Gosh, if only sports betting were legal it would make sports even more entertaining than it already is, but let's assume sports betting is legal and pretend we didn't lose our ass on the Hokies covering the spread against the Buckeyes (sigh). This weekend provides a nice opportunity to make up for that non-cover as I'll look at the Hokies vs Boilermakers match-up as well as some other games this weekend you should keep your eyes.
Virginia Tech vs Purdue: The Hokies sit as 6 point favorites right now over the dreadful Boilermakers and as much as everyone wants to call this a "test" match-up please realize Purdue has won 4 games in the past 2 seasons (well 5 if you include last weeks victory against Indiana State). For comparisons sake Purdue is the Wake Forest of the Big Ten; damn bad comparison but you know what I mean. I like the Hokies to cover but my confidence in covering the 6 points is a 7 out of 10. The game will start out ugly because to be frank neither team has a good QB so the defenses will be the story of the day and that is where I see VT capitalizing. Purdue's QB, Austin Appleby, threw 4 interceptions against the Marshall Herd in week 1 and I feel the Hokie's defense will give him fits this weekend. Look for a minimum of two turnovers from Appleby and the Hokies relying on a strong running attack to pull away in the second half. The action on this game I like the most is the over/under which is currently set at 48.5 and I LOVE the under in this one. VT's defense will keep Purdue at bay and the Hokies pull away by a score of 23-10.
Florida State vs Boston College: The Seminoles are currently an 8 point favorite in this match-up against the Eagles and frankly I smell upset or a close game. In the past two seasons with Jameis Winston at the helm, the Noles won last year by a score of 20-17 (at home mind you) and in 2013 (national title year) 48-34 in a shootout. I think BC will limit the Seminole's possessions due to their running attack and will require Everett Golson to make every possession count which I don't think he will. Take the Eagles to cover the 8 points.
Clemson vs Louisville (Thursday night action): Can the Cardinals really start the season at 0-3? Yes, they really can and with the Tigers favored currently at 6 points I like them to cover due to Deshaun Watson and all the firepower on the offensive side of the ball. Louisville's defense just got lit up by the Houston Cougars in week 2 at home so I can't imagine the Cardinals regrouping in time (in a short week mind you) against a high-octane offense such as the Tigers. Look for Clemson to cover easily.
Mississippi vs Alabama: The Crimson Tide sit as 6.5 point favorites and I would take the Tide to cover while you can before the spread moves further. Nick Saban never forgets a loss and last season the Tide lost a heart breaker at Ole Miss 23-17. I think the Running Rebels's new QB, Chad "headcase" Kelly, is in for a rude awakening as he has never faced an opponent such as Alabama in his collegiate career and the fact the game is being played in Tusacaloosa I think Alabama forces Kelly into several miscues on the day and the running game powers them to victory. Bama wins/covers, 31-14.
LOCK OF THE WEEK!!!!
Georgia Tech vs Notre Dame: The Yellow Jackets are currently a 2.5 point favorite and I'm sorry, but I think GT blows the doors off the Fighting Irish this Saturday despite the Irish playing at home. The loss of Malik Zaire will rear its ugly face in this game as Notre Dame's offense will not be able to keep up with the Yellow Jacket's rushing attack. I can already hear Irish faithful screaming about their juggernaut defense, but here are some disturbing facts you should know. Another opponent who runs a near mirror image to the GT rushing attack, Navy, scored 39 points on the Irish in 2014 and 34 points in 2013. Combine both games and the Navy rushing attack ran for 667 yards and 7 TD's!!!!! Georgia Tech has far superior athletes running the same damn offense not to mention arguably the best option QB Paul Johnson has ever had in Justin Thomas who can actually make plays with his arm. I see a blowout in this one, lay the HOUSE!!!! 49-21, Yellow Jackets.