KEEP THE SHINE IN WEEK NINE

After a couple of soft weeks we rebounded very nicely, going 7-1 with our weekend picks. If Tennessee could have slowed the Alabama juggernaut we might have gone 8-0 since we thought Bama would not cover the 28 point spread. But they did, which should come as no surprise since Alabama has hung 50+ points on almost every opponent this season.

Bottomline, we are making money and hopefully you are too.

SIDELINES

• we wish Nick Saban would quit complaining about poor student attendance at home games. The Bama fans will learn fast enough that success doesn't last forever. And one day, sooner than later, Saban will be leaving Tuscaloosa and the party will end. Spoiled.

• just as Georgia Tech fans were arranging for moving vans, Paul Johnson's Jackets pulled another huge road win, this time against the Va Tech gobblers, 49-28. Be sure to check out Tobias Oliver, fill in qb, who racked up 203 rushing yards, 3 TDs on 39 carries. He's not the back up qb for long.

THIS WEEKEND....

We have another great slate of games including the World’s Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party featuring the Georgia Bulldogs and the Florida Gators in their annual football fest in Jacksonville.

To better understand the dynamics of this game, we’ve asked long time contributor, Kirby Girl to give us her take on the game. We also have newcomer, Two Bits Joe, a Florida grad, for his comments on the Gators and why they will prevail in Jacksonville. Please welcome Two Bits Joe to the wonderful world of Woolard's Weekend Winners!

The tension between these two is nothing short of a nuclear standoff. So much so that these two work colleagues have drawn up legal agreements specifying sanctions in the event their respective team wins. Michael Avenatti would be proud.

IN THEIR WORDS…

SHE SAYS…..

Jacked up in Jacksonville. Let the Big Dawg eat.

WWW…The Dawgs were humbled in Death Valley, only their second regular-season loss in as many years. What do they need to fix to have any hope of making it back to Atlanta in December?

KIRBY GIRL...Turnovers – frankly too many mistakes and what seemed to be a lack of discipline from the team showed vs the Tigers. These Dawgs are young and talented but I’d love to see the upperclassmen mature and develop into leaders to win big games.

WWW…What's your best WLCP memory?

KIRBY GIRL...There is something special about GA/FL and the genuine hate for Tim Tebow and the gator chomp. But, there is nothing quite like walking into the stadium and seeing the fans split 50/50 down the middle, and (if its anything like last year) seeing the Florida side completely empty by halftime.

WWW…Ok, so who wins: Year 3 Kirby Smart or Year 1 Dan Mullen?

KIRBY GIRL...Really, is that even a question? I believe Kirby put the fear of God in the Dawgs and we are going to come out with some heat after a lousy showing in Creole country.

WWW…Most likely, the winner of this game faces the Tide in Atlanta for the SEC Championship. How bad does your team get beat?

KIRBY GIRL...The Dawgs haven’t forgotten last January and I know they will be ready for a re-match.

HE SAYS….

The chomp will prevail

WWW…There's clearly a major difference in these Gators from Dan McElwain's team that finished 4-7. What are the biggest changes that have lead to Mullen's success back in Gainesville?

TWO BITS JOE… ATTITUDE!!!! Ever since his first day on the job, Mac brought with him a sense of delusion, entitlement, and pure laziness. Mac spent his offseasons eating PB&J's in his office instead of recruiting and it showed. The talent on the field diminished and their hunger to win was gone. He once said he could teach a dog how to play football. Guess he couldn't teach a bunch of 3 and 4 star athletes.... and yes I say 3 and 4 stars because in his 3 years, he never recruited a single 5 star. Pathetic. Now Dan.... Well Dan is just the man. He showed the Gator Nation how much he wanted to be a part of it and our players are responding. He tailored a system around Feleipe's strengths instead of the McElwain method - running the same garbage offense year after year regardless of your QB's skill set. Dan got to work immediately. Brought in the right players, got the Jumpman sponsorship, brought in a good coaching staff. But our success this year all boils down to one thing: a change in ATTITUDE.

WWW…What's your best WLCP memory?

