Look, I’m not happy about it either. Adam Gray in the lead is more insufferable than Mike Shannon talking up the Cardinals. But, I’ve been sorting by alphabetical order all year when the records are the same, so I didn’t think I should change now. Gray the junior and Jeff Woody are in a serious struggle at the top of the class while now exited from Des Moines, Dave Zawilinski has quietly kept the pace.
I think there is a term for a separated pack out in the lead in cycling and that is what is going on here, I just don’t know what it is. Because the rest of us chumps are struggling to keep our heads above water.
CF Director of Sales, Adam Gray
Notre Dame @ Florida State (-12) – A lot of distractions currently going on for Florida State, but I think they are still to talented for Notre Dame. Florida State covers 34-17.
Texas A&M @ Alabama (-12) – This line seems way to big, especially with the offensive issues we have seen from Alabama the last couple weeks. I like A&M to cover but Bama to win 31-28.
Baylor (-8.5) @ West Virginia – Dana Holgorson hasn’t lost the team yet, but I think they are showing signs of dropping off. Baylor defense rebounds and Baylor wins 51-24.
Kansas State @ Oklahoma (-8) – I’m off the OU bandwagon. Something is missing from this team. I think they hang on to win at home but KSU gives them a scare. OU 31-27.
Oklahoma State @ TCU (-8.5) – TCU lost a heart breaker last week that I think stays with them this week. I like OSU to not only cover but come away with a 3 point win.
Iowa State @ Texas (-12.5) – This game sets up perfect for Iowa State in a game they have to win to keep bowl hopes alive. Unfortunately I don’t think Iowa State’s offense is good enough to score on this Texas defense. 5 out of 6 Texas opponents have been held to their season low in scoring. I think Texas keeps coming after Sam and unfortunately he doesn’t make them pay. Texas covers and wins 23-10.
Former Cyclone RB, Jeff Woody
Notre Dame @ Florida State (-12) – Florida State is the most under-performing #1 team this far into the season in recent memory. Notre Dame turns the ball over like it’s their job, but have played every team on their schedule close. Give me the Irish and points.
Texas A&M @ Alabama (-12) – There’s a difference between under-performing and overrated. A&M is squarely in the overrated category, and Bama is right on that line. I don’t think A&M shouldn’t be anywhere near the top 25. I’ll take the Tide at home, because this game may not be within 3 scores.
Baylor (-8.5) @ West Virginia – I remember sitting in the hotel before a game watching the game the last time Baylor traveled to Morgantown in 2012. Geno "Turnover in a Can" Smith played an awesome game, as did Nick Florence as the teams scored more points than when the Bears’ basketball team went to Morgantown (70-63 football, 65-62 basketball). I’ll take Baylor to cover, and DEFINITELY take the over, whatever that may be.
Kansas State @ Oklahoma (-8) – This game is extremely tricky for Boomer Sooner. I think Kansas State is a really difficult match-up for the Stoops’s. Jake Watters is extremely good at what he does, and if it weren’t for 16 points left on the board against Auburn, K State would be in the conversation for league champs with Baylor right now. I’ll take the Wildcats, and wouldn’t be surprised if they won outright.
Oklahoma State @ TCU (-8.5) – Frogs. The only way they stay in the game is if TCU is dumb enough to kick to Tyreek Hill. Or Trevone Boykin, since Boykin can turn it over like it’s his job. This TCU team is beginning to convince me that they can be consistently good, but I’m not quite on the bandwagon yet.
Iowa State @ Texas (-12.5) – Can Texas even score 13 points if it’s not a rivalry game? That offense is legitimately a bad unit, and it doesn’t look like they are getting better soon. I like what ISU did against Toledo in putting 13 feet of wideouts in Montgomery and Lazard next to Bibbs. I would guess that Jarvis plays this week, which can cause a lot of difficulty for the Horns. Give me the Cyclones, and whatever the over/under is– take the under.
Former WOI-TV Sports Director, Dave Zawilinski
Notre Dame @ Florida State (-12) – Twelve points is too many. Notre Dame.
Texas A&M @ Alabama (-12) – I think Bama and A&M are the fourth and fifth best teams in the SEC West respectively. I’ll take Texas A&M
Baylor (-8.5) @ West Virginia – I won’t be surprised if the Mountaineers win this out right. WVU.
Kansas State @ Oklahoma (-8) – Oklahoma at home.
