Another week and another round of the self-appointed experts in the land of Cyclone Fanatic making picks that YOU DO NOT WANT TO USE for your own personal wagers. (That cannot be stressed enough.)
The standings:
Mr. Woody exploded with a burst up the leaderboard last week – a burst we never saw from him on the football field, I might add – to climb atop the leader board. This caused severe consternation for the always confident Adam Gray as he is now going to any means possible to again lead the way.
The best news of all, of course, is that "Operation Do Not Let Cheating Hassel Win" is starting to take hold and Mr. Cooter has some bodies between him and the top of the standings.
Former Cyclone RB, Jeff Woody
Indiana @ Iowa (-3.5) – Indiana’s strength is running the football. Iowa’s strength is stopping the run. I am a little bit concerned if Ol’ Greg decides to play 2 quarterbacks. Pssst…..Greg….we’ve tried it for 3 years….it doesn’t work. Anyway, I’ll take Iowa.
Auburn (-3) @ Mississippi State – Auburn has been impressive, yes, but they struggled on the road against K State. Accurate passing but mobile QB and a solid, fundamentally sound defense. That is exactly what Mississippi State brings to the table. I’ll take the Bulldogs in an upset at home, and Mississippi changes the name of the capital city from Jackson to Dakson.
West Virginia (-6) @ Texas Tech – How bad is Texas Tech this year? Discipline is non-existent, and daddy-long-legs Davis Webb hasn’t been healthy or effective. Give me the ‘Eers to cover.
Texas vs. Oklahoma (-14.5) – This is one hell of a rivalry game. Usually. I think the TCU loss just pissed the Sooners off. Texas’s defense is solid in this game, but the Longhorn offense going 3 & out more often than not will wear them down, and this one gets to be a downright bloodbath by the end of the game. Sooners by eleventy billion.
TCU @ Baylor (-8.5) – TCU has been as impressive as any team in the conference. Baylor has been the team to be measured against. This is a game that people don’t understand the amount of hatred flowing, as these two teams can’t stand each other. Baylor is damn near unstoppable at home though, so I am gonna call for a very close game, but Baylor covers late. Dr. Peppers for everyone!
Toledo @ Iowa State (-2.5) – Give me the Cyclones. The schedule finally relents, and the Cyclones FINALLY take advantage. I think they’re going to come out firing and this one isn’t close by the end.
CF Director of Sales, Adam Gray
Indiana @ Iowa (-3.5) – Indiana has the offense to compete in this game but I think Iowa’s big O line wears down their defense. I like the Hawks by 10.
Auburn (-3) @ Mississippi State – Only the 2nd road game for Auburn so far this year and they didn’t look very good in their first one. Mississippi State keeps the magic season going with a 3 point victory.
West Virginia (-6) @ Texas Tech – This is where I see West Virginia’s season implode. A game they SHOULD win on the road, against a struggling Tech team, but they make to many mistakes and Tech gets a much needed win. Tech 37 WV 34
Texas vs. Oklahoma (-14.5) – Texas defense is good enough to keep this close, but their offense isn’t. They hang tight in the first half but OU wears them down and wins by 17.
TCU @ Baylor (-8.5) – Baylor is ridiculous in Waco, plus TCU is getting over an emotional win. I think Baylor to win by 13+.
Toledo @ Iowa State (-2.5) – Must win. Clones take care of business and win 31-24.
Former WOI-TV Sports Director, Dave Zawilinski
Indiana @ Iowa (-3.5) – This will be a game. I think home field advantage is the difference. Hawk fans better show up. Iowa.
Auburn (-3) @ Mississippi State – I’m on the State bandwagon. Miss St.
West Virginia (-6) @ Texas Tech – This is the week tech rebounds. Tech
Texas vs. Oklahoma (-14.5) – Oklahoma will be focused after their first defeat of the season. OU.
TCU @ Baylor (-8.5) – Horned Frogs are legit. I think Baylor is slightly overhyped.
Toledo @ Iowa State (-2.5) – This HAS to be the week ISU gets off the schnide right? Clones
CF Columnist, Brent Blum
Last week, my #winners were #losers. This week my picks will #bewell
Indiana @ Iowa (-3.5) – You don’t just walk into Kinnick Stadium on Homecoming and expect to win. Wait, yes, yes you do. Indiana 30 Iowa 20.
Auburn (-3) @ Mississippi State – Everybody in Mississippi is too hungover to do this two weeks in a row. Auburn 31 Miss State 24.
West Virginia (-6) @ Texas Tech – I keep waiting for Mr. GQ to show some fight, I think they do at home. Tech straight up! Guns up! Texas Tech 31 West Virginia 28.
Texas vs. Oklahoma (-14.5) – After extensive research on the Texas offense, I have realized they just aren’t a very good offense. That won’t work here. Oklahoma 30 Texas 10.
TCU @ Baylor (-8.5) – TCU comes crashing down to earth. Baylor 38 TCU 17.
