Week 4 Saturday Lox

College Football 2010 Week 4


Overall Record – 5-5-1

The Saturday Lox is even money heading into the final weekend of September. After a week off to spend some time with the nephew in sunny Seattle (not so for the Huskies last weekend though), all 9 pounds of him (rumor had it Steve Sarkisian had an associate knocking on the door the next day to start recruitment), it is time to get back to business and make some money before the calendar turns. In commemoration of Jackson Robert, a combining of the two greatest Confederate Generals in the Civil War, Andrew “Stonewall” Jackson and Robert E. Lee, I decided to start the Lox with a few matchups where you’ll still spot Old Dixie flying from the back of a pickup and there is always enough Whisky drinking to turn back time.

Georgia (-1) @ Mississippi State

Mark Richt brings the Georgia Bulldogs to Starksville off a tough loss to Arkansas and 0-2 in the SEC. Georgia’s record is startling off 2 consecutive losses, 13-1 ATS and they will be desperate for a win with rumors swirling about Richt’s job security. Miss. State is also 0-2 with a tough home loss to Auburn and a crushing road loss to LSU last week. I believe UGA is the better team and RB Washaun Ealey will be the difference. Georgia fans will be happily partying with their Red hats and Red Polos well into the night.

Alabama (-7) @ Arkansas

The Crimson Tide takes their winning streak on the road against #10 Arkansas. The Razorbacks barely survived Athens, GA last week but come in confident and with a hot hand in Ryan Mallet at QB. Alabama has a prolific offense themselves and will prove to be too much with the tandem of Mark Ingram and Trent Richardson in the backfield and McElroy throwing to Julio Jones. The defense will prove to be the difference with Alabama forcing turnovers and sealing their SEC opener.

North Carolina (-2) @ Rutgers

Sticking with the southern theme, the Tar Heels travel north to New Jersey. UNC has had two tough losses, LSU to start and Georgia Tech last week, not to mention the suspensions and eligibility issues. Rutgers has struggled in two wins against lowly competition so they will take a big step up in talent on Saturday. Expect the Tar Heels to either take some frustration out on the Scarlet Knights, or bring a lackluster effort. Butch Davis usually has his team prepared and with the announcement this week finalizing the player issues, maybe the team can get back to normal. UNC was highly thought of in preseason so they have the talent to begin to bounce back this season.

Oregon State @ Boise State – Over 56

I learned my lesson to never bet against Boise after they came back and beat Va Tech to open the season. Chris Peterson just seems to know how to win every big game. So even though I think the spread, 18, is too high, I vowed I won’t lose money betting Boise’s opponent. So next best thing, take the over. Oregon State has much talent with the Rodgers Brothers and they can definitely put enough points up to scare the Broncos. I doubt they will stop them though, considering Louisville put 28 on the Beavers in Corvallis last week. Take the over and enjoy the game.

Stanford (-4.5) @ Notre Dame

Something’s gotta give in this game. The Irish have lost 10 straight to ranked opponents, while Stanford has lost 7 straight in South Bend. Stanford is playing at a high level and for the first time in memory has a defense that can hold its own. They will need to on Saturday as Dayne Crist will attempt to throw the ball to victory. The Cardinal is more talented and better coached and will be ready to end the losing streak under Touchdown Jesus. Harbaugh deserves national recognition for his team and no better way to get noticed than on NBC. This could be Andrew Luck’s coming out party, as we saw Denard Robinson light up ND with his arm and legs, look for Luck to do the same.

California @ Arizona (-7)

These teams ended last week feeling very different than they started. Cal had two blowout wins before stumbling in Reno as Nevada ran up the score in a Friday night massacre. Arizona entered the weekend looking for legitimacy and found it after upsetting Iowa. Zona Zoo had to sweat out a late comeback by the Hawkeyes before Nick Foles put together the game winning drive. Arizona is a tremendous home team and with revenge on their minds after Cal upset their Rose Bowl chances a year ago, I believe the Wildcats will send the Bears home limping. Cal’s strength is their running game and Arizona has proven to be stingy with their run defense, if that continues only Arizona could beat themselves.

Oregon (-13) @ Arizona State

Up the road in Tempe, ASU is coming off a great effort in a loss to Wisconsin. Nobody gave them much of a chance on the road in Big 10 country, but a blocked extra point was the difference between a loss and OT. But ASU matches up with the Badgers, not so much against the Ducks. Oregon will look to continue their run in the Pac 10 after last year’s Rose Bowl trip and they should get it done this week no problem. Darron Thomas, LaMichael James and Kenjon Barner are as scary a triumvirate in the country and will be on full display under the desert sun. ASU just can’t score enough points to stay in a game with the Ducks.