The Degenerate Digest v.93

Ah shucks. The Ducks Bonus Pick covered, bringing us to not a winning week - but not a losing one either. It’s the last week of regular season college football. And while I’m sad to see it go, I love to watch it leave. I am fat, fed, and entertained. For those who know anything about the Digest and myself personally, you know that outside of this lovely weekly Saturday AM newsletter - we also bet on college sports throughout the week*. While it does not go against this record, I have lost every college football bet I’ve made the past 48 hours*. Why am I announcing this? Because that means I’m due. Degenerate’s never retire. We just find a way to keep the game going. From blog #93, till infinity.

*If you didn’t know this, you too can get free picks throughout the week. Just follow @joeydigest on twitter and DM me for daily locks

*If I go out of my way to announce my failures in college football picks I should be able to promote that I’m positive in college basketball this week so.. Face!

(3) Michigan @ (2) Ohio State: Michigan +8

I don’t understand this line at all. It feels like such an obvious pick to me. Normally a line like this would scare me because I feel like it’s so obvious. How is this not closer to a 2 or 3 point spread? Is it because Ohio State owns Michigan year in and year out? Wolverines can’t close? Do I get this pick wrong every year? What did I just say in the intro? That just means they’re due! So obvious.

Final Score: Ohio State 28, Michigan 21

Coastal Carolina @ James Madison: Coastal Carolina +14

JMU has had an awesome season, breaching the Top 25 for a moment. But Coastal Carolina has also only lost once. They basically had the same schedule this season. I don’t understand how JMU could be a 14 point favorite. Home team - 3 points. Senior Day to cap a successful season - 7 points. And that’s not me counting for the fact that Coastal is 9-1! Too many points. Take the points.

Final Score: James Madison 28, Coastal Carolina 17

Auburn @ (7) Alabama: Alabama -22

The Iron Bowl! I remember when that used to mean something. Auburn being bad at football is not fun. Not fun at all. I miss the War Eagle I once knew. I miss the dozens and dozens of blitzed college students getting lost in a sea of shrubbery attempting to storm the field. Bring back Tiger football - somebody - anybody! (It’s Lane Kiffin, Lane Kiffin is going to bring back Tiger football). Anyway, Alabama might win this game by 50.

Final Score: Alabama 50, Auburn 0

Iowa State @ (4) TCU: TCU -10

Good teams win, great teams cover. There’s no doubt at this point that TCU is a good team. But are they a great team? 8-2-1 against the spread this season. How I didn’t pick up on this sooner is a disappointment. Basically leaving free money on the table. Either way, I’m hopping in on the Horned Frogs. That probably means they’ll lose outright, but that’s life. In all seriousness, if they can’t cover this spread they truly don’t deserve to be in the playoff and that last spot should go to USC after they beat Notre Dame tonight…

Final Score: TCU 32, Iowa State 21

…is this the first ever transition pick?

(15) Notre Dame @ (6) USC: USC -4.5

What did I tell you last week? What transpired in these teams' games last week (shout out the snow game we deserved in South Bend) went exactly according to plan. And now we get to enjoy an all time competitive classic college football matchup between the Fighting Irish and the Trojans. I love this game so much. Easily a top 3 game of the season, and probably number one color game also. It’s just great when these two teams are good. However, while both teams are good, USC is better. Both of these programs had some hefty transitional offseasons. Both rebounded surprisingly well. But there’s just something about what exists on the sidelines that separates the two. Lincoln Riley has this group in order. And with a big win here, can easily be in the conversation for a playoff spot. Don’t get me wrong, I love what Marcus Freeman has going with his squad as well. But just imagine Riley, who has been flying under the radar of national headlines since getting ripped to shreds for ditching Oklahoma, getting into the playoff in just one season with the mess he inherited? That’s college football glory baby.

Final Score: USC 34, Notre Dame 28

BONUS PICK:

(9) Oregon @ (21) Oregon State: Oregon -3

Go ahead, Oregon. Win this game. I want YOU in the PAC-12 Championship game against USC next week. Don’t duck it up!

Final Score: Oregon 4, Oregon State 0

Running Record: (179-149-6)