NCAA Week 3

So we're 7-2 in NCAA play heading into week three. A couple more plays than last week so the write-ups wont be as lengthy. We were 1-1 last week which is fine considering our first week, but it's time to get back on the +units side. Here we go:

Iowa -1.5 (-110)
The Hawkeyes are kind of like the dark horse in the Big Ten. I believe they're a solid team and an improving program that doesn't get enough credit. I know they lost to Northern Illinois in week one, what happened there.., but they bounced back and improved to 1-1 in week two. They have a balanced attack and Iowa St. is not as complete of a team.

Maryland -7 (-110)
Maryland are 2-0 on the year and both wins were convincing landslides, outscoring their opponents 90-20. UConn is not a strong team and even though they're home, I expect Maryland to have a strong game.

South Carolina -14 (-110)
If there was a week where a team wouldn't want to play the Gamecocks, it would be this one. Reeling from a tough lose to Georgia, SC can't wait to get back onto the field. Add that to the fact that it is an SEC game and the Gamecocks are home, expect they to come out hungry in front of a big crowd.

Rice -7 (-110)
Was it just me, or was Rice kind of impressive against A&M last week? Yes they lost it in the second half when Johnny took over, but they held their own. They put up 31 points and ran all over the Aggies defence. This week it is their home opener versus a mediocre, at best, team. It will be interesting to see how they come out against Kansas but this is a line that caught my attention right away.  

THE GAME - TIDE V. AGGIES

Alabama -9 (+105)
First off, be careful with this game. If you don't want to pick a team, then pick the over/under, and if you don't like that, than look into the props. Main point: with a game this huge, have some fun with it and get in on the action.
Now, everyone knows Alabama is the best program in the nation. Best facilities, best recruits, and best coaching staff. But, they've made it to the top the right way. They take pride in their program and the tradition of excellence they've built. As fans it's different, but I assure you the people who are gifted enough to wear that "A" on their jerseys are honoured to represent such a school. It is for this reason that I am taking Bama -9 today.
Last year they got beat by a hot-shot quarterback who they didn't know much about. Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice....you don't fool Alabama twice. A hot dog quarterback who rubs pretend money together when he scores a touchdown is not something to aspire to. Alabama is too proud to lose to a school who has a "role-model" like that. While Manziel hung out with Lebron James during the offseason, the Tide were preparing and waiting for this game.
I'll be shocked if Bama isn't ready to go. Hopefully good trumps evil today. Watch for the Tide to Roll.