Picks against the Spread: 12/6

Well this is the last week before the bowls and The "experts" keep falling further and further behind that is why you should come to Pikes Picks for the low down.

The Sledge 345-306-8
The Top Record on CFN 338-313-8


Middle Tennessee St +4.5 @ UL Lafayette
Louisville +10.5 at Rutgers
Buffalo +14.5 vs Ball St
Pittsburgh +2.5 at UConn
Tulsa -13.5 vs E Carolina
Navy -11 vs Army
Virginia Tech +1 vs Boston College
California -35.5 vs Washington
Alabama +9.5 vs Florida
USC -31.5 at UCLA
Arkansas St +11 at Troy
Oklahoma -17 vs Missouri
Arizona -10.5 vs Arizona St.
USF +7 at W Virginia
Cincinnati -7.5 at Hawaii

BP Picks against the Spread 11/29

Ball St -11 vs W Michigan
Northern Illinois -3 vs Navy
Texas -35 vs Texas A&M
Pittsburgh +3 vs W Virginia
Ole Miss -13.5 vs Mississippi ST.
Ohio +1 at Miami Oh
UTEP +5 at E Carolina
Temple -2.5 vs Akron
CMU -10.5 at EMU
Buffalo -10 vs Kent St.
Arkansas +4.5 vs LSU
Colorado +16.5 at Nebraska
Bowling Green -2.5 at Toledo
Boise St -20 vs Fresno St.
UCLA +10 vs Arizona St
Georgia -8.5 vs Georgia Tech
Cincinnati -22 vs Syracuse
NC State +1.5 vs Miami
Virginia Tech -8.5 vs Virginia
Missouri -14 vs Kansas
Memphis -13.5 vs Tulane
Arkansas St -20.5 at NoTexas
Louisiana Tech -4 vs Nevada
Rice +3 vs Houston
N Mexico St +6 at Utah St
Southern Miss -13.5 at SMU
Maryland +7 at Boston College
North Carolina -8.5 at Duke
Texas Tech -20 vs Baylor
Florida -15.5 at Florida St
Alabama -14 vs Auburn
Tulsa -13.5 at Marshall
UAB +9 at UCF
Florida Atlantic -5.5 vs FIU
Tennessee -4.5 vs Kentucky
Oregon St -3.5 vs Oregon
Wake Forest -4 vs Vanderbuilt
Oklahoma -8 at Oklahoma St
USC -29.5 vs Notre Dame
Hawaii -29.5 vs Washington St.

BP Picks against the Spread 11/22

Well the season is winding down and as you can see the Experts are not really the "experts". Should be another strong week for The Sledge.

The Sledge 297-271-6
The Experts 279-289-6


Miami +3.5 at Georgia Tech
Buffalo +3.5 at Bowling Green
Miami OH +3 at Toledo
Fresno St -2.5 at S Jose St.
Ohio St -20.5 vs Michigan
NC St +11 vs N Carolina
West Virginia -7 at Louisville
Rutgers -17 vs Army
Clemson -2.5 at Virginia
Indiana +13 at Purdue
Vanderbuilt -3 vs Tennessee
E Michigan +10.5 at Temple
Florida vs Citadel
Memphis -4.5 vs UCF
Colorado St -2.5 at Wyoming
Notre Dame -19.5 vs Syracuse
Arkansas +1 vs Mississippi St
Tulsa -29.5 vs Tulane
Rice -8 vs Marshall
Washington st +7.5 vs Washington
Florida Atlantic +5.5 vs Arkansas ST
Michigan St +14 at Penn St
Air Force +18.5 at TCU
Ole Miss +5 at LSU
Boston College +2 at Wake Forest
California +9 vs Stanford
Northwestern +2.5 vs Illinois
Akron -2.5 at Ohio
Houston -15.5 vs UTEP
Wisconsin vs Cal Poly
North Texas +20 at MTSU
Kansas St -10 vs Iowa St
La Tech -6.5 at NM St
Boise St -6 at Nevada
Virginia Tech -17 vs Duke
Utah -6 vs BYU
East Carolina -6.5 at UAB
Arizona -3 vs Oregon St.
UL Monroe +6.5 at FIU
Troy -7.5 vs UL Lafayette
Minnesota +5.5 vs Iowa
Cincinnati -4.5 vs Pittsburgh
Maryland -1 vs FSU
Oklahoma -6.5 vs Texas Tech
UNLV -12.5 at San Diego St
Hawaii -23.5 vs Idaho
S Florida -3 vs UCONN

WEEK THIRTEEN - Preview

Michigan (+20½) over Ohio State
Call it a hunch, or call it a reaction to the widely held opinion that Ohio State is going to blow Michigan out – I feel like Michigan will cover this spread. The Wolverines aren’t as bad as their record, and Ohio State doesn’t typically blow people out. Michigan will play one good half and one bad half as usual, but I think the good half will be enough to keep the final score within three touchdowns.

Air Force (+18½) over TCU
I have my concerns over whether TCU will “show up” for this game or not. Even if they do, I’m not sure they can beat Air Force by more than 18 points. The Falcons have a pesky habit of hanging around.

Middle Tennessee (-19½) over North Texas High
There are only two more chances to bet against North Texas this season!

