Football Armageddon is on the horizon, and all anyone can do is sit back and wait for it to finally rise to its place in the sky.
LSU and Alabama will eventually kick off, and everything else will be running a race for second place in the interest category of football fans across the country.
But, believe it or not, there are other games being played on Saturday, so it’s time to attempt to rebound from a mediocre Halloween weekend showing with a huge burst into the final month of the regular season.
Stanford -21 over Oregon St.
Stanford nearly got caught napping last weekend at USC, when it escaped with a 56-48 triple overtime victory.
This week, even a sleepy Cardinal could cruise to victory against a downtrodden Oregon State team.
Remember, this Oregon State team lost at home to Sacramento State earlier this season.
Arizona St. -9.5 over UCLA
A streaker, originally clad as a phony referee, ran across the field and stripped for the crowd in UCLA’s game against Arizona earlier this season.
That event was a perfect metaphor for the Bruin’s season.
UCLA trotted out on the field at the beginning of the year in uniform, seemingly innocent and ready to compete. Then its clothes were ripped away and what was exposed was indecent and incredibly disappointing.
This naked mile will more than likely be a swan song for UCLA coach Rick Neuheisel, and Arizona State doesn’t want to do anything to give hope to a team that’s already gone limp for the year.
Baylor -2.5 over Missouri
Baylor has one real player in junior quarterback Robert Griffin III.
Fortunately for the Bears, Missouri has no players on the field that can contain Griffin.
Oklahoma -14 over Texas A&M
The Aggies’ overtime loss to Missouri last week was its third loss when having a double-digit lead in the second half.
They won’t have to worry about adding a fourth to that list this weekend, because Oklahoma’s high-powered offense will run circles around the Wrecking Crew defense.
Michigan -4 over Iowa
Iowa lost to 1-6 Minnesota last week.
Taking the Hawkeyes’ side against any opponent this week is akin to lighting your money on fire.
Tennessee -20.5 over Middle Tennessee St.
Tennessee struggled mightily in October, losing four consecutive games to end the month.
But Saturday’s game against Middle Tennessee State may be the tune-up the Volunteers need to finish the season strong.
Ole Miss -1.5 over Kentucky
While the “haves” are playing in Tuscaloosa, Ala., the “have-nots” will be fighting to the death with spoons in Lexington.
Neither team is any good, nor has either team shown any indication that it is getting better.
But someone has to win. And until they prove me wrong, I’ve followed a pretty strict policy of never picking the Wildcats. And I’m no cheater when I make a commitment.
Vanderbilt +13.5 over Florida
Florida simply has no offensive firepower. No matter what the Gators try, they just can’t get all the engines clicking.
This lack of offense will be enough to keep Vanderbilt within the point spread.
South Carolina +5.5 over Arkansas
Arkansas has been pitifully underwhelming the past couple weeks.
The Razorbacks trailed by 17 at Ole Miss and were nearly down 15 in the fourth quarter against Vanderbilt before a freak fumble turned into seven points the other way.
Arkansas can’t sleepwalk and expect to win this one.
LSU +4.5 over Alabama
Everyone has read breakdowns of this game, ad nauseum. So there’s really no need for me to add anything.
But expect hard-nosed, smash-mouth football with the Tigers pulling out a win by the brim of their hats.
Last week: 5-5
Overall record: 50-39-1
Rob Landry is a 23-year-old mass communication senior from Mandeville. Follow him on Twitter @RobLandry85.
 
 
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