TWO BITS JOE… I've actually only been once for the game 2012 and it was a year we lost. We put up a good fight though and if it weren't for a late goal line fumble by Jordan Reed, I still believe we would've won that game.. Anyways, my favorite memory was probably during the tailgate a woman (Georgia fan) called the police on me for watching her TV from like 50 feet away. Typical classless Georgia fan (editor's note: were you fully clothed?)

WWW…Isaiah Crowell once brought an actual bulldog to a press conference. Which current Florida Gator would be most likely to bring a live gator to a media event?

TWO BITS JOE… Kadarius Toney would bring a live gator. Check out his instagram, he's always hanging out with snakes. I guess he just likes reptiles. If you were wondering, he's #4 on offense, you may see him in the endzone a few times on Saturday.

WWW…ok, so who wins: Year 3 Kirby Smart or Year 1 Dan Mullen?

TWO BITS JOE…of course Dan. Florida has been steadfast all year. We're going to use the first part of the game to establish the passing game with Feleipe. Expect some short, easy completions to build up his confidence. We'll mix in the run with Jordan Scarlett and Lamical Perine as the game progresses and then unleash Dameon "Day Money" Pierce in the 4th on an exhausted Georgia D-Line. While all of that's happening on offense, the Florida defense led by our enforcer Chauncey Gardner-Johnson will be making Fromm or Fields uncomfortable all game. They might want to get that 3rd stringer warmed up as well.. Jachai Polite and the rest of our boys in the trenches have been hammering QB's all year long. 

WWW…most likely, the winner of this game faces the Tide in Atlanta for the SEC Championship. How bad does your team get beat?

TWO BITS JOE…let's just say, there may be a rematch between Florida and Bama in the College Football playoff (editor’s note: “may” doesn’t sound terribly confident…and side steps the real question of who wins such a matchup…which would be Alabama by 21).

THE GREAT EIGHT™ for WEEK NINE

#9 FLORIDA v #7 GEORGIA…the Gators are playing with house money and on Florida turf. Given where they’ve been, they have made great strides with new head coach Dan Mullen who is turning out to be one of the best hires of the off season. Meanwhile, Georgia, as usual, had lofty projections for 2018, including a return trip to the CFP. So this game has big time ramifications for the Pups. Lose, and the calls for third year head coach Kirby’s head will ring out. That’s pretty much how UGA fans roll. Just ask Mark Richt. Win, and the Dawg’s chances of making a serious run at a national championship remain alive, albeit thin. In any case, this classic will be just that…a classic of two long time rivals fighting for SEC East dominance. As we’ve said before, UGA has so many weapons especially if Fromm settles in early, and Florida is no LSU. So Dawg fans will have a happy ride home up I-75 feeling pretty good about gigging the Gators and their climb back into national prominence. Dawgs pee on the Gators.

#2 CLEMSON @ FLORIDA STATE…this appears to be an uphill battle for the Seminoles who have not defeated a ranked team since the end of the 2016 season in the Orange Bowl. Meanwhile, Clemson seems to be getting stronger, after knocking off a very athletic NC State, 41-7.  Key to the game? Clemson receivers Tee Higgins and Justyn Ross. Watch for Clemson qb Trevor Lawrence to target them early and often. Take the Tigers over the Noles. Tigers chomp FSU.

#20 WISCONSIN @ NORTHWESTERN…it may be cold on the lake but this game promises to have a lot of sizzle as the winner has the inside track to the Big Ten West division. The Badgers have played in 5 of the 7 Big Ten Championship Games while Northwestern won a title share back in 2000. Key to the game is no secret for Wisconsin: rb Jonathan Taylor, #1 in America with 158+ rushing yards per game. He’ll be facing a Wildcat defense that has struggled against the run. Wisconsin has won 3 of the last 5 with Northwestern. Tomorrow they make that 4 of 6. Badgers run over the Wildcats.

