Fyodor's College Football Picks of the Week

1) The guys who set the spreads are professionals. Their job is to make each game look as attractive as possible to everyone. That way they even out the amount of money bet on each side.
Instant translation: The house wins no matter who wins. That's why people get into the gambling business.

2) I am just a fan. I won't even keep track of these picks week to week if it gets too embarrassing.

3) There is no such thing as "inside information". Especially in the pros.

4) If those idiot touts on tv and in the paper were that good, they wouldn't go public with their genius. They'd sit at Harrah's sports book from open to close and then go out and buy $2,000 an hour hookers who dress like high school girls.

5) Gambling is stupid. You cannot win.

That being said, here are my college picks for this week.


Saturday 9/17

Virginia (- 7.5) at Syracuse
Syracuse improving, but not enough. Take Virginia to cover.
FINAL: Virginia 27 Syracuse 24 - Fyodor loses! (More Syracuse improvement than expected.


Oregon State (+ 13.5) at Louisville
Louisville should win by at least two touchdowns.
FINAL: Louisville 63 Oregon State 27 - Fyodor wins!


West Virginia (+3) at Maryland
WVU wins outright. Take the Mountaineers.
FINAL: West Virginia 31 Maryland 19 - Fyodor wins!


SMU (+28.5) at Texas A&M
SMUstangs stink. Take A&M to cover the big number.
FINAL: Texas A&M 66 SMU 8 - Fyodor wins!


Mississippi (+2.5) at Vanderbilt
Here's something you don't hear every day: Take Vandy to cover.
FINAL: Vanderbilt 31 Mississippi 23 - Fyodor wins! (Not bad for the nearly blind guy from F-Troop.)


Central Michigan (+21.5) at Penn State
Two of CMU's (not Carnegie Mellon, kiddies) players were expelled for murder, including the leading rusher. Take the Nittany Lions to cover.
FINAL: Penn State 40 Central Michigan 3 - Fyodor wins!


Ball State (+36) at Auburn
I will ride the train wreck that is Ball State until I learn my lesson. Take Auburn.
FINAL: Auburn 63 Ball State 3 - Fyodor wins!


Florida State (-1) at Boston College
FSU has been under-whelming. Big home game for BC, who will win the game.
FINAL: Florida State 28 Boston College 17 - Fyodor loses! (Bet with your head, not your heart.)


Michigan State (+6.5) at Notre Dame
Spartans always play tough against the Irish. This is no exception. ND wins, but does not cover. Take Michigan State and the points.
FINAL: Michigan State 44 Notre Dame 41 - Fyodor wins! (A joyless betting victory. Where's the defense, Charlie?)

Oklahoma (+6.5) at UCLA
Oklahoma is all messed up. UCLA beat up on Rice. Stay away from this one if you can, kiddies. My gut says UCLA covers.
FINAL: UCLA 41 Oklahoma 24 - Fyodor wins! (Thanks to my gut for the heads up.)

Pittsburgh (+10) at Nebraska
My Crappy College Game of the Week. Nebraska covers easily, maybe by 21.
FINAL: Nebraska 7 Pitt 6 - Fyodor loses! (Even crappier than imagined, but with an exciting, wacky finish.)


Alabama (-2) at South Carolina
South Carolina makes the home fans happy. Take the Gamecocks over the Tide.
FINAL: Alabama 37 South Carolina 14 - Fyodor loses! (What was I thinking? Hey Spurrier, get some decent linemen!)



Ohio (+ 33.5) at Virginia Tech
Ohio is not as good as some think. Virginia Tech will cover this spread.
FINAL: Virginia Tech 45 Ohio 0 - Fyodor wins!



Illinois (+21.5) at California
My new system: Go against the Big 11 whenever possible. California all the way, baby.
FINAL: California 35 Illinois 20 - Fyodor loses! (Say what you want about me, but never speak ill of the system.)


Kentucky (+2.5) at Indiana
Hunch of the Week: Kentucky wins outright.
FINAL: Indiana 38 Kentucky 14 - Fyodor loses! (Memo To Self: Hunches suck!)


Connecticut (+15) at Georgia Tech
The Huskies are ready to play with the big boys, but they aren't ready to cover the spread. Take Georgia Tech.
FINAL: Georgia Tech 28 Connecticut 13 - PUSH! (Maybe UConn is ready.)


Miami (-7) at Clemson
Clemson is good, Miami is iffy. 'Canes win the game, but Clemson keeps it under 7.
FINAL: Miami 36 Clemson 30 - Fyodor wins! (Game of the week.)


Tennessee (+6.5) at Florida
This could be the best game of the week. Then again, Tennessee may not show up. Take Florida to cover.
FINAL: Florida 16 Tennessee 7 - Fyodor wins! (Fulmer!)


Purdue (-7.5) at Arizona
My Big 11 System says pick Arizona. They should win by at least 17.
FINAL: Purdue 31 Arizona 24 - Fyodor loses! (Memo To Self: The system stinks.)