Each week, The State News’ degenerates who are 21 and older will be helping you try to earn some money with three picks of their own. We will also update our records from the last week, so you can see who is really helping you cash in.

Sam continued his cruise to a nice start to the season while Alex and Eli have some work to do.

Sam Sklar, Sports Editor (6-3)

Never second guess yourself. 

Last week, I took Miami-Texas A&M under 44.5 points, but at the last second swapped it out for Houston -8.5. What a disaster that was. Had I not switched the pick, it would’ve been my second consecutive 3-0 week. Instead, I watched Kansas demolish Houston. You live and you learn. 

Maryland (1H +10.5) at Michigan 

For the first time all year, Michigan will face a competent opponent with the Terps traveling to Ann Arbor. While it allowed Michigan to snooze through three games and figure out its starting quarterback, the Wolverines could be in for a little surprise this weekend. Maryland’s offense looked solid through three wins and I think the Terps offense, when rolling, can go toe-and-toe with Michigan. 

Plus, the Wolverines lost a handful of impact players on last year’s defense. This will be the first true test of a Michigan defense that many expect to be elite. I can see this being competitive though the first half before Michigan pulls away in the second half. 

Iowa at Rutgers (+7.5)

Betting on Rutgers automatically makes me queasy, but if I am going to do it, it has to be with Iowa traveling to Piscataway. I love the hook here and I still don’t trust Iowa. Oh, and Rutgers has the best player in this game: Adam Korsak. 

Utah (-14.5) at Arizona State

Arizona State is a complete mess right now. I think we get a Nebraska-like performance from ASU where the Sun Devils play uninspired football. I wouldn’t be surprised if this is a blowout by halftime. 

Alex Faber, Football Reporter (2-7)

At this point, readers should just bet the opposite of my suggestions. It’s been a putrid start and I can’t seem to get a read of any teams this year. 

Last week was full of heartbreaking losses (I’m looking at you, Purdue), but I’m hoping that the start of conference play will bring some sort of stability. 

Stanford at Washington (-13.5)

After thumping Michigan State last weekend, Washington is opening Pac-12 play by hosting Stanford. 

It’ll be hard to follow up such an impressive performance, but I think Michael Penix Jr. and the Husky offense is up for it. Their receiving core looks legit, and Washington’s defense also showed flashes of excellence against the Spartans, especially the front-seven. Stanford hasn’t looked terrible thus far, but the Huskies just have too many athletes. 

I think Washington is the real deal. It’s extremely early in his tenure, but it looks like Kalen DeBoer is pushing this program in the right direction. 

Iowa at Rutgers (Over 34.0 points)

I’m flying right into the sun with this pick. 

All signs point to a low-scoring slugfest. Iowa has the fewest average yards per game in the nation. Rutgers’ offense is not much better. The Hawkeye’s have a pretty stellar defense and the Scarlet Knights aren’t too shabby either. Things could get really, really ugly — it’s going to be a great day to be a punter. 

But c’mon. Thirty-four points is just ridiculous for a college football game. I’m betting on chaos here – maybe it’s a 17-13 game in the fourth quarter, and Spencer Petras throws a pick-six. I don’t know. This game just seems destined for some ridiculous plays. 

Texas (-7) at Texas Tech

Last weekend, college football fans poked fun at Texas’ first half struggles against UTSA. However, the Longhorns tightened things up in the second half and won 41-20. 

Texas is expected to comfortably beat a team like UTSA. However, considering the highly emotional loss to Alabama the week before, I think the Longhorns showed a lot of resolve against the roadrunners. Steve Sarkisian has the guys believing. 

Plus, there’s a chance that quarterback Quinn Ewers will be back in the lineup, as it was announced he’ll be making the trip to Lubbock and suiting up. It’ll likely be a gametime decision. 

I think Texas keeps things rolling with a dominating win over the Red Raiders. 

Eli McKown, State News Contributor (2-7)

I am so sorry.

Duke at Kansas (-7)

I have been waiting to see whether my Jayhawks were legit or not and here’s the thing…

This Kansas team has actually turned into a football team!

Lance Leipold’s offense is schemed so well for the personnel they have, and they can put points on you in a hurry. The defense is still a work in progress, especially in the secondary, but Kansas legitimately has something going there.

Duke on the other hand is still a ways away from that in year one under Mike Elko. I’m taking Kansas in the battle of the basketball blue bloods. 

Iowa at Rutgers (+7.5)

Are we even sure Iowa can score more than seven points?

TCU at SMU (ML)

This game is all about Sonny Dykes, who left SMU for its biggest rival this offseason. I like SMU in the revenge game here with a high-octane offense against a TCU team that I honestly don’t think is very good.