It’s crazy to think it’s Week 11 already! Time really does fly when you’re having fun. I had a nice little 3-1-1 week last week and I’m really happy for the few of you guys that actually trusted me on UAB and got rewarded for it. Alright, that’s enough bragging for the blog, let’s get to something that’s been bothering me. You what really stinks? Being so right about something, but having absolutely nothing to show for it. That’s how I feel about the Miami Hurricanes this year. We were on The U before anybody else this year (literally in June). The Double COVERage team had a strong feeling they would be at least a ten win football team and win the Coastal Division of the ACC. We decided put our money where our mouths are and made a healthy wager on Miami over 9 wins. I wrote about it in my first blog of the year and we were so excited to watch the Hurricanes all year long. They looked rusty in the first game against Bethune-Cookman, but the future was bright.
Then the Hurricane (literally) hit, which caused them to cancel the Arkansas State game that would have made them 2-0 and well on their way to over 9 wins. This also cancelled our season long bet on Miami. So here we are, Miami is 8-0 with three games left and all of the sudden is in the College Football Playoff Consideration. This weeks game against Notre Dame is basically a playoff game. Winner stays (for now), and the loser says hello to a top New Years Six bowl.
We won’t be getting any money for being on Miami before anyone else this year, but that doesn’t really matter. What does matter is that my loyal readers of Bart’s Best Bets know our love for Miami and some of you even followed. Just another reason why you guys are the best. Let’s have another killer week, shall we?
Before we get to the picks, just a quick reminder, I don’t actually gamble real money, because gambling is illegal in Nebraska. If I could gamble legally, these would be the picks I would go with. All of the lines and totals are set at time of publishing (odds coming from oddshark), and will not change as the week goes on. So get’em while their hot! Here we go, Bart’s Best Bets Baby!
Saturday, November 11th
Michigan State (+17) @ Ohio State
What do both Ohio State and Michigan State have in common? They both beat Penn State at home in the last two weeks. Ohio State beat them by 1 point in a thriller and Michigan State beat them by 3 in a game that lasted 6 hours thanks to a weather delay. This may be a trap, but why is Ohio State still getting this much credit? I feel like the Buckeyes were CFP or bust and they have officially been busted. While Michigan State has outperformed their low expectations from the beginning of the season. Michigan State is hungry, and I’m not sure how much motivation Ohio State has left after that stomping Iowa put on them. I get the Horseshoe is a really tough environment to play in, but this is a morning game and I could see Ohio State sleep walking into this one. I think Michigan State will keep this one close and make it interesting.
Purdue @ Northwestern (-3.5)
This is more of a feel pick than anything. Northwestern has won four straight games and finally looks like the Northwestern team everyone thought they would be this year. Purdue started out hot, but have struggled that past three weeks. Lost to Rutgers and Nebraska and then finally beat Illinois (worst team in Big Ten) last week. Unfortunately, they lost their best quarterback in the process. Northwestern has an opportunity to finally win a game in regulation for the first time since the Middle of October and I think they take advantage. Look for the Wildcats to get out on top early and never look back.
UAB (+8) @ UTSA
If you guys aren’t addicted to the UAB Blazers by now, then I don’t know how to help you. They completely crushed the Rice Owls last week and are now on a two game winning streak going into San Antonio. On the other side, UTSA is on a two game losing streak and has 2 less conference wins than UAB. The Blazers are the better team in this matchup no matter where the game is being played. The big boys in Vegas either know something I don’t or just haven’t caught on the UAB yet. UAB getting more than a touchdown is a complete steal and I would even consider sprinkling a little on the moneyline.
Notre Dame @ Miami (+3.5)
This is 100% a pick from my heart and not my head. I completely understand if you guys don’t touch this one or even fade me and go with ND. Both teams are playing at their best right now, but I can’t get over how good Miami’s defense is. They are incredible at creating turnovers at the perfect time. The Hurricane’s offense leaves a lot to desire, but I think the defense will put them in good positions to score in this game. Like I said in the intro, this is truly a win or go home game in terms of playoff contention for both teams. The College Gameday crew will be there. It’s a night game. If Miami wins this game, I think a lot of people will be saying they are officially back. Just remember, the DoubleCOVERage crew was saying it back in June. Canes by a field goal as time expires.
Wyoming (+3) @ Air Force
I’m not sure why this game sticks out to me, but it does. Wyoming has been playing very well since the end of September. The Cowboys have won 5 of the last 6 games and that one loss was by 7 points at Boise State. Air Force got shut out at home by Army last weekend. Wyoming struggles to put points on the board most of the time, but their defense has been winning games for them. Wyoming wants to make this game a defensive struggle and I think it will be. Give me the Cowboys in a sloppy and low scoring game.
Bart’s Best Bets YTD: 25-23-2 (17-17-2 ATS, 8-6 O/U)
There you have it, folks, Week 11 of Bart’s Best Bets. I was very pleased with my 3-1-1 week last week, but I am trying to stay focused on the task at hand. I hope you enjoyed reading and enjoy my picks this week even more. Have a GREAT weekend of football watching, and don’t forget to check out DaveCh999’s NFL Week 10 picks! He’s going to heat up, I promise!
Double COVERage 