Oklahoma Sooners

Sooners: Oh yeah!

I’m playing two games today and that is Oklahoma (-9.5) over Florida State and Alabama (-11.5) over Penn State. I’m sorry I couldn’t do a preview for the top 4 games that were on tap this week, which I said my piece about early in the week (it was a crazy week work-wise). Based on that little write up, I hope some of you were able to capitalize off the Sooners big win.

The only college game that I previewed was Michigan (+4) vs. Notre Dame since that’s what people indicated they were most interested in. I personally didn’t take this game since I didn’t want to bet against the Irish at home, but I picked Michigan +4 and that pick is looking pretty good with Michigan up 21-17 with 5 minutes left.

The Sooners absolutely demolished Florida State as I predicted would happen. People got down on them too much after they didn’t whip Utah State. I knew Bob Stoops would have them ready this game. Here’s what I had to write:

Despite Oklahoma not crushing Utah State this past week, I think Oklahoma has no problem covering the 9 points in this game. Florida State gives up a lot of points. Last year Florida State gave up 37 to Florida, 38 to Miami, 49 to Georgia Tech, 27 to North Carolina, 40 to Clemson, and 26 to Maryland. At home, Oklahoma is due for at least 35 and I don’t think the Seminoles can put up 24 against a Sooners defense that will be better prepared by coach this week at home.

Oklahoma is up 47-10 at the time of me advocating my foresight.

In other Pass Rush news, Brandon’s pick of South Florida …

Four great games are on tap week 2 and I like Alabama.

Here are the big games that are on tap for week 2 of college football:

• No. 20 Florida State @ No. 7 Oklahoma (-9)
• Michigan @ Notre Dame (-4)
• No. 13 Miami @ No. 2 Ohio State (-9.5)
• No. 19 Penn State @ No. 1 Alabama (-11.5)

We’ll be sure to preview those games. Here are my early thoughts on those games.

I really like Alabama next week. I would absolutely love this spread at -9.5. I think they should win by 14-21. At 11.5, PSU has a shot at covering, but I doubt it.

If Michigan was at home, I would absolutely love that pick, but ND’s home-field advantage is undeniable. I thought Michigan would get 3 in this one, so the 4 is generous. It looks like Rich Rodriguez found his next Pat White in Denard Robinson. Robinson was lights out in the Connecticut game (19/22, 186 passing yards, 196 rushing yards, 1 passing TD, 1 rushing TD) and if he can repeat that type of performance, Michigan could pull off the upset in South Bend.

I think Ohio State wins, but I count on Miami on keeping the game within reach.

Despite Oklahoma not crushing Utah State this past week, I think Oklahoma has no problem covering the 9 points in this game. Florida State gives up a lot of points. Last year Florida State gave up 37 to Florida, 38 to Miami, 49 to Georgia Tech, 27 to North Carolina, 40 to Clemson, and 26 to Maryland. At home, Oklahoma is due for at least 35 and I don’t think the Seminoles can put up 24 against a Sooners defense that will be …

Tomorrow is the Red River Rivalry, which means that Texas and Oklahoma gear up for their battle at high noon.  This is one of my favorite football games of the year.  There’s just something about this rivalry that gets me all geeked up.  At THE PASS RUSH, I like to explore these big college matchups to give new visitors a sneak peak at the free football betting services that we provide.  Let’s turn to the action.

NO. 3 TEXAS LONGHORNS (5-0, 2-0) -3 VS. NO. 20 OKLAHOMA SOONERS (3-2, 1-0)

Date: Saturday, October 17 — Noon (ABC)

First, the Red River Rivalry takes place on a neutral field.  It takes place at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, so you don’t have to worry about how home-field will effect this game, although it’s more of a home game for Texas.

You also have to look into the Sooners record. You see 3-2 and may assume they’re a weaker team this year, but you have to look into that since Oklahoma could easily be 5-0 if Bradford didn’t get injured.  OU has faced two tough losses.  The first loss was in week one to a quality BYU team who beat them by a mere point, 14-13.  Their second loss of the season came from a stellar Miami team in another one-point loss, 21-20.

Sam Bradford was injured in the first week of the season and didn’t make a comeback until last week when he played outstanding, defeating Baylor 33-7.  How about these stats.  27/49, 389 yards, 1 TD, 0 INTs.  Although he completed only 55% of his passes, those are quality numbers.  The Sooners running game is also legit, but Texas isn’t far behind.  Oklahoma ran for 203 yards on Baylor.

Texas …

What a suiting article for the 100th article here on THE PASS RUSH.  Here are my picks and predictions for the BCS Bowl games.  Here are my picks for the non-BCS Bow games.

ROSE BOWL: Illinois Fighting Illini vs. USC Trojans -13.5

I don’t know why the Illini are getting a lack of respect in this game.  I thought the spread should be USC -9.  I think Illinois is very capable of covering this one.  They were the team to top Ohio State and have impressive wins against Penn State and Wisconsin.  Their first game of the season was against should-be BSC Bowl contender Missouri, and they only lost that one by 4.  These teams match up pretty evenly.  Illinois has an average PF of 28.8, USC’s is 31.2.  Illinois has an average PA of 19.5, USC’s is 15.9.  Illinois’ 7-4 record against the spread is better than USC’s 6-6 record against the spread.  9/13 of the experts at covers.com are taking USC to cover, but I think the Trojans will win, but Illinois will cover.  Also keep in mind that USC has a huge advantage being in Pasadena.

Prediction – USC defeats Illinois – 34-24

USC Moneyline – Confidence 4/5
Illinois +13.5 Spread – Confidence 2/5

SUGAR BOWL: Hawaii Warriors vs. Georgia Bulldogs -7.5

When I first saw the Bowl games announced I was getting excited about this one because I expect the Bulldogs to stomp on the Warriors.  I thought the spread should be at least 10 points.  We all know about Hawaii’s offense, but they’ve been playing mickey-mouse defenses; they haven’t seen a defense like Georgia’s.  I don’t think Hawaii will know what hit them when they have to square off on January 1st.  Hawaii’s defense …