News Flash! This just in…Alabama is still No. 1.
The Top-25 teams in college football consist of only four squads that are undefeated (Central Florida, Notre Dame, Clemson, and Alabama). Each week, we see the polls change more than Cher in concert. But the one constant is Alabama. Teams rise and fall, but ‘Bama is still No. 1.
There are some crucial games coming up in each of the Power 5 conferences that will determine who makes which Bowls, and moreover, the playoff. One thing for sure is that this college football campaign is one of the most-exciting in years.
Northern Illinois (-4.5) at Akron: NIU has had no problems dispensing with Akron, having won the last four meetings SU, going 3-1 ATS. The Huskies enter this contest red-hot, riding a four-game win streak (3-1 ATS). Remember, this is a team that is perfect in conference play and need to stay that way. NORTHERN ILLINOIS
Virginia (-7) vs. Pittsburgh: This matchup does not benefit Pitt at all. Despite three straight covers, the Panthers solely rely on their running game. But, the Cavaliers own the 20th ranked defense vs. the rush, en route to an overall, 18th ranked “D”, yielding just 18.8 PPG. By the way, Virginia is riding a three-game SU and ATS run, and are a perfect, 5-0 SU and ATS at home this season. VIRGINIA
Iowa (+3) at Purdue: Both teams come off disappointing losses and both need to win here to stay in the Big Ten West mix. The 11th-ranked Iowa defense is just too strong. Throw into the equation that the road team is 8-0 ATS the last eight meetings in this series and that the Hawkeyes have covered the last four at the Boilermakers, and that equals up to a play on the ‘dog. IOWA
Florida (-6) vs. Missouri: Gotta lean with a Florida team laying under a TD, facing a Missouri squad that is finding new and improved ways to lose. The Gators can win out and finish the season at 10-2. The Tigers are 0-4 ATS their last four road games. Add into the mix that Missouri thumped Florida last year, 45-16, and the Gators seek revenge. FLORIDA
Northwestern (+8) vs. Notre Dame: Yes, Notre Dame is 8-0. However, they haven’t played a top-tier team since a Week 1 win over Michigan. Northwestern has taken down Purdue, Michigan State, and Wisconsin and lost by only three points to Michigan. The Wildcats have a solid passing attack and the defense to keep this one close. NORTHWESTERN
Utah (-7) at Arizona State: Utah needs to keep its foot on the gas to take the Pac-12 South crown. Arizona State had its first October victory, eking out a three-point win over a beat-up USC squad. The Utes’ 14th-ranked D gets revenge from last season’s 30-10 defeat. UTAH
Kansas State (+8) at Texas Christian: TCU is point-spread poison, having not covered a game since mid-September (0-5 ATS run). The Horned Frogs shouldn’t be laying better than a TD to any team above the High School level. Kansas State is 5-0 ATS their last five games played following a SU loss, while TCU is on an 0-7 ATS run vs. conference opponents. KANSAS STATE
South Carolina (Pick) at Mississippi: South Carolina needs one more win for bowl eligibility and are money on the road, covering eight of their last nine as a visitor. The only asset Ole Miss has is their passing game, but missing their second best receiver (Metcalf out) and facing a very tough, Gamecocks stop-unit. SOUTH CAROLINA
Florida International (-3) vs. Florida Atlantic: Revenge is a dish best served cold. Lane Kiffin and FAU ran up the score in last year’s, 52-24 meeting with FIU. But these are two very different teams this year. The Owls, at 3-5 SU, and just 1-7 ATS overall this season, are riding an 0-5 ATS away skid and an 0-4 ATS mark their last four games against teams with a winning record. FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL
Last week: no selections
Season: 23-24