2016 BENched PTF Record
Last Week: 5-4
Game of the Week Pick: 1-2
Game of the Week Pick: 1-2
Overall: 57-28 (.671 win %)
Thursday
Miami at Virginia Tech (Line: Virginia Tech -6)
A week ago, this looked like it could have been an epic ACC Coastal showdown. Now it's essentially an elimination game from the division race. The Hokies should get a boost from the return to a Thursday night game at Lane Stadium. Hokies 24-17
BYU at No. 14 Boise State (Line: Boise State -7)
The nightcap of the Thursday double-header is a classic Mountain Time rivalry. BYU and Boise have been battling to be the non-Power 5 leader for years. The two running backs in this game are studs. I'd take Boise State QB Brett Rypien over BYU's Taysom Hill right now. Slight edge to Boise on The Blue. Broncos 34-24
Friday
Oregon at Cal (Line: Cal -3)
The what-could-have-been game. These two teams have combined for five wins, with the Ducks falling from the sky and the Bears just meh. Oregon has no defense and is a loss away from Phil Knight picking up the phone to bring Chip Kelly back. *Ring ring*. Bears 47-30
Saturday
NC State at No. 7 Louisville (Line: Louisville -19.5)
BENched is still unsure how Kyle Bambard missed that kick. Huge chance for NC State to bounce back this week. Lamar Jackson needs to get back on track after a so-so performance last week against Duke. Cards 41-28
No. 10 Wisconsin at Iowa (Line: Wisconsin -3.5)
The Badgers have a pair of seven-point losses to the No. 2 and No. 3 teams in the land. Lucky for UW, those two teams are in the B1G East. Now they travel west to take on an underwhelming Iowa squad. Badgers 31-14
Texas at Kansas State (Line: Kansas State -2.5)
K-State owns Texas. For whatever reason, the purple 'Cats just know how to get it done against the Longhorns. So why go against that? Plus, a buddy of mine can't stand it when I don't pick Kansas State. This one's for you. Snydercats 27-24
Syracuse at Boston College (Line: Boston College -4.5)
Yes, you read that line right. The team that hasn't won an ACC game in its last 11 tries is the a 4.5-point favorite over a team that just beat Virginia Tech by 14. Something's up... Orange 35-17
No. 22 North Carolina at Virginia (Line: North Carolina -8.5)
Which Tar Heel team shows up this week - the one that got blown out at home by the Hokies or the one that did work at Miami? Either way, the winner of this game controls the Coastal Division. Yes, really, Virginia could be in control after Saturday. Heels 44-27
Colorado at Stanford (Line: Stanford -2.5)
Two Pac-12 teams with two losses apiece headed in different directions. With a win, the Buffs become bowl eligible for the first time since 2007. "The Rise" is real. Buffs 33-21
TCU at No. 12 West Virginia (Line: West Virginia -6)
We will likely keep asking if West Virginia is for real until the Mountaineers go the entire season unbeaten. The Horned Frogs head to the hills for an intriguing Big 12 battle. Dana Holgorsen is probably gonna shotgun another Red Bull on TV with his team winning big again. 'Neers 48-38
GAME OF THE WEEK
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| Trevor Knight was all smiles the last time he played Alabama. That was with Oklahoma. Did he bring some magic with him to Texas A&M? (Photo courtesy USA Today Sports) |
An 18-point spread for the game of the week? Better question, is Alabama really that good? Scary good, in fast. A lot has been made of Trevor Knight, the former Sooner who beat Alabama in the 2014 Sugar Bowl, getting another crack at the Tide. This Tide, though, is a different kind of elephant. Defensive end Myles Garrett will pressure freshman QB Jalen Hurts more than he's seen in his young career. But Alabama is too much for the Aggies in the end. Tide 35-24
No. 19 Utah at UCLA (UCLA -7)
Make or break kind of game for Jim Mora at UCLA. A loss to Utah could lead to a bowl-less season. Meanwhile, Utah will do its best to not peak ahead to next week's major throwdown with No. 5 Washington. Trap game in the Rose Bowl? Utes 24-21
No. 17 Arkansas at No. 21 Auburn (Line: Auburn -9.5)
Austin Allen is one tough son-of-a-gun. His grit has been tested the past two weeks against Alabama and Ole Miss. Auburn had the week off to decide if it wants to use the QB carousel it began the season with or go with Sean White like it has in three straight wins. The winner on the Plains remains close behind the top tier of Bama/A&M. Hogs 30-24
No. 16 Oklahoma at Texas Tech (Line: Oklahoma -14)
It won't be a warm welcome back to Lubbock for Baker Mayfield. Tortillas, batteries and who knows what else will be thrown his way. Those Raider fans are harsh. Too bad their defense is softer than a rabbit's ears. Ponies and Wagons 62-20
No. 2 Ohio State at Penn State (Line: Ohio State -19.5)
The whiteout in Happy Valley is one of the best atmospheres in the game. But it won't be enough to slow down the ultra-talented Buckeyes. Urban Meyer has a one-track mind: He wants Saban. Buckeyes 45-13
No. 23 Ole Miss at No. 25 LSU (Line: LSU -5.5)
Ole Miss fell to 3-3 and is still ranked. It's absurd and both the AP voters and coaches who put together their polls should forfeit their votes just for that. The Fighting Orgeron's are playing well, almost like a team that has a ton of talent and a solid game plan. Hmm, no wonder Les Miles isn't coaching in Baton Rouge anymore. Bayou Bengals 31-27
Washington State at Arizona State (Line: Washington State -7.5)
Luke Falk is proving to be a great fit for Mike Leach's offense. The Cougs could be a legitimate threat to Washington in the Apple Cup at the end of the season. The Sun Devils are coming off a beat down at Colorado. Tough to follow that up with the Air Raid from the Paluse. Wazzu 38-28
-BtW
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