Saturday Winners Courtesy of the Birdman

Well, since I will be in South Beach for the weekend to watch my beloved Chiefs take on the Dolphins, I am giving out my Saturday picks a little earlier than usual. I have 3 games I am all over on Saturday:

First up, I am a big fan of Texas A&M +1 at home against Nebraska. Nebraska is coming off a big win over Missouri which pretty much guarantees their appearance into the Big 12 title game. This game is somewhat irrelevant when it comes to their Big 12 title hopes. The only game they have to win is next week. Therefore, A&M falls right inbetween 2 "must win" games for Nebraska. That being said, I think A&M is a better team anyway. They have more balance on offense and with "the 12th Man" in their favor, Nebraska's offense should struggle. A&M has only lost 2 games this year and both were in the last minute (Okl & Tex T)...Nebraska won't be able to keep it that close.

Tex A&M +1 (***)

I also am taking Wisconsin -1 at Iowa. This is a game that should not be overanalyzed. Wisconsin is a very good team with only one loss (at Michigan). They are 7-1-1 ATS. Iowa is reeling right now, suffering from 3 losses in their last 4 games (including losses at Indiana and an embarrasing 21-7 loss at home to NW last week). By the way, Wisconsin won at Indiana 52-17 and at home against NW 41-9. There were some worries that Stocco might not play for Wisky, but it now appears he will. Either way, they will be giving the ball to their big freshman back the majority of the time anyway. Iowa is reeling and Wisky is soaring...simply put, this line should be more like 7.

Wisconsin -2 (***)

Finally, I am all over San Jose State +14 at home against Boise State. Boise is and has never been a solid road team. They dominate teams on the "smurf turf", but without their home field advantage, they become mere mortals. Boise has won all 4 games on the road this year, but they are only 1-3 ATS in those 4 games. San Jose State on the other hand has won their last 7 at home (5-0 this year). Boise has the best defense in the WAC...but SJS is 2nd. Boise has the best offense in the WAC, but SJS has the best pass defense. Boise averages 195 yards per game on the ground on the road this season...but SJS averages 248 on the ground at home. Boise is giving up 340 yards per game on the road and SJS is averaging 442 yards per game at home. San Jose State is running all over people in their past 3 games and while Boise has the WAC's best run D, this is because they are usually up big and the other team is throwing every down. Oh, one more thing, last time Boise visited SJS (in 04), they were 33 point favorites and 8-0, but had to sneak away with a 7 point, double overtime victory. Remember you heard it hear first, SAN JOSE STATE BEATS BOISE STATE THIS SATURDAY!!!

San Jose State +14 (****)


Sunday Picks will be posted by 10am Saturday