#12 KENTUCKY @ MISSOURI…when was the last time the Wildcats were ranked you might ask? October 14, 2008 at #8 in the AP Poll. And we’re not talking basketball. As a longtime outsider in the SEC East, Kentucky has slowly climbed up the division to claim a share of the top spot with Georgia and Florida. A win over favored Mizzou would be huge, and it could happen. The key is rb Benny Snell who is ranked #4 nationally in rushing and averages 5.2 ypc. He’s a load to bring down. Countering Snell is the Tigers’ qb Drew Lock and his cannon arm. Look for him to take several deep shots down the field to exploit Kentucky’s struggling secondary. In an UPSET SPECIAL, take the Wildcats as Snell has another standout game. Cats claw the Tigers.

#14 WASHINGTON STATE @ #24 STANFORD…this is one of the better games on Saturday as two Top 25 teams compete for control of the Pac-12. Key to the game is the Cougar passing attack versus Stanford’s secondary. Wassu leads the nation in passing yards per game, 392, while the Cardinal defense ranks 98^th in passing yards allowed per game (252). And that could be the difference. In another UPSET SPECIAL, Cougars claw the Cardinal.

#18 IOWA @ #17 PENN STATE…while Penn State has evolved into an also ran for Big Ten title hopes, the Hawkeyes are making a lot of noise and are in the thick of things in the West Division with the Badgers and Wildcats. So this game has some serious implications. Iowa rolls into Happy Valley with a qb, Nate Stanley, riding a hot arm, passing for over 30 yards in 3 of the previous 4 games. While Penn State seems due to have a winning effort, we like Iowa in this one.  Hawkeyes handle the Nittany Lions.

TEXAS @ OKLAHOMA STATE…the Cowboys started off the season 3-0 but now are hoping to end a two-game skid after losing to Kansas State, 31-12. That’s going to be a tall order against the Longhorns, undefeated in Big 12 play. The only thing that could derail Texas is if qb Sam Ehlinger can’t go. Regardless, we still think the Longhorns have plenty of weapons and a very capable qb backup, Shane Buechele, if necessary. Take Texas over the Cowpokes.

NOTRE DAME v NAVY…the Irish are 7-0 and rocking along but here comes that pesky option ground game of Navy. While this isn’t the Navy of the past few seasons, the running game is strong and poised to give the Gold Domers headaches. The problem is that the Middie defense has done little to help, especially against the pass. And that’s music to the ears of Irish qb Ian Book, who’s hitting on 75% of his passes.  The 23.5 point spread is awfully tempting but we think Notre Dame covers. Irish over the Midshipmen.

MAKE MO’ MONEY with MARK™

MAKE IT GREAT IN WEEK EIGHT

Okay, we got our butts paddled again last Saturday, going 2-6 for the first time in Woolard's Weekend Winners history. We guess there's a first for everything. Hopefully there won't be repeat of this "first."

There were several surprises last week.

Tennessee finally performed as a team and beat ranked Auburn in Auburn. The Vol qb played with a lot of confidence and could very well be the leader that everyone hoped for.

Johnson's Jackets laid an egg against Duke and has sparked conversation that PJ may be inching closer to the exit door.

The Bruins shocked everyone including themselves as they spanked Cal 35-7.

And the Georgia pups were neutered by the LSU Tigers 36-16, knocking them from the #2 ranking. One more slip up and the Dawgs will be outside looking in on CFP discussions, something the Tigers may very well be a part of in December.

So, hopefully we can right the ship and get back on track with our winning ways. We have plenty of great games lined up and each offer the opportunity to Make Mo' Money.

THE 101ST MEETING OF TENNESSEE-ALABAMA

This is one of the oldest rivalries in the South and one that defines what SEC football is all about, regardless of the records. Obviously, Alabama has had the upper hand the last several years but nevertheless this is a classic that often brings out the best in both teams. It's passionate, hard-nosed, hard fought football. And it happens every Third Saturday in October. As usual, we have asked Kenny Clyde to provide his thoughts on tomorrow's game at Neyland Stadium in Rocky Top.

Please Welcome Dave Poe's BBQ, our newest sponsor. If you ever find yourself in Marietta, stop by Dave Poe's for the best in bbq and college football chatter. One guess who his favorite team might be.

A LOOK AT THE THIRD SATURDAY IN OCTOBER with KENNY CLYDE

Kenny Clyde, the man from Alabama Land

After knocking off the Barners last Saturday, those Volunteers are riding high. Talk radio is alive with "what ifs", the Vol Navy is gassing up and icing down the Cheerwine, and Phillip Fullmer is back in the locker room firing up the troops that never knew what a Bama Weekend felt like.

