Hlastradamus: He and Hawkeyes more golden than the Gophers

Hlastradamus finally got all aspects of his game in order last week. Or was that Iowa?

At any rate, the prophet was 7-1 against the spread, and was a Nebraska field goal from going 8-0. If you go 8-0 on a parlay in the unusual city known as Las Vegas, you would be paid 150 times what you wagered.

The seer's season record is 29-21-3. Throwing out the pushes, that's 58 percent. Professional sports bettors operate within a winning percentage of 55 to 58 percent. Talk among yourselves.

But such boasting is unbecoming of Hlastradamus. He looks ahead, because there is always more gold to be mined. The following lines were as of Wednesday afternoon at Wynn Las Vegas, which is welcome to offer Hlastradamus a comp for this incredibly nice plug.

Iowa -1

at Minnesota: Hlastradamus thinks this line is understandable, that this should be a blood-and-guts, cold-weather, gray-sky, rock 'em, sock-'em Big Ten game that would have been compelling 50 or 75 years ago.

Iowa, as of last week, had a passing game. Minnesota's is questionable. There's your one point.

Kansas +3.5

vs. Iowa State: As for games that aren't compelling to the masses ...

The Cyclones lost 59-14 last week against Oklahoma. The Jayhawks lost 60-14 last week at Baylor. Luckily for both, on Saturday they aren't facing Oklahoma or Baylor.

Hlastradamus begrudgingly takes the team that is getting 3.5 points.

Michigan State -3.5

vs. Ohio State. That half-point is the devil in the details, but Hlastradamus didn't get to be Hlastradamus by running from fractions.

Here's what the seer says: The Spartans aren't just going to win this game. They're going to the College Football Playoff, and they'll be as formidable as any team that shows up for that hootenanny.

Alabama -6.5

at LSU. That's a lot of points on the road when the road leads to Baton Rouge.

But according to the Vegas wiseguys, Alabama is the best team in the nation. Not Mississippi State. Not Florida State. Bama.

Who do you think gives the Vegas wiseguys get their information? Ahem.

Texas +3.5

vs. West Virginia. Logic wouldn't favor the Longhorns in this matchup. Logic is bloodless. College football is full of ups, downs, emotions, unpredictability.

And adults who make a lot of money on the backs of the players.