Taking Bets | Don't Believe The Hype! | Week Eleven

Every Friday evening, Taking Bets gets you ready for the weekend's football with some ideas on the bets to make. It's Mallory McCormack, host of The Staredown podcast, Blaine Duncan, editor-in-chief and host of the TV podcast Taking It Down, and TD Wood, host of Takin' On Sports.

2023 ATS Record
Blaine Duncan: 14-23-2 (Week Ten: 1-3)
TD Wood: 21-17-1 (Week Ten: 1-2-1)
Mallory McCormack: 24-13-2 (Week Ten: 2-2)

Blaine Duncan 
BREAKING: Sources are claiming that Clemson is back and that they "have heart." We're hearing that they can beat anyone. (These sources are Dabo.)

Alabama (-11) at Kentucky -- I'm thinking that Bama found its stride against LSU in the second half. If so and that's the Crimson Tide fans can expect going forward, the rest of the SEC has a fight on its hands.

Georgia Tech (+15) at Clemson -- The Tigers spent some mental and physical energy to make sure the college world knew that they were back last week. They won't have as much in them for the Yellowjackets, and the Yellowjackets have more to play for. Plus, Dabo sucks.

Michigan at Penn State (+4) -- Even despite the line moving, I'll call for an outright win and upset in Beaver Stadium.

NFL Game of the Week:
Giants (+17) at Cowboys -- I'll bet against the Cowboys again this even though they're at home. That's a big line for an NFL game, and the Giants can play well on defense at least.

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TD Wood
To piggyback on Blaine's blurb: No, Dabo, I have no interest in buying stock in your 4-loss team. I am interested in making up for last week's piss poor performance, though.

Arizona at Colorado (+10) -- As impressive as the Wildcats' season has been, so far, I have a feeling the Buffaloes are gonna come out on fire this week in response to their lackluster performance of late. I don't think an upset is too crazy of a prospect in this one. Arizona pulls it out in the end, but Colorado is gonna make them work hard for it.

UConn at James Madison (-25.5) -- LET THE DUKES INTO THE POSTSEASON, DAMMIT!

Miami at Florida State (-14) -- At some point in late September on an episode of Takin' On Sports, Greg and I talked about how awesome an undefeated matchup between the Canes and Noles would be. Miami did not live up to that dream, in large part because their offense has taken a nosedive. I think Florida State lays it on them in this one.

NFL Game of the Week:
Broncos at Bills (-7) -- Josh Allen and company haven't exactly been living up to their potential, but if ever there were a team to get right against, it's Denver.

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Mallory McCormack
Two words…🐀☠️. That is all I have this week. Again.

Arizona (-10.0) at Colorado — Arizona can score. And their defense can make stops.

Mississippi State at Texas A&M (-17.5) — Let’s hope that there are no unnecessary post play punches thrown by the A&M d-line. I think they get lucky because the State offense probably won’t be out there for very long.

Oklahoma State (-2.5) at UCF — It’s the wonderful time of year when coaching changes are being discussed. Malzahn’s name is being brought up in some arenas. I think it’s a distraction and OK State wins by more than 2.5.

NFL Game of the Week:
Broncos at Bills (-7.0) -- The Bills at home need to prove something. Their defense can put this game away early.

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Note: All games are Against the Spread. Odds are taken from the Caesar's Sportsbook.