Bama is nursing some wounded warriors, and I'm guessing Mr. Saban had a look at the run/pass numbers and offered some meaningful suggestions to his OC.

Meanwhile, the Graduate Assistant in Charge of Passing Out Victory Cigars is going to have a big weekend in K'ville.

I'm glad to see Coach Pruitt right the ship, and I want this rivalry to mean something again--and it will.

But not this weekend.

The only questions are....will Jalen catch more passes than he throws, and is this the weekend we see Tua play four quarters?

Sorry Gen. Neyland....it's Bama 55, Vols 18.

 THE GREAT EIGHT™ for WEEK EIGHT

#1 ALABAMA @ TENNESSEE…this is the 101^st meeting between these two legendary programs. All of the stats point to a big Bama win. But Tennessee showed up something in last week’s win over Auburn that gives us hope that the Vols might keep this game a bit closer. There’s no doubt that Alabama has the edge at almost every position…often two deep at every position. The key to this game just might come down to how loud and raucous Neyland Stadium can get. And that might be enough to give UT qb Jarrett Guarantano the confidence he needs to make this a competitive game. The 28.5 spread is way too tempting. So in an UPSET SPECIAL take the Vols and the points. Bama will not cover.

#9 OKLAHOMA @ TCU…after continuous break downs on defense, Sooner HC Lincoln Riley pulled the trigger on Mike Stoops the defensive coordinator. Too many missed tackles and sloppy play that Stoops seemed unable to correct.  The key to this game is the Sooner’s offense that can put up points fast and can out pace the Horned Frogs offense.  Put your bucks on the Sooners. Oklahoma gigs the Frogs.

#12 OREGON @ #25 WASHINGTON STATE…the Ducks have had a lot of good things fall into place for them. But that could change tomorrow. The Cougars qb Gardner Minshew seems to be just warming up and that’s bad news for the Oregon secondary. Minshew has passed for over 400 yards in four of the last five games, hitting 69% while putting up 19 TDs. We think he’ll be the difference. Wazzu plucks the Ducks.

COLORADO @ #15 WASHINGTON…both teams are still on top of their respective PAC-12 divisions but both already have a loss. So there’s little margin of error for either team. The Buffs are off to their best start in 20 years and tomorrow’s game will say a lot about how far they might go in the PAC-12. The key to this game will be the Huskies’ qb Jake Browning. He has a big time arm and is quite capable of making big plays against a Colorado secondary that is susceptible to giving up explosive pass plays. Huskies chew on the Buffs. Washington wins.

#22 MISSISSIPPI STATE @ #5 LSU…each week we learn more about the LSU Tigers as they claw their way toward a potential CFP berth. No question that we were surprised in how the Tigers dominated Georgia 36-16, limiting the pups to just 322 yards of offense and knocking the doggies from their #2 AP perch. The key to this game is the run game. LSU is averaging over 200 yards per game while the Cowbells gave up 229 yards to Kentucky. Keep your eye on MSU’s qb Nick Fitzgerald. He has a knack of moving the chains, either with his arm or his feet. We’re going with Coach O’s Tigers. LSU over Missy State.

#6 MICHIGAN vs #24 MICHIGAN STATE...these bitter foes are vying for the Paul Bunyan Trophy and a whole lot more…like the Big Ten East Division. The Wolverines are 6-1 since losing its opener to Notre Dame. They are playing well. Meanwhile the Spartan’s offense has sputtered its way to a 6-2 record but are still in the hunt. The key: Michigan’s run defense versus MSU’s run game. The Spartans are averaging only 3.4 ypc and have allowed a ton of sacks (15 to be exact). The Wolverines have too many weapons including an improving qb, Shea Patterson. Take Michigan over Sparty. Wolverines win.

PRINCETON @ HARVARD…okay Ivy League fans, here’s your game, and it should be a good one. The Tigers are 5-0 and have scored 52 points per game this season, including a season high of 66 points versus Lehigh. But Harvard can move the ball, too, as demonstrated by their 540 yards of offense last week against Holy Cross. The key to this game is Princeton’s rushing offense that averages 303 yards per game. Coupled with their rushing defense that allows only 85 yards per game, and you have a Tiger win. Princeton defeats Harvard.

