Each week, I will use this space to tell you what I think are a few of the best bets heading into the weekend. I will also throw in an upset of the week, which will be a team that is at least a touchdown underdog that I am picking to win outright.
Last Week, well ... let's just pretend last week didn't happen. Last week was the Cubs against Clayton Kershaw. And Rich Hill. I am now two games below .500 on the season (11-13). I am 1-5 picking upset specials to win outright, but those teams are 3-3 vs the spread.
To the picks!
Oregon at Cal (-3): You have to wonder if Oregon coach Mark Helfrich will survive the season if the Ducks lose here. Neither team plays much defense, which gives Oregon a chance to keep it close. Cal hasn't lost at home yet, beating Texas and Utah there. Still, I think the Ducks hang around. Pick: Oregon (+3)
Illinois at No. 3 Michigan (-38.5): Both of these teams won at Rutgers in their respective most recent games. Michigan won 78-0. They laid waste to the other two punching bags they have played. No reason to think Illinois will put up a much better fight at the Big House. Pick: Michigan (-38.5)
East Carolina at Cincinnati (-2): Both teams have non-conference wins over Power Five foes. Heck, East Carolina did what Notre Dame could not -- win at NC State. Neither team has won a conference game yet though. The Bearcats laid an egg last week at UConn and will take out some frustration this week. Pick: Cincinnati (-2)
Upset of the Week
Washington State at Arizona State (+7): I picked the Sun Devils to cover almost two TDs at Colorado last week. I was so impressed by that performance that I am picking them to upset Washington State outright. The difference is that ASU is at home this week, where they have already beaten Texas Tech, Cal and UCLA. Wazzu is better than those teams, but I look for a bounce back week from the Sun Devils. Pick: Arizona State (+7)
