Can UT pull off the upset? Picking the college football weekend
Michigan's game at Purdue is no layup
9/21/2017Forecasters are calling for sunny skies, temperatures in the 80s, and a full day of pigskin Saturday.
Which leads to the big question: Fresh air or football?
We’re here to help prioritize. Here’s our guide to — and picks for— the most compelling area college games:
1. Toledo (3-0) at No. 14 Miami (1-0), 3:30 p.m., Saturday, FSO Plus, Line: Miami by 13: The Rockets spend three quarters swapping scores with Miami before the Hurricanes flex their full muscle. Pick: Miami 34, Toledo 27.
2. No. 8 Michigan (3-0) at Purdue (2-1), 4 p.m., Saturday, 36, Line: Michigan by 10: This isn’t the gimme most anticipated. First-year Purdue boss Jeff Brohm might be the early candidate for national coach of the year, having transformed a doormat program that won nine games the past four years into — at least — a nice entryway rug. The Boilermakers tossed a big scare into Louisville in the opener, then smashed Missouri 35-3 in Columbia last weekend. This potential upset special goes down to the end, with Michigan’s defense ultimately bailing out the Wolverines. Pick: Michigan: 21, Purdue 17.
3. Bowling Green (0-3) at Middle Tennessee (1-2), 6 p.m., Saturday, ESPN3, Line: Middle Tennessee by 7: New quarterback or not, the Falcons’ sad song of 2017 adds another blue note outside the Music City. Pick: Middle Tennessee 30, Bowling Green 17.
4. UNLV (1-1) at No. 10 Ohio State (2-1), Noon, Saturday, Big Ten Network, Line: Ohio State by 40: We wouldn’t trust UNLV against a good high school team — which, incidentally, is where the Rebels found third-year coach Tony Sanchez — but we do trust Las Vegas. Give us the Buckeyes to cover. Pick: Ohio State 52, UNLV 10.
Contact David Briggs at dbriggs@theblade.com, 419-724-6084, or on Twitter @DBriggsBlade.