Other games I like, but don’t feel good enough about to give them “Lock” status:
Buffalo (+3½) over Bowling Green
Vanderbilt (-3) over Tennessee
Washington (-7½) over Washington State
Rice (-8½) over Marshall
Tulsa (-28½) over Tulane
Michigan State (+14½) over Penn State
Oregon State (+3) over Arizona
Minnesota (+5½) over Iowa

Week Twelve Results

B.PIKE

Against The Spread
Midweek Games: 3-4 (42.9%)
Saturday: 25-16-1 (60.7%)

Week Twelve Total: 28-20-1 (58.2%)
SEASON TOTAL: 294-275-11 (51.6%)

J.PIKE

Straight Up
Midweek Games: 2-0 (100%)
Top 25 Picks: 12-4 (75%)
Under the Radar: 1-2 (33.3%)

Week Twelve Total: 15-6 (71.4%)
SEASON TOTAL: 253-95 (72.7%)

Against The Spread
Locks: 2-1 (66.7%)
Other Picks: 4-3 (57.1%)

Week Twelve Total: 6-4 (60%)
SEASON TOTAL: 71-69-1 (50.7%)
SEASON TOTAL ("Locks"): 32-23 (58.2%)

BP-Picks against the Spread 11/15

This is where the rubber meets the road and with just 4 weeks left(I can't believe the season is almost over),it's time to prove that Pikes Picks is consistently better then the competition.

The Sledge 267-252-5
The "Experts" 258-261-5

And to the picks:

Ball St -18.5 at Miami(oh), LOSS
Temple -2.5 at Kent St, LOSS
Central Michigan +3 at N. Illinois, WIN
Buffalo +2.5 at Akron, WIN
Miami -4 vs Virginia Tech, LOSS
UNLV -8.5 vs Wyoming, LOSS
Cincinnati -3 at Louisville, WIN
Alabama -19.5 vs Miss St.
Indiana +34 at Penn St.
Florida -21 vs S Carolina
Ohio St -10 at Illinois
Georgia -8 at Auburn
Northwestern +3.5 at Michigan
Rutgers +7.5 at USF
Clemson -11.5 vs Duke
Notre Dame -3 at Navy
Iowa -14 vs Purdue
Texas -13 at Kansas
Middle Tennessee St at W Kentucky
Colorado St -1 vs New Mexico
Ole Miss -21 vs ULM
W Michigan -16 vs Toledo
Louisiana Tech -13 vs Utah St.
S Mississippi -2.5 vs E Carolina
Tulane -4.5 vs UAB
Air Force +4 vs BYU
Maryland +3 vs N Carolina
Oregon St -3 vs California
NC St +4 vs Wake Forest
Wisconsin -13.5 vs Minnesota
Arizona +3.5 at Oregon
Nebraska -6.5 at Kansas St.
Florida Atlantic +2.5 vs UL-Lafayette
Texas A&M +7.5 at Baylor
Nevada -14.5 vs San Jose St.
Marshall -7.5 vs UCF
Boise St. -34.5 at Idaho
N Mexico St +15 at Fresno St.
Washington St. +36.5 at Arizona St.
Missouri -26.5 at Iowa St.
USC -22.5 at Stanford
Connecticut -10 at Syracuse
Utah -28.5 at San Diego State
Oklahoma St -17.5 at Colorado
LSU -19.5 vs Troy
Boston College +7 at Florida St.
Kentucky -4.5 vs Vanderbuilt
Tulsa -5 at Houston
UTEP -10 vs SMU
UCLA -7.5 at Washington

WEEK TWELVE - Preview

Tulane (-5) over UAB
Tulane running back Andre Anderson must be licking his chops. UAB allowed Southern Miss to put 70 points on the board the last time they took the field, and that included a big performance by USM on the ground (463 rushing yards, 4 players over 80 rushing yards). Anderson averages a Conference USA best 123.4 rushing yards per game and he’ll look to improve on that number. I like UAB quarterback Joe Webb, but he simply doesn’t have enough help to keep this game close.

Nebraska (-6½) over Kansas State
The Blackshirts are back! As a result, the Big Red defense will play their best game of the season against the lifeless Wildcats.

Stanford (+22½) over USC
USC has been playing great defense lately, allowing a paltry 13 points over the last five games. That doesn’t mean the Trojans have been pounding people though - quite the contrary as a matter of fact. Disregarding the games against Washington and Washington State (who hasn’t beaten up on those two this year?), USC’s margin of victory in Pac-10 play is an underwhelming 15 points per game. Considering Stanford was able to pull the upset last year in the Coliseum, I have a feeling this game will go down to the wire.

Other games I like, but don’t feel good enough about to give them “Lock” status:
Rutgers (+7½) over South Florida
Texas (-13) over Kansas
New Mexico State (+15) over Fresno State
Oklahoma State (-17½) over Colorado
Utah (-28) over San Diego State
North Carolina (-2½) over Maryland
Texas A&M (+8) over Baylor

Week Eleven Recap

We're on the road to recovery. After two straight weeks of garbage picks, both Pikes are back on track. Brent had another winning week against the spread, so keep that in mind when you're looking for some easy cash next week. And my upset special came through this week when Western Michigan beat Illinois.

B.PIKE

Against The Spread
Midweek Games: 5-1 (83.3%)
Saturday: 23-23 (50%)

Week Eleven Total: 28-24 (53.8%)
SEASON TOTAL: 266-255-10 (51%)

J.PIKE

Straight Up
Midweek Games: 2-0 (100%)
Top 25 Picks: 13-4 (76.5%)
Under the Radar: 1-2 (33.3%)
Bonus Picks: 1-3 (25%)

Week Eleven Total: 17-9 (65.4%)
SEASON TOTAL: 238-89 (72.8%)

Against The Spread
Locks: 2-2 (50%)
Other Picks: 4-4 (50%)

Week Eleven Total: 6-6 (50%)
SEASON TOTAL: 65-65-1 (50%)
SEASON TOTAL ("Locks"): 30-22 (57.7%)

Week 11 Picks against the Spread.

Well the season is getting to its tough point as teams have been eliminated and like to try new things, so here is the stats so far.

