Leave it to those golden domers to make my week once again, and look at them still being ranked despite the lack of a win. Nothing changes. (The last time this feat was achieved was Michigan going 0-2 and being ranked in 1988) Liveforthepage went a lackluster 2-3 with the picks, but you can’t call it a losing week when Clemson and Notre Dame both fell for the second time.

Prediction 1: Having driven through the state of Indiana more times than I ever thought I would, I came to a justifiable conclusion. On one of those trips I told myself I would never bet on anything that would come out of the state, but I digress. #19 Indiana (-4.5) hosts #9 Illinois in Bloomington, and although I haven’t confirmed if it will be a whiteout for the late kickoff, it will be. There should be more pairs of New Balance shoes to see Indiana cover than your local Foot Locker distribution center.

Prediction 2: It was suggested online this week and referenced in my golf group that there is an opportunity for a new trophy in the Big Ten. The Trojan Horse Trophy needs to be immediately implemented for the matchup between #25 USC (-18.5) and Michigan State. In Greek mythological fashion, I see the Spartans taking this one with the points. USC’s traditional lack of a defense should allow a rolling MSU to stay within the spread by garbage time even if the result has been decided.

Prediction 3: I played a lot of the old PC game, The Oregon Trail as a kid, maybe that explains my leaning towards the wagon train in #11 Oklahoma (-6.5) this week. Maybe it’s because I can’t remember #22 Auburn doing anything since Cam Newton played quarterback for them. Maybe it’s because OU are competitive in a real conference now, but I’m in for a cover. Oh now I remember, “Surrey With the Fringe on Top” was one of our high school choir songs. Honey here’s the way I it’s going to be: Oklahoma by at least 7.

The Buckeyes will enjoy their rest, but that doesn’t mean you can’t root against that state up north this week. The Toledo Rockets (-14) will travel to take on Western Michigan in their march toward the October 11th matchup at the Wood County Wastewater Facility. The Rockets should cover without too much hassle, thanks to gunslinger Tucker Gleason. The senior computer science and engineering major has one sleeve for ink, one sleeve for throwing touchdown passes. If anyone in Columbus decries the colors, it’s midnight blue and gold, none of that maze shit. Tommy’s Pizza remains the best bet for Saturday provisions, the Dublin location opens at 11.

Summary:

Indiana covers -4.5

Michigan State and the points +18.5

Oklahoma covers -6.5

Toledo covers -14

Record: 7-5