Week 7 picks

On the strength of a 3-1 college record, I went 3-2 last week to maintain a winning percentage of 55 percent. While some might look at this week's lines and say, "Man, I feel like I'm shopping at Rodeo Drive, there's no value," you only have to look a little deeper.

Watch out for a double shot of your 401 (k).

Empty your 401 (k) here:

Hawaii +7 vs. Nevada

Hawaii is undervalued and matches up very well against Nevada. One underused stat, yards per pass attempt, is huge in this game. The Rainbows have averaged seven or eight yards per pass in every game. Nevada's weakness? You guessed it, a weak pass defense. This will be a shootout, but look for a backdoor cover.

The Pick: Hawaii and take the points

Cal +2.5 at USC

The Golden Bears are improving, especially on defense. USC is leaking oil and some wonder if Lane Kiffin has lost the team. Why can't defensive guru Monte Kiffin install his patented defense using a bunch of top notch recruits? The Trojans have given up 30+ points in each of their last two games. A classic letdown situation for a Trojans team at home coming off of a near-upset of Stanford.

The Pick: Golden Bears and maybe an outright win

It's OK to dip into the spare piggy bank:

Maryland +15 at Clemson

In the word's of everyone's favorite handicapper, Wes Watt, "who the heck is Clemson to be giving 15 points?" My feelings exactly, Wattanator. There were many who wondered about Clemson following to cupcake wins to open the season. And after losses to Auburn, Miami and North Carolina, the Tigers haven't answered any of those questions. The Terps' only loss, meanwhile, is to West Virginia, and they've covered in every win.

The Pick: The Terps and the points

Only touch with your father-in-law's cash:

South Carolina -5 at Kentucky

Some might say this is a letdown spot for the Gamecocks, and any other year, you might be right. But this isn't your father's Chickens. Those teams didn't have Alshon Jeffery and Marcus Lattimore caliber players. Add in the Derrick Locke injury for Big Blue, and this one looks like another step toward Atlanta for the Ol' Ball Coach. The Gamecocks are 6-1 ATS in their last seven meetings in Kentucky and the favorite is 4-1 ATS in their last five meetings.

The Pick: Take the Gamecocks and lay the points

Ohio State -4 at Wisconsin

Another potential letdown spot for the Buckeyes, but they've won three straight against the Badgers, and two of those were by at least two touchdowns. They only have a road game at Iowa to prove Ohio State belongs in the BCS National Title game, so it's imperative they take care of business here.

The Pick: Buckeyes and give the points

Last week: 3-2 ATS

Overall: 16-13 ATS

Breakdown year to date:

401(k): 4-3

Piggy bank: 7-6

Father-in-law: 5-4