The Sledge 237-229-5
The Experts 231-235-5

Buffalo -8 vs Miami
Ball St -9.5 vs N Illinois
Akron -4.5 vs Toledo
Virginia Tech -3 vs Maryland
TCU -2.5 @ Utah
Nevada +2.5 @ Fresno St.
Texas -25.5 vs Baylor
Texas A&M +24.5 vs Oklahoma
Georgia -10.5 @ Kentucky
Oklahoma St. +3 @ Texas Tech
Florida -23 @ Vanderbuilt
Ohio St. -11.5 @ Northwestern
Missouri -26.5 vs Kansas St.
Clemson +6.5 @ Florida St.
Michigan +7.5 @ Minnesota
Michigan St. -10 vs Purdue
N Carolina -4.5 vs Georgia Tech
Indiana +10.5 vs Wisconsin
Wake Forest -3.5 vs Virginia
Rutgers -14 vs Syracuse
Pittsburgh -6.5 vs Louisville
Illinois -7.5 @ W Michigan
Nebraska +1.5 vs Kansas
Colorado -10 vs Iowa St.
S Carolina -10 vs Arkansas
Tennessee -25.5 vs Wyoming
Boise St. -31.5 vs Utah St.
BYU -36.5 vs S D St.
Bowling Green -3 @ Ohio
Rice -9.5 vs Army
Memphis -2.5 @ SMU
LSU +3.5 vs Alabama
Penn St. -7.5 @ Iowa
Oregon -13 vs Stanford
NC St. +4.5 @ Duke
Marshall -9.5 @ ECU
S Miss -1 @ UCF
UL Monroe +4.5 @ MTSU
Troy vs W Kentucky
Auburn vs UT Martin
N Mexico St +3.5 vs Hawaii
Florida Atlantic -21 vs UNT
Tulane +14 @ Houston
Arizona -40 @ Washington ST.
Oregon St. -7.5 @ UCLA
Colorado St. +10.5 @ Air Force
Arizona St. -14.5 @ Washington
W Virginia -8 vs Cincinnati
UTEP +9 @ ULL
Arkansas St. -3.5 @ FIU
California +17.5 @ USC
La Tech +8.5 @ San Jose St.
Notre Dame +3.5 @ BC
UNLV +4 vs New Mexico

WEEK ELEVEN - Gameday Preview

Michigan (+7½) over Minnesota
The Michigan defense was torched to the tune of 522 yards and 48 points a week ago against Purdue, but I still have faith in them. Defensive end Brandon Graham and the front seven are more than capable of corralling Minnesota quarterback Adam Weber when he runs, and Donovan Warren and Morgan Trent are solid corners who should be able to prevent Weber from throwing the ball all over the yard. I like Minnesota to find a way to win this game at home, but I don’t think it will be by more than a touchdown.

Wisconsin (-10) over Indiana
Wisconsin has their running game back, as evidenced by the 281 yards on the ground last weekend against Michigan State. That doesn’t bode well for Indiana, who ranks eighth in the Big Ten against the run. I expect John Clay and P.J. Hill to have big games in leading a Wisconsin rout.

Rice (-9½) over Army
Army is improving, but they still can’t match Rice’s firepower. Chase Clement and the gang shouldn’t have a problem scoring between 30 and 40 points on Army, which all but guarantees at least a ten point win.

Arizona (-39) over Washington State
Washington State has been generous all year. Despite huge spreads like this one, they have failed to cover in all 8 of their games against 1-A competition. In fact, the Cougars average margin of defeat in Pac-10 play this season is by a whopping 52.8 points! Arizona has scored over 40 points four times this season, and it wouldn’t surprise me to see them top 60 here.

Other games I like, but don’t feel good enough about to give them “Lock” status:
Purdue (+9½) over Michigan State
Tennessee (-25½) over Wyoming
Iowa State (+10) over Colorado
Penn State (-7) over Iowa
Virginia (+3½) over Wake Forest
N.C. State (+4½) over Duke
Florida Atlantic (-21) over North Texas High
Cincinnati (+8) over West Virginia

Week 10 Against the Spread

Here are the standings:
The Sledge 215-201-5
The Experts 205-211-5

Buffalo +2.5 vs Ohio
Marshall +8 vs Houston
Cincinnati +3 vs USF
Northwestern +5.5 @ Minnesota
W Virginia -4 @ UCONN
Indiana -2.5 vs C Michigan
Michigan St. -5 vs Wisconsin
Virginia +1 vs Miami
Air Force -10 @ Army
Michigan +1.5 @ Purdue
Kansas St. +11 @ Kansas
Ole Miss -6 vs Auburn
Arkansas +7 vs Tulsa
Kent St +7.5 @ Bowling Green
Texas A&M -3 vs Colorado
E Michigan +17.5 @ W Michigan
S Diego St. +3 @ Wyoming
Notre Dame -5.5 vs Pittsburgh
Miss St -3 vs Kentucky
Fresno St. -4.5 @ Louisiana Tech
Arkansas St. +23.5 vs Alabama
Baylor +20.5 vs Missouri
Hawaii -7.5 @ Utah St.
Oklahoma St. -30.5 vs Iowa St.
Georgia +5.5 vs Florida
Florida St. -2 @ Georgia Tech
California -3 vs Oregon
Clemson +5.5 @ Boston College
Duke +7 @ Wake Forest
Illinois -1.5 vs Iowa
Navy -7 vs Temple
Western Kentucky vs North Texas
Washington St +30 @ Stanford
Idaho +16 vs San Jose St.
FIU +7 @ UL-Lafayette
BYU -14.5 @ Colorado St.
USC -43 vs Washington
Boise St. -20.5 @ N Mexico St.
Louisville -14 @ Syracuse
ULM +10.5 vs Troy
S Carolina -6 vs Tennessee
Texas Tech +6 vs Texas
Nebraska +21.5 @ Oklahoma
LSU -25.5 vs Tulane
TCU -13.5 @ UNLV
UAB +8.5 @ S Mississippi
Rice -2 @ UTEP
Utah -7.5 @ N Mexico
Oregon St. -13.5 vs Arizona St.
East Carolina -3.5 @ UCF

WEEK TEN - Preview

West Virginia (-3½) over Connecticut
Connecticut is actually a pretty tough team to beat on their home field. But without their top two quarterbacks the Huskies are vulnerable. West Virginia finally seems to be putting things together, so I expect them to stay hot and win by a touchdown or more.

