THE GREAT EIGHT FOR WEEK EIGHT

We're getting our picks out before lunch today because if the weather forecast in your town is as delicious as the one here in the ATL, there's a good chance that you'll be telling the guy in the corner office that you have a "dentist appointment" this afternoon and must absolutely leave early.  Not that you would ever do that, right?

Anyway, it's hard to believe we're at the half way point of the 2014 season. Seems just like yesterday that we were itching for the season to finally start.

What's even harder to believe are the recent shake ups that now have two Mississippi schools sitting in the #1 and #3 AP spots. Who woulda figured?  Not us. We're good but not that good.

We have another great slate of games this weekend. And just like the last two weeks, a few of these games have conference and playoff ramifications. And, for good measure, we've thrown in a couple of UPSET SPECIALS. So let's get right to it and Make Mo' Money.

YOUR GREAT EIGHT™ WINNING PICKS...

 #5 Notre Dame @ #2 Florida State...two top unbeaten teams go at it Saturday night in Tally-Town. This would be a huge win for Brian Kelly if his Irish can beat the Noles, who have to be somewhat distracted with all of the off-the-field issues with their thug, Jameis Winston (we are assuming he's still eligible and will play...you neva know). It may come down to ball security and field position, so ponder this: Notre Dame QB Everette Golson has nine (yes, nine) turnovers in the last four games.  He can beat you with his feet and he can beat you with his arm...but he can't do either if he has a case of the oopsies on Saturday. The Seminoles are heavy favorites (12+) and we think they'll send the little Leprechauns back to South Bend with a loss. Take the Noles.
  

Golden Bears fall flat in Berkeley

UCLA @ Cal....the Bruins have dropped two straight games after getting off to a hot start for the second year in a row. With recent lapses in defense, UCLA's offense has also struggled with an o-line that can't seem to protect QB Brett Hundley. The Golden Bears have a lot of offensive firepower led by Jared Goff but the Cal defense is not up to snuff to control the boys from Westwood. Take Mora's Bruins over the Golden Bears.

#19 Nebraska @ Northwestern...as you read this, thousands of hungry Huskers are weaving their way to the Windy City and the Northside. The Bug Eaters travel well and they're looking for a win over the Wildcats on Saturday. But not so fast, my friends. Each of the last three games between these schools have been decided by seven points. Strange. While Northwestern has shown a lot of defensive spark, we don't think they can slow down Husker tailback Ameer Abdullah (Muhammed to Granny Lou Holtz). And to keep the Wildcat defense guessing, Nebraska is quite capable of going over the top with QB Tommy Armstrong. In a close one, take Nebraska over the Wildcats.

Tusk resting up for the mutts

#10 Georgia @ Arkansas...the Razorbacks are a good team stuck in a great division and tomorrow they have the opportunity to show us if they can hang with an SEC East opponent. And they will have their hands full as Georgia will rely once again on back up Nick Chubb who had a mind numbing (and rib bruising) 38 carries for 143 yards in last week's 34-0 win over Mizzou; a great stand in for the still suspended, Todd Gurley. But the pups will be facing one of the biggest offensive lines in the country which will be leaning hard on them as they open holes for the #11 rushing attack that features Collins and Williams. The Hogs have lost 15 consecutive SEC games since 2012. That changes tomorrow as the Hogs UPSET the Dawgs.

#23 Stanford @ #17 Arizona State...the Cardinal offense has had a tough time of late scoring especially when they enter the red zone. They rank 119th in redzone scoring with a 67.6% conversion rate. Meanwhile its defense continues to carry the load, ranked second nationally in allowing only 238 yards and number one in points allowed, only 10 per game. That's pretty stout. But the Sun Devils score buckets of points every game (41 point average) and are ranked 7th in total offense. We think ASU's firepower will be the difference. In another UPSET SPECIAL, take Arizona State.

Could be a long day for King Nick

#21 Texas A&M @ #7 Alabama...me thinks Saban has not been a happy camper the last couple of weeks. They lost to Mississippi State and then squeaked out a 14-13 win over Arkansas last Saturday. The once hot offensive engine driven by its talented tailbacks has cooled off as well as its quarterback, Blake Sims. So, yeah, Saban is scowling. But the Aggies don't have a lot to smile about either as their qb Kenny Hill has hit hard times too, especially last week against Ole Miss. The Tide will right the ship tomorrow. Take the Tide and put a smile on Saban's mug.

Georgia Tech @ North Carolina....this is another game that Johnson's Jackets should win just like last week when they should have beaten the Dookies. Didn't turn out that way as GT seemed to beat itself with turnovers and quarterback Justin Thomas had his first really bad day. Tech has owned the Tar Heels seven seasons in a row. Key numbers to think about: GT averages 295 rushing yards per game. UNC is 96th against the run and 120th in total defense. But the Jackets will be facing the best quarterback they've faced thus far, Marquise Williams, who played lights out last week in nearly upsetting Notre Dame. He was 24-41 for 303 passing yards and rushed for a career high, 132 yards. Oh, and he caught a 23 yard pass for a TD. Hmmm. If the Bees can execute their option game and keep from shooting themselves in the foot, they'll make it eight in a row over the Heels. Take Tech over Carolina.

Tennessee @ Mississippi...after suffering disappointment after disappointment, we vowed we would not touch another Tennessee game...until we saw the 17 point spread for this one, which has actually dropped in the last couple of days. So at the risk of being teased one more time, we decided to include this game in the Great Eight. The only way for the Vols to keep this one close is to protect qb Worley, which is no easy task against the Rebel front seven. Tennessee ranks last in the SEC with 23 sacks and 48 tackles for loss allowed, and in both losses to Georgia and Florida, it was late game QB turnovers that closed the door to Vol wins. Compounding Tennessee's woes is their anemic run game which is ranked 112th behind a very inexperienced offensive line. So, on paper, UT has no chance. But this game is not being played on paper and we're guessing that Ole Miss may falter just enough to keep the Vols in the game. Take Tennessee and the points.

Let's check back next week and see how we did.
MAKE MO' MONEY WITH MARK™