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™

OVER DRIVE IN WEEK FIVE

 

We rebounded quite nicely last Saturday, posting a 6-2 mark. So for the season to date we're now sitting at 59% of our picks.

We have another great slate of games with a couple of tasty UPSET SPECIALS sprinkled in.

THE GREAT EIGHT™ for WEEK FIVE

#7 STANFORD @ #8 NOTRE DAME…this is probably the best matchup of the day so grab a cold one. Stanford’s Bryce Love leads the Cardinal into Notre Dame Stadium after rushing for 125 yards in last year’s 38-20 win. This doesn’t bode well for an Irish defense that gave up 259 rushing yards last week to Wake Forest. In an UPSET SPECIAL take the Cardinal over the Irish.

OLE MISS @ #5 LSU…this game pits strength against strength. The Rebels lead the SEC in passing offense and their air game is red hot with several receivers NFL-bound (AJ Brown and DK Metcalf). Meanwhile, LSU has one of the toughest secondarys in the country. The key to this game is which teams starts fast. LSU has a history of jumping out to a lead then struggling late to hang on. If they can play tough for 60 minutes, the Crazy Cajun wins again. Take the Tigers in Baton Rouge.

#4 OHIO STATE @ #9 PENN STATE…this will be a great game featuring two undefeated teams, both 4-0.  We like the Buckeyes in this specifically because of their qb, Dwayne Haskins, who has completed 76% of his passes. Penn State has not faced anyone of his caliber so the Nittany Lion defense will be well tested. But Ohio State also has a fairly strong run offense with two outstanding rbs, Mike Weber and JK Dobbins, so this could be a long night in Happy Valley. The loser of this game could very well be out of the CFP mix. It’s that kind of game. Bet on the Buckeyes over Penn State.

FLORIDA @ #23 MISSISSIPPI STATE…get your cowbells ready for this one. Dan Mullen returns to Starkville, leading his 3-1 Gators into the fray with his old Bulldogs. The Gator defense needs to work more of its turnover magic if the Gators are to win against the nation’s eighth best offense, averaging almost 600 yards nad 50 points per game. Despite a dismal showing against Kentucky, this Bulldog group looks pretty potent. Put your cash on the Cowbells. Missy State over the Gators.

#20 BYU @ #11 WASHINGTON…neither team’s offense is lighting it up so this game may very well be decided by the defense. Or, perhaps, by an offense that decides to wake up. BYU’s strategy is to hang around in games and come up with an opportunistic score. And they won’t be intimidated by playing on the road given their success against Wisconsin and Arizona. If the Huskies can play four quarters, we like their defense to win in it. Take the Huskies over the Mormons.

#19 OREGON @ #24 CAL…the Ducks are not the Ducks of old with high flying offenses but they can still put up points in a hurry. Meanwhile, Cal is slow and steady. They lack a flashy offense but their defense has been excellent, forcing turnovers and setting up scoring opportunities. With two weeks off, we think the Bears pull off the upset. In an UPSET SPECIAL, take the Golden Bears of Berkeley.

VIRGINIA TECH @ #22 DUKE…the Blue Devils are riding high and off to a fast start, undefeated with 2 Power 5 wins. Meanwhile the Hokies were embarrassed last week losing to previously winless Old Dominion. Yikes. To make things worse, Va Tech starting qb broke his leg in that game, so VT is relying on Kansas transfer, Ryan Willis, to ignite the Hokie offense. Key to the game is Duke’s passing vs VT’s sloppy secondary that was torched by ODU.  Put your chips on Coach Cut’s Devils.

SYRACUSE @ #3 CLEMSON…the Cuse rolls into Death Vallye riding a 4 game win streak but will be facing a Clemson team that just played their most complete game dismantling the Georgia Tech Rambling Wreak. Syracuse will be relying on their dual threat qb Eric Dungey. They need his arm to open up the running game. Their defense is much improved, with 13 sacks thru 4 games, albeit against weaker opponents. The line on this game (23 points) is so tempting but we think Clemson will come out on top, especially if qb Trevor Lawrence gets hot early. Tigers bite the Orange.

