Betting the Big 12: Week 2

Well, we went 5-3-1 last week. As far as Week 1 goes, that’s a good record, capped off with easy winners from Texas, Houston Baptist, and Coastal Carolina. 6-3 was looking likely until the Bengals offensive OPI that I’ll be bitter about all season. Anyway, week 1 is always a wild card, so we’ll take whatever gets us in the green. Plus, we went 5-2 ATS in Big 12 games. Doesn’t get much better than that! It doesn’t take the stink off of Iowa State losing outright to Louisiana. But the column is making money for the people. As a reminder, we’re betting 1.1 units on each game to win 1 unit. Super light slate this week, so we’re going to add some extras from around the country, and some enticing NFL lines. Let’s get back into the lab!

THE GAMES

Tulsa (0-0) at Oklahoma State (0-0)

Kickoff: 11:00am | TV: ESPN | The Line: Oklahoma State -23

Spencer Sanders makes his return from injury, and Chuba Hubbard begins his Heisman campaign. This game is tricky, since neither team has played. But lets grab Gundy and the Cowboys and swallow all those points. I’d much rather take them to keep piling on points in the 2nd half than expecting Tulsa to score enough to get back in the number late.

Pick: Oklahoma State -23

Houston (0-0) at Baylor (0-0)

Kickoff: 11:00am | TV: FOX | The Line: Baylor -4.5

Dave Aranda’s first game as coach. Dana comes back to the Big 12. I see the Cougs as a live dog, and I think Aranda will struggle to get anything installed with limited practice. This will look like a backyard ballgame, as both teams only had 6 days to prepare for each other. Definitely give me the 4.5 points and look out for them to win the game on the field.

Pick: Houston +4.5

BONUS PICKS FROM AROUND THE COUNTRY

Navy +7 at Tulane

There’s absolutely no way Navy can be worse than they were against BYU. It was so bad they had to switch their entire COVID practice plan. And with game reps to work out the triple option, I’d back the Middies to hang close against a Tulane team that failed to cover against South Alabama last week.

Miami +2.5 at Louisville

It’s all about the U this weekend. They’ve had their “QB of the future” for so long now, I’ve forgotten how many names it’s been. Apparently all it took is bringing in a big time transfer. I’m a D’Eriq King believer. I think the Canes beat Louisville on the field (not like the home field will matter). This is the last good chance to catch Miami with some value. Get them now.

NFL PICKS OF THE WEEKEND BECAUSE WE NEED FOOTBALL

Panthers +9.5 at Bucs

Carolina can score. What did the Bucs do last week to show they should be favored by this many points against anyone?

Washington Football Team +6.5 at Cardinals

Folks, the Football Team is good. Their defensive line is fierce. I’m not saying they are as good as the 49ers, but last year San Fran jumped from 2 wins to 13 after drafting a stud DE from Ohio State. Riverboat Ron Rivera is an incredible players coach. I like getting this many points against the Cards, who are high off a huge win of their own.

Raiders +6 vs Saints

Hammer this while you can. The Saints usually struggle in Weeks 1 & 2, and played great in Week 1. Water finds its level, and Vegas puts up points with Josh Jacobs, Henry Ruggs, and Co. in the first game at the new stadium.

SIR YACHT’S B1G PROP OF THE WEEK

Which Big Ten team will play in this season’s Outback Bowl?

Iowa -500

Any Other School +300

Enjoy the games!

SEASON RECORD: 5-3-1 (+1.7 units)