| Friday Lock Results | ||
| Name | Last Week | Overall |
| Matt | 3-0 | 19-14 |
| Rich | 2-1 | 14-19 |
| Zack | 2-1 | 12-20-1 |
| Craig | 2-1 | 11-22 |
| Mark | 2-1 | 11-22 |
Mark
Indiana at Ohio State (-20) | Indiana is no doubt better than expected but that win against Penn State keeps getting less and less impressive. Ohio State is going to show them what being a top tier team is all about and remind Indiana that they are a basketball school.
Wisconsin (-7.5) at Northwestern | Northwestern may slow down the Badgers at first but they won’t be able to keep up. Wisconsin is just too talented for the Wildcats.
USC at Utah (+3) | The Utes open their season late Saturday at home and will give the Trojans everything they want. USC has been playing on the edge all season and I expect the Utes to not let them off the hook.
Craig
Oklahoma (-7) vs Oklahoma State | I am going to hate myself for this pick. But, I really don’t think the Pokes can keep up with the offense of the Sooners. I’ll take Oklahoma winning by two scores.
Iowa State (-11) vs Kansas State | The Cyclones will look to keep their spot at the top of the Big 12 with a win over the Wildcats on Saturday. Kansas State has managed to play well without their starting quarterback, but not against any teams the caliber of ISU. I think the Cyclones win in impressive fashion.
Coastal Carolina (-5.5) vs Appalachian State | I think this will be a super close matchup but the slight advantage goes to Coastal Carolina. They’ve got the better resume this season. Not to mention, Grayson McCall has thrown for 16 touchdowns and only one interception. I’ll take Coastal Carolina by a touchdown.
Rich
Cincinnati (-6) at UCF | The Bearcats have built quite the reputation this season based upon a stout defense that surrenders a mere 12.4 points per outing. However, the ability to score 41.6 points per game (No. 13 in the country statistically) doesn’t allow opponents much room for mistakes. Similarly, UCF has the capability of scoring quickly themselves. Yet, it’s hard to ignore the defensive differences in this one. If defense wins championships then I have to bank on the Cincy program claiming a win and covering here.
Arkansas (+3) vs LSU | I’m still not sure where to stand when it comes to the Razorbacks. However, they’ve played exceptionally well this year against the spread. Being the home team, Arky could win this one and I wouldn’t be surprised. However, it’s hard for me to pick against a team playing in front of a home crowd while being given points.
Oregon (-13.5) vs UCLA | The Bruins haven’t been competitive in the PAC-12 in some years now. Despite an early win in conference play, the program doesn’t have the talent to compete with the top of the league. Most fans and experts believe Oregon will win this game so the only question is by how much. Given the physical style of play expected from the Ducks, it should be by two scores if not more. This game seems almost too easy to pick and that scares me.
Zack
Cincinnati (-6.0) at Central Florida | I’ve not been a believer in the Bearcats, but maybe it’s time I start believing. I’m taking Cincy on the road by a touchdown.
Wisconsin at Northwestern (+7.5) | I’m pegging the Wildcats for a close one against the Badgers, so while they may not get the upset, I do think this one will be decided by less than a touchdown.
Kansas State (+11.0) at Iowa State | The Wildcats and the Cyclones are very similar teams, except for K-State’s QB1 is out with injury. Iowa State is going to win because this one is being played in Ames, but this one will be a lot closer than expected.
Matt
Syracuse (+19.5) at Louisville | I’m still a sucker for Friday night games and this one drew me in quickly. Both are bad teams, neither is particularly strong on defense, and that gives me the notion that the Orange can keep this within three touchdowns.
Purdue (+1) at Minnesota | Another Friday night game! These two teams are really even which should make for a really good game. The Gophers are a bit softer on defense and I would expect Purdue to attack Minnesota’s struggling secondary to come away with the win.
Cincinnati (-5.5) vs. UCF | I really believe that this spread is skewed. Both schools are really good on the offensive side of the ball but the Bearcats are phenomenal on the defensive side of the ball as well and I think that’s a key factor in this being at least a touchdown victory for Cincy.
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