Howdy Suave Nation and welcome to this week’s edition of Nikkel’s Picks.
Now look, I had a rough showing this last week, which is a terrible first impression to make and for that I apologize. I’ll strive to be much better this week after my abysmal 2-7 record. Including my Substack blogs for the year, my record for the season is currently 10-13. I have to be better, the road back starts now with the local teams who have some massive games this weekend.
#12 Utah at #14 Oklahoma State (Saturday at 3:00 p.m. CT, FOX)
The pick: Oklahoma State -2.5
This is a clear toss up game. The line has switched back and forth more times than a bandwagon fan. As of this writing, the current line is -2.5. I will advise that if Oklahoma State becomes an underdog, pounce on it. We may not know if Cam Rising is going to play until kickoff. So this is a tightrope game to bet on.
#6 Tennessee at #15 Oklahoma (Saturday at 6:30 p.m. CT, ABC)
The pick: Tennessee -7.5
The first SEC Conference game for the Crimson and Cream and they couldn’t have had a more challenging opponent come into town. Nico Iamaleava is an absolute machine. While Jackson Arnold isn’t bad but isn’t exactly great either. The Sooners defense hasn’t met much of a test thus far. Same can be said for Tennessee’s offense. However, I do trust the Vols more so than the Sooners. I think the Volunteers will dominate the Sooners with College Gameday in attendance. I’ll take the Vols by double digits.
Ravens at Cowboys (Sunday at 3:25 p.m. CT, FOX)
The Pick: Ravens +1.5
This is a super simple pick and here’s why. Can you really see the Ravens starting out the year 0-3? I really can’t. The Ravens will figure it out for the most part barring an injury or five. I’ll take the Ravens here as they continue to strive for the goals they have at the very beginning of the season.
And now my favorite picks from across the nation!
#24 Illinois at #22 Nebraska (Friday at 7:00 p.m. CT, FOX)
The picks: Illinois +7.5
This is a super underrated game this weekend. Big Ten football on a Friday. A ranked matchup in Lincoln, Nebraska. The children of the corn will be rocking and I do think Nebraska will win, however. I do think Illinois will keep it close. Expect a classic Big Ten football slugfest here. Something in the realm of 17-13 and 21-17 with seven field goals instead of three touchdowns.
Virginia at Coastal Carolina (Saturday at 1:00 p.m. CT, ESPN+)
The pick: Coastal Carolina +3.5
Virginia is a terrible ACC team. Coastal Carolina is a very solid mid-major. The atmosphere in Dirty Myrtle is going to be loud and obnoxious. Not only that, Coastal Carolina is a home dog by more than three points. Give me Coastal Carolina, they’ll win this game and being a home underdog makes it that much sweeter.
Arizona State at Texas Tech (Saturday at 2:30 p.m. CT, FS1)
The pick: Over 59.5 points
I could not tell you who will win this game, both teams look good. But I will say that this screams over on points. I can’t see a 27-24 game here. I only see 30+ points on both sides. I’m a vibes guy and the vibes for this game scream over. Take the points.
Kansas State at BYU (Saturday at 9:30 p.m. CT, ESPN)
The pick: BYU +6.5
It’s Big XII After Dark and the Kansas State Wildcats take on the stormin’ Mormons of Brigham Young. The Kansas State Wildcats are riding high after a big win against a Top 25 Arizona Wildcat team. They’re riding high and one of the many things Mormons hate is marijana. I think BYU is going to put the Wildcats on upset alert on Saturday. I’ll take the Cougs here with the +6.5 point spread.
Eagles at Saints (Sunday at 12:00 p.m. CT, FOX)
The pick: Over 49.5 points
The Eagles are coming off a very very bad loss while the Saints are coming off a crazy good win against “Dem boys” from Dallas. I like for Carr and Hurts to just keep on scoring in the Superdome. Similar to what we saw in 2019 with Brees and Jimmy G. I think this Eagles-Saints game is going to be non-stop entertainment with Carr, Kamara, Hurts & Barkley. Give me the over of 49.5 points here!
Broncos at Buccaneers (Sunday at 12:00 p.m. CT, FOX)
The pick: Buccaneers -6.5
Folks, we’re letting Baker bake. I’m a Broncos fan, but I’m aware that they stink. The Buccaneers look like a big time contender right now. I think they continue that momentum, especially down in the humidity of Tampa Florida. Fire the cannons and steer the ship with the Buccaneers.
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