Labor Day weekend wasn’t very hot and I went 6-7 on the weekend. But don’t worry, I will have 5 more plays for you this weekend.
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Friday
#16 TCU vs. SMU
Line: TCU -22.5, O/U 59
TCU ran over Southern University last weekend 55-7 while out gaining southern 499-185 yards. On the other hand, SMU lost to North Texas 36-23. SMU had 38 yards in three quarters while down 36-0. TCU should come out of the gates strong against a very weak SMU defense. Hammer the over. Pick: Over 59
Saturday
Duke vs. Northwestern
Line: Northwestern -3, O/U 49
Northwestern used a two QB attack and narrowly beat Purdue 31-27. Duke is riding into this game beating Army 34-14. Last year Duke QB Daniel Jones had 413 all-purpose yards and 4 scores, something he will look to do again. Northwestern was shaky, especially in the second half where the offense where they punted on every possession but ended the game on a 14 play drive that lasted almost 8 minutes. The key for Northwestern will be to slow down the Blue Devils, which will be tough to do. Army’s slow style of play last week still allowed Duke to score 34 points. It is a 11 am kick off, with a cool cloudy start in Evanston. Will it be spooky enough for a Wildcat win? Pick: Northwestern -3
Iowa vs. Iowa State
Line: Iowa -4, O/U 46
Last year, Iowa State took Iowa into OT but fell to the Hawkeyes 44-41 in Ames. The Cy-Hawk moves to Iowa City in 2018. Iowa started slow and beat NIU 33-7 last week. Iowa State was up 7-0 in 4 minutes against South Dakota State but the game was cancelled. This game has gone under in 10 of the last 13 games and Iowa loves to keep it slow at home. This should be a defensive battle. Take the road dogs. Pick: Iowa State +4
Maryland vs. Bowling Green
Line: Maryland -16, O/U 65
Maryland is a good team. Despite troubles in their coaching staff, they are ready to play. They have an offense that is pumping at all gears and a defense that can make stops. The Terps are visiting Bowling Green so the Falcons will have some pride to play for in a big night game. Bowling Green’s collapse against Oregon last week says it all. The Falcons allowed 30 points in the 2nd quarter after leading 17-7. A turnaround like that could be it for Bowling Green. Maryland rolls. Pick: Maryland -16
#17 USC vs. #10 Stanford
Line: Stanford -5.5, O/U 56
The college world wants PAC-12 after dark and we get PAC-12 after dark in week 2 once again. Last year, the Trojans beat the Cardinal 42-24 in LA. This year, the series moves up to Stanford for a prime time showdown. K.J. Costello and JJ Arcega-Whiteside connected 6 times for 226 yards and 6 TDs while Heisman hopeful Bryce Love stepped to the side with 18 carries for only 29 yards. Against UNLV, USC started off slow and gave up 308 rushing yards, but won 43-21. Bryce Love will shake off a slow game and rush for 200 yards and 3 scores as the Cardinal avenge last years 18 point loss. Pick: Stanford -5.5
Note: Lines may have changed. These picks were made at 8:15 PM CT on 8/31/2018.