Logical Approach

COLLEGE SELECTION OF THE WEEK: California + 7 over STANFORD - Stanford enters the "Big Game" with plenty of momentum following wins over Oregon and USC by a combined score 106-63, topping 50 points against each. Earlier Cal lost to both by a combined 72-6, dashing their hopes of a Rose Bowl season and once again disappointing those who seeming annually predict big things for the Cal program. But that's what makes Rivalry games so special. The underdog, especially a talented one, generally has the greater motivation to either salvage their season or ruin their biggest foe's. Cal is without their best player, RB Best, but even in his absence defeated Rose Bowl contender Arizona last week. There are not too many negatives to cite about Stanford other than a letdown would not be a surprise following those two huge wins even against their most bitter of rivals. Cal has won 6 of the last 7 in the series (all as favorites) so Stanford will be motivated as well. Cal has a slightly better defense, especially against the run, the strength of Stanford's offense. Although an upset would not surprise , the call is for a close game, Stanford wins but by just 34-31.



Other Featured College Selections

Kentucky + 9 over GEORGIA - Both teams are 6-4 which represents a disappointing season for Georgia but a solid campaign for Kentucky. These teams have similar resumes including wins over Vanderbilt and Auburn and one sided losses to Florida. They are very similar statistically. On offense Kentucky has a better ground game while Georgia has been stronger through the air. Defensively Georgia is stronger against the run while Kentucky is better defending the pass. Georgia has dominated this series over the years but KY has been much more competitive of late, covering 2 of the last 3 with a straight up win. This is Georgia's weakest team since they were 8-4 in 2001. Kentucky is having a season similar to the last 3 seasons that have seen the Wildcats go to 3 straight Bowls. Both teams have traditional season ending games on deck and with these teams so evenly matched a close game should result. Georgia wins but by just 27-24.

BYU - 10 over Air Force - The Mountain West has unfolded pretty much as expected with TCU the clearly dominant team, followed by BYU and Utah and then a gap to Air Force and then a huge dropoff to the rest of the conference. BYU is 8-2 with one sided losses to TCU and Florida State, both of which have come on their home field. Air Force is enjoying a solid season and they gave TCU their toughest test, losing 20-17 at home despite being outgained by over 100 yards. The Force has played outstanding defense all season and value the football, losing just 7 turnovers all season. But BYU has dominated Air Force recently, winning 5 straight with each win by at least 14 points with an average score of 41-22. Even the past 2 seasons, when AF won 8 and 9 games, BYU defeated Air Force handily. There's too much of a talent edge for BYU. Air Force plays smartly and will hang tough for a while, but BYU ultimately creates distance. BYU wins 37-20.

HOUSTON - 24 over Memphis - Houston suffered only their second loss of the season last week and has a chance for a 10 win season with a win here and next week over Rice. The Cougars have fared well when stepping up in class this season with wins at Oklahoma State and Mississippi State and at home over Texas Tech. Memphis is 2-8 and fired coach West last week. His team responded with a flat effort in their final home game against UAB and it's hard to see the Tigers having any motivation as they play their final 2 games. Houston has a high powered, quick strike offense but their defense is very weak. But Memphis' offense has struggled all season to find consistency. The defense is allowing nearly 16 yards per completion, a sign of either poor positioning or poor tackling - or both! Memphis is 1-8 ATS - worst in the nation, clearly showing underachievement against expectations. Houston has the firepower to put points on the board and Memphis is likely to show little resistance. Once they fall behind they likely also lose interest. Houston wins 54-17.

Best of the Rest (Opinion)
BOWLING GREEN - 11 over Akron (Fri)
OHIO U Pick 'em over Northern Illinois

Wisconsin - 7 over NORTHWESTERN
IOWA - 10 over Minnesota

Rutgers - 8 over SYRACUSE
INDIANA + 3 over Purdue

VIRGINIA TECH - 21 over North Carolina State
MISSOURI - 15 over Iowa State

Vanderbilt + 16 1/1 over TENNESSEE
TEMPLE - 13 over Kent State

NOTRE DAME - 6 over Connecticut
Penn State - 3 over MICHIGAN STATE

MISSISSIPPI - 4 over Lsu
Kansas State + 16 over NEBRASKA

TEXAS TECH + 6 ½ over Oklahoma
Louisiana Tech + 10 over FRESNO STATE

NEW MEXICO + 4 ½ over Colorado State
ARIZONA + 6 over Oregon

Smu + 4 over MARSHALL
SOUTHERN MISS - 8 over Tulsa

FLORIDA - 45 over Florida International
TROY - 16 ½ over Florida Atlantic

UL Monroe - 2 over UL LAFAYETTE
MIDDLE TENNESSEE - 11 over Arkansas State