College football picks: LSU has the edge against Gators

So, it’s been a pretty big week outside of Columbia, believe it or not.

Most Mondays, the suspension of Florida’s starting quarterback for the season would have been huge news, but the Will Grier news came only hours before Steve Spurrier decided to resign.

The Gators (6-0) were on a charmed run until Grier got the boot. Now, they’re 6-0 with Treon Harris at the helm heading into Baton Rouge to play Leonard Fournette and LSU. Jim McElwain’s offense won’t work as well with Harris at QB, and the Gators’ defense will be tested by Fournette.

Seven points feels a little high, but I still like the Tigers.

Straight: LSU

Against The Spread: LSU

Ole Miss (minus-10) at Memphis

If you’re interested in Tigers head coach Justin Fuente, who has been mentioned in connection with South Carolina’s job, this is your chance to get a close look against SEC competition. The Tigers, who have won 12 straight games, had two weeks to prepare for the Rebels.

Straight: Ole Miss

ATS: Ole Miss

Louisville at Florida State (minus-7)

Dalvin Cook is quietly having an amazing season. Cook is second in the nation in rushing yards per game with 158.4, and he’s probably enough for the ’Noles here.

Straight: Florida State

ATS: Florida State

West Virginia at Baylor (minus-20)

The Mountaineers aren’t a bad football team, but they’re in a tough run of games. West Virginia has lost two straight to Oklahoma and Oklahoma State and now has the Bears with TCU coming up next.

Straight: Baylor

ATS: West Virginia

Iowa (minus-1) at Northwestern

Did you know Iowa was unbeaten? The problem is the Hawkeyes haven’t played anybody good, until now.

Straight: Northwestern

ATS: Northwestern

Alabama (minus-3.5) at Texas A&M

I think the Aggies are a better football team than Alabama, and I think Kevin Sumlin’s offense has been a problem for Nick Saban in the past. On top of that, the Aggies are getting points at home. I’m all in on that as my “lock of the week.” (My bankroll is down to $515 thanks to Georgia blowing a big second quarter lead last week and costing me $30.)

Straight: Texas A&M

ATS: Texas A&M

Oklahoma (minus-4) at Kansas State

The Wildcats took TCU to the brink last week before losing. Now the question is do they have anything left in the tank after two straight losses. The Sooners are the same old Sooners. Big hype early with too many big game losses.

Straight: Oklahoma

ATS: Oklahoma

Michigan State at Michigan (minus-7)

Who would have thought the Wolverines would be more-than-a-touchdown favorites? Jim Harbaugh has Michigan rolling, but that’s too many points for a rivalry game against a good team.

Straight: Michigan

ATS: Michigan State

Boston College at Clemson (minus-16.5)

Sixteen points! Against the Eagles defense? Nope.

Straight: Clemson

ATS: Boston College

Southern Cal at Notre Dame (minus-5)

Another team that has a wild week that we know nothing about because of all our news. The Trojans fired coach Steve Sarkisian on Monday. Now his team has to face the Irish.

Straight: Notre Dame

ATS: Notre Dame

Missouri at Georgia (minus-15)

The Tigers aren’t very good, but who can figure out the Bulldogs? At home, at night, take Georgia but don’t get too comfortable.

Straight: Georgia

ATS: Missouri

Arizona State at Utah (minus-6)

Getting through the Pac-12 unbeaten won’t be easy, but the Utes are on a roll for now.

Straight: Utah

ATS: Utah

Last week

Straight: 9-3

ATS: 5-7

Season

Straight: 50-21

ATS: 39-30

This story was originally published October 16, 2015 at 11:32 PM.