Fyodor's College Football Picks of the Week.

1) The guys who set the lines 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 10/29


Indiana (+18.5) at Michigan State
State needs a big win, but Indiana has been playing better lately. Take the Hoosiers.
FINAL: Michigan State 46 Indiana 15 - Fyodor loses! (What was I thinking?)


Ohio State (-3.5) at Minnesota
I'm wary of the Gophers in the Dome, but I'll still take the Buckeyes. Warily.
FINAL: Ohio State 45 Minnesota 31 - Fyodor wins!


Oklahoma (+1.5) at Nebraska
Two former greats who are now mediocre. Take the Huskers at home.
FINAL: Oklahoma 31 Nebraska 24 - Fyodor loses!


N. Carolina (+20.5) at Miami
I'll take the Hurricanes to cover.
FINAL: Miami 34 UNC 16 - Fyodor loses! (Just in time for Halloween, Miami came out dressed like Baylor and played like 'em.)


Mississippi (+20.5) at Auburn
The number's too big for me. Take the Rebels.
FINAL: Auburn 27 Mississippi 3 - Fyodor loses! (What happened to last week's magic?)


Utah State (+34) at Alabama
I don't know what the Aggies have, and 'Bama's offense is limited. I'll take Utah State and the points.
FINAL: Alabama 35 Utah State 3 - Fyodor wins!


Navy (+6.5) at Rutgers
I'll take the Scarlet Knights to cover.
FINAL: Rutgers 31 Navy 21 - Fyodor wins!


Purdue (+15.5) at Penn State
Purdue is no Illinois. Take the Boilermakers.
FINAL: PSU 33 Purdue 15 - Fyodor loses! (Pur-don't.)


Maryland (+17) at Florida State
FSU wins big. Pick 'em to cover.
FINAL: FSU 35 Maryland 27 - Fyodor loses! (I see a pattern developing.)


Clemson (+3) at Georgia Tech
Take Tech to cover.
FINAL: Georgia Tech 10 Clemson 9 - Fyodor loses! (Ack!)


Georgia (+4) at Florida
The World's Greatest Outdoor Cocktail Party is only a so-so game this year. Take the Bulldogs.
FINAL: Florida 14 Georgia 10 - PUSH!


Washington State (+30) at USC
USC starts its march to the Rose Bowl, but don't cover.
FINAL: USC 55 Washington State 13 - Fyodor loses! (I am an idiot.)


Ball State (+29) at Northern Illinois
Take Ball State. (I know, I know.)
FINAL: Ball State 31 NIU 17 - Fyodor wins! (My only decent pick of the week.)


UTEP (-20) at Rice
A big number, but Rice is bad. Even at home. Take the Miners.
FINAL: UTEP 38 Rice 31 - Fyodor loses! (Who lit a fire under Rice?)


UCLA (-7) at Stanford
Bruins are the worst good team around. I don't want to, but I must take them to cover.
FINAL: UCLA 30 Stanford 27 - Fyodor loses! (Nice comeback, Bruins. You will be destroyed by SC.)


Michigan (-3) at Northwestern
Two overrated academic institutions, but only one overrated football team. Take the Wildcats.
FINAL: Michigan 33 Northwestern 17 - Fyodor loses!


Texas (+37) at Oklahoma State
I'll take the Cowboys because there are a heck of a lot of beautiful girls there. (And now is the time for a Longhorn letdown.)
FINAL: Texas 47 Oklahoma State 28 - Fyodor wins!


South Carolina (+13.5) at Tennessee
Take the Vols to cover.
FINAL: South Carolina 16 Tennessee 15 - Fyodor loses! (Is Spurrier back or is Phil Fulmer still in charge of the Vols?)