Fithian's Fab Five
By: Dennis Fithian
@dennisfithian
I pick the games and I leave my record week by week here as well. I pick all Michigan, Michigan State and Lions games. The other games I select are my best bets of the week. Check the bottom of the page for my stats.
Michigan -17.5 vs. UConn: Turnovers committed this year by UM QB Devin Gardner are a concern, but not as much of a concern as the Wolverines subpar offensive and defensive line play this season. Time for UM defensive coordinator Greg Mattison to start inserting a more blitzing defense. Not a lot the Wolverines can do about their interior offensive line play but hope they grow up quickly.
Prediction: Michigan 30 UConn 17
Michigan State +6.5 @ Notre Dame: Spartans have a strong defense, but no offense so far this season. Defense should keep MSU in the game with need for only a score or two from the offense to pull the upset. Irish QB Tommy Reese plays poorly when pressured.
Prediction: Notre Dame 13 Michigan State 10
College Best Bets
Kansas State +5.5 @ Texas: Mack Brown and his team have no fight or defense.
Prediction: Kansas State 50 Texas 35
NFL
Lions +2.5 @ Washington: Skins season is over if they lose this one. Expect RGIII to play like he did before injuring his knee. After not playing at all under duress during his knee rehab it's now or next season for the second year QB. The Washington defense has been terrible. Matt Stafford and Calvin Johnson are set for career days. Will a banged up Reggie Bush matter?
Prediction: Washington 41 Detroit 38
New Orleans -8 vs. Arizona: Easy double digit victory in the big easy.
Prediction: New Orleans 38 Arizona 17
Minnesota -7.5 vs. Cleveland: Case you missed it the Browns want to lose this year. This is the last time that Cleveland will be a single digit dog year.
Prediction: Minnesota 30 Cleveland 9
*Tanner Lock Of The Week
Atlanta +1 @ Miami: Dolphins have done a nice job in their first two games but Falcons are clearly the better team.
Prediction: Atlanta 27 Miami 21
Season totals against the spread: Picking Michigan 3-0, Michigan State 1-2, Lions 2-0
College football best bets 2-2, NFL best bets 2-1
*Tanner Fithian lock of the week 1-0