Oklahoma State @ TCU (-8.5) – TCU in a rout.
Iowa State @ Texas (-12.5) – Texas has too much speed on defense. Horns.
CF Columnist, Brent Blum
Notre Dame @ Florida State (-12) – Twelve points is way too high…and no Jameis I don’t want your autograph. Florida State 27 Notre Dame 20.
Texas A&M @ Alabama (-12) – A&M is a mess right now. Alabama 34 Texas A&M 20.
Baylor (-8.5) @ West Virginia – I’m back on the Mullet bandwagon….I never doubted you Holgo. WVU upset alert, get out those couches! WVU 37 Baylor 35.
Kansas State @ Oklahoma (-8) – Not enough Taco Bell in Norman for Bill Snyder. Oklahoma 38 K-State 21.
Oklahoma State @ TCU (-8.5) – Oklahoma State keeps it entertaining. TCU 31 OSU 28.
Iowa State @ Texas (-12.5) – Iowa State has covered every game as an underdog this year. If they can keep Sam Richardson upright, they may pull this off. Texas 23 Iowa State 20.
ESPN Broadcaster, Chris Hassel
Notre Dame @ Florida State (-12) – FSU. Sadly the Noles don’t even have to win this game. They will be in the playoff with a 12-1 record. But unless Jameis is in a jail cell somewhere (Tallahassee police won’t let that happen), FSU wins comfortably.
Texas A&M @ Alabama (-12) – Bama. Saban is all fired up about fans not being happy with a 1-point win at Arkansas. And aTm just isn’t that good.
Baylor (-8.5) @ West Virginia – Baylor. The Bears won’t go two weeks without covering.
Kansas State @ Oklahoma (-8) – OU. Should be a pretty good game but how many times has anyone kept it within a score in Norman, recently? …. Just looked it up. Happened twice last season and three times the season before. I guess it might happen but sticking with OU.
Oklahoma State @ TCU (-8.5) – Okie State. Frogs have proven that they can be elite. I doubted them last week and I was wrong. I think they’ll win but Cowboys keep it right.
Iowa State @ Texas (-12.5) – UT. This has to be the least amount of pts Texas has been favored by, at home, against ISU. Wouldn’t be too surprised if Cyclones made it a game but I think it’s a 3-score win for Horns.
CF Senior Columnist, Rob Gray
Notre Dame @ Florida State (-12) – Irish have a chance to make a statement while the plot thickens regarding Jameis Winston in Tallahassee. I think they make one. Florida State not only doesn’t cover, but Notre Dame wins, 31-28.
Texas A&M @ Alabama (-12) – The reeling Aggies won’t have enough for ‘Bama, which returns home after tough two-game road trip. Tide covers, 38-21.
Baylor (-8.5) @ West Virginia – OK, so Art Briles’ bunch isn’t invincible and it did benefit from some close calls at TCU. Still not buying West Virginia, though. Nice team, but not good enough to hang with Baylor deep into the second half. Bears cover, 52-38.
Kansas State @ Oklahoma (-8) – The Fighting Windbreakers haven’t allowed more than 28 points in a game this season. I fully expect them to compete at Norman. Sooner’s don’t cover, but hang on, 24-21.
Oklahoma State @ TCU (-8.5) – Horned Frogs will (and should) he hopping mad after letting win over Baylor slip away. They’re simply better than the Cowboys and will cover. TCU 42, Okie State 31.
Iowa State @ Texas (-12.5) – That’s a big number for Texas, which finally found some offense last week at Oklahoma. It wasn’t enough to overcome poor special teams play and costly penalties, though. I like the Cyclones to keep it close. Heck, I like the Cyclones, period. ISU 31-30 (!)
enCYCLONEpedia Guy, Kirk Haaland
Notre Dame @ Florida State (-12) – Catholics vs The Convict, remix? Sorta? Are Notre Dame players actually even Catholic? I need answers. I’m taking Florida State and I guarantee I’ll regret it.
Texas A&M @ Alabama (-12) – I’m going to take Alabama because…well, I just am.
Baylor (-8.5) @ West Virginia – Holgo’s ‘Eers can’t keep up on the scoreboard and the fans need every drop of that beer they can buy and drink in the stadium. Baylor.
Kansas State @ Oklahoma (-8) – I’m tired of having faith in Bob Stoops only to be jilted by him. Let’s go you old wizard!
