Soothsayer Soup

Who likes money? I know I do. I will be doing a weekly post on Thursdays where I will pick 3 college football games vs the spread (I will use Caesar Palace's lines). So in honor of our green friend, I have waded through the point spreads and found this week's games that we can exploit together. Without further ado, I look into my famous bowl of "Soothsayer Soup" to make everyone money.

Oregon at Boise State (-3)
Boise State is 64-2 at home the last 10 years, but Oregon is the 1st ranked opponent and only the 3rd BCS conference team to visit the "Smurf Turf". The Broncos won last year in Eugene 37-32. All signs point to another Bronco victory. I don't see it that way. The Ducks are still smarting from that loss and have openly talked about the cheap shots that Boise State took on some of its players during the game. While Boise State did win that game, it came during Week 4 of the season. Boise State wont sneak up on Oregon this year. Boise State is 3-11 vs PAC-10 teams all-time. Oregon has a bad taste in its mouth and had all off-season to think about this game. When the more talented team is focused and eager to exact revenge, it is tough to pick against them (see the point spread line dropping from 6 to 3 this week). I am chasing the smart money. Pick: Oregon +3

BYU at Oklahoma (-22.5)
Oklahoma returns last years Heisman trophy winning QB to an offense that should keep piling up the yards and points. BYU has some solid returning skill players, but their offensive line is in shambles (lost 4 starters to graduation and injuries are hurting the depth to start the season). That's not a good thing when facing what is arguably the most talented DL in the country. BYU was 1-5 ATS last year away from Provo. The spread is a little high, but as Oklahoma showed last year they aren't afraid to pile on points late (scored 58+ points in final 6 games last year). Pick: Oklahoma -22.5

LSU at Washington +17.5
The opening of the Steve Sarkisian era for the Huskies starts with a home date with the LSU Tigers. The key to this game will be QB play. LSU struggled at times last year with QB play until settling on Jordan Jefferson late in the year. UW was dealt a serious blow when Jake Locker was lost for the season during he 3rd game of the year. While that was the main reason they went 0-12, it still showed the lack of talent on the team. LSU #9 might be ranked a little high for my taste right now, but they are obviously more talented than the Huskies. LSU is hungry to show that last years dissapointing 7-5 season was a fluke (they destroyed Georgia Tech 38-3 in the Chick-Fil-A Bowl). Vegas might by regretting setting the line so low initially (opened at 14) because the smart money is chasing the Tigers. The #9 ranked team on the road vs a team that has lost 14 straight games seems too good to be true. Vegas may be trying to reel us in with this line, but I am going to take it anyway. Pick: LSU -17.5

Season Record: 0-0