Picking 201: Advanced Course In Selecting 15 Games Against The Spread

The debut of Picking 201 is in session.  For people reading this, it is assumed that you have passed Picking 101.  The difference is you will be given the answers, the question is what do you do with the info.

15 picks will be selected during the rest of the college football season.  However, there will be a few NFL selections added to complete the 15.  Over/Unders are also included.

There will be four types of bets made: A, B, C, and D type bets.  These are in line with grading.  There is no F since there will be no failing in this course.  There will be two A-bets given, three B-bets, five C-bets, and five D-bets.

The goal is to get 95percent correct on A-bets (locks), 90 percent on B-bets, 80 percent on C-bets, and 60 percent on D-bets.  For this week's games, the lines given by sportsbook.com late Wednesday evening will be used.

A-bets:

Virginia Tech -16.5 over Duke (H)

Virginia Tech is very strong this season.  There will be no close game at Durham where the home field advantage is non-existent.  This would be a sure-fire pick even if the line was about ten points higher.

Penn State -7 over Illinois (H)

Penn State should be angry over their now "normal" loss against Iowa.  No white-out here, but a three-touchdown win is expected.

B-bets:

Florida State -4 over Boston College (H)

It is almost better that this game is not in Florida for the 'Noles.  Boston College plays FSU strong, but the speed and QB issues will falter for the Eagles.

Pittsburgh -6.5 over Louisville (H)

Pitt did not complete the victory over NC State.  Pitt will still be one of the teams to beat for the Big East crown.  They start tonight against a Louisville squad that people are still undecided on.

NFL - Cincinnati -5.5 over Cleveland (H)

All of the A and B selections are favorites on the road.  Cincinnati can play their B-game and still win by double-digits, no matter who the starting QB is for Cleveland.

C-bets:

East Carolina -2.5 over Marshall (H)

The question is is Marshall as strong as their 3-1 record?  If you look at their victories, that should help you out with the question.  East Carolina has hung tough against much tougher opponents.

Washington +13 over Notre Dame (H)

Another selection for a road team, though this team is not favored.  However, Washington should keep things tight with their new coaching staff and attitude.  Notre Dame is due for another nail-biter at home.

Miami (H) +7 over Oklahoma

Miami had its swagger taken from them last week.  Playing at home and in not as wet conditions will give them an advantage over Oklahoma.  Even with a new QB, Oklahoma can still win this, just not by more than 6 points.

UCLA +5 over Stanford (H)

UCLA went on the road and took care of Tennessee.  Stanford is a strong unit looking to increase its win total.  they could this week, but only by a late FG.

Auburn +2 over Tennessee (H)

Auburn currently has too much offense for Tennessee to keep up.  Auburn defense has struggled, but with question at the QB position for Tennessee, it will not matter too much.

D-bets:

NFL - Lions/Bears (H) over 39

Both the Lions and Bears have quite enough offense to get to the 40 point mark.

NFL - Tampa Bay +7 over Washington (H)

I'm not sure if Washington can even get to seven points even if they shut-out the Bucs.

NFL - NY Jets/New Orleans over 45

The winning team will probably be close to covering this by themselves.

C. Michigan -8 over Buffalo (H)

It is a question to select a MAC game, but Cent. Michigan has been strong no matter who they face...Buffalo, not so much.

Houston/UTEP under 68

Houston's offense should be down with a weaker opponent, and UTEP will struggle to score no matter the team.