Spread Options: Dr. Saturday's Week 10 picks against the spread
After a 6-4 Week 9, we're 37-52-1 for the season. Only 15 games back of .500!
Cincinnati (-6.5) at Tulane, 8 p.m. ET FRIDAY: Cincinnati QB Gunner Kiel is listed as probable for the game, so we're banking on a strong performance from him. But don't be surprised to see QB Munchie Legaux at QB for a series or two as well. Legaux's hometown is New Orleans and it'd be a great gesture by coach Tommy Tuberville after Legaux has fought back from a knee injury. If you're looking for a reason why the Tulane offense is going to keep up with Cincinnati, we don't have one. The Green Wave hasn't topped 13 points since Sept. 20.
Duke (+3.5) at Pitt, Noon ET: The 6-1 Blue Devils are dogs? Look, we now that what Pitt did in terms of fumbles in the first quarter against Georgia Tech was absurd and may never happen again, at least to the Panthers. But the Blue Devils have become adaptable on offense and are again becoming the favorites in the ACC Coastal. We like Anthony Boone to have a good day.
Oklahoma at Iowa State (+16.5), Noon ET: No, we're not calling this a big upset, but crazy things happen in Ames, Iowa, and have you learned to trust Oklahoma this season? No? Good. Neither have we. If this was around 10 points, Oklahoma would be the pick, but Sam Richardson and Iowa State will make the game entertaining and prevent it from being a blowout. Plus, you should check in a little bit just to see a Paul Rhodes moment.
East Carolina (-7.5) at Temple, Noon ET: Alright East Carolina, here's your chance to start playing the disrespect card. The Pirates were 23rd in the rankings that came out on Tuesday. While they're in the driver's seat over Marshall for the spot for the New Year's bowl berth that goes to the highest-ranked non-qualifying conference team, there's absolutely no hope of a Playoff berth. Not that we were expecting any, but it should at least serve as good motivational fodder, right?
North Carolina (+14.5) at Miami, 12:30 p.m. ET: The Tar Heels eked out a victory against Virginia while Miami blew out Virginia Tech last week and we're of the thought this line is skewed towards Miami because of the blowout. North Carolina's offense is markedly better than Virginia Tech's at this point and will keep the game within two touchdowns.
Virginia at Georgia Tech (-4), 3:30 p.m. ET: Here's why this line is so close. Virginia is ninth in the country in rushing defense, and as we all know, Georgia Tech is a ground-based offense. However, Virginia hasn't faced a triple-option team all season. The Cavaliers' two-game losing streak goes to three and Mike London's seat gets warmer.
Florida vs. Georgia (-10.5), 3:30 p.m. ET (in Jacksonville): Muschamp's last stand? With or without Todd Gurley this should be a walk for Georgia. Yes, it's a rivalry game and the adage of never knowing what to expect can play here. But Georgia's defense has gotten better as the season has gone on and Florida's offense has regressed.
Stanford at Oregon (-8), 7:30 p.m. ET: Stanford's first in the country in scoring defense and likely has looked heavily at how Arizona upset the Ducks in Eugene earlier this season. And the Cardinal are flat out the kryptonite for the Ducks. That said, this Stanford team doesn't have the offensive capability (88th in scoring offense) to play with Oregon if the defense doesn't play an A+ game. Stanford may hold Oregon under 30, but it won't matter if the offense isn't proficient.
Oklahoma State at Kansas State (-12), 8 p.m. ET: The Wildcats at home in a night game against an opponent that has looked poor in its past two games? Give us the magic of Bill Snyder, please. Kansas State's defense is one of the more underrated units in the country and OSU QB Daxx Garman has struggled. Since tossing four TDs against Texas Tech, he's thrown three touchdowns and seven interceptions in his past seven games.
Arizona (+6.5) at UCLA, 10:30 p.m. ET: We mentioned how UCLA was 1-6 against the spread last week. And with the double-overtime win against Colorado, the Bruins are now 1-7. We're never really sure what to expect from UCLA from week-to-week and this is simply a pick that's going with the trend.
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Nick Bromberg is the assistant editor of Dr. Saturday on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at nickbromberg@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter!
