Week 8 Trevonics: Trickeration

By Trev Alberts
formerly of ESPN.com

For once I get back on track and get the Trevonics in under the gun, early rather than never. The kid tricked me into thinking South Florida was the deadline tonight. Smooth operator, that editor of mine, but it still doesn't change the fact that I'm the only one pulling his weight around here lately. Granted, the Trev pulls himself a lot of weight, but that is besides the point. Interns, pull in my weighty scoreboard.

2007 Season-to-date:
Against the Spread: 57-71-1
Straight Up: 91-37

There's some interesting games on the slate, some interesting interesting as well as some "interesting" interesting, so let's get right down to it.

Cincinnati (-9.5) over Pittsburgh (1200et)
The Wannstache is not in a very good situation. Maybe its just a case of being in the wrong place at the wrong time, but the Big East has just exploded since he's shown up. Then again, maybe it's the exposure other programs are getting by shellacking the Panthers on ESPN. I don't know, I'm not a scientist, but now it's Cincy's turn to stand on the shoulders of former giants.
Trev's pick: Cincinnati

Vanderbilt (+13) over South Carolina (1230et)
I am fully aware of how awesome I think the Visor and the 'Cocks are this season, but don't doubt the Commodores. They played UGA real tough last week at home, and this game isn't going to be played in the deep, dark Columbian evening. I'd like to think it will be a close match, and I'll split the pick.
Trev's pick: Vanderbilt to cover, USC to win

Tennessee (pick) over Alabama (1230et)
However, my blatant favoritism of the Dark Lord Saban has waned these past few weeks. Anyone been watching the Volunteers lately? They're playing well enough to make 'Bama a home dog in light of recent troubles with Florida State et al. Again, a close game, but no split pick as I think the Vols pull it out in the end.
Trev's pick: Tennessee

Oklahoma (-30) over Iowa State (1230et)
This is why we make fun of the Big XII North. The Sooners let Mizzou into last week's game by divine providence, something the Cyclones won't be as fortunate to receive. Fewer turnovers, more possession, and a weaker team are going to add up to more points...many many many more points.
Trev's pick: Oklahoma

Texas (-25) over Baylor (1230et)
Same story here. Texas will play like the best damn 2-loss team in the universe in a game that doesn't mean anything.
Trev's pick: Texas

Kentucky (+6.5) Florida (330et)
Wowzers. Kentucky knocks off the chainsaw that still is LSU, and now plays host to Florida, a perfect defensive mismatch against Andre Woodson's air-raiding. They are going to open it up against the Gators, and as long as they can stop UF's three plays (hint: one of them is Tebow Off-Tackle), they'll keep it close. Combine that with the home field and the UK mojo, and the pick is clear....although I have to make sure they kid doesn't subliminally dictate Florida.
Trev's pick: Kentucky

West Virginia (-24.5) over Mississippi State (330et)
This will not be pleasant, and it will not be fast.
Trev's pick: West Virginia

Missouri (-3.5) over Texas Tech (330et)
There is a very real possibility that there are 100 points scored in this game, and that might just be Texas Tech. However, Missouri may just have the edge in defense and dare I say, offensive flexibility. A mobile QB in a spread out offense is all the rage these days, and I don't know if the Red Raiders have it in them to stop anything, let alone that.
Trev's pick: Missouri

Michigan State (+17) over Ohio State (330et)
Don't think for a second that Sparty is going to pull off the upset du week 8, because its just not happening. However, there is a very real possibility that MSU makes a game out of this, sans John L Smith, not to mention Ohio State playing its particular brand of tight, regimented Tressel Ball under the weight of a 2007 #1. 17 points is just too much, but the Buckeyes escape faster than you can dot the I.
Trev's pick: MSU to cover, OSU to win

Cal over UCLA (OFF) (330et)
I can't make an official pick here, but I do want to point out that this line is hilarious.

Kansas (-3.5) over Colorado (530et)
Mangino will not fall to the same fate as Oklahoma, second helpings just aren't as delicious...I mean, coach will eat them anyway, but there will be no double dipping in Boulder.
Trev's pick: Kansas

Kansas State (+3) over Oklahoma State (705et)
In a game like this, with the way these teams can open it up at any time, I have to go with the team that looks like it wants it more, and that has been KState all year long. No offense to the Cowboys, but there is something going on in Manhattan these days, and I don't think OSU is ready for it.
Trev's pick: Kansas State

Oregon (-11.5) over Washington (730et)
Just as an experiment, I want to know how many first half lines Washington has won this year. I'm just saying its the only chance they got this week.
Trev's pick: Oregon

Illinois (+2.5) over Michigan (800et)
[Redacted], go you [redacted], fight on [fighting redacted], stop all of this crazy talk of skunkbear resurgence. Do it for the Trev.
Trev's pick: Illinois

Louisiana State (-10.5) over Auburn (900et)
NIGHT GAME IN BATON ROUGE. The gates of hell spring open, the chainsaw werewolf is fully formed, and Auburn is going to need more than three field goals to get this done. This is not Arkansas.
Trev's pick: LSU

Southern Cal (-17) over Notre Dame (330et)
The kid is about to stab me to death with various steely knives as I dictate this, but even in the light of Southern Cal's truly disappointing, by Trojan standards, season, Notre Dame is too young, too green, too everything that SC is not for this game. The Irish need to play perfect football to have a chance, as every turnover WILL be 7 points. Its not a very good matchup for them at all. That, and the poodle has all sorts of vengeance on his mind. I'm going to hide in my sniper proof office now....
Trev's pick: Southern Cal

Trev Alberts is a current CSTV analyst. He is a major tool.