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Purdue (-9) vs. Central Michigan (Wednesday, Dec. 26, 7:30 p.m.) – I am going to take a very entertaining underdog here. This is a much bigger game for Central Michigan than it is for Purdue. For the Chippewas it is basically a home game, and they will rise to the occasion as they have for big games the last two years. Purdue had a horrible finish to the year, and I don’t see them being too excited for this game. They may very well win, but Central Michigan has enough offense to stay close. Pick: Central Michigan.

UPDATE: What a classic. Amazing offense, and a brilliant comeback by Central Michigan. It ultimately fell short, but it was impressive. I have been very high on Dan LeFevour since I first started seeing him play last year, and he was spectacular in the second half. I can’t wait to see what he does as a junior. I needed a win badly, and this was a heck of a way to get one.

Post from: Ultra Sports Bet

Central Michigan (-3) vs. Miami of Ohio – The MAC Championship won’t be the highest profile game of the day, but it should be a good one. I really like the Central Michigan offense. Dan LeFevour is a pleasure to watch at QB, and the unit is piling up the points lately. The defense can’t stop anything, but I’m not convinced that Miami has the offense to keep pace if this becomes a shootout. On a neutral field that should have a strong Central Michigan presence I like the Chippewas here. Pick: Central Michigan.

Tennessee (+7.5) vs. LSU – There are a lot of reasons in my mind to like Tennessee here. LSU lost some swagger, and their shot at a title, last weekend. Their coach is on the way out the door. Tennessee is playing well over the last month, and should have a huge boost coming off an emotional win against Kentucky last year. Tennessee QB Matt Flynn is questionable, and probably won’t be at his best even if he does play. I’m not confident that Tennessee will win, but I do like their chances of of keeping it close, and getting that extra half point on top of the touchdown makes them good value. Pick: Tennessee.

Missouri (+3) vs. Oklahoma - The top ranked team in the country is an underdog at a neutral site – this truly is a bizarre season. Missouri is in top form, they have the ultimate motivation to play for, and they showed last week that they can handle the pressure of huge games. Oklahoma struggled badly against Texas Tech, and the Mizzou offense is similarly elusive and explosive. It would be entirely different if the Tigers were heavily favored, but taking them and the points seems like a pretty solid idea. Pick: Missouri.

Arizona (+6.5) at Arizona State - USC will probably have the Pac-10 title wrapped up by the time this game kicks off, but I don’t expect that to diminish the effort the Sun Devils will show here.  For one, this is a huge rivalry for the team, and a chance to redeem themselves after a frustrating loss to USC. They also have a chance to play in a very big bowl game, and that would be a great way to cap a an outstanding an unexpected first year under Dennis Erickson. This line is as low as it is because Arizona has won three straight, but they have not been against good competition, so I am not buying it. Pick: Arizona State.

Post from: Ultra Sports Bet

Three college football games intrigue me on Friday:

Central Michigan (-2.5) at Akron – The Akron offense has been struggling for the most part recently. Central Michigan never seems to falter offensively against teams of this caliber. I’ll take the explosive offense to win by less than a field goal. Pick: Central Michigan

Texas (-6) at Texas A&M – Texas has an outside shot of winning the Big 12 and earning the conference’s prime BCS spot. To do that they will  need Oklahoma to lose, and they will need to win themselves. That, coupled with seeking to avenge an A&M victory last year, should be motivation enough to win this game handily. A&M is slumping badly, and Texas has won five in a row. The Longhorns don’t always win by much, but they are clearly the better team here and should do just fine.  Pick: Texas

Boise State (+3) at Hawaii - I hate picking against an undefeated team, but the visitor is the better team here. The Broncos have been winning in dominating fashion, while Hawaii has been surviving one close call after another. It’s to their credit that they keep finding ways to win, but Boise State is by far the best team they have faced this year, and I’m not sure they will be able to come back again here. Taking the better team and the points is always a value play. Pick: Boise State

Post from: Ultra Sports Bet