Sport: College FootballPick Selection: FLA over AUB; HOU over SOMIS; OHIO over ILL
Take Florida over Auburn at 7:45 ET. Florida has really gotten it rolling on offense, with their two-QB offense keeping everyone happy (isn't that what happens when you're winning?). The Gators have averaged 29 ppg with Tim Tebow (2 pass, 1 rush TD last week) and Chris Leak alternating under center. But the real key for Florida has been their defense, which has allowed just 9.5 ppg. LB Brandon Siler is one of the best in the country, and with a solid D-line that is holding the opposition to a mediocre 57 ypg on the ground, the Gators are forcing teams to pass. In the SEC, that is a recipe for success. Auburn is not a good passing team, and comes off their worst rushing game of the season (60 yds in loss to Arkansas). Look for Florida (8-1 ATS L9 vs. Auburn) and Coach Urban Meyer (8-2 SU vs. ranked teams) to pick up a big win here over an Auburn team that's just had its bubble burst. Take Florida to continue their SEC run here with a win.
Take Houston over Southern Miss at 7:00 ET. Houston has one of the best-kept secrets in college football in QB Kevin Kolb, and the Cougars are picking up 32.2 ppg this season with Kolb at the helm. This Houston team lost by just one point to Miami two weeks ago, and went gangbusters out of the gate against Louisiana-Lafayette before succumbing late last week. Houston's loss last week was an anomaly, and a chance to get them at a better value this week for the savvy bettor. Southern Miss has been unimpressive, especially in their loss to Tulsa, and they are 1-8 ATS in their last nine games and just 1-5 ATS in their last six as a favorite. And for Southern Miss, their leading rusher and WR both face half-game suspensions, and both of their QBs are slowed by injuries. Look for a big game from Kolb as Houston wins big here.
Take Ohio plus the points over Illinois at 7:00 ET. Ohio is coming off a big win over Western Michigan in which RB Kalvin McRae ran for 120 yards and QB Austen Everson picked up 100 on the ground. All told, the Bobcats amassed 257 rush yards in their win over WMU, and Ohio hasn't lost ATS in their last three tries when they've had over 200 yards rushing the previous game. As well, the Bobcats are a perfect 3-0-1 ATS in their last four games off a SU win. LB Tyler Russ anchors the Ohio defense, and he's joined by Matt Muncy, who leads the team in tackles for loss. Ohio's defense is a solid bunch that is ranked in the top half of the MAC in nearly every category, and they will make things tough on an Illinois team that has won just twice ATS in their last eight games when they've been favored. Last week, the Illini found a way to lose a game in which they led by 18 at halftime to a mediocre Indiana team. This week, they won't be able to pull away from Ohio. Take the Bobcats plus the points.
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Handicappers
