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