This one goes out to Evan Spencer:
As much as Urban Meyer didn’t appreciate Spencer’s comments this week, the Ohio State wide receiver did something his team hasn’t been able to do all season — get people talking about the Buckeyes.
Ohio State may be 9-0 and No. 3 in the rankings, but the gap between the top-two teams (Alabama and Florida State) and the Buckeyes looks more like a canyon.
Barring Jameis Winston and AJ McCarron getting kidnapped by aliens, there is no scenario in which Ohio State wouldn’t be a double-digit underdog against Florida State or Alabama. Though the Buckeyes may disagree with the perceived disparity in talent, Spencer was bold enough to say it.
“I guess I’m a little biased, but I think we’d wipe the field with both of them,” Spencer said with a laugh. “They have their strengths and weaknesses. Personally, I think we can exploit them, but I’m a little biased.”
As part of a group of athletes trained to deliver clichés, Spencer’s honesty was a rare gem. Unfortunately, the backlash he received pressured him into apologizing on Twitter, saying he meant no disrespect and that he’s just confident in his team and yada, yada, yada. Meyer then said Spencer wouldn’t be speaking to the media “for a long, long time.”
There was no need for Spencer to apologize, not publicly, at least. If he thinks his team would win, he should say it. Ohio State (and perhaps Baylor) could be unfairly kept out of the national title game and not get the chance to back his claims, even though the Buckeyes may complete a second-straight undefeated season.
At least Spencer reminded voters Ohio State is still in the picture. The Buckeyes may never get the chance to take on the Seminoles or the Crimson Tide, but Ohio State (-32¹/₂) will keep making its case against mediocre competition and wipe the field with Illinois on Saturday.
CLEMSON (-11) over Georgia Tech: The blowout loss to the Seminoles doesn’t look so bad now. Well, it does, but at least the Tigers have plenty of company.
UCLA (-2½) over Washington: The Bruins’ only two losses came on the road against Top-6 teams. Neither applies here.
Cincinnati (PK) over RUTGERS: A balanced Bearcats offense equals another embarrassing performance in Piscataway.
FLORIDA STATE (-39) over Syracuse: There’s always someone who wants to be different. Don’t be that guy. It’s worse than wearing the shirt of the band you’re going to see.
Georgia (+3½) over AUBURN: There is no logical reason this line should be this small, but don’t take the bait. Take the Bulldogs.
TEXAS (+3) over Oklahoma State: The Longhorns’ unlikely charge to a Big 12 title continues.
NEBRASKA (+6½) over Michigan State: The Hail Mary momentum keeps them close for another week.
DUKE (+3) over Miami: Dr. Peter Venkman predicted this: Dogs and cats living together, mass hysteria and a world in which the Hurricanes are the ACC champions in basketball and the Blue Devils beat Miami in football.
OREGON (-26) over Utah: Last season, a Ducks offense that averaged almost 55 points per game and looked like a lock for the title game faltered against Stanford. Then, they dropped 48 the following week. With Marcus Mariota’s knee no concern, the Ducks will take out last week’s frustration on the reeling Utes.
Baylor (-27) over Texas Tech (at Arlington, Texas): Last week, I said not to give up on the Red Raiders yet. Now? It’s time to let go. Texas Tech has lost three straight games while allowing over 46 points per game. I can’t trust them against a team averaging roughly 300 points.
Florida (+13¹/₂) over SOUTH CAROLINA: The Gamecocks have just been too consistent lately. It won’t last.
Alabama (-25½) over MISSISSIPPI STATE: Nick Saban said the Bulldogs are “probably the best 4-5 team in the country.” Well, as convincing as that is, I’m going with the undefeated team and top-ranked defense allowing 10.6 points per game.
Stanford (-3½) over USC: The Cardinal are finally living up to their lofty preseason expectations. Worried about a letdown after the win against Oregon? A prime-time game at the Coliseum doesn’t exactly dim the spotlight.
Oregon State (+14) over ARIZONA STATE: The Beavers got a bye just when they needed it and should see their offense bounce back in a back-and-forth shootout.
BEST BETS: Clemson, Georgia, Oregon
Record: 52-65-3
Best Bets: 8-16