Campus Confidential

By Adam Abramson

I wish Auburn-Florida was relevant. But the spread is bad, Auburn is bad and that's that. Mississippi State-South Carolina is arguably the SEC game of the week because it'll be more competitive. I will say Auburn can make itself somewhat relevant with a win, but that won't happen.

As for LSU-Tulane, reader Black N Gold wants to know what I think of a seven touchdown line. I was actually talking about this last weekend when someone asked what the line was on Virginia Tech-William & Mary (no FBS-FCS lines set by Vegas, yes I said it, no I don't work for the NCAA). It's just such a crapshoot, to use a gambling term. LSU will likely win by at least 40. But what's really the difference between a 45 and 50 point lead? Never touch any line that big. I guess people like putting on a blindfold and throwing darts.

On to a few picks.

Penn State at Illinois (+3)
Coming off a loss, the Nittany Lions face another trap game. The Fighting Zooks are a tricky, very athletic club. State lost to a motivated and embarrassed Michgian defense. Illinois can't put up like the Wolverines on that side of the ball, so I think Morelli and Scott can rebound somewhat. On the flip, Juice Williams is such a wildcard for the Illini, but I think PSU's defense can neutralize him just fine. Penn State to cover, no sweat.

Clemson at Georgia Tech (+3)
The Tigers aren't getting much respect. I really like them to cover this game. For the second weekend in a row, I'm most confident about a line where Clemson is involved and they were true to me last Saturday. Davis and Spiller are going to grind on that defense all afternoon.

Kansas State at Texas (-15)
I don't care about the whole revenge factor. Texas has not been impressive at all. Kansas State quarterback Josh Freeman is looking a lot better at quarterback, but he still needs to cut down on the mistakes. It's early, but if this kid keeps progressing, he can grow into an Andre Woodson in two years (they look like carbon copies with the pads on). I like the Wildcats to cover. I don't know if they can pull it off, but they'll keep it within two touchdowns.

Michigan State at Wisconsin (-7)
It's easy to look at the Badgers playing some closer ball games this year and think this has a lot of upset potential. Michigan State didn't exactly blow my hair back last week at Notre Dame, so I don't know if they can go into Madison and plant the flag in the middle of the field come game's end. I'll say Michigan State to cover, but Wisconsin a winner.

Cal at Oregon (-6)
Tricky, tricky game. The Bears have lookd sharp. The Bears have looked flat. Oregon has been sharp on offense and are 4-0 against the spread. I hate picking games like this. Two good offenses (one great offense, thusfar) and two yuck defenses. This is definitely a showcase of fun. I don't want to touch this line, but I do want to touch the over of 73. This has 45-41 written all over it. I like Oregon at home to cover. Dennis Dixon has really been a big-time weapon this season. Watch this game if you can. But I don't know if that will be possible. Coverage map for 3:30. We need a better system here. I don't want to watch Maryland-Rutgers.

Alabama at Florida State (-2)
There are some fatal flaws in Tallahasse. Nick Saban is going to outcoach the Tide to a win. Also, EJ Manuel, the Florida State verbal (stud quarterback from Norfolk, VA) has not been stellar in his final prep season. Overrated? We'll see.