Synopses:
Jeremy
1. Tennessee @ Kentucky - Tennessee gave Alabama all it wanted last week and had a legitimate shot to win at the end. Kentucky was absolutely crushed by Mississippi State in the only game they have been blown out in all year. With that being said, I don't think UT runs away with this game. I think they will be hungover from a missed opportunity. Meanwhile, I think the Cats will be excited to have a chance to beat a rival at home. I'm not sure UK gets it done, but I think they stay within a TD. Tennessee 28-24
2. Notre Dame @ Temple - The Owls are undefeated. Let me repeat that. The Temple Owls are undefeated. For long time college football fans, they realize this is not something many thought possible a few years ago. This was a program that was thrown out of the Big East for being lousy. I think the Owls will play their absolute tails off in this game and still get waxed. Unfortunately, sometimes that's how college football goes. Notre Dame 38-17
3. Ole Miss @ Auburn - Auburn put up a hell of a fight at Arkansas last week and walked out with a loss. That's the kind of game that just punches you in the gut. The Tigers are at home but they have to feel a bit defeated at this point in a season that has been an absolute nightmare. They do get their best defender back, but I think Ole Miss has too many weapons. Everyone keeps forgetting this because of a couple of bad losses, but Ole Miss still controls it's own destiny in the West. They get it done versus the punchless Tigers. Ole Miss 30-20
4. Georgia vs. Florida - Do you want to know the best part of the Georgia/Florida game? It's a rivalry again. Over the last 11 years Florida owns a 6-5 edge in the series. That's a far cry from the dominance of the Gators in the 90's and Bulldogs in the 80's. It is truly a game that I don't know what will happen in. Florida shouldn't be performing at the level it has all season and with Treon Harris stepping in at QB, probably shouldn't have given LSU all they wanted in Death Valley two weeks ago. But here they sit. Meanwhile, the Dawgs have been bad in their last three games, but still come into this game with a chance to win the East. My entire being says I should pick the Gators because their defense will chew up whichever QB Georgia plays. Yet, I just have a feeling here. Mark Richt has a 15-6 record coming off of a bye but that record is only 2-3 versus ranked teams. Isaiah McKenzie returns in a big way with a punt return and the Dawgs find a way. UGA 21-20
Brian
1. Tennessee @ Kentucky - Tennessee played a very close game with Alabama last weekend, and had a realistic shot at winning. While they are the better and certainly more talented team, they may have a slight let-down vs. Kentucky. I still like Tennessee to win, but narrowly. Tennessee 31-28
2. Notre Dame @ Temple - You know it's not a great week when this is one of the featured games. I don't know a ton about Temple, other than they are undefeated and beat Penn St in the opener. It certainly wouldn't shock me if Temple played competitively or even won, but I don't have enough to go on to pick them. Notre Dame 35-17
3. Ole Miss @ Auburn - Auburn lost another game, and keeps adding more misery to an already disappointing season. Did Laremy Tunsil make that much of a difference last week in his return for Ole Miss vs. Texas A&M? Perhaps so. Ole Miss has been erratic; so, it's hard for me to be a solid commit with them. I think they win at Jordan-Hare, but Auburn keeps fighting. Ole Miss 28-24
4. Georgia vs. Florida - Like Auburn, it has been a frustrating season for Georgia. Florida has played surprisingly well thus far. Florida put up a good performance against LSU in Baton Rouge, despite losing Grier for the season for taking some performance enhancing drug - I'm guessing a beaver tranquilizer. UGA QB Greyson Lambert (if he even starts) has looked awfully shaky in his last few starts, and Florida has one of the best secondaries in the country. I certainly hope I am wrong, but this doesn't bode well for the Dawgs. Florida 31-17
Keppel
1. Tennessee @ Kentucky - Food stamps for Red Sauce. Tennessee wins
2. Notre Dame @ Temple - Sports needs to be a part of the equation. Notre Dame wins
3. Ole Miss @ Auburn - Traffic and heavy wait times. Ole Miss wins
4. Georgia vs. Florida - Aunt Jemima! Florida wins
Based on location, athletics (since the beginning of D-1 sports), and academics, Mississippi State is the armpit of the SEC
Synopses:
Jeremy
1. Utah @ USC - The Trojans amassed over 600 yards of offense last week against Notre Dame. Utah has been really good but had to rally late to beat Arizona State. The fact that USC is favored should tell you something. I'm certainly not in love with this pick, but I'm taking the Men of Troy in what should but an upset but isn't. They are able to rally the troops after a tumultuous couple of weeks. USC 34-28
