Every college football weekend we get is a gift, it would be insulting to not make picks for each weekend. This weekend’s slate features several great games and I plan on getting involved with a few of them. In no particular order, here are the picks I like this week.

Nebraska +11

This one stings to pick as an Iowa fan, but I do feel it is the correct side. Mickey Joseph’s first game as Head Coach with the Huskers and he is going to try and make a statement. Mickey Joseph we know has a personal vendetta with the Sooners. In the 1990 season, he suffered a brutal leg injury against them back when this was a real rivalry. Mickey Joseph is going to be coming for blood in this game and Oaklahoma is going to get all they can handle in Lincoln. No one is going to expect Nebraska to do well in this game and that is exactly why they will keep this close.

Oregon -3.5

I’ll admit it. BYU is a better team than Oregon, but this is a classic letdown spot for the cougars. They got a massive late-night win over Baylor last week in which they needed to exhaust all resources to come out on top. Oregon is ranked lower than BYU, yet are the favorites in this game. This line screams Oregon. Ducks get it done at home

Washington -3.5

Despite being unranked, the Huskies are 3.5-point favorites against the #11 Michigan State this weekend. This line does not make sense and that is exactly why you have to trust it. Washington has been on a roll so far and has a good chance to pick off a solid team Saturday. The Spartans will be traveling multiple time zones to get to Washington this week and will be in a really tough spot. I still am not convinced that Mel Tucker is as good as everyone says he is and it could be proven this weekend.

Syracuse ML

No this is not an early basketball pick, I actually have faith in the Orange to win a competitive football game. Purdue has to go into the Carrier Dome (I’m aware it has a new name, but I’m a purist) this weekend which isn’t exactly a tough place to play, but it is a weird place to play. Syracuse has also looked shockingly good crushing everyone who has stepped in their way so far this fall. With the line moving in favor of Syracuse as well they appear to be the pick vs the Boilermakers.

Wester Michigan +10

Last year Western Michigan found a way to sneak into Pittsburgh and come out with a win. They will have another chance to beat Pitt this weekend, but this time at home. This is a tough spot for Pitt having to go on the road to a tough Western Michigan team just a week after QB Kedon Slovis gets hurt. Western proved they can play with the big boys against Michigan State, the final score of that game does not reflect how competitive that game felt. I’m not sure Western can beat Pitt again, but 10 is too many points.

Texas A&M -5.5

Texas A&M’s loss last week was abysmal, and with those embarrassing yell leader videos getting released as well it has been a rough week to be an aggie. They need a bounce back more than ever. Hosting a good Miami team this week, it’s the perfect spot for A&M to get back on track. Miami is ranked above Texas A&M in this week’s poll, but are somehow underdogs in this weekend’s matchup. I think the Aggies look for redemption in a big win this weekend

Auburn +3

Auburn did not look good at all last weekend against a terrible San Jose State team. I can’t blame them though, with Penn State coming into town for a HUGE game the next week it is going to be difficult to wake up for San Jose State. There is speculation that Auburn will be realizing all orange uniforms for arguably their biggest home game of the season. I think they get revenge for last year’s loss and put on a show at home. WAR EAGLE!

NIU -2

I understand Vanderbilt is historically bad, but there is just no reason and SEC should ever be traveling to play a MAC team. Especially a good team like NIU. Rocky Lombardi, QB at NIU, is a certified stud and can compete with anyone in the country. It does not matter that Vandy is the worst SEC team, this is going to be NIU’s super bowl. This game means way more to NIU than it does to Vanderbilt. I expect NIU, to pick up the win at home this weekend.