This Saturday, juicy nuggets are in store, including a tasty SEC match-up, Tennessee at Georgia, and my GOW, Miami at Clemson.
#4 Florida @ #21 Texas A&M
Spread: Florida by 6.5
Even though Florida’s playoff hopes are soaring with the Trask-Pitts combo, the Gators will get their first real test of the season against the Aggies. UF’s offense looks nigh-unstoppable, and the A&M secondary was torn apart by Mac Jones last week.
Kellen Mond (photo, Aggie Athletics)
While I don’t expect UF to be stopped in this game, A&M has enough offensive weapons to keep up with the Gators. The Aggies’ rushing offense looks improved. And even though the Alabama game wasn’t particularly close, Kellen Mond managed to rack up over 300 yards passing. Because of Florida’s defensive troubles, I expect A&M to find success on offense and eclipse 30 points.
The problem? It won’t be enough to beat Florida. The difference? Gators’ receivers will dominate A&M’s secondary. I predict that Florida will give up a lot of yards, but they’ll cover the spread.
Florida 42, Texas A&M 34
#14 Tennessee @ #3 Georgia
Spread: Georgia by 12
For the first time since 2016, Tennessee can compete against Georgia. The addition of former UGA player, Cade Mays, has made a strong Vols’ O-Line even stronger. Missouri can attest to that. And Jarrett Guarantano has been mistake-free at the helm, in part, because of great protection.
However, for UT, beating the Dawgs is more easily said than done. Stetson Bennett has stepped up at QB. He was mistake-free against Auburn, which is saying a mouthful. On defense, this is the same old Georgia crew. With depth on their side, the D has held SEC opponents to under 300 yards a game.
The way I see it, this contest will be a battle between Georgia’s front seven and Tennessee’s offensive line.
The Vols are on an FBS-best 8-game winning streak. That’s right–not ‘Bama–the Vols. But Georgia still holds a personnel advantage–enough of an advantage to prevail. Knoxville weeps as UGA wins a one-touchdown game.
Georgia 24, Tennessee 17
#19 Virginia Tech @ #8 North Carolina
Spread: North Carolina by 5.5
The force named Herbert (photo, Tech Athletics)
Sam Howell and the Tar Heels were tested last week v. Boston College. They’ll be tested again this week v. Virginia Tech, a team that boasts one of the nation’s most dangerous rushing offenses. Spearheaded by Khalil Herbert (nation’s best yards-per-carry at … get this … 12), the Hokies’ philosophy is to run over opponents. And they do.
This week’s problem is that UNC has the nation’s best rush defense at 54 yards and 2 yards-per-carry on average.
With several unknowns on Virginia Tech’s defense (secondary, especially) and North Carolina matching up well, I predict a Tar Heels’ win.
The game will be competitive thanks to Herbert, but UNC will cover.
North Carolina 35, Virginia Tech 27
#22 Texas vs. Oklahoma
Spread: Oklahoma by 2
It’s still a big game–critical in the Big XIII title chase–even though neither team has been impressive thus far. One reason is that neither team excels on defense. And with both offenses racking up yards behind respective QBs, Sam Ehlinger and Spencer Rattler, this one looks to be a shootout.
While I recognize Rattler’s ability, I believe Ehlinger’s experience and running ability give UT the edge. In a competitive, high-scoring game, the ‘Horns will score last and win.
Texas 45, Oklahoma 42
GAME OF THE WEEK
#7 Miami @ #1 Clemson
Spread: Clemson by 14
Still at the helm (photo, Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports & The Atlantic)
It’s huge! Miami has a chance to beat King Clemson. D’Eriq King makes it possible. And with a supporting cast that includes Cam’Ron Harris and Brevin Jordan, Miami’s offense could top 300 yards against Clemson’s secondary.
The big concern for the ‘Canes is stopping Clemson’s also-dangerous offense. Trevor Lawrence and Travis Etienne are arguably the best QB-RB duo in college football.
Yes, Miami has a chance because its offense gives them an edge. And while I predict ‘The U’ will keep it to a one-possession game, the Tigers will come through in the end. Etienne will make it so.
Clemson 34, Miami 31
