By Bob Gaughan
2022 Record 8-6-1
2021 record 62-49
2020 record 52-52-4
2019 Record 62-41-2
2018 Record 72-50-3
Total: 256-198-10=57%
Mr. Over/Under: Vikings -2.5 over Saints
Only 3 teams have covered the spread each week in the NFL. Miami, Atlanta & Detroit. Atlanta has also gone over each week averaging 27 points a game. Our first London game of the year is this Sunday morning. While New Orleans has been in London all week, Minnesota chose to spend only a couple of days there. The Vikings won their two previous games in London. The Saints have some questions with injuries including their quarterback. Minnesota is the better team, and are giving away less than a field goal. Take the Vikings -2.5.
Man in Stripes: Teaser: Iowa +17.5 and Under 48.5 in Iowa/Michigan
Nothing like a rock fight at historic Kinnick Stadium at 11am local time. We all know that Iowa has a putrid offense, but Michigan after playing three cupcakes did struggle vs Maryland last week. Iowa defense will NOT let Michigan run all over them this week. Coach Ferentz, Kinnick Stadium, it’s got an old fashioned Big 10 game written all over it. Expect a score like 17-14 or 20-16. Tease it up, it might be ugly but it will be a beautiful W. Enjoy the game!!!!
Mono: Oklahoma State +2.5 over Baylor
Oklahoma State (3-0) travels to Waco to take on Baylor (3-1) in a Big 12 showdown. The Cowboys are coming of a bye after taking care of their non-conference schedule with ease. I’m expecting the experience under center and the extra rest to be the difference. This might be Spencer Sanders last crack at it as a cowboy. He’ll be looking to avenge the Big 12 loss last year to Baylor. The difference in this game will be the Baylor QB. Blake Shapen has failed to impress early on doing just enough to win. He put on a dud at BYU. He’ll have the comfort of home field but it won’t be enough. Oklahoma State is averaging 500 yards of offense. Cowboys win by at least seven if not double digits.
Brutal: NC State +7 over Clemson
Can’t believe the NC state coach has been there for 10 years. Dave Doeren has done a heck of a job. Clemson is coming off a long overtime game against Wake Forest. Wake moved the ball up and down the field. NC State defense is much better than the Wake defense. Weather could be a factor but they say the game will be played Saturday night. I see a very close game that could go either way.
Bob: Illinois +7 over Wisconsin
Brett Bielema heads back to Wisconsin to the place he was the former coach from 2006-2012. Bielema isn’t making a big deal about his return but you know he wants to play well. Both teams are still in his image. Both teams play great defense but their offenses can struggle. I believe this game could go either way and you’re getting a touchdown. By the way this line opened up at 9.5 and has been bet down to the current 7. Bielema is turning things around at Illinois and he will show this week there is little difference between his team and a traditional Big 10 power.