Stone Cold Locks-October 17th CFB & NFL Weekend

by Bob Gaughan, Buffalo Sports Page

2020 record 13-10-2
2019 Record 62-41-2
2018 Record 72-50-3

Mr. Over/Under: Rams -3 over San Francisco

The NFL has rescheduled 9 games in order to accommodate the problems the Titans have had with Covid-19. Two of those games have been scheduled for this week. The Jets at Miami, which was moved from week 10 and Denver at New England, which had been scheduled for last week. Speaking of last week, only five favorites covered last week, and even with all the high scoring, only seven games went over.
I think it’s fair to ask, “What’s going on with San Francisco”, which was humiliated by Miami last week? The defending NFC champs have yet to win a game at home this year, and host a very good Rams team this week. This could be a tough division game for Los Angeles, as need to stay close to an undefeated Seattle, but they’re only giving away 3 points. Until the 49’ers show me they can beat better teams than the Jets & the Giants, I’ll give the points and take the Rams.

Man in Stripes: Navy -2.5 over East Carolina

After a slow start Navy Coach Ken Niumatalolo has his team playing very well. Last week he had his 100th win at Navy with a win over Temple. East Carolina has a completely new coaching staff, and they will find it hard to stop the triple option. Navy has won four in a row in this series and I look for them to make it five in a row. Lay the 2.5 on the road.

Mono: Bears -1.5 over Carolina

This will be my second week in a row going against Carolina. I feel much better this time. Chicago was able to grind out a tough win last week against Tampa Bay. The Bears defense was able to hold the Bucs to 19 points and held up when it mattered most at the end of the game. Carolina is hot winning three in a row. Matt Rhule has his team playing well. Last week Robby Anderson was able to beat a bad Falcons secondary with several 3rd and long conversions. This week I am more confident in a better Bears secondary. Nick Foles and company should be able to score over 20 points and come away with the victory. The Bears stay hot and stay right behind the Packers with a 27-17 victory.

Brutal: Marshall and La Tech over 49.5

The weather is going to be beautiful Saturday night in Ruston. Both teams combined are 6-1. Both teams can score. I do like La Tech getting 14 as well. La Tech only loss was to a very good BYU team. Marshall has already beaten a very good Appalachian State team. Redshirt freshman Grant Wells has the Thundering Herd offense rolling. Marshall’s defense is playing better this year but they can be hit with big play in the passing game. I see a shootout in this one.

Bob Gaughan: Detroit -3 over Jacksonville

I was very high on the Lions this year. They’ve started off 1-3 but they have played a difficult schedule. The Lions have lost to Chicago, Green Bay and New Orleans. They have a quality win with a victory in Arizona. I believe the Lions can get on a roll now as the schedule easies up. The Lions are coming off the bye and are well rested for this game. The Lions offense should be able to pile up points against a poor Jacksonville defense. I’ll take the team that has played a much tougher schedule while laying only a field goal.