Betting Against the Spread: College Football Week 9 Picks

In a year that Ole Miss, Mississippi State and TCU are ranked in the Top 10, it should come as no surprise that many college football pickers are struggling to gain footing against the number.

After another exactly average week (5-5), I am the poster child for “win some, lose some.”

But that won’t deter me from diving back into the deep end. Here are this week’s top picks against the spread as well as panel picks for every Top 25 game.

Last Week: 5-5

Year-to-Date: 29-28-1

Ole Miss (-3.5) at LSU

The Rebels are surging after convincing wins over Texas A&M and Tennessee following the upset over Alabama. This is normally a tightly played game (hence the number) but LSU isn’t nearly as good as its last two wins and won’t be able to score much against this Ole Miss defense. Take the Rebels and their 6-0-1 record against the number this fall. Prediction: Ole Miss -3.5

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Mississippi St (-13.5) at Kentucky

If State had a huge showdown with Alabama next week and was coming off a tightly played win, I would like Kentucky. But State is rested after a week off, is facing a very young Wildcats team that struggles to stop the run and hosts lowly Arkansas next week. Mississippi State is 5-1 against the number this season and should roll in Lexington. Prediction: Mississippi State -13.5

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Syracuse (+14) at Clemson

The Orange lost four straight by an average of more than two touchdowns before beating Wake Forest last weekend. Clemson’s defense is electric, playing at home and has allowed 10.0 points per game over the last three. Cole Stoudt is more than enough to top the Cuse by two touchdowns. Prediction: Clemson -14

Ohio St (-13.5) at Penn St

The crowd will be wild and PSU’s defense isn’t bad at all but there is nothing about this matchup that gives the Lions a chance at winning. Ohio State is surging on offense and defensively should be able to dominate the pathetic Penn State offensive line. Look for the Buckeyes, who are 5-1 against the spread this year, to roll big in Happy Valley. Prediction: Ohio State -13.5

Lay the 17 points with these favorites...

Alabama (-17) at Tennessee

The Vols' defense has been solid all year — and it still was beaten by 31 points last weekend. Alabama is getting healthy and finding its stride at the right time. The Tide has dominated this rivalry and will dominate the terrible Tennessee offensive line. The Vols may not score a single point after failing to reach the end zone in each of their last two SEC games. Prediction: Alabama -17

Michigan (+17) Michigan St

The Spartans will look to put the final nail in Brady Hoke’s coffin. They are at home and will feast on the pathetic Michigan offensive line (are you seeing a theme with these picks this week?). Look for the Spartans to work out some kinks in impressive fashion before getting two weeks to prepare for Ohio State. Prediction: Michigan State -17

Oregon (-17.5) at Cal

This game has been a total blowout over the last few years and while Cal is improved, the Bears' defense won’t be any match for the Ducks' surging offense. Unless Cal covers late with a backdoor touchdown in a very high-scoring game, Oregon should win going away (again) and cover for a third week in a row since getting healthy. Prediction: Oregon -17.5

Top 25 Picks ATS: