Well, I went 5-1 straight up last week, but the “1” wasn’t where I wanted it. I correctly picked Missouri’s upset of Georgia in Athens, but failed to predict (like most people) Texas’ domination in the Red River Shootout.
Other than that, the only other thing I missed was thinking that the Pigs in Arkansas would keep it close with South Carolina.
But you live and learn. I’m slowly climbing up the ladder after my abysmal start. I’m 31-11 straight up and 17-25 against the lines for the year.
Now to keep climbing.
1) #15 Georgia @ Vanderbilt (UGA -8): Once again, the Bulldogs find themselves in a perfectly set “trap.” Todd Gurley remains doubtful this week, but Georgia fans should get to see Jonathan Rumph line up at receiver for the first time since G-Day. This one has the Bulldog Nation worried, and rightfully so. For one, Georgia’s vulnerable, and Vanderbilt’s hungry. The Dores haven’t had a conference win yet this season, and their season could turn around this weekend. The Bulldogs are decimated by injuries. It has danger written all over it. BUT! Georgia needs a win just as badly if it wants to keep up with Florida and Missouri in the SEC East. I think the Dawgs win, but take Vandy and the points. Georgia 34, Vandy 31
2) #22 Florida @ #14 Missouri (UF -3): This is a Tiger team that no longer has James Franklin standing back in a shotgun. Sure, they’re feeling confident after their win in Athens last week, but this is a Florida defense that has far fewer holes than Georgia’s. The Gators are only allowing 13 points per game (compared to Georgia’s 34). My guess is back-up quarterback Maty Mauk will take more than his fair share of hits from Florida’s front seven, and the Gator D will force a few turnovers–something Georgia failed to do. Give me Florida and lay the points. Florida 24, Missouri 13
3) #24 Auburn @ #7 Texas A&M (TAMU -14): Last year this game ended in a dizzying 63-21 blowout in favor of the Aggies. This year figures to be a little better of a contest, with Auburn finally feeling like a competitive team again. The only problem is that Johnny Manziel is on the other side, and he’s got the 12th Man behind him (not to mention a host of offensive weapons). The Aggie defense is pretty terrible, so expect the scoreboard operator in College Station to earn his pay. And expect Texas A&M to score a lot of points. Texas A&M 48, Auburn 31
4) #9 UCLA @ #13 Stanford (STAN -5): The Bruins are undefeated, coming off a thumping of Cal. Stanford is licking its wounds after a 27-21 loss to Utah last week. UCLA is confident, and they sport the nation’s #7 scoring offense, averaging over 45 points per contest. This is a Cardinal team that is vulnerable. The Bruins are hungry, and I’m thinking they finally get their big statement Pac-12 win. UPSET ALERT: UCLA 28, Stanford 25
5) #5 Florida State @ #3 Clemson (FSU -2.5): It’s the game of the week. It’s a Heisman candidate against a freshman phenom. It has national title implications. Clemson boasts one of the most potent offenses around and Florida State has one of the best defenses in the land. I’m also a huge believer in the power of a bye week. The Seminoles just had one (right after thumping Maryland 63-0), and the Tigers had a tough 24-14 victory over Boston College. Give me the rejuvenated Noles who have had two weeks to put some tricks up their sleeves and lay the points. Florida State 42, Clemson 38
6) #6 LSU @ Ole Miss (LSU -8): This is another game that fits the “trap” mold. The Tigers are fresh off a 17-6 win over Florida, and the Rebels just gagged away another heart-breaker to Texas A&M. Ole Miss desperately needs a win. Their lone conference victory over Vanderbilt has deteriorated into the realm of “still nobody thinks it mattered.” The LSU defense has holes, and I suspect Bo Wallace and company may find a few of them. BUT NO MATTER! Zach Mettenberger, Odell Beckham Jr., Jarvis Landry, and Jeremy Hill will provide plenty of offense after getting stifled by Florida last week. I’m taking Ole Miss and the points, but LSU wins it straight up. LSU 35, Ole Miss 31
I’ve had a couple good weeks in a row. I’m a combined 11-1 straight up across the last two weeks and 7-5 against the line.
I’m hoping the steady climb continue.
But I guess we’ll see if it’s just dumb luck or not.
