It serves me right for betting against Ohio State and for Alabama in the same week, that’s a karmic disaster. I repent, I repent, I will blaspheme no more this season. The Buckeyes ability to dominate the lesser teams on their schedule this year hasn’t gone unnoticed. Last year I was at a wedding where the uncertainty of the Nebraska game delayed the start of ceremonies. It’s that kind of fandom that should be remembered when people bemoan Buckeye fans, as if to say, “What good is forever love if we lose to the Cornhuskers for Christ’s sake?” Barring injury, there simply is no more picking against them this year.

Prediction 1: From the ashes of the PAC 12 comes the classic west coast matchup of arguably the Big Ten’s best dressed. #15 USC descends upon Autzen Stadium to take on #7 Oregon (-9.5), it’s too bad this isn’t a night game to showcase whatever strip Oregon goes with. Playoff hopes are on the line for both teams here but I don’t believe in USC’s defense as much as I do believe in Oregon’s home field advantage. Take Oregon to cover, but I think it might be a nail biting win by 10.

Prediction 2: As Rutgers visits Columbus this weekend to take on #1 Ohio State (-31.5), I hope the get their sightseeing in. I hope they check out Easton, North Market or Bridge Park, really anything to make the most of their trip over here. That is to say there will be little evidence that they played a football game, other than their own bruises. It’s a leave no doubt week, a telegraph score that once it’s over the wire, the real season begins. Buckeyes cover.

Prediction 3: If you would have told me at the beginning of the season that I would be making this many Missouri football predictions, I may have reconsidered the series. #22 Missouri heads to Norman where #8 Oklahoma (-7.5) looks to solidify its playoff position and I’m afraid they may not need to circle the wagons to win this one. The cover on the other hand will be trickier, but doable, I see this as a ten point game between disparate programs as Oklahoma rolls to a cover.

Expect my Toledo Rockets to take care of business against Ball State, but I’m not touching a 27.5 point spread with the midnight blue and gold anymore this season. One can start to feel the foreshadowing of next week on campus already, and it doesn’t feel heavy to me. I’m not about to start making bold statements or exaggerated claims, just the quiet confidence of knowing what this Buckeye team is capable of. Think twice about your order of Detroit style pizza over the next 8 days, you don’t need it that bad.

Summary:

Oregon to cover -9.5

Ohio State to cover -31.5

Oklahoma to cover -7.5

Record: 26-15-2