Thursday, December 3, 2015

Championship Week Scorecast and Predictions






Jeremy

USC @ Stanford - USC made news this week by promoting interim coach Clay Helton to head coach. Since taking over for Steve Sarkisian, Helton has led the Trojans to a 4-2 record with the first of those losses coming to Notre Dame the week after he took over and the other coming to Oregon late in the year.. Stanford, on the other hand, has fought off an early loss to Northwestern (10 win team by the way) and also loss to an Oregon team at full strength. I think both teams are capable of putting up points in this game, but I like Stanfords defense a little more here. David Shaw has done a remarkable job after many left this team for dead early in the year. Stanford 31-24


Alabama vs. Florida - Here's the question: How does Florida score? The offense was shut out against Florida State last week with their only 2 points coming on a safety. Here's the other question: Is Derrick Henry tired after 40+ carries last week and a year where he's been fed the ball like it's 1979? I think the answer to the first question is: they don't. I think the answer to the second question is: Maybe a little, but not enough to matter. Alabama won't score a ton of points against a good Gator defense and 17 is a lot but I think the Tide find enough to win. Alabama 24-6

North Carolina vs Clemson - Let's be honest, Clemson hasn't been really impressive down the stretch. But North Carolina lost to South Carolina. .I know that was way back in August, but it bears mentioning because North Carolina's schedule just hasn't been that hard. I might have taken the Heels had North Carolina State not put up points on them last week. I think DeShaun Watson makes enough plays for the Tigers to win by a TD. Clemson 30-23

Iowa vs Michigan State -  Say what you want about Iowa, but they just keep winning. I haven't watched a ton of the Hawkeyes this year but was impressed at their handling of Nebraska last week. Then again, Sparty also impressed me by rolling over a decent Penn State squad. I know this game is played indoors but it really feels like a classic Big 10, mule fighting over a turnip game. For that reason I'm going to take the Hawkeyes to cover but I think Michigan State punches it's playoff ticket in a close win. Michigan State 20-17


Brian

USC @ Stanford - USC and former interim head coach, Clay Helton, have done a nice job of turning things around this year. Despite losing to a surging Oregon several weeks ago, they took care of business against the Bruins last weekend. Stanford, who also lost to Oregon, won a thriller versus Notre Dame recently, and still has an outside shot at the playoffs. I haven't watched these teams enough to provide X's and O's, but I like Stanford in this game. Stanford 27-21


Alabama vs. Florida - Alabama will destroy Florida. No need for analysis here. Alabama 28-7

North Carolina vs Clemson - Clemson looked shaky against the Gamecocks, but it is a rivalry game, and Williams-Brice isn't the easiest place to play. And, let's not forget, UNC did lose to South Carolina in the opener. While North Carolina has put together a great season, I believe Clemson has more playmakers, notably in Deshaun Watson. The game should be close for 3 quarters, but Clemson will pull away enough in the 4th quarter. Clemson 35-24


Iowa vs Michigan State -  Iowa hasn't played the toughest schedule in the country, that's for sure. However, that doesn't mean they're a bad team. What I will bank on though is Mark D'Antonio because he has consistently kept Michigan State at the top the past several years, making many major bowl appearances. The Spartans are a lock in the college football playoff with a win. Their defense and overall fundamental play will secure a victory. Michigan State 24-20


Monday, November 30, 2015

The Firing of Mark Richt

It's not quite been 24 hours and the UGA fan base is still buzzing over "mutual decision" of the university and their head coach, Mark Richt to part ways (at least as head coach of the football team). Make no mistake about the wording of the document, Coach Richt was relieved of his duties. the fact that the university will allow him to stay on is a nice gesture but shouldn't blur the fact that he was let go as head coach.

