Gambler’s Corner: Week Eight

Welcome back, you filthy gamblers! I hope last week’s winning record padded your pocket with some cold, hard cash.

We’re currently 9-3 after week seven.

Let’s move right into week eight.

Last week’s results:

• Tennessee (+15) at Auburn – Win
• Oregon (+3) versus Washington – Win
• Virginia Tech (-5.5) at North Carolina – Loss

Hot Picks of Week Eight

Cincinnati (+3) at Temple

Rather sneakily, Cincinnati (6-0 ) has emerged as an elite team in the AAC and one of only eight remaining FBS teams without a loss. Sophomore running back Michael Warren II (664 yards, 11 touchdowns) has spearheaded a Bearcats rushing attack that averages 255 yards per contest and an offense that averages over six yards per play. In each of its three losses, Temple has allowed over 150 yards on the ground and has yet to win a game at home against an opponent with a winning record. Expect a big game from Warren and a lopsided score in favor of the Bearcats.

Stanford (-2.5) at Arizona State

Since starting the season 4-0, the Cardinal has dropped consecutive contests against Notre Dame and Utah before last week’s bye. Stanford’s leading rusher and Heisman hopeful Bryce Love is slated to return in time for Thursday’s contest after missing the Utah game with an ankle injury. Without Love, the Cardinal’s rushing offense has been nothing short of frustrating and given the senior back gets on the field, don’t expect Arizona State’s 68th ranked run defense to contain him. All bets – literally – are off if Stanford is forced to play without him.

Tennessee (+29) versus Alabama

Crowing the Crimson Tide as the 2018 National Champion is but a formality at this point. With Tua Tagovailoa at the helm, Alabama’s offense averages 53 points and nearly 600 yards per game. But even the best teams and players have “off” days. Regardless of record, Tennessee has vastly improved since its opening game against West Virginia in Charlotte. My “gut pick” worked out last week when I picked the Vols to not lose by more than 15 and they beat No. 21 Auburn. I’m going with my gut again.