READY TO SHINE IN WEEK NINE

So…how do you follow a 7-1 winning weekend? You roll with a PERFECT 8-0 weekend!  We’re now sitting at a scorching win rate of 78%.

Last week we were red hot with our picks including TWO UPSET SPECIALS…Georgia Tech beating Miami and Baylor knocking off Oklahoma State. CHA CHING!

We don’t want to brag but we made a very very tidy pile of cash. We’ll put some of our winnings in the old coffee can that momma keeps hidden. But the rest will be re-invested in this week’s picks.

Hopefully you followed our picks and made some cash, too. It’s fun when you’re winning. So let’s have some more fun this weekend.

Opening in January, the Official Beer Garden of Woolard's Weekend Winners. Stay tuned for updates and get ready to spend some of your winnings on cold beer and delectable snacks. Special discount for fans of losing teams. Mention WWW.

SIDELINES...

• When Alabama plays Arkansas tomorrow, it will be the FIRST game under Nick Saban that his starting quarterback is out with an injury. Saban has been Bama’s coach for 13 seasons. Darn lucky.

• Don’t look now but SMU is undefeated and playing pretty good football. This program was red hot back in the ‘80s, led by Eric Dickerson, before getting whacked with the NCAA death penalty. Second year Sonny Dykes has done a fantastic job returning the Mustangs to winning football.

• Last weekend we saw some of the worse officiating in the SEC…several games, different teams. A lot of blown calls that had serious impact on game outcomes. The SEC needs to take a hard look at their crews’ performances and holding them accountable. We rarely blame refs for outcomes but this is starting to get ridiculous.

• It’s only natural for a head coach to lose his cool on the sideline when a player seriously messes up. But it’s another thing to grab a facemask and go off on the kid for 15 minutes on national TV. We saw that in the Tennessee-Alabama game. The kid deserved a butt chewing, no argument there. But most of that should have been reserved for the locker room. Coaches need to know that recruits AND parents are watching everything that goes on.

THE GREAT EIGHT™ FOR WEEK NINE

HARVARD @ PRINCETON…this will be the 112th meeting between these two longtime rivals, and it’s promising to be an excellent game, not to mention the most serious threat to Princeton’s 15 game unbeaten streak. The Crimson have rattled off four straight, thanks to stellar special teams and defense (the Crimson lead the nation with over 5 sacks per game), while the Tigers have kept their impressive streak alive with stifling defense, too, as they rank 5th nationally in total defensive yards allowed (288 per game).  This should end up being a low-scoring game, with the home team, barely, pulling this one out. Take the Tigers over the Crimson.

SOUTH CAROLINA @ TENNESSEE…if you’re a Tennessee fan best pour yourself a tall adult beverage before you settle in for this game. It looks like Jarrett Guarantano will be the most likely starter as Brian Maurer is having no luck with concussions, and freshman JT Shrout has performed badly in his limited play. For the Vols to have a chance to win their second SEC game they need to lean on their run game to move the chains, especially in a wet game. And the defense needs to stop giving up huge plays especially in the secondary. Fortunately for UT, South Carolina is not a strong passing team. This will be a really close game, and probably decided by a late game field goal. We like the chances of underdog Tennessee, so lay some cash on the Vols. In an UPSET SPECIAL, Vols handle the Cocks.

#13 WISCONSIN @ #3 OHIO STATE…the Badgers were tripped up by Illinois last week with key fumbles late in the game. That loss might serve as a wake-up call as Wisconsin heads to the Horseshoe in Columbus. This should be a really good game, especially if rb Jonathan Taylor cranks up the offense and keeps it close with the undefeated Buckeyes.  We’re liking the Badgers in this one. In an UPSET SPECIAL, Bucky the Badger bites the Buckeyes.

WASHINGTON STATE @ #11 OREGON…for entertainment value you can’t ask for a better matchup, especially if you like an aerial game. Mike Leach loves to throw the ball, and they will do that early and often, especially since they have no ground game. Unfortunately, the Cougar defense is suspect, especially in their secondary. No doubt that Oregon test the secondary but in the end, it will be their balanced offense that wins the day. Fly with the Ducks over the Cougars.