Michigan (+1½) over Purdue
Purdue stinks. Curtis Painter is injured and might not play, but that doesn’t matter. Michigan has the defense to keep Purdue off the scoreboard and quarterback Steven Threet has improved enough to manufacture enough points to win outright.

Georgia (+5½) over Florida
I’m a little surprised the spread is this much in favor of Florida. Mark Richt wins the coaching battle here, and Knowshon Moreno will carry his team to victory over the speedy Gators. Texas (-6) over Texas Tech Like taking candy from a baby. Texas has won by an average of 18 points in the last five meetings. Texas Tech is the same old Texas Tech, but this might be Mack Brown’s best team yet.

Western Kentucky (-16½) over North Texas High School’s Varsity Football Team
How hilarious is it that a team with exactly zero wins over Division 1-A opponents is favored by 16½ over NTHS? The Hilltoppers are only averaging 10.5 points per game against D1-A competition for goodness sake! Take Western Kentucky anyway - they’ll win by 17.

Other games I like, but don’t feel good enough about to give them “Lock” status:
Central Michigan (+2½) over Indiana
Kansas State (+11½) over Kansas
Arkansas State (+23½) over Alabama
Missouri (-20) over Baylor
Iowa State (+31) over Oklahoma State
Washington (+43) over USC
New Mexico (+7½) over Utah

Week 9 picks against the spread

Here are my picks for the week:

Tuesday:
Ohio +4 vs Temple, TIE

Thursday:
W Virginia -2.5 vs Auburn, WIN
New Mexico +5 vs Air Force, LOSS

Friday:
San Jose St. +7.5 vs Boise St.

Saturday:
Lousiana Tech +2 @ Army
NC St. +10.5 @ Maryland
Miami(Fla) -2.5 vs Wake Forest
Northwestern -7.5 @ Indiana
Minnesota +1 @ Purdue
Boston College +3 @ N Carolina
Cincinnati -1 @ UCONN
Illinois -2.5 @ Wisconsin
Rutgers +9.5 @ Pittsburgh
Texas A&M +3 @ Iowa St.
Florida -25 vs Kentucky
Arkansas +5 vs Ole Miss
Ball St. -24.5 vs E Michigan
BYU -22 vs UNLV
Vanderbuilt -10.5 vs Duke
Rice -2 @ Tulane
Fresno St. -16 @ Utah St.
SMU +12 @ Navy
Tennessee +6.5 vs Alabama
Arizona St +5 vs Oregon
California -17 vs UCLA
Miami Oh -6.5 vs Kent St.
Georgia Tech -12 vs Virginia
OSU +12.5 @ Texas
Georgia +1.5 @ LSU
Oklahoma -18 @ Kansas St.
Michigan St. -4 @ Michigan
Florida St. -5 vs Virginia Tech
N Illinois -8 vs Bowling Green
N Mexico State -14 @ Idaho
TCU -31 vs Wyoming
C Michigan -3.5 @ Toledo
South Florida -4 vs Louisville
Nebraska -11 vs Baylor
Texas Tech -1 @ Kansas
Missouri -21.5 vs Colorado
Ohio St. -2.5 vs Penn St.
Memphis +5 vs S Mississippi
Notre Dame -10.5 @ Washington
Colorado St. -8.5 @ San Diego St.
USC -16.5 @ Arizona
Nevada -3 @ Hawaii
Miss St. -10 vs Middle Tennessee St.
UL Monroe -2.5 vs Florida Atlantic
Troy -24 @ North Texas

Sunday:(Yep Sunday!)
Tulsa -23.5 vs C Florida

WEEK NINE - J.Pike's picks against the spread

I see a lot of games that look good to pick against the spread this week. Here are my locks:

Cincinnati (-1) over Connecticut
Tony Pike is back at quarterback for Cincinnati and UConn is still without their quarterback Tyler Lorenzen.

Central Michigan (-4) over Toledo
The Chippewas are flat out the better team. It won’t matter that the game is in the Glass Bowl.

UNLV (+22½) over BYU
BYU proved themselves to be human in a blowout loss to TCU last week. Now they are more than three touchdown favorites over a solid UNLV team? I think UNLV takes this game down to the wire.

Michigan (+4) over Michigan State
I think Michigan wins this game outright with their defense leading the way.

UCLA (+17) over California
As long as Jeff Tedford stays committed to Nate Longspare at quarterback I’ll stay committed to picking against Cal.

Penn State (-2½) over Ohio State
The Nittany Lions own every individual matchup in this game and have too much speed offensively.

Other games I like, but don’t feel good enough about to give them “Lock” status:
Kansas (-2½) over Texas Tech
Boston College (+3) over North Carolina
Oklahoma (-19½) over Kansas State
Rice (+1½) over Tulane
Virginia Tech (+4½) over Florida State
Tennessee (+6½) over Alabama
Arizona (+16) over USC

Week Eight Results

B.PIKE

Against The Spread
Week Games: 2-1 (66.7%)
Saturday: 29-20 (59.2%)

Week Eight Total: 31-21 (59.6%)
SEASON TOTAL: 193-177-9 (52.1%)

J.PIKE

Straight Up
Week Games: 2-1 (66.6%)
Top 25 Picks: 15-1 (93.8%)
Under the Radar: 4-0 (100%)
Picks for Breakfast: 3-7 (30%)

Week Eight Total: 24-9 (72.7%)
SEASON TOTAL: 187-58 (76.3%)

Against The Spread
Locks: 2-2 (50%)
Other Picks: 4-5 (44.4%)

Week Eight Total: 6-7 (46.2%)
SEASON TOTAL: 51-43-1 (54.2%)
SEASON TOTAL ("Locks"): 25-13 (65.8%)

It took eight weeks, but one of us finally tasted perfection in 7 on 7 Drills. I did as well as you can possibly do, going 7-0 and padding two more games on my lead in the process. And Brent, if you keep picking against Texas I'll keep adding to my lead.

