2023 Season Record: 4-7 (-4.5 Units)
I know what you are all thinking. “Why should I even read this blog? This guy is 4-7 and down over 4 units”. The reason to read Jake’s Gambling Pit this week is because this is the weekend we win back our money. It is a giant slate of games that I feel confident in, but be warned this card is not for the faint of heart.
LSU at Mississippi State +9.5
Mississippi State was a team I thought would improve from last year. The Bulldogs did get a win over Arizona, who has been living in the basement of the Pac-12 for the previous couple of years, but the Wildcats have grown. Look for Miss State quarterback Will Rogers to open up the passing game, to keep the Tigers on their heels in Starkville. I like the Bulldogs to cover at home.
Kansas State at Missouri Under 48
The Wildcats are only a 4.5-point favorite in a classic “this line doesn’t make sense” game. Kansas State is riding high after a Big 12 championship last year, while the Tigers are a .500 team. Mizzou’s defense is under the radar this year and will be the first real test for Chris Klieman’s squad. The safe bet is Under 48 in a defensive matchup, but if you are feeling frisky, pair it with Missouri +3.5 or the moneyline.
Tennessee at Florida +6.5
Speaking of lines not making sense, Florida has looked awful recently and the Volunteers are favored by less than a touchdown. The Vols might be a tad overrated coming into this year, and the Gators have their backs against the wall in the Swamp. Give me Florida to cover.
Pittsburgh at West Virginia ML -110 (placed on Tuesday)
Both teams are 1-1 going into one of the most hostile rivalries on the East Coast. Pitt is coming off of a tough loss against Cincinnati at home, and West Virginia’s lone loss came at the hands of Penn State in Beaver Stadium. On offense, the Mountaineers are going to control the trenches behind their experienced linemen. Pitt’s on the other hand looked out of synch last week with poor body language from their quarterback Jurkovec. I like West Virginia to win this edition of the Backyard Brawl under the lights in Morgantown.
Fresno State -3 at Arizona State
Fresno State has looked solid despite the departure of their star quarterback Jake Haener. The Bulldogs have a lot of talent that returned to make them one of the best group of 5 programs in College Football this year. Arizona State is a dumpster fire. This line opened as a pick ’em and is sliding to Fresno State, and I am hoping on the line. Fresno State covers.