#9 AUBURN @ #2 LSU…this is another huge game in the SEC West and a big opportunity for LSU to show the country that it’s a legitimate playoff contender. It’s not going to be easy. Auburn has a strong defense with a potent pass rush but it’s possible to throw on the secondary which is right up qb Joe Burrow’s alley. He’s hitting almost 80% of his passes, with most being downfield bombs, averaging well over 11 yards per attempt. That’s beyond remarkable. Auburn likes to grind and grind. That’s why it’s important for the Tigers to start fast and not let up. This will be a dandy. Bengal Tigers over the War Eagles.

 #6 PENN STATE @ MICHIGAN STATE…be sure to catch this game at 3:30pm tomorrow (ABC) because it promises to be a really good matchup. Undefeated Penn State is coming off of a huge, emotional win over Michigan and may still be on an emotional high. But their schedule has been a grinder. Meanwhile the Spartans should be rested after a bye week and ready to rumble. Which is what they will do in Lansing. In an UPSET SPECIAL, Sparty skins the Nittany Lions in a close one.

#8 NOTRE DAME @ #19 MICHIGAN …the Irish run game has finally returned as they hammered Southern Cal last week with over 300 rushing yards. The key to the game is if rb Tony Jones can stay hot. He’s had 3 straight 100-yards games, and that will be important to keep the heat off of qb Ian Book. Michigan’s Shea Patterson came on strong against Penn State but they fell short. Will they fall short again? We think so. In another UPSET SPECIAL, take the Irish over the Wolverines.

#15 TEXAS @ TCU…if the Longhorns consistently go to the air this may be a long afternoon in Fort Worth for the Horned Frogs. They are 0-2 so far against teams that throw for 200 yards or more, and here comes Texas qb Sam Ehlinger who has a gun. Plus the Longhorn run game is starting to pick up steam, as they’ve hit 200+ yards in three of their last four games. Take Texas over TCU.

MAKE MO’ MONEY with MARK™

MAKE IT GREAT IN WEEK EIGHT

It was almost heaven in Week Seven as we went 7-1 to run our totals up to 75% winning!

Hopefully you followed our lead in picking the UPSET SPECIAL of Tennessee beating Mississippi State. If so, you made some serious change.

SPECIAL FEATURE:  THE THIRD SATURDAY IN OCTOBER

This is one of the South’s oldest rivalries despite the lopsided nature of recent outcomes. On paper, Alabama looks poised to run the table to the College Football Playoffs. But…strange things can happen when Tennessee and Alabama face off. It’s the night cap game tomorrow (9pm kick on ESPN). Winner gets the Victory Cigar.

We’ve asked two of our long time contributors to share their thoughts on this classic October game. They have a deep passion for their respective schools and are ready to throw down.

IN THEIR OWN WORDS….

KENNY CLYDE

Kenny Clyde from Alabama Land

 Once again an unranked SEC East team travels to play a national contender on their home field. Could UT do to Bama what South Carolina did in Athens last week? No freaking way. The Tide offense will score early and often. Look for Tua to hit on his signature 5 yard slants that go for miles and for points. Tide rolls. Bama 43 – Tennessee 7. Where’s my cigar?

Karl from K-Patch

KARL FROM KNOXVILLE

 Alabama beating Tennessee? I reckon you ought not say them words. I plan on staying out in my shed, tinkering with a lawn mower or two. Maybe have some of them biscuits with mustard and some taters but no coffee. Coffee makes me nervous when I drink it. So does Nick Saban. Mmmm.

THE GREAT EIGHT™ FOR WEEK EIGHT

#3 CLEMSON @ LOUISVILLE…if anyone asks Coach Dabo what’s wrong with qb Trevor Lawrence, get ready to duck a flying clipboard. Look for Lawrence to light up the scoreboard because the Card secondary can’t stop anyone’s passing game. It’s bombs away with a strong receiving corps. Tigers claw the Cardinals.

#12 OREGON @ #25 WASHINGTON…the Huskies are coming off a 51 point road win over Arizona and could give the Ducks a run for their money. But, it’s all about consistency, which Washington has lacked of late. QB Jason Eason will loosen up the Duck defense and create opportunities for run game. Will it be enough? We don’t think so. Ducks will grind out a win over the Huskies.