#16 NC STATE @ #3 CLEMSON…the Tigers are undefeated at 6-0 and seem to be getting stronger each week, especially qb Trevor Lawrence who’s completing 69% of passes and has sparked the Clemson offense. Meanwhile the 5-0 Wolfpack will be ready to roll. QB Finley leads the ACC with 324 yards per game and has plenty of targets to throw to. This could be one of the better games tomorrow, so get comfy and take the Tigers over the Wolfpack. Clemson wins.

MAKE MO' MONEY WITH MARK™

PIECE OF HEAVEN IN WEEK SEVEN

Still winnng

Yep. We got our butts paddled last Saturday, going just 3-5 with our picks. Our worst performance since September 26, 2015. But that’s going to happen when you’re picking big team, big stake games, especially the UPSET SPECIALS.

So, you can cry in your beer and confess to momma what you’ve been doing with your lunch money. Or…better yet, start doubling down on your picks! Because Saturday is a whole new day and a whole new opportunity to make Mo’ Money.

We have a great slate of games this Saturday with more than a couple having conference title and CFP implications. Georgia travels to Baton Rouge. Badgers bounce over to Ann Arbor. Penn State tangles with Sparty. So read up and get ready to lay down some chips.

FAN UPDATE

Huskers invade Madison

The Husker Nation travels well and often turn road games into home games. Jumpin' Jeff, our Nebraska go-to guy has close to perfect attendance at Cornhusker games, home and away. This weekend he's enjoying Chicago in advance of the Nebraska-Northwestern game in Evanston. Last week he was in Madison for the Husker-Badger game where he met up with Helga, the Sweet Corn Queen of Dane County. Since he lost an arm-wrestling match with Helga, he and fellow Husker Michael had to work the Sweet Corn booth with Helga. Good time had by all.

A LOOK AT UCLA-CAL

He knows the Pac-12

 Although this game is far from the CFP radar we’re still interested in this West Coast classic. We’ve asked our guy on the ground, Lair of the Bear (LOTB), to provide his thoughts on the game. LOTB grew up in the shadows of the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, often working the games by selling Pepsis and old lottery tickets. He’s also a proud alum of Cal Berkeley and his family includes both Bruin and Golden Bear followers. So he’s witnessed a ton of UCLA and Cal football through the years. Here’s his take on tomorrow’s game.

FROM LAIR of the BEAR

LOTB with his crazy crew: UCLA & CAL

The college football nation may not be buzzing about this Saturday's Cal-UCLA match-up in California Memorial Stadium, but this is a BIG game for both programs.

This is the annual Joe Roth Memorial Game, which honors the memory of the All-American Cal quarterback who died of cancer shortly after his college career ended in 1976. The Bears will wear throwback helmets and uniforms to commemorate the occasion.

The Chip Kelly era at UCLA is still looking for it’s first win.

Last week both the Bruin defense and offense showed great improvement when they played the #7 Washington Huskies TOUGH at the Rose Bowl, before succumbing 31-24. The Cal Golden Bears came out of the chute quickly going 3-0 including a 21-18 victory over BYU the week before BYU visited Madison and downed the #4 Wisconsin Badgers 24-21. Since then, the Bears have stumbled with successive Pac-12 loses to Oregon and Arizona. This UCLA game is critical, as the Bears need a W, if the Bears want to reach their goal of going bowling this year.

UCLA has played a much tougher schedule than the Bears, with four of their five foes currently ranked in the AP top 25 and the five having a combined 25-3 record.

For the Bruins on offence, the game rests on the shoulders on their true freshman quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson who has started the last four games. He has been improving almost play to play. Against the Huskies he completed 27-of-38 passes for a career-high 272 yards and two touchdowns with one interception. The Bruins have discovered a running game with the emergence of Joshua Kelley. Kelley walked on in Westwood and has earned a scholarship. He had his real coming out party when he rushed for 124 yards in the loss to Colorado Sept. 28. Against Washington he had 125.

