The good last week was picking Oklahoma and Michigan State and underdogs Kentucky (which won outright) and Mississippi State.
Last week's record was 7-4. All picks are against the spread. Here we go with Week Three:
-- Clemson -5 at Louisville. Clemson and Thursday nights give me heartburn. Thursday night equals struggle for the Tigers. Louisville is 0-2 but easily could be 2-0. The Cardinals have been their own worst enemy with turnovers and poor special teams play. Louisville had a lot of defense last year and controlled the Tigers after Watson's early exit with a broken finger. But the Cardinal defense was hit hard by the NFL draft. All the signs point to an upset, but I believe Clemson's rebuilt defense is for real. Tigers do enough to survive.
-- Florida State -8 at Boston College. This spread looks out of whack to me. The Eagles have given the Seminoles problems in Chestnut Hill, but I just don't see it this time. FSU.
-- Georgia Tech -2 at Notre Dame. This is one of Saturday's most interesting games. Paul Johnson has his triple-option offense cranked up. I mean really cranked up. The Yellow Jackets have literally steamrolled two straight opponents. Now Tech takes its act on the road to face a Notre Dame team that is missing its top running back and its starting quarterback. Notre Dame has a talented defense directed by former Georgia defensive coordinator Brian VanGorder, who is familar with Tech's scheme. The Irish will slow Tech down, but I don't think they will stop them. Take Georgia Tech.
-- South Carolina at Georgia -17. South Carolina has an improved defense, but the Gamecocks cannot score. Starting quarterback Connor Mitch is out with a separated shoulder. Georgia did what it had to do to beat Vanderbilt in Nashville, but Dawg fans are not happy with any part of their offense at the moment. Give Chubb the ball and ride your defense. That will be more than enough against the Gamecocks. Pick the Dawgs.
-- Auburn at LSU -7.5. Auburn has serious quarterback issues that will not be solved in one week. The Tigers survived an inspired effort from massive underdog Jacksonville State. After its home opener got washed out, LSU went to Starkville and knocked Mississippi State out of the national polls. Home field will be the difference. Auburn will not survive this week. LSU.
-- Colorado -3.5 at Colorado State. The Rocky Mountain Showdown has been dominated by Colorado. The Buffaloes have won 62 of the 86 meetings. But Colorado State has won two of the last three. The Rams are in their first year under the direction of new head coach Mike Bobo, the former offensive coordinator at Georgia. Last week, Colorado smashed UMass, while Colorado State dropped an overtime decision to Minnesota. The guess here is take Colorado State.
-- Florida -3 at Kentucky. Kentucky snapped a 20-game SEC road losing streak at South Carolina last week. Can the Wildcats snap a 28-game losing streak to the Gators? Kentucky is capable, but the mental block against Florida is a big one. But I think it can happen. More history for Kentucky. Take the Wildcats.
-- California -7 at Texas. After getting blown out at Notre Dame, Texas head coach Charlie Strong rearranged his offensive coaching staff. The results were positive against Rice, but California will provide a bigger challenge. Looking at the spread, I think the seven points is for home field. Take the Bears.
-- Stanford at Southern Cal -9.5. This is Southern Cal's first real game. Stanford isn't ready for the Trojans' high-powered offense. Fight on for Old SC.
-- Ole Miss at Alabama -6.5. Tuscaloosa will be too much for the Rebels. Roll Tide.
-- Brigham Young at UCLA -16.5. BYU, the nation's luckiest team, will have its luck run out at the Rose Bowl. Pick the Bruins.
Against The Spread
Last Week -- 7-4. Season -- 12-8
No comments:
Post a Comment