NCAA Picks Against the Spread December 5

After a good week of picks the week before (8-2), last weeks picks (2-3) wasn't as good. This time of the year, anything can happen. A lot is on the line for some of these teams so they are going to play harder than they have played all year. Instead of the usual five picks, I am going to pick all games from this Saturday. That being said, let's get to the picks of the week.

1. West Virginia Mountaineers (-2½) at Rutgers Scarlet Knights. This game features two teams with similar records. Both teams need a win here for a bowl consideration. Based on history, this shouldn't be a difficult decision. The Mountaineers have defeated Rutgers 14 games in a row. However, I think Rutgers will end the streak this year and win this game.

2. Pittsburgh Panthers (-2½) hosting Cincinnati Bearcats. Cincinnati has the better record this year. Pittsburgh has the better record heads up. The passing and rushing yards are almost identical. This is one game that I would definitely stay away from. If I had to pick, I would go with Cincinnatti.

3. Houston Cougars (-3½) at East Carolina Pirates. The winner of this game is very likely going to advance to the Liberty Bowl. Looking at stats, you can't really justify why you would pick either team here. But I think Houston is going to take this one.

4. Illinois Fighting Illini (-2½) hosting Fresno State Bulldogs. This will be the first showdown between these two teams. Looking at stats and records, you would have to go with Fresno State. But, then you would have to consider their conferences. Fresno is third in Western Atlantic. Illinois is eighth in Big Ten. Fresno is already guaranteed a bowl game. This will be Illinois's last game of the year. This game doesn't affect either team in the long run. I would stay away from this game also, but would pick Illinois if I had to pick.

5. Louisiana Tech Bulldogs (-17½) hosting San Jose State Spartans. This is the last game of the season for both of these teams. No bowl opportunity on the line. Bulldogs should win this game, but the Spartans should cover the spread.

6. Boise State Broncos (-46½) hosting New Mexico State Aggies. This should be the biggest blowout of the week. Boise State should destroy New Mexico. However, I think New Mexico will keep it under 47.

7. USC Trojans (-7½) hosting Arizona Wildcats. This was going to be one of my top five picks of the week. The last two games between these teams were won by a 7 point difference. The spread is 7½ points; I have to go for the team getting the points, Arizona.

8. Florida Gators (-4½) at Alabama Crimson Tide. This is the game of the week, the game everybody is talking about, the battle between number 1 and number 2. These teams are very equal. This game has two Heisman Trophy hopefuls against two of the best defenses in NCAA. Like the last game, I have to take the team getting the points because this one should be close. Alabama.

9. California Golden Bears (-6½) at Washington Huskies. This would have been one of my top five picks also. This is the last game of the season for both of these teams. No bowl opportunity on the line. I think California will win and cover the spread.

10. Florida Atlantic Owls (-2½) at Florida International Golden Panthers. This is the last game of the season for both of these teams. No bowl opportunity on the line. I think FAU will win this one.

11. Connecticut Huskies (-7½) hosting South Florida Bulls. This was going to be one of my top five picks. The Huskies have locked up a bowl bid. This will be the last game of the season for the Bulls. I would have to pick the Bulls. If they don't win, they should cover the spread.

12. Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (-2½) at Clemson Tigers. This should be another great game. Clemson is at home and is hoping to avenge the loss from earlier this year. I don't think they will though and the result will be the same. I predict the same result, Georgia Tech by a field goal.

13. Texas Longhorns (-14½) at Nebraska Cornhuskers. This is another game that I would stay away from. The spread on this one is scary. If I had to pick, I would pick Texas, but I am very unsure of this one.

14. Wisconsin Badgers (-11½) at Hawaii Warriors. This game scares me also. If it was earlier in the year, I would say Wisconsin covering the spread all the way. Now, Hawaii has to win this game or their season is over. I think Hawaii will try their hardest and keep it within the spread, but think the Badgers will win straight up.