Fithian Fab Five: All Signs Point To UM Victory
By: Dennis Fithian
Picking Michigan and Michigan State: 5-8
Michigan -9.5 vs Michigan State: Wolverines came out of the bye week two weeks ago and have been impressive on both sides of the ball since. Denard Robinson looks like he's now running offense that fits his skill set. On defense, UM's Jake Ryan is a star and defensive end Frank Clark looks like a play maker. Things are so bad in East Lansing that Mark Dantonio is showing class and respect.
Prediction: Michigan 24 Michigan State 10
College football best bests: 10-4
Texas Tech -1.5 at TCU: TT opened getting points now the Red Raiders are the favorite. It's a called a Las Vegas line mover special.
Prediction: Texas Tech 35 TCU 31
South Carolina +3 @ Florida: Gamecocks are more impressive defensively than you would think with Steve Spurrier as the head coach. South Carolina is the better team and they are getting points.
Prediction: South Carolina 24 Florida 20
Detroit Lions season predictions: 2-3
Detroit +5 @ Chicago: After two weeks of special teams gaffes, the Lions have left themselves in a bad spot as they face Devin Hester on special teams. Matt Stafford hasn't looked good in Soldier Field in his career. Jay Cutler is an up down quarterback but is at home on MNF. Lions have yet to play a complete game this year. My bookmaker says Detroit is 5-0 on Monday night while Bears are 0-7. Those numbers have me picking against what I think.
Prediction: Detroit 34 Chicago 31 OT
Pro best bets season: 8-9
Arizona +7.5 @ Minnesota: Vikings have been good but not good enough to cover that kind of number.
Prediction: Minnesota 24 Arizona 21
Cleveland +1 @ Indy: Colts run defense has struggled. Browns best weapon is Trent Richardson.
Big day for TRich and two wins in a row for the Browns.
Prediction: Cleveland 28 Indy 21
Baltimore +71/2 @ Houston: Both sides lose tremendous linebackers, Ray Lewis and Brian Cushing, in the last two weeks to season ending injuries. The number seems to be too big for a team that got crushed by Green Bay last week.
Prediction: Houston 35 Baltimore 31