Toledo @ Iowa State (-2.5) – Toledo has given up over 320 yards passing in four games this year, including a 330 spot to New Hampshire. That’s not good. The Cyclone offense HAS to have a good day and I think they will. Or else, I don’t even want to know. Iowa State 34 Toledo 21.
enCYCLONEpedia Guy, Kirk Haaland
Indiana @ Iowa (-3.5) – Antwan Randel-El ain’t walking through that door. Iowa.
Auburn (-3) @ Mississippi State – Mississippi teams can’t win every game, every week! Auburn.
West Virginia (-6) @ Texas Tech – Ugh. Both teams are erratic and unpredictable…like Dana Holgorsen’s hair. I’m not buying Texas Tech stock again for a while. WVU.
Texas vs. Oklahoma (-14.5) – I’ve spent all year saying OU would have their early season letdown game only to not have it happen. Then, against a fishy line last week I flipped…then TCU made me flop. This game is close about as often as the Thursday night NFL game has been this year. Scoring points is required to win the game and I know Texas can’t do that. The Longhorns kept Baylor under control last week but this week, they fail. Sooners.
TCU @ Baylor (-8.5) – Baylor. By twenty.
Toledo @ Iowa State (-2.5) – I wrote about the matchup and the numbers that go into it and while I think that Toledo will have success on the ground by average, I think ISU will get some stops and put the Rockets behind schedule just enough. The Toledo defense is better against the ground than they are the pass and I think ISU exploits that which shoud eventually help the running game. ISU will have a comfortable lead into the fourth quarter but the Rockets will battle back to give us an unnecessary heart attack (the usual). But, the Cyclones hang on and cover.
ESPN Broadcaster, Chris Hassel
Indiana @ Iowa (-3.5) – Iowa. This seems like a trick. Indiana may have won at Mizz but that was sandwiched between a loss to Bowling Green and a blowout loss at home to Maryland. Hawks should win by multiple scores. "Should".
Auburn (-3) @ Mississippi State – State. I think MSU is fo reelz.
West Virginia (-6) @ Texas Tech – TTU. Red (faced) Raiders need it.
Texas vs. Oklahoma (-14.5) – OU. I’m done thinking Texas can keep games close against elite teams. And OU will be steaming after TCU loss.
TCU @ Baylor (-8.5) – Bears. TCU will find it hard to bring same energy to this one after OU win at home.
Toledo @ Iowa State (-2.5) – ISU. This also seems like a trick. Iowa State is bad but not this bad. Should be a blowout.
Former Cyclone WR, Jack Whitver
Indiana @ Iowa (-3.5) – Indiana wins straight up.
Auburn (-3) @ Mississippi State – Mississippi states run comes to an end, Auburn by 4 to cover.
West Virginia (-6) @ Texas Tech – Texas Tech starting to fall apart, West Virginia by 7 to cover.
Texas vs. Oklahoma (-14.5) – Texas offense has nothing going on. Sooners easily cover, win by 17.
TCU @ Baylor (-8.5) – TCU keeps it close for most of the game, but Baylor wins by 10 to cover.
Toledo @ Iowa State (-2.5) – ISU wins a must win game by 7, covers the spread.
Former Cyclone QB, Austen Arnaud
Indiana @ Iowa (-3.5) – I like to Indiana to cover but lose by the hook. Hawks by 3.
Auburn (-3) @ Mississippi State – Big game hangover will be too much for Dak Prescott Heisman hype, Auburn wins and covers in Starkville.
West Virginia (-6) @ Texas Tech – I am on the Red Raiders, wouldn’t be surprised if they won here. Two teams that can’t play a lick of defense. TTU covers
Texas vs. Oklahoma (-14.5) – In the last 14 meetings OU is 8-5-1 against the spread, I’ll take that. OU covers the 14.5
TCU @ Baylor (-8.5) – Baylor in a big way, big game hangover is crucial in CFB. Baylor takes it to the horny toads by a couple TDs.
Toledo @ Iowa State (-2.5) – Iowa State wins this one hopefully in convincing fashion, but I’m okay if it’s even by a FG. Cyclones cover.
CF Publisher, Chris Williams
Indiana @ Iowa (-3.5) – Iowa is 4-12 ATS in its last 16 home games. Give me the Hoosiers to cover. Iowa 21, Indiana 20.
Auburn (-3) @ Mississippi State – Kinda feel like MSU left it all on the field last week. Auburn 27, Mississippi State 21.
West Virginia (-6) @ Texas Tech – The Red Raiders are 1-8 ATS in last nine regular season games. West Virginia’s offense will be too much. Mountaineers in a close one, 42-35.
Texas vs. Oklahoma (-14.5) – Bob Stoops is 10-3 ATS in last 13 games following a loss. Sooners by 17. Oklahoma 27, Texas 10.
TCU @ Baylor (-8.5) – Baylor has covered in 12 straight home games. Bears 31, TCU 17.
Toledo @ Iowa State (-2.5) – Cyclones 30, Toledo 17.
