Pick 6: Red River Shootout Edition

We’re back after a week of having a broken computer! This is one of my favorite and least favorite weekends on the sports calendar. Red River Showdown/Shootout/Rivalry Week! Oklahoma comes in as the higher ranked team but Texas is making more noise and playing better football. But none of that matters in this game because both teams will bring their A game on Saturday.

6 Oklahoma (-3.5) vs 21 Texas, 11:00 CT, ABC
For the first time in a long time, the River River Showdown seems to be competitive. Oklahoma is coming off of a couple poor performances and the Longhorns have looked good after dropping their second game of the season to Arkansas. In order for Texas to win this game they will have to win the line of scrimmage - which won’t be easy against the Oklahoma defensive line. I’m picking Texas, and more specifically Bijan Robinson, to win this game. And while I don’t feel very confident in the spread I feel very good about the over. Set at 63.5 I don’t see a scenario that this game doesn’t hit 70. 

Pick: Texas, plus the over

13 Arkansas @ 17 Ole Miss (-5.5), 11:00 CT, ESPN
Arkansas and Ole Miss are both coming off pretty bad beat downs and whichever team loses this weekend will officially be on a losing streak. The Arkansas defense is still very good and I believe head coach Sam Pittman can get the Razorbacks back on track. I want Ole Miss coach Lane Kiffin to open up this offense and be more aggressive, so we can get a good look at Matt Corral, and they might need to in order to beat Arkansas. That is also why I’m taking Arkansas to cover in this one. Even if Ole Miss wins I think it will be very close. 

Pick: Arkansas to cover

2 Georgia (-15.5) @ 18 Auburn, 2:30 CT, CBS
I know I’ve questioned Georgia and stated that maybe they don’t belong with Alabama but they have played very well this season and should be given the respect they are due. Auburn also has a way of playing these big games closely but this is a new Auburn team with a new head coach. My gut tells me to take Auburn to keep it close but my brain tells me to take Georgia - who have been killing it’s SEC opponents. My money is going with my gut though. Georgia is very questionable at quarterback and I think Auburn running back Tank Bigsby can find enough success against Georgia to keep the game close. Georgia wins this one but Auburn keeps it close (r than 15.5).

Pick: Auburn to cover

4 Penn State @ 3 Iowa (-1.5), 3:00 CT, FOX
I know this is a top five matchup but I just can’t get excited about it. I like that the odds makers made it so close and Iowa gets a little home field advantage here but this game is going to contain a lot of punts, runs on 3rd and long and great defense. That doesn't equate to much excitement. I’m also going to favor the Hawkeyes in this game and will be keeping my eye on both defenses. Penn State has a lot of talent at linebacker and safety Jaquan Brisker is a top safety for the 2022 NFL Draft. For Iowa, Jack Campbell has been all over the field every week - making it hard for him to not stand out. Iowa has playmakers all over their secondary too and are coming off of a six interception game.

Pick: Iowa, plays the under

LSU @ 16 Kentucky (-3.5), 6:30 CT, SEC Network
Raise your hand if you ever thought Kentucky would be favored over LSU! Some of you are lying, the rest of you are Kentucky fans. But I’m all about it. Kentucky has been playing very well and it seems like the wheels are falling off the LSU wagon. The Coach O rumors are flying and the hot seat is HOT in Baton Rouge. To make things worse, LSU will also be without corner Derek Stingley Jr after suffering a foot injury and undergoing surgery this week. Kentucky running back Chris Rodriguez is going to be key for the Wildcats and should see plenty of carries on Saturday. I’m geauxing with the Wildcats.  

Pick: Kentucky

9 Michigan (-3.5) @ Nebraska, 6:30 CT, ESPN
I’ve poked a lot of fun at Jim Harbaugh and Michigan over the past few years, have even called for Jim to be fired, but Harbs has Michigan playing well this season and winning games. Michigan is 5-0 but their only real test so far was at Wisconsin - a team that has not played well this year. Nebraska started out with a tough loss to Illinois but have been playing well, albeit in losses. Playing in Lincoln will be a good test for Michigan if the Cornhusker fans are still showing up and rooting for their team - which I think they will. As a bettor I can’t trust either one of these coaches and have a hard time being confident placing my money on either one. I’m betting on Nebraska (a risky move) but I don’t feel good about it. What it really comes down to is that Nebraska quarterback Adrian Martinez has played well of late and Michigan hasn’t beat anyone good. Bet at your own risk. 

Pick: Nebraska

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