2. Auburn @ Arkansas - We thought this would be an intriguing game at the beginning of the season but for a myriad of different reasons. Auburn has underachieved but may have finally figured something out offensively against UK last week. The Hogs have been a disappointment to many. The problem for the Tigers here is I think the Razorbacks are going to out physical them and then put them away in the fourth quarter. This one might be ugly but compelling nonetheless. Arkansas 28-20
3. Texas A&M @ Ole Miss - If A&M can manage to not throw 3 TDs to the other team, I get an easy cover last week, even if they didn't win. But credit to the Tide defense. My question is how do they bounce back? Teams typically don't fare well the week after playing Alabama. Meanwhile the Rebel Bears are in disarray after losing to Memphis. I think this game will be a back and forth affair but I honestly think the loss of Robert Nkemdiche will be the difference. Ole Miss can't get a stop when they need it the most. Texas A&M 42-38
4. Tennessee @ Alabama - Which Tennessee team shows up? If they play as if they have nothing to lose from the start, then I think they can keep it close. If they try to cram it down Bama's throat and get behind like they did in other games, then I don't like their chances to cover. Josh Dobbs is not a very accurate QB and that scares me when the Tide have turned so many bad throws into defensive scores. That combined with the fact that Jalen Hurd will have very little room to run makes things difficult for a team on the road. Tennessee has the talent to keep this close, I just don't think they do. Alabama 34-17
Brian
1. Utah @ USC - I'm really not sure why USC is favored? Utah has beaten some quality opponents this season, and USC is in disarray after firing Sarkisian and losing to Notre Dame. I like Utah, especially given they are the underdog. Utah 42-28
2. Auburn @ Arkansas - Beating Kentucky isn't usually a big ordeal, but the Cats are not a bad team. This was a quality road win for Auburn. I feel Sean White and Auburn are slowly gaining confidence and may be a threat down the stretch. Auburn 28-21
3. Texas A&M @ Ole Miss - Even though Texas A&M turned the ball over way too often against Alabama, I saw the semblance of a good team in the long-run. Chavis has the defense improved from last season, and I like A&M's offense to take better care of the ball against Ole Miss. Texas A&M 35-32
4. Tennessee @ Alabama - I'm still wondering how Tennessee beat Georgia. Vols QB Dobbs was a major factor in the win over Georgia, but with several injuries to UT's offensive line, I don't think Tennessee will give Alabama much of a fight at Bryant-Denny. The only way Tennessee has a chance is if Dobbs can make plays (if he is blitzed) and is able to scramble out of the pocket. I just don't see it. Alabama 31-10
Keppel
1. Utah @ USC - Blend me some juice. USC wins
2. Auburn @ Arkansas - For the win, in a few months. Arkansas wins
3. Texas A&M @ Ole Miss - It's about time someone got some ventilation in here. Ole Miss wins
4. Tennessee @ Alabama - Dew in the morning blows. Alabama wins
Synopses:
Jeremy
1. UCLA @ Stanford - After a horrific start against Northwestern, Stanford seems to have figured things out. UCLA looked like the class of the PAC 12 until an upset loss to Arizona State. The Bruins have had a week off to think about that loss and I'm going to assume they come out with some fire. Sure, they have a freshman QB, but he's looked the real deal for the majority of their snaps. I say they get a big road win this weekend. UCLA 31-28
2. Michigan St @ Michigan - Harbaugh and the Khaki's have people believing in Wolverine Country. I know he's going to do a good job there because he is a great coach. He get's 'little brother' at home this week, but the truth is, little brother has been cleaning his clock lately. I know Michigan State hasn't looked great and their best win was over what appears to be a very average Oregon team, but until Michigan learns how to win a close game again, I'm taking Sparty. Michigan State 27-21
3. Alabama @ Texas A&M - Rumors of Alabama's demise have been greatly exaggerated. Jake Coker has figured out how to throw the ball. However, A&M has been the surprise of the SEC this year and the newly renovated Kyle Field will be rocking. I'm making the play with Texas A&M this week because I think their passing game will neutralize Alabama's biggest advantage, run defense. I also think their edge pass rush will make Coker uncomfortable enough to make some mistakes, something UGA failed to do but Ole Miss did too. Texas A&M 34-28