TENNESSEE @ #1 ALABAMA…when does a rivalry stop being a rivalry? When one school dominates the other…as in Bama winning 12 straight over the Vols. The Tide hasn’t played a complete game in a while but tomorrow that changes as the Bama offense racks up yards and TDs while their defense will stifle a frustrated Tennessee offense. The line (34.5 points) is so tempting and ordinarily we would jump on that, but won’t. Tennessee will be lucky to score ten points in a game in which Alabama dominates. Light up that Victory Cigar with the Tide.

#18 BAYLOR @ OKLAHOMA STATE…the Baylor Bears are underdogs this week and that’s just fine with us. In a conference not known for defense, the Bears lead the Big 12 in sacks, TFLs, and turnover margin. They will certainly be tested by OSU rb Chuba Hubbard who leads the nation in rushing as well as dual threat qb Spencer Sanders along with an outstanding receiver corps. Look for Baylor’s qb Charlie Brewer to have a strong day. In an UPSET SPECIAL, Bears bite the Cowboys.

COLORADO @ #8 WASHINGTON STATE…the Buff defense is one of the few defenses playing worse than Washington State. The Cougar’s love their air attack - -  passing for 440 yards or more in very game - -  so look for a big pass game from them. In a game that could get ugly real fast, we think this will be super tight with Washington State skating away with a close win. Cougars chow down on the Buffaloes.

#16 MICHIGAN @ #7 PENN STATE…the Nittany Lions are undefeated (6-0) but they haven’t faced much competition (Idaho, Buffalo, Purdue) with any defense. And Michigan has a much better defense that Penn State has faced but has been inconsistent both on offense and defense. The key could be the play of Wolverine qb Shea Patterson. He needs to have a big night in order to win at Beaver Stadium. It won’t happen. Penn State survives a close, low scoring game to remain undefeated.

#9 FLORIDA @ SOUTH CAROLINA…after pulling a huge upset over Georgia last week in Athens, the Gamecocks could be at risk of “big victory hangover.” What was most impressive was the physical play of the South Carolina defensive line out muscled UGA’s oline and kept pressure on qb Fromm most of the afternoon. Meanwhile, the Gators are looking to rebound from their emotional loss to LSU. Lost in the defeat is that QB Kyle Trask played brilliantly, passing for 310 yards and 3 TDs. He kept the chains moving, but sadly not enough. Look for the Gators to play tough and control the clock down the stretch for a win. Chomp with the Gators in Columbia.

GEORGIA TECH @ MIAMI…the Canes have struggled this season but are starting to show signs of life especially on defense. The Jackets are in a two+ year rebuild and have been ineffective on both sides of the ball. But we think that could change tomorrow if - - and this is a big if - - the Jackets can hang around and be in a position to win a close one. It’s going to be a low-scoring, offensively-challenged game but take the Jackets in a huge upset. In an UPSET SPECIAL, Jackets sting the Canes.

MAKE MO’ MONEY with MARK

MAKING MO' MONEY IN WEEK SEVEN

 

We had a B+ kinda Saturday last week and we’re still sitting pretty good at a 73% clip in our overall picks.

This weekend we finally have a full plate of great games from top to bottom as several key teams face each other with huge conference/division ramifications.

SPECIAL FEATURE:  FLORIDA vs LSU

This is a marquee game so we’ve asked a few pals to chip in with their thoughts on what’s going down in the Red Stick. It’s a night game in Baton Rouge, which means strange things can happen. Please welcome Bayou Bengal, Golden Gator, and Two Bits Joe.

IN THEIR OWN WORDS….

Bayou Bengal. Orgeron disciple.

From BAYOU BENGAL...

Saturday night in Death Valley marks the start of what could be one of the toughest schedules in the country. LSU and their high-flying offense (which still doesn't make sense to most of we Tiger faithful) take on their first "real" defense in a Florida team that feels like they can take on the world. The main questions: can Joe Burrow, a top-2 Heisman candidate, carry his 78% completion percentage through UF's NFL-caliber back line? And can LSU's pass rush, which has not been a major strength thus far, get after it enough to cause Kyle Trask a headache or two? The matchup to watch: LSU's wideouts vs. the UF defensive backs. This could be one for the books, folks…and I’m going with LSU for the WIN. GEAUX TIGAHS.