1. #23 Georgia Tech 21, Clemson 17
Jason: Georgia Tech
Brent: Georgia Tech
2. Boston College 28, #18 Virginia Tech 23
Jason: Boston College
Brent: Virginia Tech
3. #12 LSU 24, South Carolina 17
Jason: LSU
Brent: LSU
4. #4 Oklahoma 45, #14 Kansas
Jason: Oklahoma
Brent: Oklahoma
5. #21 TCU 32, #8 BYU 7
Jason: TCU
Brent: TCU
6. #6 Ohio State 45, #16 Michigan State 7
Jason: Ohio State
Brent: Ohio State
7. #1-t Texas 56, #9 Missouri
Jason: Texas
Brent: Missouri

WEEK EIGHT RESULTS
Jason 7-0 (100%)
Brent 5-2 (71.4%)

SEASON TOTALS
1. Jason 37-19 (66.1%)
2. Brent 34-22 (60.7%)

WEEK EIGHT - Preview

Boise State (-5) over Hawaii
Boise State will win by at least two touchdowns. [LINK]

Wisconsin (+3½) over Iowa
Whoa, let’s all take a step back. Sure, Wisconsin is a disappointing 3-3 right now, but since when is losing games to Michigan, Ohio State, and Penn State such a damning indictment? No matter how bad it looks for Wisconsin right now, the Badgers are still a better team than the Hawkeyes. Hitting the road to get away from the grumbling home fans will actually work to Wisky’s advantage as they maul Iowa in the trenches, pick up a win, and get their season back on track. Note to Iowa, your pink locker rooms aren’t as insulting when you don’t have Brad Banks out there slicing up defenses anymore.

Louisiana-Monroe (-18½) over North Texas High
Here we go again. My favorite D-1A high school team is getting 18½ points and I still think you should pick against them. The Mean Green showed signs of life last week, but still managed to lose by 29 and drop to 0-6 on the season. This week will be no different as North Texas High takes another step on the road to a winless season!

San Jose State (-2½) over New Mexico State
This is a weird one to call as a lock, but I have a lot of faith in San Jose State quarterback Kyle Reed. He’s a late addition to the Faulk Trophy watch list, but he’s very deserving of the honor. He’ll slice and dice the Aggie secondary and run circles around pursuing defensive linemen. San Jose State is slightly underrated and I think they’ll handle Hal Mumme’s troops with ease.

Other games I like, but don’t feel good enough about to give them “Lock” status:
South Florida (-24) over Syracuse
Connecticut (-1) over Rutgers
Miami, Ohio (+9½) over Bowling Green
Ole Miss (+13½) over Alabama
Michigan (+23½) over Penn State
Colorado (-3) over Kansas State
Washington (+14) over Oregon State
Illinois (-16½) over Indiana
Air Force (-4½) over UNLV

Week 8 Thursday Picks

Well we ended last week below .500 for the 1st time this season. But Still have a lead over the experts:

The Sledge 162-156-9(51%)
The Experts 157-161-9(49%)

Thursday Pix:
NC St +11 vs FSU
NC St will keep this closer then 11, but FSU will win, both teams coming off a bye.
TCU -1 vs BYU
Will be attending this one tonight for the site. TCU will be primed for this one. This will be a great one.

Friday Game:
Boise St. -24 vs Hawaii
The Rainbows will be another blue turf victim.


Saturday Pix:
Rutgers +1 vs UCONN
Lorenzen is out in this one and this is a must win for Rutgers to stay bowl eligible.

Wake Forest -1.5 @ Maryland
Wake will stay disciplined and get the win, the Terrapins are two inconsistent.

Georgia Tech -2 @ Clemson
I think the coaching change will help, but Spiller is out and Georgia Tech is a wear you out kind of team, that energy Clemson has at the beginning of the game will quickly evaporate with this pounding offense.

Memphis +9 @ E Carolina
Arkelon Hall of the Decepticons will take care of the feel sorry for themself Pirates.

Miami -3.5 @ Duke
Duke could upset here but Jacory Harris has a big day and erases that by half time.

Va Tech +3 @ BC
Tyrod is getting points in this one? Go with the mobile QB even though VA Tech RB sitution is cloudy.

USF -24 vs Syracuse
Syracuse will be playing to stay bowl eligible, like that had a chance anyway, say goodbye to Greg Robinson after this one. Grothe will destroy the 'Cuse coming off that Pitt loss and two weeks to think about it.

Wisconsin +3.5 @ Iowa
Wisconsin is reeling after three straight losses but that .5 a point will be the diffence per Iowa can't blow anyone out. This will be a smash mouth big ten game.

Northwestern -4 vs Purdue
After losing to Mich St. the Wildcat must show they can bounce back, this will be the second home game in a row for NW and the second road game for Purdue. Go Wildcat!

Kansas +20 @ Oklahoma
Rock Chalk will be ready for this one and the Rivalry hangover will be there. But OU will win and look good, but Jayhawks do just enough to cover.

Miami(OH) +9.5 @ Bowling Green
I don't like the Redhawks but Bowling Green has been to inconsistent to cover a 9 point spread.

