The Locksmith's Pick Six: Week 11

Michigan-Penn State game headlines another telling Saturday slate

So here it goes for Michigan. After playing a user-friendly eight-game schedule to this point, the Wolverines embark on a two-game schedule that will answer all of the questions about this team's legitimacy.

At Penn State on Saturday, then Ohio State at home on Nov. 25. That's it. That's the Wolverines' season.

Winning at Penn State would be an impressive start.

Just as intriguing as the on-field storyline though: Will Penn State fans be at their creative best with signs about signs? Looking forward to that.

On to the games:

Michigan over PENN STATE, giving 5 1/2

It's James Franklin in a big game. What more do you need to know? That should be enough to offset any homefield advantage. JJ McCarthy has reached the star level with his QB play. Still waiting for the much-hyped Drew Allar to wow us.

 

FLORIDA STATE over Miami, giving 14

Not sure even being amped for a rivalry game will be enough for Miami to camouflage its problems. The offense is a mess right now, with the 'Canes losing three of five coming in (the two wins were in OT). Seminoles seem to being hitting their stride, especially on offense, and it's impressive to see. 

IOWA over Rutgers, giving 1

The over/under is 28, a ridiculously low number that seems to hint at a game similar to Iowa's 10-7 win last week. Wouldn't that be exciting here? As ugly as Iowa's games are, the Hawkeyes do find ways to win. 

West Virginia over OKLAHOMA, taking 13 1/2

Counting on a little Bedlam hangover here for the Sooners, who have now lost consecutive games. Mountaineers, winners of two straight, have gotten back on track with a productive running game. Success there is one way to slow down Dillon Gabriel and OU's fast pace.

Texas over TCU, giving 12 1/2

With QB Quinn Ewers set to return here, the Longhorns should be back to their balanced, explosive ways on offense. Hard to see Texas slipping here with the way TCU has struggled this year. The defense has been non-existent the past two games.

Oklahoma State over UCF, giving 2 1/2

A good running game and a solid defense -- OSU has both --are usually good protection against a letdown. Cowboys have been a different team since their 2-2 start because of those two things. UCF snapped a five-game losing streak by beating lowly Cincinnati last week, but how do you get a handle on a team that leads the Big 12 in rushing but is among the country's worst defenses against the run?

Home team in CAPS

Last week vs. spread: 3-3

Season to date vs. spread: 24-32-4