Golden Gator. Ready to rumble

From GOLDEN GATOR...

Death in the Valley of Death.

Someone’s dream of a place in the playoffs will die Saturday night when the Florida Gators face the LSU Tigers in Death Valley.

Here’s what we know…..

ABOUT LSU

• Joe Burrows is a helluva football player, especially when playing such power houses as Georgia Southern, Utah State, and Northwestern State. Oh and Vandy. Courtesy of these patsy games, LSU is the highest scoring team in the nation.

• The LSU defense is very suspect having given up 38 points to both Vandy and Texas.

ABOUT FLORIDA

• Florida has a helluva defense especially with all the injured players now back.  
• The Gators QB, Kyle Trask is very inexperienced but has performed extremely well so far…can he handle the crowd noise in Death Valley.
• The Gators will put extreme pressure on Burrows…can he take the heat?

THE BOTTOM LINE

This will be a classic battle between a power offense and a power defense. Take the Gators and the spread. These two teams will keep it close…with the winner winning by less than 10 points. Who will win the game? The Gators will intercept three times and win a tough battle… 34 - 28.

Two Bits Joe. Ready to chomp

FROM TWO BITS JOE...

Let me just take a moment to set the scene because I’m fired up and pissed off.

(WWW note: we'll be taking bets on whether or not TBJ makes it out of Baton Rouge alive).

A few days ago, the irrelevant LSU defensive lineman Breiden Fehoko criticized Florida’s QB for celebrating after last year’s victory against LSU stating, “I forgot that quarterback’s name…. he was running around celebrating on the field like he won the Super Bowl.” Well his name is Feleipe Franks. And he just got finished smacking you around in front of a home crowd so next time, get better not bitter.

That being said, our heart and soul, Feleipe Franks, won’t be playing in this one. He dislocated his ankle against Kentucky and underwent season ending surgery, which Breiden would know about if he spent his time watching film instead of running his mouth.

So then why are the Gators going to win this Saturday? Below are a few reasons:

Defense – What conference does LSU play in again? Is it the SEC or Big 12? Because in 5 games I haven’t seen them play any impressive defense. In fact, letting up 38 points to Vanderbilt is laughable. On the other hand, Florida’s defense just lit up Auburn for 4 turnovers. Plus, we’ll finally be fully loaded in the trenches with Jabari Zuniga back in action. Joe Burrow better strap up cause we’re coming to knock his helmet off.
LP Deuce Deuce – After a slow start to the season, Lamical Perine will come to life. Expect him to ride the wave of confidence he gained after his 88-yard game clinching TD last week. 124 yards and 2 TD’s. Book it.
Kyle Trask – Florida is the only team in the country that could lose their starting QB and not skip a beat. Kyle makes good, quick decisions with the football and delivers to his receivers. I’m sure he’ll have his eye on #9 Grant Delpit prior to every snap but I don’t think he’s going to worry too much about Breiden Fehoko. I expect Trask to wake up feeling dangerous against the fake DBU.
Dan Mullen – What else is there to say. We have the best gameplanner in the world. The QB Whisperer. Our boys will be ready.
Me – Yeah that’s right. I’m going to be there in Death Valley with some of my closest friends and I will be personally responsible for making Joe Burrow’s ears bleed from the upper deck.

*Author’s Note*
Dan Mullen made a suspicious comment about one day unveiling black uniforms. As of 10/8, Florida has not stated what they’ll be wearing in their 8pm showdown in Death Valley. Don’t be surprised if the Gators wear black to mourn the death of Joe Burrow’s career. Not Breiden Fehoko though. His career died long ago.

THE GREAT EIGHT™ FOR WEEK SEVEN

#7 FLORIDA @ #5 LSU…this game has all the fixin’s to be a classic. Two top ten teams…east versus west…Mullen versus Orgeron…night game in Baton Rouge. Key number to focus on: 8 passing targets. Each averaging 13 yards per catch. But Florida represents the first real defense that the Tigers have faced thus far, so qb Joe Burrow is going to have to work for it. Flipside is a banged up Gator qb Kyle Trask facing a pesky LSU defense. Gators will play tough but LSU will get in its shots just enough to come out with a W. In a close one, Bengal Tigers roar over the Gators..