C Michigan +2.5 vs W Michigan
I know W Michigan has been playing well, but to be favored going to C Michigan. Not sure about that and being the underdog C Micigan will pull this out.

ISU +8.5 vs Nebraska
The Huskers are my team and I think they will win this but this will be a statement game for ISU and they will play the huskers close.

Miss St. +7.5 @ Tennessee
Tennessee has looked horrible and Miss St coming off a big Vandy win. Go with the Croomdawgs!

Alabama -13 vs Ole Miss
The Florida/Ole Miss game was played over and over this week, the Bama Defense steps up.

Georgia -15 vs Vanderbuilt
The Bulldogs are trying to get back in the National Championship hunt and will need to blow out opponetts like Vandy and they will end the storybook. Dawgs Big!

E Michigan +3 vs Akron
Why not they have covered 3 straight weeks!

Utah -23 vs Colorado St.
The Utes continue their onslaught thru the MWC. Utes roll!

Texas Tech -21 @ Texas A&M
Lets see, A&M sucks and Tech is in the Top 10, no suprises here Tech wins big!

Rice -1.5 vs S Mississippi
Chase Clement and Co. will show why they will be a contender in the Conference USA.

USC -43 @ Washington St.
Name the Score Washington St won't score.

Pitt -3 @ Navy
Pittsburgh has a chip on its shoulder from the opening game they will continue to build momentum going into Big East play, despite Bill Stull

Michigan St. +4 vs Ohio St.
I think the Buckeyes will win by a FG and Pryor shows he can win in the clutch, but take the Spartans and that 4 points. That one point will be the difference.

Missouri +6 @ Texas
Texas will be basking in the glow of the OU win and Missouri is a wounded dog. Missouri avenges the OSU loss and saves the season.

Virginia +5 vs N Carolina
I know N. Carolina is the flashy pick, but Virginia has been playing solid recently and with points at home and no Brandon Tate, go with the Cavs.

Toledo +8 @ N Illinois
Rockets win in the Big House and that HUGE win will carry over here in a suprise back to back road upset.

Nevada -21 vs Utah St.
I don't know why but I can't take Utah St serious, Chris Cooley is the only thing ever to come out of there and their at anything resembling a Chris Cooley on this years squad

Marshall -3 @ UAB
Marshall needs this more then UAB as they try to stay among the leaders in the Conf USA.

Penn St. -23.5 vs Michigan
Happy Valley won't be so happy for the Wolverines. Suprisingly enough Rich Rodriguez is not the problem, they just don't have the same amount of talent as Penn St. This gets ugly.

N Mexico -14.5 vs S Diego St.
S D St QB is out, N Mexico rolls.

Oregon St. -14 @ Washington
The Beavers will be playing a Huskie team without Jake Locker. For all your Tyrone Willingham fans get your autograph this week because he will be gone next week.

Arkansas +8 @ Kentucky
Arkansas and Petrino is not as bad as everyone thinks and Kentucky is not as good as everyone thinks, so don't go with what everyon thinks in this one.

California -2.5 @ Arizona
Jahvid Best is back and that's all I need to know.

La Tech -20 vs Idaho
La Tech will destroy the Vandals.

Kansas St. +3.5 @ Colorado
Josh Freeman takes the Cats into Boulder and gets the upset

OSU -17 vs Baylor
The Cowboys coming off one of the biggest wins in team history will not have a let down, but Robert Griffin is the reason to tune in to this one.

Buffalo -12 vs Army
The Bulls will stop the cadets win streak.

LSU -2.5 @ S Carolina
LSU is LSU and they will put all the pressure on Smelley, that will be enough.

UTEP +17.5 @ Tulsa
Trevor Vittatoe has the Miners playing better lately and will do just enough to cover.

N Mexico St. +2.5 vs S Jose St.
Two suprising teams and Holbrook beats the very underrated Kyle Reed.

SMU +12.5 vs Houston
This isn't the shiek pick but just a gut feeling on this one.

Illinois -15 vs Indiana
Kellen Lewis is out, and the Illinois need this game to get the season on the right path.

UNLV +3.5 vs Air Force
I know Air Force is disciplined but this is a better then average UNLV team and they show it this week.

UCLA +2 vs Stanford
Stanford is the better team but they will stumble in this one.

Florida Atlantic -2 @ Western Kentucky
Must win for Florida Atlantic to stay bowl eligible..

Louisville -14.5 vs MTSU
No upset here per Louisville is playing better lately.

ULM -18 vs UNT
Take Any team against UNT

Arkansas St. +3 vs ULL

Troy -9 vs FIU

Week 7 Picks against the spread

Well last week was the second week in a row I finished over 55% and the goal will be 70% this week. Here is the standings so far:

The Sledge 139-128-9 (52%)
The Experts 129-138-9 (48%)

Tuesday Game
Florida Atl +3.5 vs Troy, LOSS
Ever since Howie chimed in at the Longhorns Rusty has slipped big time.

Thursday Games:
Clemson +2.5 @ Wake Forest, LOSS
Note to self don't fall for Tommy Bowden and Clemson again, also Wake is just disciplined enough to win the ACC.

Houston -18 vs UAB, WIN
Case Keenum has already thrown for over 2800 and 21 td and 5 pix, not bad for a conference USA contender...

Friday:
Memphis +6.5 vs Louisville
Arkelon Hall of the Decepticons will beat the overrated Hunter "noodler" Cantwell.

Saturday:
Virginia +6 vs E. Carolina
Wow the dream ended fast, Patrick Pinkney went from the next Darrell Hackney to Reggie Ball.

W.Virginia -24 vs Syracuse
Syracuse is horrible, Jarrett Brown shows off some skills and starts the controversy. Pat White is so soft and fragile, like a glass ostrich....huh?