Oklahoma State @ TCU (-8.5) – I hate, hate, hate TCU’s stupid hand signal for a horned frog. But, I still think they’ll cover.
Iowa State @ Texas (-12.5) – I could envision a scenario where Iowa State basically can’t score and Texas runs the ball well enough to blow the game open. I just don’t think that’s how it will play out. If the ISU offense can protect Sam B. Richardson and hit on a couple of big plays they’ll be in this thing. Get some turnovers and bonus yards/points from special teams and a win would be very plausible.
Former Cyclone WR, Lane Danielsen
Notre Dame @ Florida State (-12) – Notre Dame. Florida State hasn’t blown out any good teams they’ve played all year. Go Irish!
Texas A&M @ Alabama (-12) – Texas A&M. Bama only put up 14 against Arkansas last week. A&M is in must win and does.
Baylor (-8.5) @ West Virginia – Baylor. Baylor will put up 60 again and win and cover.
Kansas State @ Oklahoma (-8) – OU. Oklahoma will cover. KSU cant throw the ball.
Oklahoma State @ TCU (-8.5) – TCU. Must win for TCU to stay in the hunt.
Iowa State @ Texas (-12.5) – Iowa State. Texas can’t score enough to win by 13.
Former Cyclone LB, Adam Carper
Notre Dame @ Florida State (-12) – Irish got the talent to keep this one close. ND covers.
Texas A&M @ Alabama (-12) – Midway through the year and Bama still doesn’t have an identity. A&M.
Baylor (-8.5) @ West Virginia – Baylor.
Kansas State @ Oklahoma (-8) – Oklahoma.
Oklahoma State @ TCU (-8.5) – TCU.
Iowa State @ Texas (-12.5) – Both teams are hungry for a W. Clones do enough to cover and wouldn’t be surprised if they sneak out of Austin with a W.
Former Cyclone QB, Austen Arnaud
Notre Dame @ Florida State (-12) – This game should be thrown out. Who knows who will play quarterback for Florida State on Saturday!! I’m going to say Winston plays and Notre Dame keeps it close. Florida State will not finish this year undefeated. ND covers.
Texas A&M @ Alabama (-12) – For me the jury is still out on Alabama. In the past, Saban has struggled to defend Texas A&M. I think Bama wins but Texas A&M covers.
Baylor (-8.5) @ West Virginia – This is a classic trap game for Baylor. Coming off an improbable win last week against TCU, I think the Bears slip up a little bit here and this is going to be a close one. Mountaineers cover and may win out right.
Kansas State @ Oklahoma (-8) – Like our guy Chris Williams always says, don’t sleep on Bill Snyder. A big win for Oklahoma last week in the Red River Rivalry, but on the other hand you have Kansas State who should be 6-0. K-State covers.
Oklahoma State @ TCU (-8.5) – Gary Patterson’s defense is going to get after Daxx Garman. A very upset team that should’ve beat Baylor last week, Horned Frogs roll and show everyone that Oklahoma State is not a top 15 football team.
Iowa State @ Texas (-12.5) – Iowa State has a real chance in this game if they can continue the trend of turning Texas’ offense over. The Texas offense has 16 turnovers this year to the Cyclones five. Taking care of the football, winning third-down and creating turnovers by the defense will get a Cyclone victory. The Cyclone offensive line must know where Malcolm Brown is at all times, if not it is going to be a long day for Sam and company. Cyclones cover on the road.
Former Cyclone QB, Bret Meyer
Notre Dame @ Florida State (-12) – Jameis is too dumb to understand the mess he’s created. Heisman winner gets it done again FSU by 10.
Texas A&M @ Alabama (-12) – Bama is angry and A&M has struggled of late. Roll Tide 28-20
Baylor (-8.5) @ West Virginia – Calling the upset here. WVU wins on late field goal.
Kansas State @ Oklahoma (-8) – OU wins at home 28-21.
Oklahoma State @ TCU (-8.5) – TCU outscores Okie State 45-40.
Iowa State @ Texas (-12.5) – Clones win in Austin! 28-24
Former Cyclone WR, Jack Whitver
Notre Dame @ Florida State (-12) – FSU wins but ND loses by 10 to cover spread.
Texas A&M @ Alabama (-12) – Kenny Hill has been exposed lately, by Bama offense can’t cover 12 points. A&M covers in a loss.
