Last week wasn't wonderful. It wasn't even competent. Hlastradamus was Hlastradummy at 2-4-1, lowering his season record to 30-24-2.
But this week it's as if the oddsmakers have opened up a gated community called Easy Street to us. Let's roll.
1. CINCINNATI -6 vs. Connecticut. The Huskies are ranked. The Bearcats are better.
2. IOWA STATE +4.5 vs. Colorado. Cyclones have covered three straight weeks, and by double-digit margins each time. They're a home dog against a team coming off a 55-10 home loss. Hlastradamus likey.
3. TENNESSEE -1 vs. Arkansas. Homefield. Hold McFadden to less than 200 rushing yards, and the Hogs are stuck in the mud.
4. IOWA -14.5 vs. Minnesota. Iowa has a hard time scoring 15 points vs. no opposition, but Minnesota's defense isn't as good as no opposition. Gophers allow 40 a game in Big Ten play, and score nothing close to 40. That's a team waiting to be toe-tagged.
5. NEBRASKA +7.5 vs. Kansas State. This is a pick that takes courage. What could possibly motivate the Cornhuskers to do anything other than what they've been doing the last several weeks, which is roll over. Answer: They know the current coach is getting canned no matter what, so maybe now they loosen up and play some ball against a K-State team that has peaked and is veering away from a bowl.
6. OKLAHOMA STATE +5.5 vs. Kansas. What????? Kansas is the only team in America, pro or college, that's undefeated against the spread, and one of three FBS teams undefeated, period. But the Cowboys are well-versed in scoring shootouts this year, and can match shot for shot with the Kansas gunslingers. You like those puns?
7. MICHIGAN -2.5 at Wisconsin. The reason this selection is last is because your prophet is less confident about it than any other. But Michigan loves those Big Ten teams with traditional offenses. Wisconsin's is as traditional as turkey at Thanksgiving. So, the Wolverines could stuff the Badgers.
Now off you go.