Indiana +6 vs Iowa
Kellen Lewis plays well enough to keep it close, typical Big 10 game, come down to last play and both teams under 20 points.

Illinois -12.5 vs Minnesota
This Juice will not be put in Jail by the Gophers this weekend, The Illni are finally putting it together and will be dangerous the rest of the year. Arrelious Benn is a hoss, and give some love to the Gophers for at least being in the Big 10 Conversation this year.

Michigan St -1.5 @ Northwestern
Underrated game of the day, but Sparta will call in Javonious Ringeralous to keep the Big 10 title still in the picture.

Oklahoma -6.5 vs Texas
My partner has his horns, and I have my #1 team, we will find out on Saturday. nuff said for more review on this see my partners great breakdown below.

Army +1 vs E Michigan
Who cares go with the Cadets in support for our troops.

Bayor -4.5 vs Iowa St.
Gene Chizick has the Clones improving but Robert Griffin finally will have a team he can expose to get the win.

S. Carolina -1 @ Kentucky
I know Kentucky played Bama tough but letdown will be on the Menu and S Carolina only fumbles against the ranked teams.

W Michigan +1.5 vs Buffalo
I hope I am wrong per gotta give love to T-GILL, but W Michigan is playing really well right now and are primed to run the table.

Mississippi St +2.5 vs Vanderbuilt
Another let down game Vandy coming off possibly the biggest win in school history will have reality hit them in face by a underachieving Miss St. Jason your Bulldogs finally bring something.

Utah -23 @ Wyoming
Utah must make a statement with the fodder of the Mtn West to have a chance to go BCS bowling, Wyoming is such fodder.

Texas A&M +3 vs Kansas St.
Yes A'M will get there first win, they played a little better in the second half against OSU and It's no longer me and Stephen McGee but bring on another mobile QB to save the day Jerrod Johnson.

C. Michigan -7.5 vs Temple
Al Golden has improved the Owls to at least be competitive but now the stamina kicks in and Temple just doesn't have it. CMU rolls.

Ohio St. -18.5 vs Purdue
Beanie and T-PRY will make a statment in this one per Purdue has Painter and that is all we need to know.

TCU -15.5 @ Colorado St.
I know Colorado St. is playing better, but TCU is for real. Horned Frogs jump early and often against the Rams.

Missouri -14 vs Oklahoma St.
I really want to take OSU in this one, but they just don't have enough defensively to stop Chase and Dash, and Missouri has just enough defense to hold OSU under 24.

Georgia -11.5 vs Tennessee
The Vols were one of my sleeper teams this year and they haven't woke up yet, Bulldogs smash Tennessee in effort to get votes to redeem for the Bama loss.

USC -27.5 vs Arizona St.
With Rudy or Without Rudy, Mitch "Megadeth" Mustain( who is better then Sanchez) will cover against ASU. The Dennis Erickson story book is over.

Oregon -17.5 vs UCLA
Lets see plug in QB #4, yep that will be enough against the Bruin and Prick Neuwhatever...

Michigan -16.5 vs Toledo
The young Wolves get a doormat finally and they will roll over the Rocket.

Notre Dame +7.5 @ N. Carolina
I think N. Carolina will win, but it will be closer then the 7, Brandon Tate is worth the ticket alone.

Auburn -18.5 vs Arkansas
Lets see fire a inefficient Offensive Coordinator mix that with a Mobile QB full time(Kodi Burns), sprinkle a little Bobby Petrino and you have yourself a offensive explosion. All systems are up for Auburn now.

N Mexico St. +19 @ Nevada
Holbrook and AJ Davis will keep this closer then most think.

N Illinois -11 vs Miami OH
Where is Big Ben when you need him, Huskies represent at Home. But Dan Nicholson is on my worthless QB hit list.

BYU -23 vs N Mexico
Suprisingly enough our man Donovan Potrerie was knocked out then the Lobo go Loco and win two straight. But Mad Max will end that story quickly. Cougars have a look ahead factor with TCU, but they are to disciplined to let that affect this one.

Washington St. +30 @ Oregon St.
Just a hunch on this one 30 is too much, I know the Bearcats are playing better but the coug's have enough to score two TD's and cover.

Arizona -6 @ Stanford
Last call all aboard the Wildcat bandwagon other then the N Mexico debacle they have blown out everyone else. Stanford has regressed a little as of late. Willie Tuitama is for real.

Akron +1 vs Bowling Green
Bowling Green is about the most inconsitent team going right now, no offense Clemson, but they beat Pitt in the opener and then lose to E Michigan??? Go with the Zips.

Ohio -1.5 @ Kent St.
This is a must win for Solich and Co. in order fight for what shred of Bowl hopes are left, Solich pulls out the must win.

Rutgers +7.5 @ Cincinnati
Rutgers is not this bad are they? Was Ray Rice that important? Not sure about those two questions but no Tony Pike for the Bearcat, this is a must win for Rutgers if they want to go to a Bowl.

Texas Tech -20.5 vs Nebraska
The Huskers are my team, but this will get ugly very fast, in protest of the defense I won't be watching this one. But Bo has them at least motivated. Wow has the program fallen that far behind everyone else in just 4 years. F U Bill Callahan!

Colorado +14 @ Kansas
I think Colorado is better then most think and Kansas is a little overrated, this will be closer then the two TD's.

Penn St. -5.5 @ Wisconsin
Penn St is for real, the badgers will not be anything but a good team this year per very average QB play. Allen Everidge you made the list.

Miami Fla -17 vs UCF
The Young canes will show up in this one, but Randy Shannon better get a blowout here or else the hot seat will be delivered.

Florida -6 vs LSU
Tebow and Jean Francois have been jawing all week but Chris Rainey and Harvin will be just a little better then Scott and Holiday. Also Redshirt freshman QB Jarrett Lee makes his debut in the swamp and debuts for opposing team Freshman QB usually ends up bad. Go with the Gators to causing BCS chaos.

