Last week Ant went 4-1 (44-16 overall), while Pough went 3-2 (37-23 overall). Dyllon finished the week 2-3. This week we look to bounce back. Here are our picks.
20 Clemson @ Pitt
Pitt went from sugar to shit in a matter of two weeks. In the last two games, Eli Holstein is 39/71 (54.9%) for 369 yards ZERO TDs and 1 INT. As a team Pitt has rushed for a whopping 230 yards in the two losses and had four turnovers. Clemson was embarrassed by Louisville, but still has their eyes and hopes on a chance at the 12-team playoff. Their shot to get in is slim, but they still must do their part. Clemson will have to score early and rely on their run defense to force Pitt into passing mode. Sitting just outside the Top 40 in total defense and #50 in scoring defense, look for Clemson to wreak havoc on a flailing Pitt team.
Clemson 27 - Pitt 17, Pough
Pitt is coming off back-to-back losses after getting off to one of the best starts in the country. They’ve been one dimensional at times offensively, ranking 22nd in passing offense and 74th in rushing offense. On the flip side, Clemson’s defense hasn’t been the same unit we’ve used to see from them, ranking 50th in scoring defense and 42nd in total defense. The Clemson offense has improved in the second year of Garrett Riley’s offense, ranking 7th in total offense in the country. Their 24th ranked pass offense should find success against Pitt’s 113th ranked pass defense. Both offenses have been about equal in terms of scoring, averaging 37 and 38 points per game respectively. Clemson needs this win to remain in the ACC championship race, as slim as their odds are. I think they find a way to squeak out a victory in this one.
Clemson 31 - Pitt 28, Ant
Utah @ 17 Colorado
Colorado has shocked many this season. Colorado has a Heisman candidate (maybe two), a chance at the Big 12 conference title, and a playoff bid on the line. Shedeur Sanders is averaging 320.2 ypg. He has been careful with the ball with 24 TDs to only 6 INTs on the season. In their two losses, the Buffs were out-physicalled by both Nebraska and Kansas State. Utah showed signs of life in the Holy War last week but came up short. Loss for that to sting again this week. Utah has ONE conference win, and I do not see number two coming this week. Last thing, WHY THE HELL IS THIS GAME AT 10 AM LOCAL TIME?
Colorado 31 - Utah 23, Pough
This game is a battle of strengths as Colorado’s explosive passing offense squares off with Utah’s tenacious defense. The Buffaloes have the 8th best passing offense in the nation, and the 35th scoring offense. Utah boasts the 11th scoring defense and 14th ranked total defense. The problem for Utah has been finding offense since the loss of Cam Rising. They rank 75th or worse in passing, rushing, scoring, and total offense. Colorado has improved their defense from last year, but they’ve struggled to stop the run at times. They’ve also struggled to protect Sheduer at times, giving up over 3 sacks a game. The question will be, “Can Utah exploit their pass protection struggles?” Colorado has more to play for, as they have the CFP ahead of them if they win out, so I think they find a way to win.
Colorado 33 - Utah 17, Ant
23 Missouri @ 21 South Carolina
This battle of two teams on the opposite end of the momentum spectrum. Missouri is floating by collecting wins that they can find. South Carolina is coming through putting the SEC on notice for next season. In their last 3 games, South Carolina has outscored their opponents 107 to 36. Meanwhile, Mizzou hasn't scored 36 points in ANY conference game yet. Mizzou has also shown a weakness against running QBs. Look for LaNorris Sellers to take over on the ground.
South Carolina 38 - Missouri 21, Pough
Coming into this season, the Mizzou offense was projected to be one of the best offenses in the nation. They’ve yet to live up to that hype, ranking 70th in total offense, 67th in scoring offense, and 76th in passing offense. Their numbers won’t improve a bunch against this South Carolina defense who ranks 12th in total defense and scoring defense. They also rank 3rd in the nation in sacks per game with over 3 a game. This could play a factor in this game considering Mizzou gives up more than 2 sacks a game. Mizzou’s defense is pretty, solid against the pass, but they can be had in the running game. South Carolina offense is one dimensional, ranking 44th in rushing and 98th in passing offense. South Carolina at home with their dominant defensive line is going to be too much.
South Carolina 27 - Mizzou 20, Ant
7 Tennessee @ 12 Georgia
Georgia is not the same dawgs that we are all accustomed to. They have although they rank in the Top 25 on defense, that physicality is not the same. Add to that, Carson Beck has gift wrapped opponents’ turnovers left and right. That offense is stagnant. Tennessee has lost the explosiveness we have grown to expect under Coach Josh Heupel. The OL has been less than stellar, and injuries are starting take an effect. Nico Iamaleava's status is currently unknown as he is coming out of concussion protocol, but many expect him to play. If he plays Nico can keep this game close, BUT I do not think it matters.
Georgia 27 - Tennessee 21, Pough
Tennessee being ranked higher than Georgia is a surprise to some, but the real surprise is Tennessee having a higher-ranking defense. The Vols come into this ranked 5th in scoring and total defense. The Heupel offense hasn’t been as potent as years past, as they’ve transitioned to a power run game, ranking 9th in rushing offense. The Georgia running game has been nonexistent this season, ranking 104th in the nation. Their pass offense, while inconsistent at times, ranks 16th in the country. Tennessee is probably the better team in this matchup, but concerns about Nico Iamaleava’s health and UGA being at home after a big loss, makes me lean towards the dogs in this one.
Georgia 24 - Tennessee 20, Ant
22 LSU @ Florida
Last week, Florida AD Scott Strickland gave a vote of confidence to Head Coach Billy Napier. Billy will be back next season. With that said, I am interested to see if Billy rests Lagway again this week or rolls him out. Florida currently sits at 4-5 with LSU, Ole Miss, and Florida State remaining. I would guess that Billy plays Lagway in hopes of getting a win and pushing for bowl eligibility. Lagway may be a little gimpy, but he will still be dangerous. We have given all the stats regarding LSU against mobile QBs and Garrett Nussmeier's play in conference. Neither bode well for the Tigers. Mathematically the Tigers are still in contention for the SEC Title game, but I wouldn't hold my breath. Let's just focus on this game. LSU must stop the run (which they haven't) and limit the turnovers (which they haven't). I think LSU can win, but I am not very optimistic.
LSU 24 - Florida 21, Pough
Billy Napier’s Florida team has fought hard for him this season despite their tough schedule. Their season rankings aren’t great, ranking 73rd in total offense and 100th in total defense, but they’ve played their toughest competition close. The Gators run game could give LSU problems considering the tigers have given up over 500 yards rushing in their last 2 games, and over 200 a game in SEC play. The Tigers passing game could exploit the Gators 90th ranked pass defense, if Garrett Nussmeier doesn’t turn the ball over, which he’s done 6 times in the last 6 quarters. Florida has forced 9 interceptions on the season, and Garrett Nussmeier has thrown 9 so far this year. If LSU can take care of the ball, they’ll win, but that’s been a big if lately for the Tigers.
LSU 28 - Florida 23, Ant
Last but not least....
