by We’re going to find out A LOT about certain programs this weekend and I’m here to talk and bet about some of them. I went 5-3 last week, and if it wasn’t for getting railed by two Tiger teams, I would have been perfect. Anyways, I digress. Here are three of my favorite plays that are going to make you smile after you bet them on Saturday.
OKLAHOMA STATE AT KANSAS STATE
Both teams are coming off losses — one against an inferior opponent and the other against a true freshman backup QB — so where do I go with this one? Hmm… I’ll take the home team, but not just for that reason. There’s no hiding the fact that K-State is one-dimensional offensively, but Oklahoma State has been gashed against the run this year, allowing 230+ rushing yards against both Arkansas and Utah, and somehow, someway can’t run the ball themselves. K-State has the better defense here too. It just feels like a perfect spot for Chris Klieman to get his team back on track following the most let down of let down spots you’ll see all year.
The play: Kansas State -5
OREGON at UCLA
UCLA is coming off a fatiguing loss in humid Baton Rouge (I don’t think LSU is very good) and get an even tougher test against Dan Lanning and the Ducks. I think Oregon flipped a switch in that Oregon State game and are kicking their season into hard gear, so expect them to light up a brittle Bruins defense that so dearly misses D’Anton Lynn across town.
The play: Oregon TT O39.5
ILLINOIS AT PENN STATE
Remember about a year ago when ranked Iowa marched into PSU’s white out as a big dog, but got more of the public love in the betting market to at least cover. Yeah, they got shut down and lost 30-3. I’m seeing shades of a similar result for the Fighting Illini Saturday night. Illinois is a popular underdog here, but let’s not forget that PSU is a different animal at night at Beaver Stadium and is, in fact, much sharper offensively this season. QB Luke Altmyer needs to continue to throw the ball at a high level, but back-to-back road games in hostile environments against stout defenses is a tall order. I think the Nittany Lions show out and win in commanding fashion (P.S. – maybe the Nebraska win may not be as sexy about a month or two from now).
The play: Penn State -17.5