4. Florida @ LSU - As good as Jim Harbaugh has been, Jim McElwain is the national coach of the year right now. Outside of the UGA game last year, does anyone remember how bad Florida was? Their offensive line was piecemeal, they had no QB, and their running game and receivers were suspect. The defense was fine but their offense was one of the worst I've ever seen. Somehow, they've overcome all of that. Yet, I think they have hit the wall here against LSU at night in Death Valley where 'dreams go to die.' They're off to a good start with Gator's QB Will Grier suspended. And there's that guy names Leonard Fournette they have to figure out how to stop. Tigers roll. LSU 28-10
Brian
1. UCLA @ Stanford - Stanford looked like they were going to be underwhelming this season after losing the opener to Northwestern. But, as it turned out, Northwestern isn't a bad team. I'm not sure which UCLA to trust. The one that handled Arizona or the one that lost to Arizona on Oct 3. I think Stanford plays more consistent, and will win at home. I don't think they will cover though. Stanford 38-35
2. Michigan St @ Michigan - Michigan may be the best team in the country right now, other than the team they lost to, Utah. Michigan State will present a very tough test, but the Spartans have looked unimpressive since beating an overrated Oregon. I like Harbaugh to keep rolling. Michigan 31-14
3. Alabama @ Texas A&M - Given the game is being played in College Station, here's what it boils down to: if Texas A&M can pass for over 300 yards, I really like the Aggies. I don't think they will be able to do that. Alabama 35-27
4. Florida @ LSU - Everyone is once again down on the Gators now that they've lost Grier to suspension the rest of the season. I never thought Grier was that great to begin with. Florida has confidence and a very solid defense. I give the edge to LSU because it's in Baton Rouge, but with LSU's minimal passing game, I expect a close one. LSU 20-17
Keppel
1. UCLA @ Stanford - Caitlyn Jenner knows what's best. Stanford wins
2. Michigan St @ Michigan - Inch by inch, centimeter by centimeter. Michigan wins
3. Alabama @ Texas A&M - Sale at Macy's! Alabama wins
4. Florida @ LSU - Re-charge battery now. LSU wins
Synopses:
Jeremy
1. Yale @ Dartmouth - I only know that I am picking Yale because my great friend Eamon Sheehan played for the Bulldogs before heading out to California. It doesn't matter that they have to go on the road. Yale 28-24
2. Georgia @ Tennessee - The Dawgs dropped their obligatory big game against the Tide last week. The question is how do the Bulldogs respond? Will it be like the 2012 team which rebounded nicely to come within 5 yards of the natty. Or will it be like other incarnations of Georgia where they continue to lose to talented teams. Tennessee is talented but I'm not sure they have the same faith in Butch Jones they had at the beginning of the year. They haven't put together a full 4 quarters all year. For me, this game comes down to whether Josh Dobbs can get going against a secondary that was somewhat exposed last week. I've said all along I think Dobbs is a great athlete but not a great QB. UGA 31-21
3. Northwestern @ Michigan - Don't expect many points in this game. The Northwestern defense has been pretty solid this year. Think back to how they held Stanford down in week one. That's been their story all season and it's allowed them to remain undefeated. I've been impressed with Michigan and they are at home this week. I think they score enough against the Wildcats to win but I don't think they cover. Michigan 20-17
4. California @ Utah - Who would have ever thought this was the game of the week? Listen, I don't know a ton about Cal, but I do know Utah absolutely housed Oregon in Autzen a couple of weeks ago. I'm all over them to cover 7 against a Cal team that only beat Texas because of a botched extra point. Utah 42-28
Brian
1. Yale @ Dartmouth - The Big Green aka Dartmouth if you didn't know is on a 3 game winning streak against Yale. Expect that streak to continue and for things to get extra spicy in New Hampshire this weekend. Dartmouth 31-17
2. Georgia @ Tennessee - After last weekend, I'm sure CBS is absolutely 'thrilled' to have this game. Expect a really sloppy and uninteresting game. The only thing I am banking on is Nick Chubb rushing for 100 yards or more. And, that may be just enough for Georgia to win. Georgia 24-21
3. Northwestern @ Michigan - After losing to Utah in week 1, I was skeptical about how long it would take Harbaugh to turn Michigan around. However, Utah has looked like a power lately, and Michigan has been man handling opponents. I respect the job Fitzgerald has done at Northwestern, but I don't think he has enough playmakers to beat Michigan. Michigan 35-17
4. California @ Utah - Utah killed Oregon. That's enough to convince me they'll beat Cal at home. Utah 38-24
Keppel
1. Yale @ Dartmouth - dqdowokfwsapo
2. Georgia @ Tennessee - Pop goes the weasel. Georgia wins
3. Northwestern @ Michigan - Baby when the lights go out. Michigan wins
4. California @ Utah - I need some sugar to pour on the cement. Utah wins
Synopses:
Jeremy
