Picks for 10/26/24
NOON EST
Rotation #125-126
UNC/Virginia Under 58.5 (win)
North Carolina’s offense has been underwhelming on the road this year, and Virginia’s offense has been underwhelming at home. Today’s higher total is as if Drake Maye was still playing for UNC. The Tar Heels lost a lot of talent on their offensive line, which hurts the running game and hampers the passing game. Both teams lack a standout quarterback who can take over the game. Both teams have outstanding running backs, so this will be a fast-moving game on the ground. The defenses are ahead of the offense and should avoid getting beat deep. Take the Under.
College Football
NOON EST
Rotation #170
Ole Miss -18.5 over Oklahoma (loss)
Ole Miss could win the rest of its schedule by 50 points a game and still miss out on a playoff spot. Tough losses have set the Rebels back, but they are as talented as any team in the nation. Ole Miss must now win with style and needs a punching bag. Oklahoma has been hit hard with the injury bug in its receiver room and simply doesn’t have adequate talent at running back or quarterback. There isn’t a chance the Sooners can play catchup against a Rebel offense that puts up points in a hurry. Ole Miss had two weeks to prepare for this game and are looking to put their overtime choke at LSU in the rearview. QB Jaxson Dart has too many weapons on offense for the Sooners to cover. Take Ole Miss.
College Football
7:30 PM EST
Rotation #205
Penn State -6.5 over Wisconsin (win)
Penn State is looking to stay perfect on the season and will not take Wisconsin lightly after getting a gift two weeks ago on the road at USC. Wisconsin is dealing with a lot of drama as they already lost their starting QB, Tyler Van Dyke, and running back Chez Mellusi left the team. The Badgers are thin on talented receivers and are dealing with injuries to their top producers. PSU QB Drew Allar is playing well and has a plethora of receivers at his disposal. The Badger’s strength is their pass defense, but it will not hold up tonight. The massive Nittany Lions offensive line opens up enormous holes for the running game. PSU has more talent on both sides of the ball. Take Penn State.
College Football
8:00 PM EST
Rotation #181
Kansas +9.5 over Kansas State (win)
The 2-5 Jayhawks are likely not going to a bowl game, so this is their bowl game against their rivals. Kansas has lost many one-score games, and quarterback Jalon Daniels has yet to be as sharp as he was in the last few seasons. Daniels did not play in this matchup last year and will be ready to play spoiler. If he can keep his turnovers down, they will have a shot. Kansas still has a lot of talented receivers, and Devin Neal and Daniel Hinshaw are good running backs. The Jayhawks offensive line should be able to open up lanes for the running game to take the workload off Daniels’s arm. Kansas State is well-coached and has won 15 straight in this series, but the talent gap has shrunk over the last few seasons. QB Avery Johnson has taken over nicely for the departed Will Howard. The spread is a bit high as this game, like last year, should come down to the wire. Take Kansas.