Coverin' the Spread: CTS Pickin' Winners On the Reg

NCAA

Virginia Tech (-3) at Georgia Tech

Virginia Tech has been outstanding this season with the exception of an opening loss to Alabama and a few defensive breakdowns at Duke. Georgia Tech has also been impressive with only one loss at Miami. Paul Johnson’s offense has been putting up a lot of points this year (33 pts/gm). They feast on undisciplined defenses, but Bud Foster will draw something up and they will be more than prepared. On top of that, Tyrod Taylor and Ryan Williams really have that VT offense clicking.

Take Virginia Tech minus the points -mfb

Oklahoma (+3.5) vs. Texas (Neutral Site)

The deciding factor in this game was Sam Bradford’s performance last week. He threw for 389 yards and a touchdown in his first game back since separating his shoulder in the first game of the year. Now that Oklahoma’s offense is back to form, it will put that much more pressure on Colt McCoy. The Texas offense is a two-man show between Colt McCoy and Jordan Shipley. The running game is non-existent, which is very bad news when facing an Oklahoma defense that has been tough to score on this year. Look for Sam Bradford to shine and Oklahoma to pick up a much needed win.

Take Oklahoma plus the points -mfb

California at UCLA, O/U (44)

Both Cal and UCLA come into this game winless in the conference. Their offenses have put up embarrassing numbers the first two conference games (Cal 3 pts/gm; UCLA 13 pts/gm). Cal likes to keep the ball on the ground and UCLA has a very conservative offense. This total is way too high.

Take the Under-mfb

Miami (-14) at UCF

Miami has had the hardest schedule in college football this year. They have had impressive wins against FSU, Oklahoma, and GT. Their lone loss came to the hands of a hot VT team and Miami was simply worn out playing its fourth consecutive top 25 team. UCF looked decent against Memphis (still giving up 270 yds in the air), but barely beat Samford and has lost to Southern Miss and ECU, who are both having down years. Look for Jacory Harris to lead an explosive Miami offense to a convincing win Saturday night.

Take Miami minus the points –rw

NFL

Philadelphia Eagles (-14.5) at Oakland Raiders

The Oakland Raiders looked absolutely embarrassing last week in a blowout loss to the G-Men and have lost their last three games by a total of 20, 23, and 37 points. JaMarcus Russell only seems to be getting worse as the season progresses and the Eagles number 3 ranked defense will not make things easier. The Eagles will get out in front early and should win this game by about three touchdowns.

Take Philly minus the points - scf

Arizona Cardinals at Seattle Seahawks (-3) O/U (47)

Seattle looked awfully impressive last week in a 41-0 blowout of the Jaguars. Arizona’s inconsistency continued with a 28-21 win over the Texans at home. Look for lots of passing in this game considering Arizona has the third ranked passing offense in the NFL along with the worst ranked pass defense in the league. That being said, I expect a high scoring game with Arizona’s inconsistency continuing in their first real road test of the season. I like the Seahawks to win by about a score of 34-21.

Take Seattle minus the points and the over – scf

Chicago Bears at Atlanta Falcons (-3)

The Falcons are coming off a decisive win over a strong 49ers team on the road. They will ride that momentum into the GA dome Sunday night. They have arguably the most balanced attack offensively in the NFL with a power RB (Turner), a Hall of Fame TE (Gonzalez), Efficient QB (Ryan), and an explosive WR (White). The Bears have had a confusing season thus far. They lost in an ugly battle against the Pack, barely beat a Seneca Wallace-lead Seahawks team, but managed to take down the defending Superbowl Champs (who haven’t been overly impressive). Atlanta won’t be able to blow out Cutler and the Bears like they did the 49ers, but look for Favre jr. (Cutler) to throw an interception or two to help the Falcons win by a TD at home.

Take the Falcons minus the points - rw