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Miami (5-3) at Virginia (7-1)
Line: Virginia by 2.5.
Saturday, 12:00 ET
When it comes down to it, you have two quarterbacks who are mistake-prone. Both Robert Marve and Marc Verica have nine interceptions on the season. Miami has more offensive balance in the running game, but Virginia has forced nine more turnovers on defense than Miami this season. I’ll take Al Groh right now over Randy Shannon in which Virginia has an ACC Championship to play for.
Prediction: Virginia 23, Miami 14
Virginia -2.5 (2 Units) — Incorrect; -$220
Miami 24, Virginia 17
Tulsa (8-0) at Arkansas (3-5)
Tulsa by 7.
Saturday, 2:00 ET
Tulsa is going to put up a ton of points like they have all year. Arkansas has a mediocre defense and will not be able to shut them down. This small spread pretty much comes down to Arkansas having that “SEC is unbeatable” label. I am not sold and will continue to bet on Tulsa until they get the respect they deserve. They want to go to the BCS, and must step up to the table against an SEC squad.
Prediction: Tulsa 42, Arkansas 30
Tulsa -7 (3 Units) — Incorrect; -$330
Arkansas 30, Tulsa 23
Florida (6-1) vs. Georgia (7-1)
Line: Florida by 6.5.
Saturday, 3:30 ET at Jacksonville
When a talented team plays extremely inferior competition, the statistics must be taken with a grain of salt. I am referring to Florida. Their only real competition on paper this season has been an overrated LSU squad, and even that was a home game. Georgia, on the other hand, went up against an elite Alabama team, an underrated Vanderbilt squad, a great Tennessee defense, and Arizona State and South Carolina on the road. Georgia is more prepared to play this game, but Urban Meyer issued that gag order. We know Florida will not overlook Georgia again. So why do I love the Dawgs straight up?
1. Maturation of Matt Stafford. He is getting better every game and in the growing stages of being a leader. This Florida defense has not been tested, and they will respond poorly to Stafford’s arm and balance of Knowshon Moreno.
2. Georgia will put up more of a fight on special teams. You don’t think Mark Richt hasn’t harassed his special teams coach about Brandon James? They will devise a gameplan to neutralize the big returns.
3. Georgia’s backs are against the wall, and this is when Mark Richt is at his best. Injuries and the big loss to Alabama have the Bulldogs on the edge of their seat to be focused for four quarters.
4. Overrated Florida offensive line. I do not see much athleticism, and it will get exposed by Georgia’s blitz packages.
5. Lack of diversity on Florida offense. Their only go-to options on offense are Tim Tebow and Percy Harvin. Georgia has the speed on defense to limit Harvin’s yardage, though he will still fill up the stat sheet. The Dawgs boast one of the most underrated defensive backfields in the country and will get coverage sacks on Tebow.
Prediction: Georgia 27, Florida 24
Georgia +220 (5 Units – Moneyline Pick of the Year) — Incorrect; -$500
Florida 49, Georgia 10
Washington (0-7) at USC (6-1)
Line: USC by 44.5.
Saturday, 6:30 ET
We saw disappointing play last week from Mark Sanchez against an average Arizona defense. I think the USC offense bounces back for a few reasons:
1. Ty Willingham will not be coaching next season. Being winless, having no chance at a bowl, and not having any motivation to play (to gain a starting position next season), this team is doomed.
2. Vegas overrates Washington. The Huskies are 1-7 ATS this season. For some reason, they think Jake Locker is a miracle worker.
3. USC must blow out these bad teams to reach a national championship. Because there is no playoff or PAC-10 Championship, Pete Carroll knows he must dominate statistically. The Trojans will be ready to play and won’t overlook Washington.
Prediction: USC 59, Washington 3
USC -44.5 (3 Units) — Correct; +$300
USC 56, Washington 0
Matt McGuire’s 2009 NFL Mock Draft
2010 NFL Mock Draft
2009 NFL Mock Draft Database
Week 9 NFL Picks
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