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2014-09-25 17:32:39
-by Daniel Mogollon, Staff Writer; Image: Washington QB Cyler Miles can beat you with his arm and legs. (Image Source: Ted S. Warren/AP Photo)
Here are this week’s picks:
**** 4-STAR PICK ****
Iowa -9 PURDUE
We gave you the Hawkeyes on the road last week and we’re going to do it again. This pick is as much about the opponent, as it is about Iowa. Their second half against Pittsburgh was probably the best half of football they’ve played all season and that should carry over against a putrid Purdue team. If the Hawkeyes play the type of D we saw after intermission in Heinz Field, the Boilermakers will really struggle to put points up on the scoreboard. Not only was Purdue 0-8 in Big Ten play last season, they lost seven of those eight games by at least 14 points. If QB Jake Rudock can’t play we learned last week, they’ll be in good hands with backup C.J. Beathard, who led them to the comeback win over the Panthers.
WASHINGTON +8 Stanford
Stanford is the better team, but Husky Stadium is a tough place to play and getting more than a touchdown at home, I can’t pass on U-Dub. They’ve won 11 of their last 12 at home (lost to Oregon last season) and the last time the Cardinal came this far north, Washington knocked off No. 8 ranked Stanford, 17-13. If QB Cyler Miles continues to play efficient football (over 70 percent passing in the last two weeks, 0 INTs on 71 attempts this season), Washington will put a scare into Stanford. If he can make some dynamic plays with his legs, they may even pull off the upset. Take the points now at 7 ½ or 8.
*** 3-STAR PICK ***
NEBRASKA -19 Illinois
I was very impressed by the way Nebraska’s offense looked last week against Miami. They were fast, explosive and even powerful at times. The Huskers looked very fleet of foot against a ‘Canes defense that I’m pretty sure would blow away the Illini in a relay race. QB Tommy Armstrong Jr. and RB Ameer Abdullah are an explosive one-two punch in the backfield and they will run up and down the field on an Illinois defense that is still a long ways away from allowing the Illini to challenge any of the teams in the Big Ten’s upper tier. Last season, Illinois allowed 37 points or more in six of eight conference games, including 52-plus points three times. I expect the Huskers to roll up over 50 in Lincoln. Lay the points now before it hits 21.
Texas A&M -8 ½ Arkansas (Arlington, TX)
Is Arkansas much improved from last season? Maybe. Probably. They won by 21 at Texas Tech and hung with Auburn for a half. However, Texas A&M is for real, like top 10 for real. All of their wins are by 24 points or better and I don’t see the Razorbacks staying within 10 points. Maybe for a half like they did against the Tigers but not for an entire 60 minutes. Eventually Kenny “Trill” Hill & Company will pull away from Arkansas. A&M is too deep and explosive for the Razorbacks D.
SOUTH CAROLINA -4 ½ Missouri
Since their season-opening debacle the Gamecocks have played better football, especially at home. Their 10-point win over East Carolina looks better by the week and they played well against a very good Georgia team two weeks ago. South Carolina may have relaxed last week when visiting Vanderbilt but that may play into their favor this week. It allowed HC Steve Spurrier to crow about his club and likely have their full attention in practice. Missouri’s ranking was based purely on last season’s success, however I was skeptical about the Tigers heading into the season. They lost most of their starters, had the fewest returning lettermen in the SEC and had several bounces go their way in 2013. That skepticism was confirmed with their home loss to Indiana last week.
Last Week: 5-1; Overall: 11-4-1; Underdogs: 7-2
5-Star: 0-1; 4-Star: 7-1; 3-Star: 3-1-1
College Football Links:
Big Ten West Division Power Rankings: Huskers Have a High Powered Attack
Big Ten East Division Power Rankings: Indiana Hoosiers Make Big Move
Stock-Down Report: LSU & the ACC
Stock-Up Report: Florida State & BYU Pull Out Key Wins, Big Ten Bounces Back
Daniel Mogollon is a member of the Pro Football Writers of America and the Football Writers Association of America. He is also a voter for the Thorpe and the Rotary Lombardi Award, as well as the Latino Sports MVP Awards. You can reach him via email: danmogollon@gmail.com.
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