The UCLA defense is improved from last year, but considering they gave up 484 yards a game last year there was nowhere to go but up, and they haven't climbed all that far.

The leading tackler is safety Adarius Pickett, which says a lot about the play of the Bruins' front seven. A lot of offensive players with the ball find their way into the secondary, either by rush or pass. It also is testimony to the season Pickett is having. He was just added to the watch list for the Ronnie Lott trophy.

The Bears will probably play both quarterbacks, redshirt sophomore dual threat Brandon McIlwain and pro-style, redshirt freshman Chase Garbers. (The Bears have had some good ones in recent years including Aaron Rodgers and Jared Goff.) McIlwain has been “rough”, making a slew of mistakes, but he’s also adding a dynamic rushing element at quarterback. Chase Garbers has completed 65% of his passes, so UCLA has to prepare for both.
However, the Bears main offensive strategy will be to run their senior, Patrick Laird, who was on the preseason watch list for the Maxwell Award and Wuerffel Trophy, as well as a candidate for the Doak Walker Award and Burlsworth Trophy.

Cal is first in the Pac-12 in time of possession, and has done a good job at converting on third down and keeping things moving. The UCLA defense is the second-worst in the nation coming up with third down stops.

Cal will grind out the clock, it’ll run for well over 200 yards, and it’ll come up with a solid win that might not be aesthetically pleasing, but will get the season back on track.  GO BEARS!

THE GREAT EIGHT™ for WEEK SEVEN…

#7 WASHINGTON @ #17 OREGON…this is the oldest rivalry in the West, dating back to 1900, and Saturday’s get together is the most significant in several years. The Huskies return to Autzen Stadium where they doled out a 70-21 butt kicking in 2016. So a whole lot of animosity is bubbling up. Key to this game is Washington’s defense, ranked #1 in scoring defense and allowing only 3.8 yards per carry. The edge goes to the experienced Huskies as the Ducks are pretty young and still developing. In a super tight game, Washington clips the Quackers in Eugene.

#15 WISCONSIN @ #12 MICHIGAN…this is must-see TV Saturday night in Ann Arbor. Each team has a non-conference loss so the loser is eliminated from any shot at the CFP. This will be a step up in competition for the Wolverines who started 2018 with a loss to Notre Dame before reeling off  5 wins over lesser opponents. Key to this game is offensive line play and the ground game. The Badger o-line is clearing the way for rushers to average 6.2 yards per carry. That’s stout. Johnathan Taylor will be critical as the Michigan defense is allowing only 2.6 ypc and less than 100 yards rushing. This could be a slugfest.  The play of UM qb Shea Patterson could be the difference. Wolverines nip the Badgers.

#2 GEORGIA @ #13 LSU….the Dawgs embark on a tough brutal slate of games beginning with a road trip to the Red Stick to take on a tough LSU. The Tiger defense will be a handful for the Dawg ground game, and Smart’s defense has to find a way to generate more consistent pressure on qb Joe Burrow who disappointed in the Florida game. This should be the best game of the day and not one to miss. Dawgs have too many weapons to lose. Georgia over the Tigers.

MICHIGAN STATE @ #8 PENN STATE…consider this an elimination game  for a shot at the Big Ten championship. Both teams have one conference loss so the stakes are high. Key to this game is Penn State’s ability to pressure and harass Spartan qb Brian Lewerke. He’s thrown 6 picks already while being sacked 12 times in 5 games. Even with the departure of Saquon Barkley, the ground game for the Nittany Lions rolls on with Trace McSorley (175 yds v Ohio State) and Miles Sanders.  Penn State bites Sparty in this one.

#16 MIAMI @ VIRGINIA…this appears to be a no brainer, so much so we’re letting one of our junior pickers to call this one. Facts to know:  Miami averages 41.5 points per game while the defense is currently ranked #2 in the country highlighted by 20 sacks and 14 forced turnovers. The Cav’s o-line has given up 12 sacks so far. Uh oh. This road trip to Charlottesville poses no threat to the Hurricanes. ‘Canes blow through the Wahoos.

