Most college football seasons, underdog lover than I am, I end up hitching my star to some long-suffering, but briefly scrappy team. I declare them to be "back" or the latest Northwestern, Kansas State, or Virginia Tech, a team that is ready to crawl out from under the doormat.
Such teams seduce me, and then they jilt me at the altar. I will write an effusive column singing their praises, declare an upset-of-the-century in the making, and that's just when they lose 55-0 and pack it in for the season. Sometimes I will even lose a little wagering money in the process.
This year is no different, and if you've been paying attention, you know my new soon-to-be-ex is Baylor. Typically, they are one of the worst teams in a BCS conference, good for perhaps one conference victory every other year over a very embarrassed foe.
But last year, they showed a wee bit of life, and so I answered their personal ad. They've been among my picks of the week twice (winning once).
So let's take a look at the resume of my September-December romance. They have indeed built on last year's momentum, sitting at 2-0 in the Big 12 South. They're 3-3 overall, with all losses coming by 10 or less (including a home-defending Washington State team that people are starting to take a shining to after the USC game), and with a half-time lead in each. They lead the nation in takeaways, and are last in the nation in rushing. This week, they are playing the other 2-0 Big South team on the road, and on America's Superstation, TBS. That other team, of course, would be Texas, and Texas is giving 29 points.
We are due for some more upsets this year, or serious "scares" coming from out of nowhere. Arkansas broke the seal last week, and I want credit for calling it if Baylor keeps it close. Or at least, I don't want dumped, jilted, left behind 55-0 again. Baylor will keep it more than respectable.
My other picks (my pick on the left, home team in CAPS):
Last column: 3-2
Season overall: 8-7
Syracuse (+25) over WEST VIRGINIA
Syracuse is coming of a loss to Pitt but is markedly improved, and West Viriginia could potentially be rusty coming off a bye week, or could be looking ahead to Louisville. I see more of a 17-point victory here or thereabouts for the 'Eers.
Minnesota (+9.5) over MINNESOTA
Minnesota is far, far better than anyone the Badgers have played this year except Michigan, and the Gophers could be either extra-motivated by last week's injustice against Penn State, or they may pack it in. I think Glen Mason will steer them to the former.
KANSAS (-3) over Oklahoma State
I really don't understand this line. Kansas just lost a heartbreaker against Texas A&M (breaking a long home winning streak, and this one is in Lawrence), saw an outstanding comeback in Lincoln fall just short against the 'Huskers the week before, and they are only giving three to an Oklahoma State team that has done nothing this year?
WASHINGTON (-11) over Oregon State
Washington has been golden for me in my picks this year, and that doesn't even include last week at USC. Tyrone Willingham won't allow his team to suffer a letdown, and Oregon State is better than only Stanford in the Pac-10. Huskies in a blowout.
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