CBR: CFB WK 3

 

Another weekend of football is upon us, and despite a rough last two weeks in both college and the NFL, I have that feeling that a hot streak is just around the corner, and it starts on Saturday. I`m only seeing green on the board this weekend, so let’s get to it. I have three games in College Football I will be all over Saturday.

Notre Dame -11

Look there is no doubt that last week`s loss to Marshall in the fighting Irish`s home opener will go down as one of the worst losses in program history. With that said, all is not lost for the Irish, however it will not be easy to regain momentum. This week against the Cal Bears is the perfect opportunity to do just that. Cal is coming into South Bend with a 1-1 record ATS, that record coming against an FCS and FBS opponent, UC-Davis and UNLV, respectively. In my estimation, that is not very impressive. Despite Notre Dame coming into game with a backup signal caller in Drew Pine, I predict them to overwhelm a Cal Football team that has not faced the physical competition and speed that Notre Dame has. Give me the fighting Irish to shake down the thunder and march on to a monster 11-point cover.

 

Penn State – 3

I have never been, nor will I ever consider myself a supporter of Penn State, and especially James Franklin. However, I have a remote amount of respect for Franklin`s ability to get his team ready for a big game. Also, PSU has played in bigger environments than Jordan Hare, despite what Auburn and SEC homers will want you to believe. Bryan Harsin has seemingly survived every coup attempt a college football coach can survive at Auburn and has scrapped together some decent seasons despite whatever turmoil had befallen his program. However, with a 0-2 ATS record against two non-power 5 opponents this year, it hard for me to believe that the war eagle with fly on Saturday. Also, Auburn`s dodgy dual quarterback system doesn’t give me much confidence that they can get the needed offensive production against usually stout Penn State defense. Give me the Nittany Lions -3.

 

LSU +2.5

Look, I understand the Brian Kelly regime at LSU has gotten off like a fart in church, but in Brian Kelly`s defense, Eddy O didn’t exactly leave the house nice and tidy. That said, he is still one of the better coaches in the SEC and the superior coach in his matchup this week against Mississippi State. Mike Leach is the kind of corky and unusual that makes people love college football, however it never has and never will move the needle with me, he had a few good years at Texas Tech with really good players.  The air raid offense and telling pirate stories doesn’t beat teams with NFL talent and elite coaching, which LSU has, despite what the FSU game would lead you to believe. I love the Tigers +2.5 purely because this is a coaching mismatch.