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Brief Recap of Last Week
– We learned multiple things in the Texas Tennessee matchup. 1. Tennessee’s defense is not to be reckoned with. 2. Tennessee’s offensive line CAN be reckoned with. 3. Texas’s offensive line needs work. 4. Texas’s defense is a playoff caliber unit.
– If you’re still doubting Florida, you need help. Florida’s running game is dominate, the passing game is effective, but they need to be better on defense. If the defense tightens up…this may be more than just a playoff contender.
– Karma is real, just ask Michigan. Iowa served them an improbable loss after leading by double digits in the 4th quarter and Western Michigan can rest easy knowing that justice was served.
– I don’t know if I should say Oregon is finally playing at the caliber we all expected of them or if USC is just not a good team. I’m leaning towards somewhere in the middle – Oregon has settled into form and USC has a great offense but a horrible defense (again).
– You can finally chalk the Tulsa loss as a fluke because these Oklahoma St. Cowboys are playing like the Wyatt Earp and the boys at the O.K. Corral. West Virigina should be feared as well, but we’re learning a lot about the identity of the Pokes from Stillwater.
1. Pitt at Virginia Tech *Friday night
The ACC returns on Friday night as the 4-0 Panthers travel over to Blacksburg to take on the 4-0 Hokies. James Franklin has Virginia Tech humming with QB Ethan Grunkenmeyer, workhorse RB Jeffrey Overton Jr. and a defense that is one of the top in the nation in sacks and tackles for loss. Pitt, returns freshman phenom Mason Heintschel and a defense that hasn’t lost a beat after losing stud LB Rasheem Biles to Texas in the portal as they haven’t allowed more than 14 points this year. I think Blacksburg will be rockin’ Friday night and that will be the difference in this game.
Virginia Tech 24 Pitt 20
Virginia Tech -3.5
Under 54.5
2. 7 Alabama at 16 Mississippi St.
Two of the most electrifying playmakers in the country face off this year as Bama QB Keelon Russell will be facing Mississippi St. QB Kamario Taylor in a duel at high noon this Saturday. Russell is finally finding his groove in the last two games where Taylor has picked up where he left off last year (and some). Alabama is running the ball better this year, but I don’t think the 41st ranked rushing attack is where they want to be yet. With this game being in Starkville, with Kamario Taylor and RB Fluff Bothwell, and with an opportunistic Bulldog defense, I think the Mississippi St. steals this one.
Mississippi St. 31 Alabama 28
Mississippi St. +3.5
Over 58.5
3. 8 Florida at 25 Missouri
As mentioned in the brief recap, Florida is a legitimate football team. RB Jadan Baugh is second in the country in rushing yards with 600, but their defense has left a lot to be desired. Missouri’s defense has been their calling card for the last couple of years, but it’s Austin Simmons and this offense that’s led the Tigers to their 3-1 record. Vegas has put this line at 2.5 in Florida’s favor, and I have to think that’s because of the Gators’ defense being lackluster. However, the offense in Gainesville will overwhelm and put a whoopin’ on Mizzou.
Florida 41 Missouri 24
Florida -2.5
Over 53.5
4. 5 Ohio St. at 14 Iowa
Iowa upset Michigan on a last second, back shoulder fade TD, and now they get gifted with a Gameday Matchup in Kinnick Stadium against the Ohio St. Buckeyes. Iowa has been steady on defense (as usual), but their offense has been up and down. Ohio St. already has a loss (to #1 Texas), but has handled their business against their lesser talented opponents. Jeremiah Smith has been building his Heisman resume, most recently adding a 4-TD performance against Illinois and I don’t think the Hawkeyes defense will have an answer for him, nor do I think the Iowa offense, led by QB Hank Brown, RB Kamari Moulton, and WR Reese Vander Zee will be able to beat the Buckeye defense.
Ohio St. 31 Iowa 14
Ohio St. -14.5
Under 45.5
5. Washington at 18 USC
Washington is coming off of an upset loss at home to Minnesota and USC is coming off of a back-and-forth battle with Oregon, in which they came up 14 points short. I think USC and their offense can compete with anyone in the country, but their defense cannot…Washington brings to Pasadena, not a little old lady, but a playmaker in Demond Williams who is leading his team in both passing and rushing. Washington has not been able to establish a consistent running game outside of their QB this year, and I think that will end up biting them in the butt late in this game.
USC 41 Washington 38
Washington +9.5
Over 58.5
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