S Jose St. -14 vs Utah St.
Mobile QB Kyle Reed will keep the overachieving Spartans good mojo going.

Tulsa -25 vs SMU
Tulsa is absoulutely crushing teams, SMU is not ready for prime time yet. Tulsa continues it's destruction.

Boise St. -10.5 @ S. Mississippi
What calling for a win for Boise outside the blue field? Yep, I know they have Damien Fletcher, but other then that they got nothing.

UTEP -4.5 vs Tulane
UTEP headed upward Tulane moving down. The Trend continues.

Air Force -10 @ S Diego St.
San Diego St hasn't had anything since Faulk, Air Force does their workmanlike offense that will wear S Diego down.

Fresno St. -34 vs Idaho
If any team needs a cupcake its Fresno. If Fresno doesn't blow them out by at least 30, the team is done.

LA Tech +7.5 @ Hawaii
Can you believe if you are student in the WAC you get a trip to Hawaii every other year. The Bulldogs will enjoy the sights, drink the pina colada and beat the Rainbow.

Ball St. -15.5 @ W Kentucky
This has all the makings of WKU making it tough for Ball St., but the Cardinal is for real and it will be interesting if they run the table where they will end up.

UL-Monroe +12.5 @ Arkansas St.
Double digits in the Sun Belt, take the points and move on.

Middle Tennessee St. +1.5 @ FIU
Joe Craddock will put the Panthers back where they belong.

UNT +21.5 vs UL Lafayette
I can't believe I am doing this but they have to be due to cover don't they? I know UL-Lafayette has the Top Rushing offense in the nation, but UNT still sucks but they suck just enough to cover.

There it is, hopefully another strong week. Let me know what you think on these.

WEEK SEVEN - Locks

Syracuse (+23½) over West Virginia
Syracuse is bad, but West Virginia hasn’t shown the ability to beat anybody by more than three touchdowns this year. With Pat White suffering through nagging injuries, I don’t expect that pattern to change.

Utah (-23) over Wyoming
Utah is playing good football right now and Wyoming simply is not. The Cowboys aren’t even averaging double digits in points this season (by far the worst in the nation), so a shutout by the strong Utah defense is more than possible – it’s probable. Utah quarterback Brian Johnson can easily manufacture at least 30 against this group.

Colorado State (+15½) over TCU
This is the kind of game that seems to trip up TCU just about every year. The Horned Frogs are favored on the road against a team with a new coach that is improving every week. Not only do I think Colorado State covers this large spread, I think they have an excellent shot at winning outright.

Louisiana-Lafayette (-21) over North Texas High
If I actually put money on these bets, I would have gotten rich betting against North Texas High School this season. Louisiana-Lafayette has the nation’s top rushing offense and Tyrell Fenroy nearly topped the 300-yard mark a week ago against Louisiana-Monroe! Look for the Ragin’ Cajuns to to approach 500 yards rushing and completely control the clock in this game.

Tulsa (-25) over SMU
This seems to be the week where I capitalize on the big spreads. Tulsa is tops in the nation averaging 56.4 points per game. June Jones is struggling to get his passing attack going as the Mustangs sit on a 1-5 record averaging only 22 points per game. Tulsa wins big.

Other games I like, but don’t feel good enough about to give them “Lock” status:
Texas (+7) over Oklahoma
Illinois (-12½) over Minnesota
Arizona State (+28) over USC
Buffalo (-1) over Western Michigan
Miami (-16½) over Central Florida
Arizona (-6½) over Stanford
Iowa State (+4½) over Baylor
San Jose State (-14) over Utah State
Missouri (-14) over Oklahoma State
UTEP (-4) over Tulane

Week Six Results

B.PIKE

Against The Spread
Week Games: 2-5 (28.6%)
Saturday: 26-17-2 (60%)

Week Six Total: 28-22-2 (55.8%)
SEASON TOTAL: 139-128-6 (52%)

J.PIKE

Straight Up
Week Games: 3-2 (60%)
Top 25 Picks: 14-3 (82.4%)
Under the Radar: 2-2 (50%)
Picks for Breakfast: 9-3 (75%)

Week Six Total: 28-10 (73.7%)
SEASON TOTAL: 148-41 (78.3%)

Against The Spread
Locks: 4-1 (80%)
Other Picks: 4-3 (57.1%)

Week Six Total: 8-4 (66.7%)
SEASON TOTAL: 39-28 (58.2%)
SEASON TOTAL ("Locks"): 19-10 (65.5%)

Upset Picks
Upsets called: 0/2 (0%)
SEASON TOTAL: 3/10 (30%)

Both of us here at Pikes Picks rebounded nicely after our abysmal 2-5 showings last week. Brent picked up a game on me to cut my lead back down to a single game. With another strong slate of games on the schedule for this week, there's a chance for some shake ups in the standings.

1. #23 Illinois 45, Michigan 20
Jason: Illinois
Brent: Illinois
2. North Carolina 38, #24 UConn 12
Jason: North Carolina
Brent: North Carolina
3. #21 California 24, Arizona State 14
Jason: Arizona State
Brent: Arizona State
4. Florida State 41, Miami 39
Jason: Miami
Brent: Florida State
5. #9 USC 44, #22 Oregon 10
Jason: USC
Brent: USC
6. #17 Vanderbilt 14, #11 Auburn 13
Jason: Auburn
Brent: Auburn
7. #8 Ohio State 20, #18 Wisconsin 17
Jason: Ohio State
Brent: Ohio State

WEEK SIX RESULTS
Brent 5-2 (71.4%)
Jason 4-3 (57.1%)

SEASON TOTALS
1. Jason 25-17 (59.5%)
2. Brent 24-18 (57.1%)