Last week, we went 4-4. Not sure how. That’s it. It’s a tradition for me to make a declaration at the beginning of each segment. Here are this week’s: This is the strangest collection of whatever this is I can remember. These are my favorite games ever. It’s almost as if I didn’t pick the games. Do you feel confident? Me either.
No. 19 Kansas at Oklahoma (-9, 62.5)
noon ET on ESPN2, Memorial Stadium, Norman, Oklahoma
Van Pelt’s choice: Oklahoma (-9).
OK — First GPG game of this year — General Principle Game. Oklahoma has lost 145 points in the last three games. The Sooners, ranked in the Top 10 preseason, are currently in the last 12 places in the Big 12. The Sooners were last humiliated by Texas at the score of 49-0. Kansas is currently ranked and is coming off an exciting battle against unbeaten TCU. Oklahoma is a 9 point favorite. OK — sure. In general, I’d say that this is a ridiculous idea.
SVP: 17-7 for all teams that are favored by more then a TD
Wisconsin (-7.5,49.5) Michigan State
12:00 ET, Spartan Stadium East Lansing, Michigan
Van Pelt’s choice: Michigan State (+7.5).
This feels like a last-ditch effort in East Lansing — no Mel Tucker or any other person involved — but it is certainly in a season when the Spartans have lost four straight games to Michigan in Ann Arbor. Spartans can either fight in this game against Wisconsin or… I don’t know what.
SVP: 12-8-1 when selecting matchups with unranked Big Ten team
Western Kentucky (-8,677) at Middle Tennessee
3:30 p.m. ET on ESPN+, Johnny “Red” Floyd Stadium, Murfreesboro, Tennessee
Van Pelt’s choice: Middle Tennessee (+8)
After it shocked Miami, Middle Tennessee has seen wheels fall off the bus. Blue Raiders are reminded that it is time to defend Murfreesboro from the Hilltoppers. They’re coming off two close losses.
SVP: 1-4 at all times when choosing Middle Tennessee
No. 3 Alabama (-7.65.5) at No. 6 Tennessee
3:30 p.m. ET, Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tennessee
Van Pelt’s Pick: Alabama (-7).
Bama at Tennessee is a curious match, much like Oklahoma’s game. Tennessee will be catching 7 Saturdays in Knoxville. It feels like If They win big, the Vols win — and they can — The problem is that everyone is betting on this game like it’s over, and all eyes are on the Vols. I love underdogs and would take them almost everywhere, except for this spot. Bama is a legend on these stages and I am happy to accept them if anyone asks.
SVP: 3-1 when selecting favorites, ranked in top 3.
No. 25 James Madison (-12, 67), at Georgia Southern
4 p.m. ET on ESPN+, Allen E. Paulson Stadium, Statesboro, Georgia
Van Pelt’s Pick: (+12), Georgia Southern
What is my Sun Belt record? It doesn’t matter what it is, it’s great. (EDITOR’S NOTICE: Scott is now 5-0 and taking Sun Belt teams. We are back in the game this week. James Madison is a great story. It is ranked highly and is an excellent story, but it is too many for Georgia Southern to offer in Statesboro.
SVP: 4-1 when choosing Sun Belt conference game
Arkansas State at Southern Miss (-4.5, 55.5)
7 p.m. ET on ESPN+, M. M. Roberts Stadium in Hattiesburg (Mississippi)
Van Pelt’s Pick: Arkansas State (+4.5).
Arkansas State was our road dog in conference last year, and it covered us. We support the Red Wolves’ trip to Hattiesburg, as both teams suffered defeats last week. Although we aren’t expecting much candy, we believe.
SVP: 47 to 23 all time for picking unranked October night teams
4 Clemson (-3.5, 51), at Florida State
7:30 p.m. ET, Doak Camp Stadium, Tallahassee (Florida)
Van Pelt’s choice: Florida State (+3.5).
Clemson is being favored in Tallahassee by whom? Three and a half. This seems a bit light. FSU held on and won last week in Raleigh. I’m looking forward to this game. The home team.
SVP: 18-6-1 for all ACC conference game night games
North Carolina (-7, 67.5), at Duke
8 p.m. ET on ACC Network, Wallace Wade Stadium, Durham, North Carolina
Van Pelt’s Pick: Duke (+7)
Same deal in Durham. Duke will need to quickly recover from the awful loss in Bobby Dodd’s last week. We are taking the TD at Wallace Wade, UNC’s offensive is frightening.
SVP: We Repete… 18-6-1 every time you pick ACC conference game night games
No. 7 USC At No. 20 Utah (-3.5, 63)
8 p.m. ET, Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City
Van Pelt’s choice: Utah (-3.5).
Last but not least, we are on the Utes in a huge spot against USC. Lincoln Riley and his Trojans team have done a fast U-turn to place ‘SC in the top 10. This is the Trojans most difficult road test this season. Road teams find Rice Eccles quite spooky at night.
SVP: 4-2 for all Utah Picks
You have nine. A lot of favorite. Some Sun Belt. I don’t know what has happened but that’s the card.