College Football Free Pick
Indiana -7.5 over Michigan (loss)
Rotation #337 / Noon ET

Tommy Carr will make his first career start, putting the Wolverines in a difficult spot. Indiana is the better team and should control this game. Curt Cignetti will have his squad focused and ready to respond after last week’s loss. Indiana has the more complete offense, led by Josh Hoover, who has been outstanding this season with 18 touchdown passes and no interceptions. The Hoosiers also feature an excellent running game led by Turbo Richard and Lee Beebe Jr. Khobie Martin is expected back in the lineup, which would make this running back room as dangerous as any in the conference. Indiana has excellent size at wide receiver and an experienced offensive line that can open running lanes and protect its quarterback. On the other side, Carr faces a difficult assignment in his first college start against a talented Indiana defense. I like his mobility, but I question whether he can consistently make the right decisions for four quarters while keeping Michigan competitive. The Wolverines’ offensive line has also dealt with injuries, adding to the challenge. Michigan traditionally plays tough, physical defense, but I don’t see the Wolverines keeping pace offensively. Indiana should control the tempo, establish its running game, and force Michigan into uncomfortable passing situations. One costly mistake from an inexperienced quarterback could quickly put the Wolverines in a hole they cannot climb out of. Take Indiana.

College Football
LSU/Auburn Over 51.5 (win)
Rotation #375-376 / Noon ET

LSU handled an injury-depleted Mississippi State team last week, while Auburn picked up an impressive road win over Georgia. Both teams enter this matchup feeling confident, and I expect both offenses to move the football and create explosive plays. LSU has an experienced offensive line that can protect senior quarterback Sam Leavitt and open running lanes for Dilin Jones. Leavitt is a dangerous dual-threat quarterback who can extend plays with his legs, while Auburn quarterback Byrum Brown is electric in the open field. With two mobile quarterbacks who can make something happen when plays break down, this total looks too low. This should be an entertaining matchup with enough scoring opportunities to push the total over. Take LSU/Auburn Over 51.5.

College Football
Minnesota +7.5 over Iowa (win)
Rotation #378 / 3:30 PM ET

Both teams have veteran head coaches and play a conservative style of football that emphasizes ball control, field position, and limiting mistakes.  Iowa has an outstanding running back in Kamari Moulton, while Jeremy Hecklinski has looked good since taking over for Hank Brown, although his playing experience remains limited. The Hawkeyes have also been idle for two weeks following their road victory at Washington. Minnesota can run the football with Darius Taylor and TJ Thomas, which should create passing-game opportunities for Drake Lindsey. Iowa traditionally fields a well-rounded defense, but this group lacks some of the talent and veteran leadership we’ve seen in previous seasons. The Gophers will look to value every possession, shorten the game, and attack a Hawkeyes front seven with limited big-game experience. Minnesota has the veteran personnel to keep this matchup competitive, and I think the Gophers are giving up too many points at home. In a game where possessions should be limited, and points could come at a premium, taking more than a touchdown with the home underdog makes sense. Take Minnesota.

College Football
Arizona State +1.5 over Kansas State (win)
Rotation #390 / 3:45 PM ET

Avery Johnson will not be active for the Wildcats today, making Kansas State a much more difficult team to trust. We could almost end the write-up there, considering Johnson has been the heart and soul of this offense. Replacing his dual-threat ability won’t be easy. Jacob Knuth is expected to start in Johnson’s place. Kansas State will also be without tight end Garret Oakley, taking another weapon away from an already depleted offense. The Wildcats entered the season with an inexperienced offensive line, making this road assignment even more challenging for their new coaching staff. Mikey Keene is expected to start for Arizona State. The Sun Devils have a strong running back room that can establish the ground game and create opportunities through the air. Arizona State isn’t as talented as it has been in recent seasons. Still, this matchup presents a favorable opportunity against a Kansas State offense adjusting to life without its most important player. I expect the Sun Devils to exploit the Wildcats’ offensive unfamiliarity and do enough to secure a home win. Take Arizona State.