1. Mississippi St @ Texas A&M - My only question in this game is how many points can Texas A&M hold Mississippi State to. I think the Aggies will get theirs playing at home. What I am not convinced of is the defense's ability to stop Dak Prescott and company. With that being said, I don't think the Bulldogs can pound it as consistently as Arkansas did last week against A&M. I think that plays into the home team's hands. Texas A&M 34-24
2. Ole Miss @ Florida - Very impressed with Florida's resilience against the Vols last week. Credit to Jim McElwain for his work there so far this year. They catch a big break, I think with this game being at home and at night. A sleepy 12:00 kick could induce a hangover from a big win last week. The Swamp will be rocking though and that will help. I just don't think they have the horses yet is the problem. One glaring issue at the end of the Muschamp era was depth. These games are going to start taking their toll on the Gators. I like Ole Miss to be able to score, which is something I don't think the Gators can do consistently yet. Ole Miss 30-20
3. Notre Dame @ Clemson - The MASH unit travels to Death Valley this weekend for a primetime match-up with the Tigers. Notre Dame has just been hurt. Yet, they have been fortunate with their match-ups. In a big test versus Georgia Tech, they flexed their muscle. The difference was that was a one dimensional offense. I know Clemson didn't look great in their last game against Louisville, but I like them here against a very banged up Irish squad. The late money has been on Notre Dame in this one but, the luck of the Irish runs out Saturday night on the lake. Clemson 27-21
4. Alabama @ Georgia - Some feel this game has lost a little luster with Bama's loss to Ole Miss at home. I don't think Georgia feels that way though. When you are a team as successful as the Tide, then everyone will be looking towards you as a measuring stick. Nick Saban's squad will be playing with desperation after that early loss, but my guess is that if this was a game against the same team not named Alabama, Georgia would be favored by a TD or more. Sure, there's loads of talent, but something is off with the Tide and it's been at QB. Everyone is talking about how well Alabama matches up to stop UGA's run. What I don't think anyone is talking about is how suited Georgia's defense is to stop the Tide. This is ultimately the difference in the game. UGA 31-24
Brian
1. Mississippi St @ Texas A&M - When it comes to discussing who will win the SEC, Texas A&M is pretty far down, despite being undefeated and ranked in the Top 15. The hiring of John Chavis should improve the Aggies' defense, but they have been relatively untested thus far. Mississippi St was a few plays away from beating LSU, and the Bulldogs beat Auburn this past weekend. Expect Prescott to play well in a close game in College Station. I ultimately like A&M in this game, but barely. Texas A&M 31-28
2. Ole Miss @ Florida - I was the lone ranger who went on a limb and picked Florida to beat Tennessee. That pick seemed a little bleak all the way until the end of the game, but Florida found a way to win. I'm gonna pick Florida again - but only to cover the spread this time. Playing in The Swamp will help, but I just don't see the Gators having enough offensive fire power to beat the Rebels. Ole Miss 28-24
3. Notre Dame @ Clemson - This game is really tough to call. I still don't think Notre Dame is nearly as good without Malik Zaire, but I was not overly impressed with Clemson against Louisville. Given the game is being played in the other Death Valley, I will pick Clemson, but I'm not very confident. Clemson 31-24
4. Alabama @ Georgia - Finally, Alabama and Georgia meet during the regular season. If the game goes anything like the 2012 SEC Championship, we're in for a real treat. The game comes down to Alabama's defensive front seven vs. Georgia's offensive line (and vice versa for Alabama and Coker). More specifically, if Greyson Lambert has time to make throws, I think he has proven he can burn defenses with his accuracy. Nick Chubb and Sony Michel are elite backs, but if Lambert doesn't have time to make throws, Alabama will slow down Chubb and Michel enough to win. I do believe Georgia's offensive line is as good as advertised and will provide Lambert enough time to make Georgia's offense dynamic and balanced. The only question I have for UGA is, are they fool's gold? Often, UGA looks good early in the season and then plays a real opponent and looks mediocre. I think the difference with this UGA team are the coordinators. With Brian Schottenheimer and Jeremy Pruitt, I believe Georgia finally has the staff to win. Go Dawgs. Georgia 38-35
Keppel
1. Mississippi St @ Texas A&M - Bills, Bills, Bills. Texas A&M wins
2. Ole Miss @ Florida - Teflon pans are for me. Ole Miss wins
3. Notre Dame @ Clemson - Tonight you will be fine. Clemson wins
4. Alabama @ Georgia - We're gonna need a lower interest rate to invest. Georgia wins