The reasoning for his firing has been analyzed and re-analyzed ad nauseum at this point. It's clear, the brass at UGA had lost faith in Coach Richt to win the 'big game.' All of the numbers that support this have been touted so there's no real need to rehash them here. The truth is, Greg McGarity had been teetering on this decision for a couple of years. Some fans have spouted off that they don't agree with McGarity's decision and I've even seen the #FireMcGarity. The truth is, McGarity has given Coach Richt every opportunity to get over the hump.

He had every right to fire Coach Richt after that dreadful 6-7 campaign. But he held off. He could have fired Richt after the 0-2 start the next year but held his ground. 2012 seemed to be the turning point and if Chris Conley hadn't have instinctively caught that pass on the 5 yard line rather than letting it fall to the ground, perhaps we aren't having this conversation today. But it wasn't meant to be and rather than a National Championship that season is remembered for what could have been. Just like 2002. Just like 2007. Once again, McGarity could have pulled the trigger on Richt after a disappointing end to last year (and the rumor is that he wanted to), but once again Richt was given a chance to get over the hump.

But the team laid an egg against Alabama. Blew a lead against Tennessee. And then Coach Richt made the decision that I feel ultimately lost him his job. In a game that was effectively the SEC Championship game, he started Faton Bauta. This may not have been a problem had the offensive game plan changed, but it didn't and the team didn't play to Bauta's strengths. Give the University of Florida credit because they took advantage of every UGA mistake that day. But in a division where there were only 3 teams with winning records, Florida scored their most decisive victory over the only other team that had a chance to win the division. Coach Richt's fate was finally sealed.

Even I, who for years have touted the incredible poor luck UGA had encountered in 2002, 2007, and 2012 questioned whether Coach Richt was the right man for the job. Florida's coach was in their first year and he managed to field a team that didn't make mistakes. Meanwhile, UGA fumbles a punt on the 4 yard line by committing a blunder that I learned not to make when I was playing peewee football.

So when the news broke yesterday about Coach Richt, I was saddened. I truly wanted UGA to win a championship with Coach Richt at the helm. He embodies all of the characteristics I think a coach should have and that includes being a winner. Bad coaches do not average 10 wins a year in any league, let alone the rough and tumble SEC.

On top of being a very successful coach, Richt is a builder of young men. This seems to be the biggest concern with Coach Richt supporters and one that I can't argue with. Coach Richt sets a high bar when it comes to character and other coaches who seem to win big don't seem to carry themselves in the same way. Richt isn't Urban Meyer or Jimbo Fisher and, for that we are thankful. However, that's not to say Coach Richt's replacement won't set a high precedent for character. While he might be known for it, Richt certainly isn't the only coach who values that aspect of the coaching profession.

The bottom line is, it's hard for many UGA fans to let go of Coach Richt because he did set a high bar both on and off the field. And that's completely understandable. But, what fans must also realize is the fact that the 'kids' they cheer for on Saturday no longer play amateur football. Power 5 conference college football is a giant business and one that fuels every other sport on campus. Merely being consistently good is not enough and the fans are the ones that have made it that way. Georgia fans watched as many of their rivals brought home national championships during the Richt tenure and wondered why the Dawgs weren't doing the same.

The death knell for Coach Richt's tenure came on a sunny Saturday in Jacksonville in 2015 but it was years of those fans, many of whom were Mark Richt supporters, wondering why he couldn't seem to get them over the top that cost him his job.

Friday, November 27, 2015

Week 13 Scorecast and Predictions





Jeremy

UGA @ Georgia Tech - Since the Dawgs fell apart in Jacksonville, they've pieced together three straight wins. However, it hasn't been because the offense has become a juggernaut. Their defense has played extremely well and allowed them to be victorious. On the other hand, Georgia Tech has been miserable since their upset of Top 10 ranked Florida State. Much like the Southern game last week, the rivalry will have the Jackets giving the Bulldogs their best shot. I like the Georgia defense here. I think they hold the Bees down enough for their offense to get a cover here. Georgia 24-17