MISSISSIPPI STATE @ TENNESSEE…even though the Vols were spanked by Georgia last week, the play of frosh qb Brian Mauer has given the Big Orange faithful a whiff of hope, and a chance at winning their first SEC game in forever. Call us crazy but we like Tennessee in this one. In an UPSET SPECIAL, Vols over the Bulldogs.

#6 OKLAHOMA @ #11 TEXAS…the Red River Showdown is on tap tomorrow and should be a good one. The line is tempting but we ain’t biting. Sooner qb Jalen Hurts continues to be nothing short of extraordinary, averaging 14 yards per pass with 14 TDs and just 2 picks. Add in his running ability and Oklahoma has the nation’s top offense, the most efficient passing attack, and #2 in the nation behind LSU in scoring. And it’s all happening at the right time. Go large with the Sooners.

SOUTH CAROLINA @ #3 GEORGIA…usually we’ll jump on a 25 point spread. But this is Georgia. And their playing at a high level on offense as well as defense. South Carolina, on the other hand, is having a tough time moving chains and scoring points. They are dead last in time of possession and awful on third downs. That chapel bell will be ringing again in Athens. Dawgs dump on the Cocks.

MICHIGAN STATE @ #8 WISCONSIN…the undefeated Badgers will have Camp Randall Stadium rocking on Saturday. We don’t see Sparty getting much traction against one of the best defenses in America….#2 in run defense and #1 in pass efficiency defense. Look for Badger rb Jonathan Taylor to make some big runs, especially in the 2^nd half. Badgers bite the Spartans.

#1 ALABAMA @ #24 TEXAS A+M…lather, rinse, repeat. That’s the Bama way. The Aggies will keep things close for a spell but Bama qb Tua Tagovailoa will strike early and often to any one of his future NFL receivers. He’s currently sitting at 23 TD passes with zero picks, hitting on 76% of his passes. The Aggie defense can only defend so much, and their offense cannot keep pace. Roll with the Tide in College Station.

#10 PENN STATE @ #17 IOWA…this game will be a dandy in Iowa City and features two really strong teams. Penn State is about to embark on a brutal conference run so they really want to keep their mojo running. Meanwhile, Iowa needs to rebound from their close loss to Michigan, hoping that was just a blip on the radar. The Nittany Lions have won five straight in this series. It’s not going to stop here. Roar with the Lions over the Hawkeyes.

SOUTHERN CAL @ #9 NOTRE DAME…if the Trojans want to win, it’s gotta be thru the air. The Irish secondary was lit up by Virginia for 334 yards, and UGA’s Jake Fromm sliced and diced it. USC is 3-0 at home and 0-2 on the road. Which doesn’t bode well since this game is in South Bend. Irish eyes will be smiling on Saturday.

MAKE MO’ MONEY with MARK™

GET YOUR FIX IN WEEK SIX

We cooled off just a pinch last weekend but we still have a sizzling 75% pace overall this season, including some big UPSET SPECIALS.

That’s pretty potent. And produces a big pile of greenbacks. Cha ching!

Beat that Vegas

SIDELINES

• Alabama leap frogs Clemson for #1 ranking. The Tigers soft ACC schedule will be an anchor keeping Clemson down as other conference teams lack strong records (note to Dabo: offset weak ACC teams with stronger out of conference games).

• Something to watch is what California is doing for player endorsements and compensation. This is a pretty slippery slope for the NCAA.

• Gotta love what Mack Brown did last Saturday versus Clemson. Instead of going for a tying PAT, Brown rolled the dice and went for two. They came up short but the message to the team as well as the fans is pretty strong.

Hello Coach?  I just got busted.

• Every head coach needs to know that they are potentially being recorded all the time even when speaking to law enforcement in the middle of the night. Doesn’t look good when a head coach tries to defend the horrible actions of one of his players. Ain’t that right Coach Pruitt? Kids' parents are listening, too.

• Worried that Braves fall ball will interfere with your college football viewing this October? After what we witnessed last night, have no fear. Will be a short fall for the Bravos. Time to offload some this "talent" to beef up the soft parts (So long, Dansby??).

