Week 9 Predictions

Miami (FL) @ Virginia (+16)

The Canes have fared quite well against the bottom half of the ACC, while the Cavaliers aren't scaring anyone this year.

The Call: Miami by 20

The Result: Virginia 24-19
Tough loss for the Canes, not only because it pretty much kills their ACC title game chances, but because they lost Harris too. The Cavaliers needed this one bad & they got it = well done.
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Oklahoma State @ Kansas State (+4.5)

Tough shootout loss for the Cowboys last week against Nebraska. The Wildcats have better wins on their resume, and should be able to disrupt OK State's passing attack.

The Call: Kansas State by 7

The Result: Oklahoma State 24-14
Yeah, nearly 300 yards & 2 TD's - disruption not achieved.
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Clemson (-7) @ Boston College

The Tigers are picking up steam, while the Eagles just aren't flying.

The Call: Clemson by 13

The Result: Boston College 16-10
Does anybody want to win in the ACC? Really.
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Akron @ Temple (-29.5)

Oh Zips - it's a sad day when you're that big of an underdog to Temple.

The Call: Temple by 35

The Result: Temple 30-0
Thanks - I needed that one.
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Michigan State @ Iowa (-6.5)

Can Iowa rebound from a tough loss to regain their mojo? Can the Spartans stay atop the Big10 for good? Yes and No.

The Call: Iowa by 10

The Result: Iowa 37-6
The good news is that the Spartans are still in the race for the Big10 title. The bad news for them is that the Hawkeyes are right there too and now hold a tiebreaker.
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California (+3) @ Oregon State

The Bears' woes on the road are well documented, as are the Beavers' late-season surges. Will everything follow form?

The Call: California by 3

The Result: Oregon State 35-7
Yup - exactly as it was written.
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Georgia v Florida (+2)

Even though the game means a fraction of what it has in the last few years, it still should be an exciting affair. Both of these teams need this win baaaaaad.

The Call: Florida by 7

The Result: Florida 34-31
Tough loss for the Dawgs, but you can't cough up the ball that many times without consequences. The Gators get back on track, and their date with South Carolina will be for all the East marbles.
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Missouri @ Nebraska (-7.5)

The Tigers are flying after a solid win over Oklahoma - they won't be able to do the exact same thing to the Huskers, but Nebraska's D is looking rather shaky... Martinez will have a good day.

The Call: Nebraska wins, but Missouri covers the spread

The Result: Nebraska 31-17
And there go the Tigers. Fun last season for the full Big12, huh?
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Auburn (-7) @ Mississippi

Bit of a trap game for Auburn here. Not in that they're looking ahead, in that their defense really needs to get better quick. Mississippi needs to have one of their best up days to take this one.

The Call: Auburn by 10

The Result: Auburn 51-31
Tell me you wouldn't love an Oregon-Auburn title game. I dare you.
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Baylor @ Texas (-7.5)

Who's gonna show up today, the Longhorns that got beat by UCLA at home, or the Longhorns who stomped Nebraska on the road? The Bears have been quietly outstanding so far this year, but this would be a big win for them.

The Call: Baylor by 4

The Result: Baylor 30-22
Good for you, Bears. You deserve this one. The Longhorns can get to 8-4 on the year if they win out, but that's little consolation for what's happened the last five weeks.
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Stanford (-7.5) @ Washington

Stanford has continued to roll this year, while the Huskies haven't lived up to expectations.

The Call: Stanford by 14

The Result: Stanford 41-0
14, 41 - same difference. The Cardinal should be ranked much higher than 13. Just sayin'.
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TCU @ UNLV (-18.5)

The Horned Frogs are easy money this year. But...

The Call: TCU by 38

The Result: TCU 48-6
But nothing. But, nothing.
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Oregon @ USC (+6.5)

Okay, so do I call for the #1 team upset, for the first time this year? This one will be a shootout, no doubt about that, and the Trojan D, while not as good as in year's past, is better than people think, especially these last couple of weeks. the Ducks don't need to win this one big to stay on top, but it'll be a fight. Tough call...

The Call: USC by 3

The Result: Oregon 53-32
Yeah, I'm not sorry for that call - had to be done at some point. At the same time, I don't think I'll be picking against Oregon (or that they won't cover) for the foreseeable future. And I think this future is going to go until January at least.
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8-5 straight up, which is worse than usual but still ok, considering I picked a couple good upsets. 7-6 against the spread, which is acceptable.