (3-2) | October 9 | 7:00 PM CT | Kyle Field

Line: Alabama -17.5 | Total: 51.5

When CBS chose this matchup to be its primetime game, it certainly did not expect Texas A&M to have two losses. The Aggies have lost back to back games to Arkansas and Mississippi State. It has not been smooth sailing for the Texas A&M offense with quarterback Zach Calzada at the helm. In the two losses, the Aggies have failed to eclipse 300 yards of offense in each.

That figures to be a problem against Alabama. The Crimson Tide is rolling again as they average 45.6 points per game.

Texas A&M will rely heavily on its rushing attack. Isaiah Spiller and Devon Achane both average over 6.5 yards per carry. However, they will have their work cut out for them on Saturday.

The Alabama defense looked shaky when they gave up 244 rushing yards to Florida. However, they flexed their muscles as they held Ole Miss, who averaged 298.7 rushing yards per game through their first three games, to only 78 rushing yards.

The Texas A&M defense was dominant through the first three weeks, but has come back down to earth in recent weeks. Mississippi State quarterback Will Rogers threw for 408 yards and 3 touchdowns last week. Bryce Young, the presumed Heisman favorite, figures to be another significant test. Young is completing 73% of his passes and is fourth in the country with 17 touchdown passes.

It may not be fun to take Alabama, but I just do not see how you go against them here…Alabama -17.5

OUTTA HERE!