Jeph Picks for Saturday’s action in college football – choose your favorite pick or go for all of them.  High to medium confidence in each of these games:

 

Pick 1: Utah  +2.5

Final Score Prediction:  Utah 27, Oklahoma State 24

• OSU’s Ollie Gordon has been bottled up all season as defenses focus on stopping the run.  This is a Utah specialty on defense – stopping the run
• The OSU passing offense is dangerous with veteran QB Bowman, veteran o-line and experienced receivers; the Utah secondary will be challenged
• Utah ranks #22 in total defense while OSU comes in at #124
• Utah veteran QB Cameron Rising is expected to play
• Utah is 0-2 against the spread this season and OSU is 2-0 

 

 

 

Pick 2: Michigan State +6.5

Final Score Prediction:  Boston College 21, Michigan State 20

• On paper, these teams are similar in styles – ‘mid’ offenses that focus on the running game with strong defense play
• The Spartans have done very well on defense against the run against its first three opponents
• Expect Michigan State QB Aidan Chiles to make some big plays and keep the Green in the game
• Both teams rank in the 60’s in total offense and Michigan State comes in at #16 in total defense and BC is #38

 

 

 

Pick 3: Colorado -1.5

Final Score Prediction:  Colorado 20, Baylor 17

• The Colorado offensive line is improving as Shedeur Sanders had plenty of time to throw last week against Colorado State
• The Baylor defense is a solid group, coming in at #13 in total defense, but ranking #78 in total offense
• Baylor likes to focus on running the ball and a short passing game; not an ‘explosive’, ‘down the field’ offense
• Give the slight edge to the Buffs as they have the home field advantage in the mountains of Boulder