The Eye on College Football crew scans the weekly lines for a straight-up shocker or two -- for entertainment only, of course. For more weekend predictions, check out our expert picks.
Wide receiver Justin Hunter gives the Vols at least one clear advantage Saturday over Vanderbilt. (US Presswire)
CHRIS HUSTON: Stanford (+20.5) over Oregon.
This time, Mariota won't be quite up to the task and Stanford will come away with revenge after getting blown out the last couple seasons by the Ducks.
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Last Week: Missed on West Virginia (+8) over Oklahoma State. Season: 5-for-11.
TOM FORNELLI: Northwestern (+7) over Michigan State.
This Michigan State defense is really good – best in the Big Ten in both yards and points allowed – but I think quarterback Kain Colter and tailback Venric Mark will find success against the Spartans with the Wildcats spreading the unit out and using a whole lot of speed. It won't be the statement win Northwestern's looking for, but it qill be a win it needs.
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Last Week: Missed on Miami-Ohio (+6.5) over Kent State. Season: 4-for-11.
CHIP PATTERSON: Southern Miss (+3.5) over UTEP.
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Last Week: Missed on Oregon State (+4) over Stanford. Season: 4-for-11.
JERRY HINNEN: Tennessee (+4) over Vanderbilt.
But the 'Dores were playing better football than Tennessee last year, too, when the Vols outplayed them in an overtime victory. And there's still little doubt that Vandy doesn't yet have the kind of game-changing playmakers on offense that can take advantage of Tennessee's defensive permissiveness or match the likes of Cordarrelle Patterson or Justin Hunter if need be. And there's the little matter of the 'Dores being in the unusual psychological position of favorite rather than 'dog, the same position they managed to turn into a slim 17-13 victory over a horrific Auburn team a few weeks back.
In short: Tennessee really ought to be the better team, and there's enough reason to question Vandy that this particular week, the bet here is that they play like it.
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Last Week: Missed on Penn State (+7) over Nebraska. Season: 3-for-11.
MATT HINTON: Kansas (+6) over Iowa State.
Somewhere in that march of misery, though, the Jayhawks shed their reputation as weekly laughingstocks and began to take the first significant step in any rebuilding project, from losing big to losing close: In the last five games, they've played Oklahoma State within six points, led Texas with less than a minute to play in the fourth quarter and just pushed Texas Tech to the brink in double overtime, on the road. Even as Cummings has struggled as a passer, the running game has found its legs behind tailbacks James Sims and Tony Pierson, who have lifted KU well over 200 yards on the ground in three consecutive games. Contrary to all expectations a month ago, this team has not thrown in the towel.
Iowa State hasn't, either, though the Cyclones appear to be going in the opposite direction since a 4-2 start: With four losses in their last five and their best player out for the season, bowl eligibility is hanging by a thread. Unlike the Jayhawks' recent close calls, Iowa State doesn't present a significant talent gap. But more importantly, the Kansas seniors who have watched a winning program collapse into disarray during their tenure have every reason to relish the opportunity to go out on a positive in their final home game, which could be the beginning of the next step: From losing close to winning close.
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Last Week: Missed on Virginia Tech (+13.5) over Florida State. Season: 2-for-11.