This weekend games are only slightly interesting, but going against the odds may make for a more difficult selection process. Good thing the mortgage is paid. On the year I am 9-2; on with the predictions.
Troy vs. 1 Florida
Troy, the current king of the Sun Belt Conference is going to go into the Swamp and full the full affects of the Gators, but to everyone’s surprise Florida will not cover the 36.5 they are giving up on this one. Not because Florida is not the #1 team in the land, but 36.5 is just too damn many points to give up to a well coached Troy team. I can see this one ending up 53-16.
UCLA vs. Tennessee
Revenge and all that crap is at play as UCLA comes calling on Tennessee. If I were just throwing down some picks, I would say Volunteers, but that 10 they are laying scares me a little. I have waffled on this one all week. The pick is UCLA with the points, but Tennessee to pull away late. Let’s call it 27-17.
Miss. St vs. Auburn
I went against the Tigers last week and I am going to do the same again this week. Giving 14 points to the Bulldogs of the West is just too much. Look for a tight low scoring game, which Auburn will win, but not cover.
Vanderbilt vs. 11 LSU
I think this one is one of the most interesting matchups of the weekend. LSU is giving up 14, which seems a little like a trap for those who have not watched Vanderbilt’s marked improvement over the last few years. The Commodores are a well coached team, but I do not think they will have the depth to escape Death Valley. I am going with the trap; LSU outright.
Florida Int. vs. 4 Alabama
Golden Panthers are in for a world of hurt later today as the Tide will easily roll and cover the 33.5 they are giving up for their home opener.
Mississippi, Arkansas, and Kentucky
The Rebels, Hogs, and Kitty-Kats are all at home building strength to overcome my Week 3 predictions.
South Carolina vs. 21 Georgia
I don’t know what to do with this one. As a homer the pick is Georgia, but they are giving up 7 and the line has been as high as 8. Recent history suggests that this one will be closer than the pundits expect:
- 2008 14-7 (W)
- 2007 16-12 (L)
- 2006 18-0 (W)
- 2005 17-15 (W)
- 2004 20-16 (W)
We know that the Fighting Chickens have a stout defense. The same can be said for the Dawgs after they held the Cowboys in check; relatively speaking compared to Oklahoma St. normal Big 12 offensive statistics. I think we also know that both teams have questions on offense. Rumors have spread like wildfire that Cox is injured. When things go in the ditch, everyone’s favorite player is the backup QB. If Logan Gray sees much the Bulldogs are going to win big because that means Gray is going to see a lot of Red Zone actions. Then again it could mean that Cox is injured or ineffective. Talking about being indecisive…
The pick is Georgia to win by 5, so they will not cover. Of course I could care less as long at the Dawgs do not start 0-2, which would be a travesty of epic proportions in the collective minds of Bulldog Nation.
