Every Friday for entertainment purposes only, I will bring you my top college football picks against the spread. I do not condone, approve or encourage gambling on sports in any way. But if you are a fan of football — college or pro — and you don't think gambling has played a huge role in the growth and popularity of the sport, then you are simply being ignorant. And behind closed doors, the powers that be understand the impact betting has had on the game of football.
2012 Record Against The Spread: 35-25
Last Week: 3-2
Note: All lines are as of date of publication
Northern Illinois (-7) at Western Michigan
Western Michigan has lost two straight games by allowing 71 to Ball State and Kent State. The Broncos have lost three of four games while the Huskies are on an absolute roll at the moment. Behind the play of star dual-threat QB Jordan Lynch, Northern Illinois has won seven straight, including the last two by an 82-10 margin. Lynch has 1,049 yards rushing and 1,710 yards passing with 13 touchdowns passing and rushing each. WMU won’t be able to stop him. Prediction: Northern Illinois -7
Utah State (-23) at Texas San-Antonio
The Aggies are the only team left in the nation unbeaten against the spread at 8-0. Texas-San Antonio has lost its last two games after allowing 86 points to Rice (34) and San Jose State (52). As a reminder, Utah State defeated San Jose State 49-27 two weeks ago. Chuckie Keeton is on a roll — try 530 yards passing, 128 yards rushing and eight total touchdowns in his last two games — so expect Gary Andersen’s bunch to roll past the Roadrunners. Prediction: Utah State -23
Ball State (-4) at Army
Army is 2-5 against the spread this fall while Ball State is 6-2 against the number. I have picked against Army twice this year (Wake Forest, Kent State) and both delivered. They have one win all year and are allowing 37.9 points per game. Ball State has scored 71 points in two straight conference wins to get to within one game of bowl eligibility. Prediction: Ball State -4
Maryland (+2) at Boston College
The Eagles have yet to win a game over an FBS opponent and have been pounded by 64 combined points the last two weeks. They are also 1-6 against the spread this fall. The Terps are one of the most improved teams in the nation and nearly won their fifth game last weekend against NC State. There is a chance at bowl eligibility for Maryland, but a win this weekend is a must. Prediction: Maryland +2
Texas A&M (-14) at Auburn
Somebody in Vegas was completely inebriated when the original line opened at 8.5. The line moved quickly to a two-touchdown spread as bettors pounced on the Aggies. After all that movement, I am sticking with Johnny Manziel and Texas A&M to crush the hapless Tigers. Auburn, who is 2-5 against the spread this year, is last in the SEC in total offense, scoring offense, rushing defense, sacks allowed and passing efficiency. Texas A&M is leading the league in rushing, total offense and scoring and are coming off of a loss. Prediction: Texas A&M -14
Michigan State (+6) at Wisconsin
The Badgers are playing their best football of late, winning three straight Big Ten games by an average of 22 points (and a minimum of 17). The Spartans have lost three out of four and are 2-6 against the spread this fall. This has been a close game the last four meetings and the Spartans' defense is still fairly strong, but this offense has scored two offensive touchdowns in its last two games. It will need to score at least three to cover the spread this weekend. Prediction: Wisconsin -6
Western Kentucky (-7) at FIU
The Hilltoppers are coming off of a crushing one-point overtime home loss to UL Monroe and has to win out to earn a share of the Sun Belt title. Western Kentucky is 6-1 against the spread this year while FIU has struggled mightily this fall. The Panthers are losers of six straight and have allowed at least 34 points in four straight games. Look for WKU to bounce back this weekend. Prediction: Western Kentucky -7
- by Braden Gall
2012 Trends Against the Spread:
Undefeated ATS: Utah St (8-0)
Winless ATS: Virginia (0-7-1)
| One Loss Against the Spread | Two Losses ATS | One Win ATS | Two Wins ATS |
| Arizona St (5-1-1) | Ball St (6-2) | Boston College (1-6) | Arkansas (2-5) |
| Florida (6-1) | Clemson (5-2) | C. Michigan (1-6) | Army (2-5) |
| Fresno St (7-1) | Duke (6-2) | Colorado (1-6) | Auburn (2-5) |
| Kansas St (5-1-1) | La. Tech (5-2) | Colorado St (1-6) | Georgia (2-5) |
| Kent St (6-1) | Mississippi St (5-2) | Idaho (1-7) | Illinois (2-5) |
| UL Monroe (6-1) | New Mexico (6-2) | Miami, Ohio (1-6) | Iowa (2-5) |
| Ole Miss (6-1) | N. Illinois (6-2) | Kentucky (2-6) | |
| Northwestern (7-1) | Oklahoma (4-2) | UMass (2-5) | |
| Oregon St (5-1) | Rutgers (5-2) | Michigan St (2-6) | |
| Penn St (6-1) | S. Carolina (6-2) | Nevada (2-6) | |
| San Jose St (6-1) | Texas St (4-2) | NC State (2-4-1) | |
| Texas Tech (6-1) | Toledo (6-2) | USC (2-5) | |
| W. Kentucky (6-1) | UNLV (6-2) | S. Miss (2-5) | |
| Syracuse (2-5) | |||
| Tennessee (2-5) | |||
| UTEP (2-6) | |||
| Virginia Tech (2-6) | |||
| Washington St (2-5) | |||
| West Virginia (2-5) |
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