Virginia Tech-Boston College Odds Preview and Week 9 Upset Alerts

As we always do, lets start off by recapping last weeks article. After starting the season off hot, things have cooled down and I haven't hit a guaranteed upset pick in weeks.

In week 8, I thought San Diego State would hang tough with Utah State and they ended up winning outright. Duke was also one of my selections to stay within their number. I advised all of you to stay away from that game, but if you didn't hopefully you were on the right side. I also said Memphis was going to have a much tougher time with Tulsa than was predicted. The game was within one score until late in the third when the Tigers pulled away and easily covered the number.

My guaranteed upset picks were 0-2 again. I fell for the Bill Snyder magic and picked Kansas State. The Wildcats have been outscored 78-9 over the past two weeks. Ouch! Illinois was the other team I selected and they broke my heart. The Fighting Illini were up 3-0 after the first, but only scored 10 points the rest of the game. Its time to turn this around and their is only one way to do it. Going 100% in my selections.

Without further ado here is my preview of Virginia Tech's matchup and also which teams I believe are on high upset alert.

Virginia Tech -2.5 at Boston College: It seems like I say this every week about the Hokies, but this game scares me. Virginia Tech is in a slump, and going on the road against a tough Boston College team is not the best recipe. The Eagles have a horrible offense, but a great defense. They are currently ranked second in the country in total defense just behind Michigan. That means Michael Brewer is going to see a lot of pressure and probably sustain some big hits. Offensive coordinator Scott Loeffler will need the big guys upfront to establish the run game early and get the ball out of Brewers hands quickly. Travon McMillian will be a big factor in this matchup. Boston College won't produce much on offense. At least they shouldn't. The Eagles are currently ranked 123rd in total offense just in front of Missouri and UCF. This game is also very important for both teams in terms of bowl eligibility. With just four games remaining in the season, each team needs three more victories to get invited. I hope it isn't a jinx, but I like Virginia Tech. The Hokies will be too much for BC on offense and Michael Brewer wants to finish his career on a good note. Frank Beamer and his squad wins 13-10.

Upset Alerts

West Virgina +14 at TCU: West Virginia was supposed to be the surprise team in the Big 12 this year, but they have failed to live up to the hype. After opening the year 3-0, the Mountaineers have lost three straight. Dana Holgorsens team can score points on offense, but can't seem to stop anybody on defense. TCU is the same way. Trevone Boykin is a great player and an even better person. I am rooting for him and the Horned Frogs after they were snubbed last year from the college playoff committee. However, I think they will lose a game or two and will be knocked out again from playoff contention. Holgorsen is not at any risk of losing his job, but his team needs a big victory. The Mountaineers will fight hard and come up just short. TCU will pull away late and win by just one score.

Vanderbilt +12 at Houston: Yes, that is correct. I like the Vanderbilt Commodores to hang tough with the Houston Cougars. Go back and look at who the Commodores have played so far this year and tell me if Houston would be undefeated playing that schedule. Derek Masons squad plays hard in every game. If the offense could get anything going, their record would be much better. Houston is coming in with all the love. They are ranked in the top 25 and their first year head coach is already being mentioned as a candidate for other jobs. I think the Cougars are overlooking Vanderbilt and are paying more attention to their big matchup next week against Cincinnati. Houston's quarterback Greg Ward Jr will have a tougher time than usual against Vanderbilt, but I think he makes one big play at the end to squeak out the victory. Houston wins by one score or less.

Week 9 Guaranteed Upsets to Happen (2-8 YTD)

Oregon +2.5 at Arizona State: Most of the east coast will be sleeping by the time this game kicks off, but stay up if you can. Oregon's quarterback Vernon Adams Jr. is something to see. By now you know Adams story, and that's exactly why I like him and the Ducks to upset Arizona State. Oregon's season could be much different if their starting quarterback wasn't injured. Adams hasn't played at 100% since week one when he broke his finger. He is now healthy and I think last weeks victory at Washington gave this team some confidence. Everyone is saying Oregon's reign is over in the Pac-12. The media has Mark Helfrich rumored to be on the hot seat. All that negativity means the Ducks are right back where they want to be. As an underdog. Arizona State is trying to salvage their season after starting the year ranked in the Top 25. The Sun Devils were picked by some to make the college football playoff. I think they continue their losing ways and it starts tonight. Todd Graham might be one of the most overrated coaches in America. Give me the Ducks to upset Arizona State.

Oklahoma State at Texas Tech +3: How many of you know that Oklahoma State is undefeated? That's no disrespect to you, but is there a team out there that is being talked about less than the Cowboys. The reason being... They are fraudulent. Their biggest victory is on the road at Texas. A game that was handed to them. Texas Tech on the other hand has played a very tough schedule and was one tipped pass away from upsetting TCU. The hot seat rumors are starting to hit Kliff Kingsbury, but the truth is he should have a job in Lubbock for life. If he could just hire a defensive coordinator, the Red Raiders could be a really good team. This game will be high scoring, and I don't think Oklahoma State has the fire power to keep up. I am going with Texas Tech by double digits. Something around 56-42.

Extra Notes

North Carolina will be atop of the ACC Coastal standings tonight after they beat Pittsburgh. I think the Tar Heels win by double digits.

NFL Upset Alert: I think Miami gives New England Everything they have in this matchup. The Patriots are currently favored by 8, but I have fallen for the Dan Campbell hype. Miami will have a chance to win late in the fourth quarter and the score will be much closer than expected.

Last thing, some of you have reached out to me about breaking down other games. Comment below or contact me on Twitter @RooksReport if there is a game each week you want me to preview. Thanks as always for reading.