As more and more teams are stripped of their undefeated status, the jockeying at the top of the polls continues to change. The top 10 gets some serious battles this weekend.
Let’s take a look at this week’s picks.
As always, Thursday delivers a quality game. Hopefully Jesse Palmer’s tie will be in good standing for the second week in a row.
Clemson at Wake Forest (Thursday night)
This was supposed to be a key matchup of two unbeatens. Instead, both teams are hungry for wins after suffering surprising losses.
A Clemson loss would be devastating, bringing their conference record to 1-2. A Wake Forest win would all but guarantee the Atlantic crown for the Demon Deacons.
The nightmare for Clemson continues...
Winner: Wake Forest, 23-20
Colorado at Kansas
Kansas overcame a 20-point deficit and four turnovers last week in Ames. Meanwhile, Colorado has given up 39 and 38 points in its last two games.
Kansas takes advantage of what has all of a sudden become a porous Buffalo defense.
Winner: Kansas, 40-27
South Carolina at Kentucky
South Carolina found some life offensively last week, but Kentucky showed that its defense is for real when it limited Alabama to only 10 offensive points last week.
Since Carolina’s defense is as stout as ever, look for a defensive struggle.
Back in August, I wrote that Kentucky would win this game by three. But I’m feeling the Gamecock love.
Winner: South Carolina, 20-17
Nebraska at Texas Tech
I would love to pick the upset here, but Nebraska’s defense simply isn’t there yet.
More highlight reel stuff for Crabtree and the Red Raiders.
Winner: Texas Tech, 42-27
Arizona State at USC
After a sluggish first quarter last weekend, the Trojans exploded for 24 points in the second quarter. Arizona State has 24 points in its last two games and is backpedaling through a three-game losing streak—and might not even have Rudy.
Doesn’t take a scholar to do the math...
Winner: USC, 45-10
Tennessee at Georgia
Tennessee is simply a mess right now. While the Vols have done well against Georgia in recent years, last week’s 13-9 win over Northern Illinois was wrong on so many levels.
Tennessee will put up a fight early, but it won’t be enough. Georgia gets some payback, and Tennessee assumes the cellar dweller spot in the East.
Winner: Georgia, 34-17
Notre Dame at North Carolina
UNC continues to impress, and last week’s pasting of UConn has to give them even more confidence.
UNC’s defense proves too tough for Clausen and the boys to handle.
Winner:
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3 months ago
Ames, IA. 'The Cyclones are in Ames, the Hawkeyes are in Iowa City. Good, sane picks, Arkansas, however, cannot win. I think Oklahoma State will lose to Mo, but it will be closer than your call. I expect a close game decided in 4Q.
from 3 months ago
My bad. I always get my Iowa cities mixed up. Thanks for the correction.
Ok. State hasn't played anyone yet, so it's hard to judge. Daniel can't be stopped right now.
Arkansas can move the ball, and Auburn can't. Don't know what the recent firing at Auburn will do--could motivate the kids, but it could also be disastrous. I think the way Auburn's offense comes out on Sat. will be indicative of whether they liked Franklin or not. The Hogs are due!
3 months ago
Nice picks, I don't agree with a lot of them but that's half the fun. on another note, I think they're going to revoke my password from Tigernet after today's video...lol.
I think Mizzou has a tougher time than people think and if they get outrighted I wouldn't be shocked. I also think LSU is way too physical for the Gators and their non existent running game. Most of those other games are pretty untouchable though I'm still looking at them. I had no idea Kentucky had the #1 scoring defense in the country, I think SC offense returns to earth but UK's isn't much better, it's the SEC's second 3-2 game of the year.
MSU falls asleep at the wheel sometimes and Northwestern has been pretty gutsy..
from 3 months ago
Who do you like tonight? Your article made me think you were leaning toward Wake. It's supposed to rain all day and night in NC, so who knows how that will affect the game.
You think Jarrett Lee can be mistake-free in the Swamp?
Whatever the case, a lot of big games this weekend...looking forward to all of them.
from 3 months ago
I like Wake, the team I pick first is the one I take, I guess I need to emphasize that more as you aren't the first person to ask.
I haven't piked Clemson all year and I'm riding it.
I don't think Lee needs to be absolutely mistake free, he just can't cost them the game. I don't think these stats look like a 6 point cover to me, or even a 3 point cover. These stats are from our friend and the stat guy for just about every college and pro team Robbie Allen's new site http://statsheet.com
If you guys see something you want changed just let Robbie know and he'll ad it to the list. The college football section is all new and he asked me to come up with scenarios I'd like to see so it's definitely a work in progress and remarkably still free (for now, my guess is this stuff is going to be BIG bucks when he gets around to it)
Florida:
Offensive Averages: Points
36.0
(21st)
Overall Yds
390.2
(47th)
Passing Yds
211.6
(64th)
Rushing Yds
178.6
(41st)
Defensive Averages: Points
11.4
(4th)
Overall Yds
265.0
(19th)
Passing Yds
165.4
(17th)
Rushing Yds
99.6
(20th)
LSU:
Offensive Averages: Points
35.5
(24th)
Overall Yds
427.3
(27th)
Passing Yds
220.8
(53rd)
Rushing Yds
206.5
(24th)
Defensive Averages: Points
15.3
(19th)
Overall Yds
260.8
(14th)
Passing Yds
191.8
(44th)
Rushing Yds
69.0
(8th)
from 2 months ago
I guess that's the trouble with stats. We just hadn't seen LSU play anyone yet.
What a great weekend of football. Polls should be all jacked up tomorrow.
What is with your Canes winning by 6 against UCF? Was it ugly?
3 months ago
i'm withyou on all the winners except for au -ark and i'm still undecided about clem wake. with the rain i think my vote may be going to the tigers.
i like the home team at auburn but it wouldn't shock me if the hogs pulled it out.
from 3 months ago
The whole Franklin thing could be a lift or a disaster for AU.
It sounds like Franklin wasn't loved, so I expect the kids to come out (particularly the ball carriers) like they are on fire, so I'm not really feeling so great about the pick anymore, but I'll stand behind it. The Hogs have too much offense and talent not to upset someone.
Who knows how the rain will affect the Wake-Clemson game. Yes, it slows down the pass attack of Wake, although they do throw a bunch of short routes, but it also seems to take away the speed advantage for Clemson's offense. The fact that it's at Winston-Salem makes me think Wake will pull it out.
So ready for Saturday...
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