#NicksPicks originated on the campus of Ohio University with a college student who simply believed they were very good at picking College Football games straight up. After a year hiatus, Nick has brought back his patented Saturday morning over-a-cup-of-coffee-rapid-fire picks. Got it? Good. Grab your mug and let’s get our Saturday rolling!
Season: 29-20 (59%) | Last Week: 6-5
12:00pm
UCF @ 3 Cincinnati (-21.5)
Had high hopes for this one before Gabriel’s injury. The Bearcats must stay locked in for 60 mins as Malzahn will surely throw the kitchen sink and more out offensively. UCF hangs around for a while, but UC gets some timely turnovers and wins comfortably.
Cincinnati 38-20 | ATS: UCF +21.5
10 Michigan State (-4) @ Indiana
How many weeks in a row can I unsuccessfully pick against the Spartans? The streak ends here. The public is all over it and so am I. Hoosiers need this one to even consider going bowling and they’ll be highly motivated off their bye week. Upset in Bloomington.
Indiana 21-20 | ATS: Indiana +4/ML
12 Oklahoma St @ 25 Texas (-3.5)
How do we feel about Texas? How quickly can they get off the mat? I’m certainly interested to find out. Let’s keep it simple though. Texas needs this one to keep their Big 12 title hopes alive and I believe Sark will have them refocused at home.
Texas 31-21 | ATS: Horns -3.5
Auburn @ 17 Arkansas (-4.5)
Which team can pull the emergency break and stop their free fall first? As predicted both teams’ schedules have flexed their muscles the past few weeks and it’s hard to view these teams as some once did. I don’t trust Auburn at all and I’d much rather ride with the Hogs at home. Take the under.
Arkansas 27-24 | ATS: Auburn +4.5/U 54
3:30pm
11 Kentucky @ 1 Georgia (-21.5)
Nothing personal, strictly business. Dawgs by 30. The real Will Levis will be easy to identify this afternoon in Sanford Stadium as the Georgia defense will once again hold an opponent under two touchdowns. Kentucky is good. Georgia is much, much better.
Georgia 41-10 | ATS: Dawgs -21.5
19 BYU @ Baylor (-5)
Have you been fading BYU with us? Continue to do so. The Cougars definitely peaked in the first month of the season and are now quickly coming back to earth. Baylor’s offense gets it done. Vegas has the right team favored. Welcome to the Big 12 Cougs.
Baylor 28-21 | ATS: Baylor -5
Pittsburgh (-5) @ Virginia Tech
A classic case of who wants it more. Pitt has quickly become the trendy team in the ACC Coastal division but are we continuing to underestimate Lane Stadium in this spot? VT leads for the majority of this one, but a late turnover leads to a 1 point Pitt win.
Pitt 28-27 | ATS: Hokies +5
7:30pm
TCU @ 4 Oklahoma (-13.5)
Welcome to this week’s stay away game! I’m still unwilling to fully trust the Sooners even after their crazy win over Texas last week. Lincoln Riley’s handling of the QB controversy this week likely could spill over onto the field. I do like Coach Gary Patterson in this spot to keep it close and force some timely turnovers. TCU threatens, both Oklahoma QB’s play (because Rattler is a diva), and the Sooners squeak one out.
Oklahoma 31-27 | ATS: TCU +13.5
13 Ole Miss (-2.5) @ Tennessee
This might be my favorite game of the day. Lane Kiffin’s return to Knoxville. A checkered and sold out one at that. I’m not sold on Josh Heupel long term, but he certainly has the Vols believing right now. Tennessee gets it done in prime time as Corral throws 3 picks.
Tennessee 38-35 | ATS: Vols +2.5/ML/Under 82
22 NC State (-3) @ Boston College
Anyone remember what happened to NC State in their only road trip to this point? That’s right, they got smoked by Mississippi State. The Wolfpack has a reputation for underperforming in spots like these and I’ll count on Jeff Hafley to get it done at home.
Boston College 24-23 | ATS: BC +3/ML
Upset Special: UCLA +1.5 over Washington
Best Bet 🔒: Georgia -21.5