FSU @ Florida - The Gators have looked very similar to Georgia since their clash a few weeks ago. The offense has been anemic, but the defense has managed to save the day. The problem is that they've been playing mediocre to poor teams. The Seminoles aren't the team they were two years ago, or even last year, but they're still a step up in competition. The Gator defense and the home crowd will keep them in this. But I think Noles will have a little bit more of an offensive punch than the Treon Harris led Gator offense. FSU 20-17

Alabama @ Auburn - The Tide have become the best team in the country. Their offense is bruising behind Derrick Henry. Their defensive front seven is as good as I've seen in a long time in college. Auburn just hasn't been quite right this season. Their QB play has been uninspired and they haven't found the running game that makes their offense click. I know this is one of the biggest rivalries in sport. But I've picked against Bama with a big number like this in a number of games and have been burned every time. Not this time. Alabama 35-17

Ohio State @ Michigan -  The Buckeyes have been flirting with disaster all year and it finally caught up to them last week against Michigan State. I don't disagree with Ezekiel Elliott's comments that he should have been more involved in the offense, but I am concerned when and how he decided to air those concerns. In total, I'm worried about the Buckeye's psyche at this point. Michigan, on the other hand, has everything to win in this game. They've been owned by the team from the south for the past few years and the khaki panted savior has Michigan peaked for his first test against the Buckeyes. They get Ohio State at home. Honestly, Urban Meyer's teams have been really good when everything is going their way and mediocre when not (think back to that dysfunctional 8-5 Gator team). I like Michigan to walk away with the win here (and possibly the Big 12 East title if Sparty lets down against Penn State). Michigan 28-24


Brian

UGA @ Georgia Tech - This may be the worst Georgia team I've seen under Mark Richt. The 8-3 record is very deceptive. I do believe the defense is playing well, but I question how great the opponents' offenses are that UGA has played recently. Nonetheless, the defense has done their job. Georgia Tech is a mystery after their Orange Bowl appearance last season. For some reason, I feel this game still means more to Tech than UGA, which will keep it much closer than it should. I like UGA by a field goal, but not to cover. Georgia 24-21

FSU @ Florida - I've been on Florida's bandwagon all season, saying they are better than people think. Florida's offensive performances the last few weeks have really made me question how good they are now. As for FSU, it's definitely been an up and down year, with a black eye loss to Tech. Will the rumors about Jimbo going to LSU affect anything? Even though the Gators are playing for much more than the Seminoles, I feel FSU has enough play makers and a good enough defense to upset the Gators in Gainesville. Florida State 27-14

Alabama @ Auburn - Remember that mediocre Georgia team I was referencing above? Yea, Auburn lost to them - at home. I know Alabama is a different story, in terms of Auburn hating Alabama more than Georgia and wanting to spoil the Tide's season. However, Alabama is a much better team than Georgia. Alabama's defense has been lights out lately, and it takes exceptional QB play to beat Alabama. Neither Jeremy Johnson or Sean White will be the answer. I think the Tide roll easily. Alabama 38-10

Ohio State @ Michigan -  I was shocked at how Ohio State looked against Michigan State last week. You would think a team coming off a national title would look more hungry than the Buckeyes did. While Ohio State has a lot to play for still, I feel Michigan is trending upward more as a team and program right now. I like the Wolverines at home to get a huge win for Harbaugh. Michigan 31-27


Keppel

UGA @ Georgia Tech - Eat me. Georgia wins

FSU @ Florida - Order online for discounts. Florida State wins

Alabama @ Auburn - Y-M-C-A! Alabama wins

Ohio State @ Michigan -  ewjfkwjekfjkewfewf

Friday, November 20, 2015

Week 12 Scorecast and Predictions




Synopses:

Jeremy

1. Northwestern @ Wisconsin - After their opening game loss to Alabama, Wisconsin has put together a fine season. Their only other loss is to undefeated Iowa in a 10-6 game. Northwestern has also had a solid season, also losing to Iowa and Michigan. The difference here is the manner in which Northwestern has lost. They got pantsed in both of those games. So I like the Badgers to win, but 10 points against a team with as good a defense as Northwestern, I can't do. This is especially true when there's a chance for snow in Madison on both Friday and Saturday. Wisconsin 21-17

2. LSU @ Ole Miss - What has happened to the Bayou Bengals? I did question their strength of schedule rolling into the Alabama game and we can now see just how nasty that Bama defense is. But they got housed in Death Valley at night by Arkansas in a rivalry game. The schedule doesn't get any easier here with a trip to Oxford. The Rebels get a bye week to prep for the wounded Tigers. The Rebels will definitely be stacking the box in an attempt to stop Leonard Fournette. And if they succeed, then I don't have enough faith in Brandon Harris to get the job done. I'll take the rested Rebels. Ole Miss 28-20

3. Baylor @ Oklahoma St - I called for the upset of Baylor in the picks last week and I'm pretty proud of myself for that. But they still put points up. Now they travel to an underrated tough place to play in Stillwater. The Cowboys are undefeated but have scraped by in some games after getting down early. They won't be able to get away with that here. Baylor will be able to keep scoring. A State win sets up a de facto Big XII title game with Oklahoma (if the sooners are able to take care of business). I think the Big XII continues to cannibalize itself here though. give me the Bears. Baylor 41-38

4. Michigan St @ Ohio St - There's been little talk of Ohio State since their early match up with Virginia Tech. Way back then, everyone pointed to this as their next test. The truth is neither the Buckeyes nor the Spartans have looked like world beaters. Yet, here they both are with a chance at the playoff. Why anyone would jump on Ohio State with a 13.5 point spread is beyond me. Their offense has been atrocious. Of course, theat may all be a set-up too. Michigan State is good enough to hang around, but the Buckeyes pull off another close win. I won't go so far as to say impressive though.  Ohio State 27-21


Brian

1. Northwestern @ Wisconsin - The teams seem pretty evenly matched; however, there are a few instances of Northwestern not showing up this season. On the whole, not sure Wisconsin is 10 points better than Northwestern. I think Wisconsin will win, but not by 10. Wisconsin 24-21

2. LSU @ Ole Miss - LSU's one dimensional side has finally come out, two weeks in a row. Yes, Fournette is a baller, but you can't beat better teams without being able to throw the ball. If Chad Kelly has a decent game, I like Ole Miss to win. Ole Miss 31-21

3. Baylor @ Oklahoma St - Baylor appeared to really miss Seth Russell last week at QB. Oklahoma St didn't play well against Iowa St, but still got the win. I like Oklahoma St to keep rolling into Bedlam vs. Oklahoma next weekend, but don't expect much defense in this game. Oklahoma St 42-39

4. Michigan St @ Ohio St - More than 13 points sure does seem like a lot for Ohio State. D'Antonio usually doesn't let the Spartans get blown out. The game is in Columbus, and Ohio State has playmakers and weapons on both sides of the ball. If these playmakers align, Ohio State may be the best team in the nation still. I'm banking on that against Michigan State on Saturday. Ohio St 31-17



Keppel

1. Northwestern @ Wisconsin - Live inside my skin. Wisconsin wins

2. LSU @ Ole Miss - People go insane. Ole Miss wins

3. Baylor @ Oklahoma St - wedjowjofjqoefefoj

4. Michigan St @ Ohio St - Inbox full. Ohio St wins

Thursday, November 12, 2015

Week 11 Scorecast and Predictions







Synopses:

Jeremy

1. Georgia @ Auburn - I honestly don't know who to trust in this game. UGA got well with a game against lowly Kentucky last week. The offense still looked shaky but did put up 300 rushing yards. Their defense looks as if it has turned the corner in the last few games though. The problem is that those games have come against some of the worst offenses in the SEC. Auburn also seems to be on the rise again. They looked fine against A&M last week and picked up an easy win. They also played tough games against Ole Miss and Arkansas but came up short. the key to both team's offenses though is running the ball. So I'm picking the defense better equipped to stop the run. Carl Lawson will be playing for Tigers though and that boosts their defense without question. But Georgia has been the more consistent team in this category all year. Expect it to be ugly and expect it to be close, but the Dawgs somehow make a play to win the game. UGA 24-21

2. Arkansas @ LSU - After watching Arkansas for a couple of weeks, I don't think their defense can stop Leonard Fournette. Nevermind that the Tigers will be smarting after their loss to the Tide and the Heisman candidate was a non-factor. The Hogs couldn't stop him before and I don' think they'll stop now that he'll be playing with a chip on his shoulder. The problem is, I feel like 8 points is a lot. Arkansas does have an offense that can put up points and this is a rivalry game.I'm going to take the Hogs to cover but LSU gets the win. LSU 31-24

3. Alabama @ Mississippi State - Dak Prescott is playing the best football of his life but no one is really paying a lot of attention to the Bulldogs. Apart from a slip against Texas A&M, their only other loss is to LSU in a game they had a real chance to win. The problem is that their schedule has been pretty soft to this point. They aren't going to be able to run the ball traditionally so their offense is going to have to be all Dak all the time. I just don't think he can get it done. Could Alabama have a let down? Sure, but their offense is going to be predicated on wearing down the D with Derrick Henry. The only question there is how he responds to 38 carries last week against LSU. I think Herschel said it best when he said 'the ball ain't heavy.' Alabama 30-17

4. Oklahoma @ Baylor - Tough game. If Baylor wasn't starting such a young QB, I'd be all over the Bears. But the invincible offense looked rather pedestrian, especially in the 2nd half against Kansas State last week (The still put up over 30), but I think Oklahoma has been thinking about this game for a while now. They've embarrassed the last two years by the Bears. I think they put the Big 12 in a bind by coming up with an upset on the road. Fact is, they've played in tough games this year. Baylor hasn't. Oklahoma 34-31


Brian

1. Georgia @ Auburn - Since 2005, UGA is 7-3 against Auburn, and some of those games haven't been close at all. While the trend suggests that Mark Richt somewhat owns Auburn, looking at the teams right now, I like the way Auburn is playing better. Auburn had a decent showing from Jeremy Johnson against Texas A&M in their convincing win over the Aggies at College Station. Auburn's defense held the Aggies to 10 points. UGA's uncertainty at QB still makes me wary of picking Georgia to beat anyone with a similar talent level. Auburn 27-20

2. Arkansas @ LSU - LSU proved last week against Alabama that they are 1 dimensional. Not that Arkansas's defense is Alabama's, but it should keep Arkansas in the game. Further, Arkansas is riding an emotional win over Ole Miss in overtime. I think LSU wins at home, but the Razorback rushing attack keeps Arkansas close. LSU 31-28

3. Alabama @ Mississippi State - It is hard for any team to get up for a huge match-up and then play a solid team the following week. In other words, in the absence of playing LSU last week, I would likely choose Alabama to cover vs. Mississippi State. However, given the schedule and Dak Prescott's solid play at QB, I like Mississippi State to stay in this game. Alabama 31-27

4. Oklahoma @ Baylor - Oklahoma has silently put together a successful season thus far, only losing to Texas. While I think Oklahoma has played well since the Texas loss, I think Baylor's offense will be too dynamic for the Sooners defense to handle. Baylor 42-24



Keppel

1. Georgia @ Auburn - Think tanks blow. Auburn wins

2. Arkansas @ LSU - See you at the pole. LSU wins

3. Alabama @ Mississippi State - Came home late. Alabama wins

4. Oklahoma @ Baylor - Now is forever. Baylor wins

Thursday, November 5, 2015

Week 10 Scorecast and Predictions





Synopses:

