As we move deeper into conference play, games become closer due to the familiarity between opponents. Week 10 of the 2017 College football season offers a few favorable spreads.
The race to the 2017 College Football Playoff is beginning to heat up. With the initial rankings being released, teams within the top 25 have an idea of what they need to do to put themselves in position to earn a playoff birth.
At the moment Georgia, Alabama, Notre Dame and Clemson are all ranked within the top four. It’s unlikely that each of these four programs will make the playoff, as Georgia and Alabama could potentially square off in the SEC Championship.
Here’s my picks against the spread going into week 10.
Picks against the spread:
No. 6 Clemson vs. No. 21 NC State:
Current Spread: -7 Clemson
Spread prediction: NC State is much improved in Dave Doeren’s fifth season in Raleigh. That being said, the Wolfpack are not talented enough to keep up with Clemson just yet. I can’t see them scoring more than 17 points on the Tigers’ elite defense. With a healthy Kelly Bryant under center, scoring points won’t be a problem for Clemson.
No. 14 Iowa State vs. West Virginia:
Current Spread: +3 Iowa State
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Spread prediction: Iowa State is one of the hottest teams in the country entering week 10. Second year head coach, Matt Campbell has led the Cyclones to victories over two top-5 opponents thus far. While they haven’t had much success when ranked, I expect Iowa State to beat West Virginia outright.
No. 1 Alabama vs. No. 19 LSU:
Current Spread: +22 LSU
Spread Prediction: Let me start off by saying that I fully expect Alabama to win this game. That being said, LSU is playing great football at the moment. The Tigers’ talent level paired with their momentum will help them cover the 22 point spread.
No. 8 Oklahoma vs. No. 11 Oklahoma State:
Current Spread: +3 Oklahoma
Spread prediction: While Oklahoma State has one of the most explosive offenses in the country, I don’t believe it’s enough to knock off Oklahoma. Baker Mayfield and the Sooners have had the Cowboys’ number as of late and I don’t expect that to change any time soon. Mike Gundy’s Cowboys have struggled against teams with comparable talent during his time in Stillwater.
Next: NC State will be at full-go vs. Clemson
Again, my picks against the spread for week 10 are as follows: -7 Clemson, +3 Iowa State, +22 LSU, +3 Oklahoma. What are your picks against the spread going into the weekend?