Former Cyclone WR, Lane Danielsen
Indiana @ Iowa (-3.5) – Iowa. Hawkeyes will cover at home homecoming and prove the ground and pound offense still wins in the big 10.
Auburn (-3) @ Mississippi State – Miss. St. Mississippi State will keep it rolling at home after a big win last week.
West Virginia (-6) @ Texas Tech – WV. Too much offense for the Tech defense to handle.
Texas vs. Oklahoma (-14.5) – OK. Oklahoma will make a statement after a disappointing loss last week.
TCU @ Baylor (-8.5) – Baylor. Baylor will take advantage of a let down week for TCU.
Toledo @ Iowa State (-2.5) – Iowa State. Must win for the Cyclones.
CF Senior Columnist, Rob Gray
Indiana @ Iowa (-3.5) – I didn’t think Iowa would cover at Purdue, but the Hawks surprised me. Hoosiers can be dangerous, but I’ll go Iowa 30, Indiana 24
Auburn (-3) @ Mississippi State – Man, to be Dan Mullen — until this week. War Eagle 31, Bulldogs 27
West Virginia (-6) @ Texas Tech – Tech’s got to show some fight even if faced with muskets, right? That’s my story and I’m sticking to it. Red Raiders 34, WVY 31
Texas vs. Oklahoma (-14.5) –
Can the Longhorns’ "D" continue to be solid when its "O" is so woeful? This week, at least, I think so. OU 17, UT 9
TCU @ Baylor (-8.5) – Gary Patterson’s bunch has been mighty impressive, but so has Baylor, despite some struggles last week. I’ll take the Bears to cover, barely, 38-30.
Toledo @ Iowa State (-2.5) – If the Cyclones’ offense is to gain traction it has to start against a highly suspect Rockets’ pass defense. Cue the season high in scoring — and a cover. ISU 42, Toledo 28
Former Cyclone K, Bret Culbertson
Indiana @ Iowa (-3.5) – Hoosiers win
Auburn (-3) @ Mississippi State – War Eagle
West Virginia (-6) @ Texas Tech – Mountaineers
Texas vs. Oklahoma (-14.5) – Going with the Sooners.
TCU @ Baylor (-8.5) – Baylor.
Toledo @ Iowa State (-2.5) – This spread triggers bad memories from 2007. As long as no one bulldozes our line during a game-winner, we’re good. Clones!
Former Cyclone QB, Bret Meyer
Indiana @ Iowa (-3.5) – Indiana wins on the road.
Auburn (-3) @ Mississippi State – Cowbell 41-38.
West Virginia (-6) @ Texas Tech – WVU 38-14.
Texas vs. Oklahoma (-14.5) – OU 28-20
TCU @ Baylor (-8.5) – Baylor wins 45-38.
Toledo @ Iowa State (-2.5) – Can’t lose in those uniforms. Clones win 24-21
Former Cyclone LB, Adam Carper
Indiana @ Iowa (-3.5) – Hawks and it’s not even close.
Auburn (-3) @ Mississippi State –
Don’t think Miss State can get up two weeks in a row. Auburn the team to beat in the SEC West and they cover.
West Virginia (-6) @ Texas Tech – Red Raiders win outright at home.
Texas vs. Oklahoma (-14.5) – No matter the records, this game is what college football is all about. Charlie and the Horns keep it competitive and cover.
TCU @ Baylor (-8.5) – Boykin gives TCU a chance but Baylor is too good in Waco. Bears cover.
Toledo @ Iowa State (-2.5) – Good guys breeze by the Rockets in route to an easy W.
KXNO Host/Producer, Andrew Downs
Indiana @ Iowa (-3.5) – Iowa. I’d be more confident if I knew that Beathard was starting, but I think Iowa wins with either QB.
Auburn (-3) @ Mississippi State – Auburn. Closer line than it would have been a week or two ago…I still like the Tigers.
West Virginia (-6) @ Texas Tech – WVU. This is a good team with losses to two of the best teams in the country.
Texas vs. Oklahoma (-14.5) – OU. Texas isn’t good, Oklahoma needs to make a statement after a loss…blowout time.
TCU @ Baylor (-8.5) – Baylor. TCU is better, but Baylor just puts up too many points at home.
Toledo @ Iowa State (-2.5) – ISU. Must win for the Cyclones, and they’ll have it put away in the 3rd.
WHO-TV Meteorologist, Brett McIntyre
Here’s another 1-5 for ya.
Indiana @ Iowa (-3.5) – Iowa. Hawks struggle, but eventually snag the cover.
Auburn (-3) @ Mississippi State – Auburn. Tigers get it done.
West Virginia (-6) @ Texas Tech – West Viriginia. Texas Tech is reeling, I’ll go Mountaineers.
Texas vs. Oklahoma (-14.5) – Texas. The Horns seem to have the defense figured out, I think they can keep this one under the line.
TCU @ Baylor (-8.5) – Baylor. Bears at home, I’m going to need more than 8 points.
Toledo @ Iowa State (-2.5) – ISU. Cyclones get the Homecoming win.
