Betting the Big 12: Week 8

It’s pretty common knowledge that October is the best sports month of the year. We’re at that magical time where all 4 major pro sports are happening at the same time with college football is in full swing as well. I’m also a sucker for pumpkin flavored products (mostly beer and pumpkin bars).

If there is one complaint I can make, and I will go ahead and do that right now, it’s that the weather in October 2021 has not been good at all. My old man complaint is that I’d so much rather have some consistency. Let me turn off the air conditioning during the day and the heat at night, please. If it’s time for sweatshirts, I need a firm commitment to it.

On the field, we’ve finally made it into the green, and I mean finally. The slow climb to profitability is complete and I don’t plan on slowing down now. We’re nearing the end of bye week season and about to hit an exciting stretch run to Jerry World. I’m feeling more confident than ever in the picks as there are 2 months worth of data at there. Enjoy Homecoming weekend, Cyclone fans, and lets celebrate with winners!

THE GAMES

Kansas State (3-3) at Texas Tech (5-2)

Kickoff: 11:00am | TV: ESPN | The Line: Kansas State -1

It seems crazy to think that Texas Tech can clinch bowl eligibility with a win in this game. Good for Matt Wells, who has been feeling a lot of heat for his job. Kansas State just seems broken at this point. The line certainly makes no sense here, and I’m a little weary knowing K-State is favored, but I’ll trust my gut and give out the home team.

Pick: Texas Tech +1

#3 Oklahoma (7-0) at Kansas (1-5)

Kickoff: 11:00am | TV: | The Line: Oklahoma -39

No need to elaborate too much here. Kansas is an auto fade until they cover the spread against anybody. Oklahoma’s objective going forward is to get Caleb Williams as many reps as possible before a possible playoff run. Sooners by 50.

Pick: Oklahoma -39

#8 Oklahoma State (6-0) at Iowa State (4-2)

Kickoff: 2:30pm | TV: | The Line: Iowa State -7

Homecoming. 10 years since this match blew up the BCS. Iowa State has come so far as a program since then. The vibes are going to be great in Jack Trice Stadium, especially now that we’ve hit the point where the sun will be setting in the 4th quarter. On the field, this is a Cyclone team playing with a ton of confidence. Bijan Robinson was able to run wild on the Cowboy defense last week. Breece Hall should have no issues doing the same. The analytics love us. Just hope for a safe Brock Purdy game and no special teams shenanigans and Iowa State will roll.

Pick: Iowa State -7

West Virginia (2-4) at TCU (3-3)

Kickoff: 6:30pm | TV: | The Line: TCU -4.5

It’s hard to tell who needs this game more. In situations like this where frankly, it’s impossible to get a good read either way, we’ll be better off taking the home team with the superior quarterback. Zach Evans for TCU is also quite impressive running the ball. Can West Virginia string drives together? I say no.

Pick: TCU -4.5

BEST BET AROUND THE COUNTRY

Air Force -3 vs San Diego State

This checks all the boxes. San Diego State is an unconvincing undefeated team. Air Force is favored as the underdog at home vs the ranked Aztecs. The triple option is rolling this year. It will always be a beast to prepare for with only one week’s notice. Oh, and Air Force is really, really good. Love the Falcons.

NFL PICK OF THE WEEKEND

Football Team +7.5 at Packers

This is a truly dreadful slate of NFL games. I almost didn’t want to give anything out in this spot. But, Green Bay hasn’t exactly been blowing teams out. They always seem to do just enough to win, plus a little luck from the opposing kicker. This is a last ditch, kitchen sink game for WFT. They won’t win, but they won’t lose by more than a touchdown.

PROP OF THE WEEK FOR KANSAS FANS

Pumpkins picked at the patch by Cyclone fans this Sunday

O/U 499.5

SEASON RECORD: 28-25 (+0.5 units)