I had all the reasons to pick a close game in Chapel Hill. I outlined all of the reasons in last week's blog. At the last second, I lost my nerve. That second cost me a perfect week.
The Tigers stopped a pathetic attempt at two points late in the game to survive an inspired effort from the Tar Heels. Mack Brown is coaching up the Tar Heels. The Heels are much better than their record indicates.
What has been lost in all of the whining about Clemson's performance last Saturday was the work of North Carolina defensive coordinator Jay Bateman. Last year as Army's defense coordinator, Bateman designed a plan that limited high-powered Oklahoma to 24 points in Norman. His plan against Clemson was brilliant.
Clemson's biggest problem is offensive consistency. The second biggest problem is a lack of creativity. The three plays are -- sideways pass, right tackle, or go long and I will throw it to you. If the opposition is daring you to run, run. The numbers show Clemson's running backs are not getting enough touches. Personally, I think the standing around at the line of scrimmage is eroding the effectiveness of the offense. Perhaps the offense has been operating at a slower pace to try and protect a developing defense. Clemson's defense has shown it is ahead of schedule. It is time to get past Page 5 of the playbook and try and approach "Chad Speed."
The good news is Clemson gets this week off to try and fix its problems before playing host to the circus that is Florida State football.
The most interesting game of the week takes place in The Swamp where undefeated Florida plays host to undefeated Auburn. By Saturday night, we will know which one is a fraud and which one stays in the race for the SEC Championship game.
As always, picks are against the spread and for entertainment purposes only.
Oklahoma State at Texas Tech +10 -- Texas Tech got drilled by Oklahoma last Saturday. This week the Red Raiders have to deal with Cowboy running back Chuba Hubbard, who ran for 296 yards in Oklahoma State's victory over Kansas State. Good luck trying to lock up Hubbard. Pick -- Oklahoma State
Iowa at Michigan -3.5 -- It is the time of year when Michigan starts developing a pulse again before losing to Ohio State at the end of November. Pick -- Michigan
North Carolina at Georgia Tech +10 -- After a fabulous effort against No. 1 Clemson, North Carolina head coach Mack Brown has been complaining about his team's practices this week. In the business, that's known as sandbagging. Pick -- North Carolina
Air Force at Navy +3.5 -- Give me the Navy option and the home field. Pick -- Navy
Georgia at Tennessee +25 -- After a week of dealing with the Knoxville police and a player arrest, Tennessee head coach Jeremy Pruitt now has to deal with Georgia. Another "plus" this week -- Pruitt received the dreaded vote of confidence from UT athletic director Phil Fulmer. That usually means the end is near. Pick -- Georgia
Boston College at Louisville -6.5 -- AJ Dillon has been running well for the Eagles. BC is due a breakthrough Pick -- Boston College
Auburn at Florida +3.0 -- Defense will be the difference in this battle of unbeatens and I think Auburn's D is just a little bit better. Pick -- Auburn
Virginia Tech at Miami (Fla.) -13.5 -- Canes put several more dents in what is quickly becoming a disastrous season for the Hokies. Pick -- Miami
Michigan State at Ohio State -20.5 -- Michigan State is the first team with a pulse Ohio State has faced. Sparty might have enough defense to hang for a while, but the Buckeyes have much more offense. A lot more offense. Pick -- Ohio State
Pittsburgh at Duke -4.5 -- This series is filled with high-scoring games. The Blue Devils were impressive in Blacksburg last Friday. I think Duke will do most of the scoring at Wallace Wade Outdoor Stadium. Pick -- Duke
Last Week -- 9-1
For The Season -- 33-17
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