Baylor (-8.5) @ West Virginia – WVU wins straight up to cover.
Kansas State @ Oklahoma (-8) – OU at home barely covers, winning by 10.
Oklahoma State @ TCU (-8.5) – TCU shakes off loss to Baylor, continues to play well. TCU by 15 to cover.
Iowa State @ Texas (-12.5) – ISU wins straight up in Austin to cover.
CF Publisher, Chris Williams
Notre Dame @ Florida State (-12) – I’ve seen Florida State play a lot this year and that defense doesn’t appear to be anything more than average to me. Give me the Irish to cover and the Noles to win a close one. Florida State 24, Notre Dame 20.
Texas A&M @ Alabama (-12) – Saban is 7-3 ATS in Alabama’s last 10 home games as a favorite. A&M has covered its last two vs. the Tide. Toss-up, but I’ll take the home team. Alabama 30, Texas A&M 17.
Baylor (-8.5) @ West Virginia – I actually have a bad feeling about Art and the boys being upset in Morgantown…But screw it, Baylor 38, West Virginia 24.
Kansas State @ Oklahoma (-8) – Bill Snyder is 10-1 as a road underdog since he returned in 2010. Wildcats cover. Oklahoma 34, Kansas State 27
Oklahoma State @ TCU (-8.5) – Hard to tell how TCU will respond to last week’s heartbreak in Waco. Still, it’s just a better team than OSU. Horned Frogs win and cover, 35-20.
Iowa State @ Texas (-12.5) – On Monday, I picked Iowa State to win this one. Granted, I was in a really good mood and on a caffeine high. The Cyclones have to have a defensive or special teams touchdown to do so. Jarvis West, y’all? Iowa State 24, Texas 21.
KXNO Producer/Host, Andrew Downs
Notre Dame @ Florida State (-12) – Notre Dame. FSU wins, but too many points.
Texas A&M @ Alabama (-12) – Bama. The Tide needs to get back on track and have a big day.
Baylor (-8.5) @ West Virginia – Baylor. The Bears roll.
Kansas State @ Oklahoma (-8) – OU. K-State is overrated.
Oklahoma State @ TCU (-8.5) – TCU. Horned Frogs looking to make another statement after a rough loss to Baylor.
Iowa State @ Texas (-12.5) – SU. I think Texas wins a close game at home.
Former Cyclone K, Bret Culbertson
Notre Dame @ Florida State (-12) – 12 points? Irish beat the spread.
Texas A&M @ Alabama (-12) – Game of the week. The Aggies are farther down in the rankings than they should be. They were beat by two great teams. Looking forward to this game. Aggies beat the spread.
Baylor (-8.5) @ West Virginia – The Bears have been a fun team to watch. Baylor covers.
Kansas State @ Oklahoma (-8) – Going with the Sooners.
Oklahoma State @ TCU (-8.5) – TCU. Especially after last week’s showing.
Iowa State @ Texas (-12.5) – Can’t go against the Clones, but who knows with a hot and cold Longhorn squad. Clones.
WHO-TV Meteorologist, Brett McIntyre
Notre Dame @ Florida State (-12) – Notre Dame–Is Winston going to play? This line seems a little big, and now that Vegas is pulling it off the board, I’ll go along with the nervousness from Vegas and take the Irish.
Texas A&M @ Alabama (-12) – Alabama–The Tide’s offense has disappeared since hitting the road in the SEC. But they’re at home now, and they’re ticked about all the questions surrounding their alleged demise (sounds a lot like the Patriots). They’ll try to make a statement against the Aggies.
Baylor (-8.5) @ West Virginia – Baylor–I don’t think West Virginia can win this game. And while the Bears haven’t been blowing out teams to the degree they did last year, two scores feels like a fairly simple bar to clear here.
Kansas State @ Oklahoma (-8) – Kansas State–I’ll go with the underdog here. Oklahoma’s defense has lost it’s way a little bit lately, and with K-State coming off a bye, the Wizard finds a way to keep this within a score.
Oklahoma State @ TCU (-8.5) – TCU–I’ll take TCU at home.
Iowa State @ Texas (-12.5) – Iowa State–Texas is averaging just 19.7 points per game. Keeping that in mind, 12.5 is a fortune to lay if you believe ISU has even the slightest of wrinkles ironed out on offense. I like this one being decided late in the 4th.