DUKE @ GEORGIA TECH…..the Jackets break with tradition tomorrow by donning blue trousers for the first time fueling debate over the correct shade of blue. Not sure why they would change a thing after stinging Louisville 66-31, cranking out 542 rushing yards. The key to this game is Duke’s ability to limit GT’s option game and force the Bees into third and long situations. The pressure will be on GT’s qb Taquon Marshall. He attempted only 2 passes last week vs the Cardinals, but he didn’t have to since the ground game was putting up monster numbers. This game is absolutely critical to both teams in the ACC Coastal Division. In an UPSET SPECIAL, Duke topples the Jackets.

TENNESSEE @ #21 AUBURN…back in the day these two teams played each other on a regular basis, but now it’s just an occasional matchup. Nevertheless this is an important game especially for the Tigers who were embarrassed by Mississippi State. But this game will be over for the Vols by halftime unless they get a complete infusion of football smarts. What team gets flagged THREE times for illegal formation on punt plays? And their tackling effort in the Georgia and Florida losses was pathetic. Overlay that with their inability to get the ball to playmakers such as Callaway, Palmer and Chandler, this will be another long, butt beating for the Vols. Are we being too tough on UT? Prove us wrong and start playing smart. Auburn smacks Tennessee.

UCLA @ CAL...this game certainly means more to the 0-5 Bruins then just getting young guys reps for 2019, right? They face a struggling Cal team but let’s face it, the Bruins will be out muscled in this one. The UCLA defense is one of the weakest in the nation, their return teams are inadequate, and the offense has a hard time finding the endzone. Meanwhile, Cal is king of time of possession (#1 in PAC-12) and finds ways to keep the chains moving, especially with their ground game. Put your greenbacks on the Golden Bears. Cal wins.

MAKE MO’ MONEY with MARK™

WINNING PICKS FOR WEEK SIX

We took a couple of hits last week but won enough to go 4-4 overall. And for the season to date, we’re still well on the plus side and making Mo’ Money. Not exactly where we wish to be, but it's a long season with a whole lotta cash to be made.

It’s a busy day, so let’s get right to it.

EXTRA POINTS

• strong correlation between losing and tackles for loss allowed. The most TFLs allowed by Power 5 teams include Oregon State (44), Florida State (43), Kansas State (40), Tennessee (38), Louisville (37). And all teams are struggling.

• most rushing TDs in SEC history before senior season: Herschel Walker (49), Tim Tebow (43), Derrick Henry (42), Mark Ingram (42), Benny Snell (40). Snell’s 40 in 31 games is 2^nd fastest in conference history behind you know who.

• if teams don’t like noon kickoffs then start playing better football. It’s as simple as that. The 3:30 pm and 7:30 pm time slots are reserved for exciting, winning teams. Can’t blame the networks for wanting the stronger games.

Which one is Big Al?

• will we ever get away from Power 5 teams playing cupcake teams that are not the least competitive? Should season ticket holders have to pay for this kind of football? 

SPOTTED IN TUSCALOOSA

We hadn't heard from Kenny Clyde's cousin for quite a spell until this pic arrived in our daily dispatch.

FROM THE MAILROOM

Our pick of Duke over Virginia Tech rattled a few Hokie cages last week.  Here’s a quick sampling of comments:

MackDaddys: “you guys are wrong on the Hokie’s game. The Hokies redeem themselves this week over Duke.” (WWW: yep, we missed this one. Duke’s offense failed to show)

Highlands Harold: “never go against a Bud Ford defense. When will you get that?” (WWW: mmmm….probably never?)

Virginia Colonel: “Coach Fuente has us moving in the right direction. Give us some credit.” (WWW: this Saturday vs Notre Dame is a big chance for the Hokies to earn some respect)

Harvard Yard: “where’s my Ivy League game?”  (WWW: patience, grasshopper)

YOUR GREAT EIGHT™ for WEEK SIX

GEORGIA TECH @ LOUISVILLE…this is a rare Friday night game (which we do not endorse btw) so make sure your sporting room contact is on speed dial. And this if the first ever meeting of these two teams. The Jackets put together a fairly complete beat down of Bowling Green last Saturday. But the GT natives are finally getting restless and want more from their team. They may get it tonight. Both teams are 0-2 in the ACC and desperate for their first conference win. The key: the Tech run game which is ranked #2 in the country averaging 339 yards per game. Lousiville’s rush defense is ranked #83 in the country. So…could be a long night for a Louisville defense that’s had issues stopping the run.  Go with the Bees in this one.

