- Michigan Football Saturday © by missycaulk
After a full week with no electricity following a freak fall snowstorm, and a week on vacation, I’m back with my picks.
#16 Nebraska @ #18 Michigan: Neither team is great in the passing game, so stopping the run is key. I’m giving the edge to the Huskers in a fairly close game.
Citadel @ #12 South Carolina: Homecoming for the Gamecocks, I assume. They’ll give the crowd a win to cheer about.
Indiana @ #15 Michigan State: Sparty is the stronger team in all phases of the game and should win by at least a TD.
#17 Wisconsin @ Illinois: The Illini got off to a good start this season before stumbling down the stretch. They have talent, but not enough to beat Wisconsin, especially at a time when their confidence must be low.
Kentucky @ #14 Georgia: Kentucky is in the same tier of the SEC as Ole Miss and Vanderbilt. Georgia’s no Bama, but they should beat the Wildcats with no trouble.
Samford @ #24 Auburn: Must be homecoming at Auburn too. War Eagle.
Georgia Southern @ #3 Alabama: Is it me, or do the SEC schools have homecoming later than most schools? I thought homecoming was usually in mid-October. Roll Tide.
Mississippi State @ #6 Arkansas: The Hawgs will get in a relatively easy win before what should be a really good game against LSU next week.
#7 Clemson @ NC State: Dabo Swinney has done a really good job with the Tigers this year. They’ll thump the .500 Wolfpack
SMU @ #11 Houston: The last time I was able to write this column I’m not sure Houston was even ranked. I’m looking forward watching this game, since I haven’t seen Houston play yet. SMU is a respectable 6-4, but I’m going to take the easy way out and pick the unbeaten Cougars.
Colorado St @ #19 TCU: This has been a mediocre season for TCU compared to their last few, but I still expect them to beat the 3-6 Rams.
#21 Penn State @ Ohio State: This is a tough one to pick. The Penn State players, through no fault of their own, have had an emotional and stressful last few weeks. If Ohio State can take advantage of that, the game is theirs to win. At the same time, I could see the Nittany Lions coming out, playing hard, and putting a beatdown on the Buckeyes. I’m taking Penn State, but without much confidence.
#1 LSU @ Ole Miss: I can’t see the Tigers losing to Ole Miss at this point.
Virginia @ #25 Florida State: The Noles rank better in most statistical categories, and they’re at home. I’m picking that to be the difference between two 7-3 teams.
USC @ #4 Oregon: Robert Woods is most likely out, which makes this an easier pick. Oregon will win, but I see it as a close one.
#5 Oklahoma @ #22 Baylor: Tough choice. Baylor is a good team, but I have trouble envisioning another loss for Oklahoma. I’m taking the Sooners in what should be a fun game to watch.
#10 Boise State @ San Diego State: Boise will rebound from last week’s loss.
#13 Kansas State @ #23 Texas: Despite the rankings, I like Texas at home.
Cal @ #9 Stanford: Stanford will get back on track with a rout.
