College Football Lines: Vegas Bets Week 9

Oklahoma has what it takes to ends Texas Tech’s perfect season. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports

After a couple of weeks off from publishing my picks—every play I considered was a winner, I swear—I’m back with a nice balance of underdogs and favorites, visitors and home teams.

Connecticut +23.5 at Central Florida

At the risk of losing readers with my first pick, I’m taking UConn despite their 0-6 record. I think they show some pride and, more importantly, some improvement at the quarterback position, as true freshman Tim Boyle makes his third start. I’m not putting UCF on upset alert, but coming off the big win against Louisville I could see the Knights coming out a bit flat for this noon kickoff.

Houston +6.5 at Rutgers

I’m more confident that this game will go over 61 total points than I am in Houston getting the cover, but I think both will happen. Rutgers hasn’t played since a sloppy performance against Louisville on Oct. 10. Houston is coming off its first loss of the season, but the 47-46 setback doesn’t change my opinion of the Cougars’ high-powered offense. This should be a shootout that could go either way in the final minutes, so I’d take the points.

Texas Tech at Oklahoma -6.5

I’ll admit I thought Texas Tech might get upset last week in Morgantown. Instead, the Red Raiders scored the last 21 points to win 37-27. They’re for real—their defense is ranked eighth in yards per play—but I think the perfect season comes to an end in Norman. Oklahoma by 7.

South Carolina at Missouri -3

Right now, I think Missouri is the better team, especially with Connor Shaw likely out for South Carolina. Dylan Thompson is a capable back-up but won’t give his team the spark it needs to beat undefeated Missouri on the road.