Why drive when you can Uber?

#19 TEXAS vs #7 OKLAHOMA…this is one of the craziest scenes in college football and ESPN GameDay will be coming live from the Texas State Fairgrounds for the annual Red River Showdown. After losing its season opener to Maryland, the Longhorns seem to be on the road to recovery. Both teams have big receivers but the key will be quarterback play, which has been less than stellar for both. This will be a tight one but the undefeated Sooners will prevail. Sooners over the ‘Horns.

#5 LSU @ #22 FLORIDA…the undefeated Tigers continue their march forward after knocking off Ole Miss while racking up 573 yards of offense. But they’ll be facing a much tougher defense with the Gators who are ranked 9^th in scoring defense and 14^th in total defense. So the sledding will be tough in the Swamp. The key is, once again, qb play. We like LSU’s Joe Barrow. He won’t be intimidated in the Swamp after showing us his coolness in Auburn as he led the Tigers on a game winning drive. Put your pesos on the Baton Rouge gang. LSU wins.

Some of the best 'que in Starkville

#8 AUBURN @ MISSISSIPPI STATE…the Tigers head out for their first real road game and they’ll be encountering a loud Starkville crowd complete with a million annoying cowbells. The key for Auburn is to get their run game up and going against a stingy Bulldog defense. Look for Tiger rbs Kam Martin and JaTarvious Whitlow to make things happen. On the defensive side Auburn has been tough, #3 in scoring defense and 7^th in forced turnovers. Tigers bite the Dogs.

FLORIDA STATE @ #17 MIAMI…you don’t find many rivalry games bigger than this one. In years past, this game had national championship implications. But not this season. Nevertheless, this should be a good one. Mark Richt’s Hurricanes are averaging 44 points per game while allowing only 17. That’s pretty stout. Meanwhile new Seminole head coach Willie Taggart is hoping his team can sustain some momentum with his qb Deondre Francois who has passed for over 640 yards in the previous two games. Fly those Hurricane warning flags because this storm is happening. Hurricanes blow past the Noles.

#6 NOTRE DAME @ #24 VIRGINIA TECH…okay Hokie fans. Here’s your team’s opportunity to make a real statement when they host the Fighting Irish in Blacksburg.  The last time these two met Va Tech took a dramatic 34-31 win in South Bend and the Hokies would love to knock off a top ten team in front of their home crowd. But the Gobblers will have their hands full with a pretty balanced Irish team that’s coming off of an impressive win over Stanford. Notre Dame’s offense seems to be clicking since they changed to qb Ian Book while their defense is allowing only 18 points per game. This will be entertaining. The luck of the Irish will prevail in Blacksburg. Notre Dame over Va Tech.

MARYLAND @ #15 MICHIGAN…since losing its season opener to Notre Dame, the Wolverines have taken care of business, rattling off 5 straight wins, albeit not world beaters. They need to be careful tomorrow because the Terps are finally putting the pieces together (3-1) with a pretty strong run game which averages 259 yards per game. After beating Texas in its season opener, Maryland is on the hunt for a huge signature win. Michigan is coming off of a big scare, rallying back from a 17 point deficit to beat Northwestern 20-17. So lots of intrigue with this game. The spread is 17…and we’re biting. In an UPSET SPECIAL take the Terps and the points.

UTAH @ #14 STANFORD…the Cardinal limp back home after getting zipped by Notre Dame last week, 38-17. Hopefully star rb Bryce Love will be at full go after leaving last week’s game with an ankle injury. He’s the engine to the Stanford offense. And that’s important because the Cardinal defense gives up tonnage, allowing 395 yards per game. Meanwhile the Utes defense is ranked 3^rd in rushing defense, allowing just 83 yards per game. So Love will have his work cut out for him. This will be a close one. Take Stanford over Utah.

MAKE MO’ MONEY with MARK™