Opening sometime in the next few months (date to be determined soon), the Official Beer Garden of Woolard's Weekend Winners. It's a sure bet that they'll have a fantastic line-up of craft brews, some old standbys, and along with some mighty tasty snacks. Be a winner and gives these guys a chance. Discounts for WWW subscribers and wannabes.

THE GREAT EIGHT™ FOR WEEK SIX

#7 AUBURN @ #10 FLORIDA…this is probably the best match-up of the weekend so find a comfy place to watch. Both teams are undefeated at 5-0. But Auburn has played tougher competition (Oregon, Missy State, Texas A&M) and their run game has been potent, averaging 251 yards per game. Add in a tough Tiger run defense and the Gators may be looking at a long afternoon. This will be the first big test for Florida’s qb Kyle Trask, and he needs to keep the chains moving. The good news for Florida fans is the return of Jabari Zuniga (DE) and CJ Henderson (CB). So their defense should give Auburn some fits. In a close one, fly with the War Eagles in the Swamp.

#14 IOWA @ #19 MICHIGAN…what the Hawkeyes lack in a pass rush, they make up for it in other areas and have only allowed 34 points over the last four games. Veteran qb Nate Stanley has been solid with 64% completion rate and the Iowa run game is averaging well over 200 yards per game. Wolverine qb Shea Patterson has been hot as well, and Michigan will rely on him and his receivers to make things happen. It won’t be enough. In an UPSET SPECIAL, Hawkeyes over the Wolverines.

#11 TEXAS @ WEST VIRGINIA…the Mountaineers will have to rely on a strong run game if they want to come away with a W. The Texas D is allowng over 250 ground yards and the Neers will undoubtedly push that button despite having the worst offense in the Big 12. If Texas gets rolling early it could be a long day for WVU. QB Sam Ehlinger has been strong this season, completing 75% of his passes and quite capable of hitting deep passes. Long Horns win this one.

#3 GEORGIA @ TENNESSEE…this game will most likely be over at the half so be prepared to either mow the yard or flip to another game. Tennessee is floundering on offense and searching for answers at quarterback. The Vol line has done the offense no favors and will be challenged to stop a fierce pass rush (look for Azeez Ojulari off the edge). The Dawgs will line up and pound the ball while Jake Fromm plays it safe. If you’re a Vol fan, you can hope that your team shows up and puts out a competitive effort. An ugly night in Knoxville as the Dawgs win big.

MICHIGAN STATE @ #4 OHIO STATE…the Buckeyes will face a Spartan defense that is allowing only less than 2 yards per carry and will force OSU to throw, which shouldn’t be a problem for qb Justin Fields…16 TD passes with zero INTs…plus 7 rushing TDs. Since Sparty lacks an offense to keep pace with Ohio State, they’ll need the defense to carry the day….just not this Saturday. Buckeyes bounce the Spartans.

CAL @ #13 OREGON…this could turn out to be a defensive game for both teams. Cal has a fantastic linebacking corp led by Evan Weaver (look for him). They have a stout run defense and are very good at getting behind the line. The key is for the defense to keep the Bears in the game while the offense chips away with a back up qb who will be facing the best defense in the Pac-12. We think the Ducks will have just enough offense to pull this game out. Fly with the Ducks in Eugene.

NORTH CAROLINA @ GEORGIA TECH…the Jacket are still struggling with the transition from triple option and getting any offensive traction has been next to impossible…no run game, no passing attack…dead last in the nation in scoring. Ouch. Meanwhile the Heels are still smarting from their emotional loss to Clemson and are not exactly lighting up the scoreboard. But their defense will carry the day tomorrow as the offense slowly surfaces. Take UNC at Bobby Dodd.

VIRGINIA TECH @ MIAMI…the Hokie defense is not what it once was but the Miami o-line has been horrible, allowing nine tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks per game. Ouch. We’re guessing the Hurricane staff studied how Duke tore apart the Va Tech secondary and will try to do the same. The Cane defense will be strong with the offense being good-enough to come away with a win. Cash in with the Canes.

MAKE MO’ MONEY with MARK™