WEEK 9 CFB FINNsider PICKS

OHIO STATE (-28) @ Northwestern WIN

Ohio State has been nothing short of dominant this year especially on the defensive side of the ball. Their performance vs Michigan St in wk7 was their worst of the year (78 GMSC) and yet they still only surrendered 10 points. Besides that performance, they have yet to dip below an 80 Game Score on defense yet this year. Granted their opponents to this point have been weak, to say the least, but Northwestern is probably the worst offense they will see to this point. 28 points is a hefty line especially with Wisconsin on the schedule for the Buckeyes next week, but their defense should travel making it tough to imagine a scenario where Northwestern scores over 10 points.

Finnelytics Prediction

Ohio State 38 Northwestern 7

Final Result

Ohio State 52 Northwestern 3

MIAMI (-18) vs Georgia Tech LOSS

Miami may already have two losses in ACC play but the Coastal is still up for grabs in what may be the most volatile division in CFB. Georgia Tech comes into Miami in the middle of a rough transition from the triple option. The Jackets have yet to cover a spread this year. This Miami offensive line has struggled at times protecting their QB(s) however Tech does not provide much threat. They are in the bottom third of CFB in sacks with only 1.5 per game. Combine that lack of pressure with Tech's miserable rush defense, this Miami offense should be able to get it done. Expect Deejay Dallas to have a huge game.

Finnelytics Prediction

Miami 35 Georgia Tech 7

Final Result

Miami 21 Georgia Tech 28

FLORIDA (-6) @ South Carolina WIN

South Carolina shocked the CFB world in wk8 by beating Georgia, but the more you look into that game Georgia may have just beat itself. The Gamecocks benefited from a rough game from Fromm including 3 picks, 1 of which was taken back to the house. Tack on a lost fumble and couple missed field goals. Credit the Gamecocks for taking advantage and securing the win, however. The Florida offense has not skipped a beat with Kyle Trask at the helm and may have even improved. They have put up over 300 passing yards 4 of their 6 games this year and their defense is elite per usual. The Georgia loss should have helped ease their pain last week as it keeps them in the hunt for the SEC East title. Overall I think this -6 line was really determined by the South Carolina win last week. Keep in mind that they lost to Missouri by 20 and were +9.5 in that game.

Finnelytics Prediction

Florida 28 South Carolina 17

Final Result

Florida 38 South Carolina 27

USC (-9.5) vs Arizona WIN

USC may be 3-3 on the year and fans want Clay Helton out but they are still atop the standings in the PAC12 South. Four PAC12 South teams are 2-1 in conference play including Arizona making these a huge conference game. The Trojans offense looked to be back on track with Slovis returning last week vs Notre Dame in a game that many people came away impressed by the Trojans only losing by 3. The Trojans rush defense can be very concerning against the duo of Taylor and Tate however USC's offense should absolutely thrive. Arizona's defense has not really been able to stop anyone yet this year and USC's offense seems to be starting to gain steam especially on the ground. The emergence of hard running Markese Stepp has really helped the USC rushing game the last couple of weeks.

Finnelytics Prediction

USC 42 Arizona 28

Final Result

USC 41 Arizona 14

PITTSBURGH (-3) @ Syracuse WIN

Pittsburgh has been elite on the defensive side of the ball in 2019 and are looking to stay in the hunt for the ACC Coastal. A win here against the underperforming Orange is a must to keep those hopes alive and well. Syracuse has been a giant disappointment, especially on the defensive side. They have particularly struggled against the pass where they have averaged over 300 yards a game if you take out the game against Holy Cross. At the same time the Panthers pass game has been well above average with the exception of the poor performance vs Delaware in a game where Pickett did not play. They have one of the best WR duos in the conference with Ffrench and Mack. Their offense should have no problem as long as they can handle to Carrier Dome on a tricky Friday night.

Finnelytics Prediction

Pittsburgh 27 Syracuse 20

Final Result

Pittsburgh 27 Syracuse 20

MINNESOTA (-28.5) @ Rutgers WIN

Rutgers may be the worst offense in the nation coming off a 1 yard performance through the air vs Indiana. They are 1-5 ATS, their wk1 win over Massachusetts is their only cover. This is one of the worst teams in recent memories ranking 156th in the nation (there are only 130 FBS schools). If Minnesota can keep them under 10 points as Rutgers has done 4/6 of their games (3 shutouts) then they should have no issue covering this massive line. Minnesota is coming off 2 straight 300y rushing games and has two great weapons at WR. Their offense has been phenomenal and there is no reason that would stop this week.

Finnelytics Prediction

Minnesota 42 Rutgers 7

Final Result

Minnesota 42 Rutgers 7