I had a solid week, going 8-4 against the spread, which put me three under .500 against the line for the season. The good: My Upset Special with Washington State beating Washington. The bad: Picking Texas State to beat ASU. The ugly: Picking Purdue to keep things close against Notre Dame.

Here are this week’s guesses:

(All point spreads are from BetMGM, click here for live odds. All kickoff times are ET and Saturday unless otherwise noted.)

Stanford at Syracuse (-8.5), Friday, 7:30 p.m., ESPN

It still feels weird that this is an ACC game, but the Cardinal are making the long trip against a hot QB in Kyle McCord for a change. I think Fran Brown’s team is cruising in front of a national TV audience.

Syracuse 34, Stanford 21
Choice: Syracuse (-8.5)

No. 24 Illinois at No. 22 Nebraska (-7.5), Friday, 8 p.m., Fox

Bret Bielema’s defense is strong and will test Dylan Raiola, but I expect the Huskers to maintain their momentum at home.

Nebraska 23, Illinois 14
Choice: Nebraska (-7.5)

Both teams have suffered huge losses to more talented teams this season. I’m surprised the Tigers are almost a favorite here with three touchdowns. I think NC State has more than enough athletes to keep things interesting.

Clemson 20, NC State 13
Choice: NC State (+20.5)

No. 11 USC (-6) at No. 18 Michigan, 3:30 p.m., CBS

The Trojans defense is much improved and the Wolverines look worse on both sides of the ball. It’s not surprising that their offense has struggled given how much they’ve lost, but their defense has been really shaky. I think Lincoln Riley, with a very smart QB in Miller Moss and one of the deepest WR rooms in the country, will get the best of the Wolverines’ new DC Wink Martindale.

USC 24, Michigan 14
Choice: USC level (-6)

UCLA at No. 16 LSU (-24.5), 3:30 p.m., ABC

The Bruins were trounced by Indiana. Now they must travel to Death Valley to face a Tigers team that can exploit the same pass defense that Kurtis Rourke and Indiana made shine.

LSU 45, UCLA 13
Choice: LSU (-24.5)

No. 12 Utah at No. 14 Oklahoma State (-2.5), 4 p.m., Fox

Oklahoma State has a very experienced O-line and a seasoned QB in Alan Bowman, who is playing his best ball yet – or at least since 2018. I think the Utes’ defense is good enough to give the Cowboys some trouble, but I think Mike Gundy’s guys will pull out a narrow win.

Oklahoma ranks 27, Utah 23
Choice: Oklahoma State (-2.5)

No. 6 Tennessee (-7) at No. 15 Oklahoma, 7:30 p.m., ABC

Josh Heupel was once forced out of his alma mater as Sooners OC. Expect him to exact some revenge on OU when he returns.

Tennessee 35, Oklahoma 20
Choice: Tennessee (-7)

No. 13 Kansas State (-6.5) at BYU, 10:30 p.m., ESPN

BYU QB Jake Retzlaff has been spectacular at times this season, but he’s struggled with ball-handling, and against the Wildcats that looks like a bad recipe. But don’t be shocked if the Cougars slow down K-State’s dangerous run game. Kalani Sitake’s defense has been mean this year.

Kansas State 20, BYU 10
Choice: Kansas State (-6.5)

Special surprise

Arkansas at Auburn (-2.5), 3:30 p.m., ESPN

I almost picked Rutgers over Virginia Tech, but I have a little more faith in the Hogs. Arkansas’ running game is really explosive and I expect the Hogs to give Hugh Freeze’s team some trouble.

Arkansas 30, Auburn 27
Choice: Arkansas (-2.5)

(Top photo of Taylen Green: Nelson Chenault / Imagn Images)