Jeremy

1. Auburn @ Texas A&M - I will give the Tigers credit for one thing: they haven't thrown in the towel. They fought hard against Ole Miss last week. The other good news is that they get to face the swiss cheese-like A&M defense this week. Sure, they'll give up some points to the Aggies, but I like the Tigers to keep this one close. Especially if they can figure out a way to run the ball effectively (which everyone does against A&M). Texas A&M 38-34

2. TCU @ Oklahoma State - The Cowboys got down big last week but managed to come back and hang 70 on a Texas Tech team in a dangerous game. TCU finally looked like the team we expected coming into the season last week against WVU. This game is flying under the radar but really could be spectacular to watch. It's the complete opposite of the LSU/Alabama game. Expect points in bunches here. Stillwater can be a dangerous environment, so I'm going with the upset here. Oklahoma State 42-41

3. Florida State @ Clemson - Florida State hasn't been quite right all year. It finally bit them against Georgia Tech. Even bouncing back last week wasn't the same Seminole team we are used to. Clemson is #1 in the first CFB Playoff Poll. Everything in my being is waiting on the Tigers to Clemson a game this year. But they get a Seminole team that just doesn't impress me enough to get the job done. I may eat my words on Sunday, but I like the Tigers to get this done and in impressive fashion. Clemson 31-17

4. LSU @ Alabama - Here we are in yet another Game of the Century between LSU and Alabama. It's not quite to the level it was a few years ago, but this game does include the SEC's two best teams and that usually means two of the best in the country. I know Alabama placed high in the initial CFB Playoff Poll. Here's the problem, they looked great against UGA and A&M on the road. Are those teams who we thought they were when Alabama played them? The answer is no. Bama's best win is still against Wisconsin. Not that LSU has faced the meat of their schedule yet. Both of these teams are facing off against the best team they will face all year. I think that means the offenses will struggle. Can Leonard Fournette find room against the Bama front 7? I think he'll find a little but not much. In other words, I think LSU keeps it close and covers, but Bama's QB makes more plays to win the game outright. Alabama 20-17


Brian

1. Auburn @ Texas A&M - I keep picking Auburn, and it will probably keep biting me. But, I still see fight in this team, despite losing two weeks in a row against Arkansas (4 OT) and Ole Miss. Lawson seemed to make a notable impact on Auburn's defense. Texas A&M wasn't exactly impressive versus South Carolina. I like the Aggies at home in a close one. Texas A&M 34-31

2. TCU @ Oklahoma State - Last week, the Cowboys beat the Red Raiders 70-53. Does this conference play defense? TCU has more known and proven playmakers, but with the way these teams score, I could really see this going either way. I will stick with TCU given they've played in the spotlight for more games. TCU 48-42

3. Florida State @ Clemson - FSU QB Everett Golson and RB Dalvin Cook did not play against Syracuse, but the Noles' backups performed well in their absence, especially QB Sean Maguire. It is uncertain who will be playing for FSU this weekend. Even if the backups play again, 12 points is a lot. I like Clemson to win at home, but not by 12. Clemson 31-24

4. LSU @ Alabama - I think Alabama is definitely a more complete and balanced team. Yes, Fournette is the best RB in the country, but it's not like Derrick Henry is bad. In fact, he's really good. I think Coker is a better QB than Harris. The defenses are probably a wash, with a slight edge to Alabama. I am picking the Tide, but do not think they will cover. Alabama 24-21


Keppel

1. Auburn @ Texas A&M - Pick it up now. Texas A&M wins

2. TCU @ Oklahoma State - Keep on fighting until the beginning. TCU wins

3. Florida State @ Clemson - Let's see what happens before. Clemson wins

4. LSU @ Alabama - I'm not hearing it, i'm not fearing it. Alabama wins

Thursday, October 29, 2015

Week 9 Scorecast and Predictions







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