College Football week 4 Thursday and Friday games

College Football week 4 weekday games.  And just like that a fresh week is upon us and we can put the misery of last weeks games behind us.  There are 3 games before we get to the weekend, 1 on Thursday and 2 on Friday.  I’m not interested in playing any of these 3 games, but I will talk about all 3, because well I don’t have anything better to do right now.  In fact I’m waiting on my laundry to finish so I can get the hell out of here for a few days.

Thursday night

Cincinnati at Memphis (-10):

This is a tricky game right here.  The computer calls for this to be closer, but I’m not sure it’s right.  The computer doesn’t know that Kiel got injured last week and is out this week, nor does it know that his replacement had 4 turnovers in the 4^th quarter last week.  It just sees the turnovers and thinks it’s spread out.  Cincinnati has also been unlucky in the turnover battle in each game this year.  They are -8 in turnovers on the season after 3 games.  That’s not good.  Their pass defense has been strong, or maybe that’s because they’ve only played 1 passing team so far.  Memphis on the other hand is even in turnovers on the season and are averaging 570 yards on offense and scoring 54 points per game.  They will be able to run the ball on Cincinnati, that’s not a question at all.  However, Memphis is vulnerable to the pass, and did let Kansas run for 198 yards on them.  Not a strong selling point.  I just don’t see any value on either side, probably an offensive game.  Memphis will win, but not sure by how many.

Friday night

Boise State (-2.5) at Virginia:

This is another game that is perplexing by the line.  Virginia seems to play to the level of their competition, rising to the feat against UCLA and Notre Dame, but then playing down against William & Mary last week.  That was a stinker of a performance, and really weighs against them when the computer runs through simulations.  Boise State is starting a new quarterback this week, on the road, across the country.  Boise State will have to rely on it’s defense in this game, which I think will stay close.  Whoever scores last is probably going to win. 

Stanford (-15.5) at Oregon State:

Lots of things to like about Stanford in this game.  First of all, it’s head coach is a disciple of Harbaugh, and has very similar playing tendencies.  That’s good based on how Michigan handled Oregon State a couple weeks back, but that was with OSU on the road, in the BIG HOUSE!  Stanford is also coming off a huge road upset last week against USC.  Oregon State is off a home win against San Jose State, but they are not on the same playing level as Stanford.  I think this line is heavily inflated based on the road win Stanford had last week, and that is why I’m staying away.  There is no doubt that Stanford will win this game, but it could really be anywhere in the 10 to 20 point range.

Check back later for the weekend picks.