Week 9 saw 5 teams inside the Top-25 lose with Michigan being the biggest surprise along with a variety of close results across the country. Week 10 features huge games in the ACC and SEC as well as several meaningful matchups in the Big Ten and on the West Coast.
Marquee Matchup
#1Clemson vs. #4 Notre Dame: After a back to back subpar outing the Irish have looked more focused in the last two victories. Without the 1st pick in the NFL draft QB Trevor Lawrence, the Tigers will have to lean on Freshman QB D.J. Uiagalelei once again. Clemson can’t afford to get off to a poor start as they did versus Boston College this week or they won’t leave with their ‘0’. To the freshman D.J.’s credit, he did manage to get the offense going and ended playing good enough to win, if he replicates that performance the offense should be alright. The troubling thing was Clemson’s defense giving up 21 of the 28 points in the first half. Notre Dame QB Ian Book has a whole lot of experience in the spotlight of primetime games. Thus far the Irish haven’t had to rely on him this year but that surely won’t be the case on Saturday. This game will be decided in the red zone and whichever defense can limit touchdowns and force field goals.
The Pick: Clemson 27 Notre Dame 23
Under The Radar
#5 Georgia vs. #8 Florida: If the Gators hadn’t loss to Texas A&M a few weeks back this would be in the Marquee Matchups section. The Bulldogs only loss is to Alabama, a game they had somewhat control of until they didn’t. Maybe Georgia was looking ahead to this week because their 14-3 win over Kentucky isn’t all that reassuring. Clearly, Florida can put up points and will throw the ball all over the yard. The Bulldogs are more of a meat and potatoes type squad, run the piss out of the ball and play sound defense. The biggest difference is the lack of defense from Florida and barring a super flat start by Georgia, it will be what decides this one ultimately.
The Pick: Georgia 33 Florida 30
#13 Indiana vs. #23 Michigan: The Wolverines were upset last week by their in-state rival Sparty adding fuel to the seat that just got a little bit hotter for head coach Jim Harbaugh. The Hoosiers on the other hand are flying high after beating Penn State by the hair of their chinny chin chin two weeks ago. The matchup on paper is fairly even, with Michigan holding an advantage in the overall yards per game. Indiana will need to run the ball better then they have through two games. Michigan should be able to produce a heavy rushing attack which will control the field position and time of possession. Not quite ready to buy into the hype of the Hoosiers but they should put up a valiant effort in the loss.
The Pick: Michigan 34 Indiana 27
Saturday Upset Special
In a minor upset Pittsburgh beats Florida State on the road.
Also, Arkansas upset over Tennessee.
Hardcore Barnburners
#14 Oklahoma State vs. Kansas State: Both coming off losses meaning both will have a battery in their backs to get that bad taste out their mouths.
#21 Texas vs. West Virginia: On the flip side of the game above both teams beat those teams and will look to keep the momentum going in what should be an entertaining Big-12 contest.
Against The Spread
Virginia Tech will defeat #25 Liberty but not by the 16.5 points Las Vegas has them slated.
Are we sure #20 USC can beat an improving program with a developing QB in ASU by 10.5-points?
Take it to the Window
#6 Cincinnati has been on fire of late and it shouldn’t stop this week as a 13-point favorite over Houston.
Quick Hits Recap
-Clemson RB Travis Etienne is the all-time rushing leader in the ACC with 4,644 rushing yards. In the same day Etienne set the FBS record with 42 career games with a touchdown.
-Ohio State defeated their 17th-ranked Big Ten opponent in a row in a 38-25 win over Penn State.
-Oklahoma put up 48 points in the 1st half against Texas Tech, good for the most points in a half since 2008 and the 26th time the Sooners have reached 60 points since 2000. The most in the time frame in the country.
-Indiana’s big victory last week over Michigan gave the Hoosiers their first 2-0 start in Big Ten play since 1991.
-Alabama earned its 24th shutout under Nick Saban since 2007 hence them leading the FBS by 10 zilches.
-Texas got their first road win over a Top-10 foe in overtime beating Oklahoma State 41-34, first time doing that since 2010.
-Michigan State WR Ricky White had 8 catches for 196 yards and TD in their win over Michigan.
Written by Chris Carlson Host of The College Ball Show Podcast available at blogtalkradio.com/ropeadoperadio or TheGruelingTruth.Net
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