MAKE MO’ MONEY WITH MARK

WEEK FOUR. WE WANT MORE

Still on the plus side

We’ve heard from a few folks that our GO BIG or GO HOME strategy of front loading the GREAT EIGHT™ with five UPSET SPECIALS was perhaps not the smartest move.  We admit that it was a pinch aggressive but we thought the moment was right to strike. So we went 4-4 for the day including two huge UPSET SPECIALS, taking Vanderbilt and the points against Notre Dame, and Fresno over UCLA. And we came pretty darn close to winning a couple more. So net-net, we made some decent money for the weekend. Are we satisfied? Of course not. We want it all, and we want it now. And so do you.

WHEN THE GOING GETS TOUGH, WE EAT AND DRINK

WWW braintrust at work

Earlier in the week, WWW brought together some pretty smart guys to discuss pick strategy as well as the algorithms we employ for selecting games. We agreed to a few refinements so hopefully you’ll benefit with our new thinking. We also agreed that we like damn cold beer and tasty appetizers. You can’t win on an empty stomach. Joining the confab was LAIR of the BEAR from Pasadena and Golden Gator from the Carolina coast.

EXTRA POINTS

Not quite what it use to be

• Florida only took 2600 of its 7500 ticket allotment for the Florida v Tennessee game. Once upon a time this was THE hottest ticket in the SEC, if not America. But with struggling programs (Tennessee has lost its last nine SEC games), fans are rethinking their ticket purchase decisions and passing on the trip to Rocky Top.

• Last Saturday Big Ten teams lost 7 games to non-conference teams. For a conference that demands respect, they need to start being dominant. Otherwise they risk getting left out of the CFP again.

• Nebraska is off to a terrible start with its first 0-2 start since 1957, after losing to Troy. And with a trip to Michigan coming up, it’s not going to get any better. What say ye, Scott Frost?

• With Alabama’s 62-7 butt kicking of Ole Miss, the Tide becomes the first team in SEC history to score 50+ points in its first three games. The offense AND defense is looking unbeatable.

Golden Gator and sidekick

GOLDEN GATOR CALLS THE GAME

Despite this game not being the big conference championship decider as in the past, it’s still, nevertheless, a fierce rivalry. Tennessee seems to struggle every season with Florida and it’s especially frustrating when the Vols appear to have the better team. It’s hard to tell this season who’s better and that’s why we’ve asked our veteran picker, GOLDEN GATOR, to give us his take.

In His Words…

“Here we go again…. the REAL Orange Bowl, with 100,000 people wearing really ugly orange clothes, with just a few wearing beautiful blue. Since 1971, Florida is 25 - 7 versus Tennessee making the game very predictable.

NOT SO THIS YEAR

This game will be close. Both schools have new coaches trying to return their schools to greatness. But we all know the first year is treacherous for a coach. Florida has the advantage here with Dan Mullen’s head coaching experience.

Both schools have running attacks with potential.  Tennessee has had success after WVU.  And Florida clearly has skilled running backs with the emergence of Damien Pierce in the Colorado State game. Tennessee will depend on the run to control the game. They will run up solid ground game numbers.

What about the passing game? Tennessee has two solid quarterbacks, each steady although facing a solid passing defense from Florida. Even with multiple injuries, the Florida secondary will be a huge challenge for the Vols.  In my view, the Vols passing game will be weak, in part because they will run two out of three plays but also because the Gators will prevent long pass completions.

Felipe Franks is much improved when the game is even or the Gators are leading. but, if the Gators fall behind, Franks tries too hard… overthrowing and happy feet become too common.  Thank goodness some quality receivers have emerged. In this game, I see Van Jefferson getting the game ball. He’s returning to his Tennessee home and is primed for greatness.

Florida special team play is a real advantage along with a better kicking game.

FLORIDA WINS  27-17 IN A HARD FOUGHT BATTLE!

THE GREAT EIGHT™ for WEEK FOUR

FLORIDA @ TENNESSEE…two teams with new coaches, rebuilding once proud dominant teams, looking for significant wins. Which team needs a win the most? You could build a case for either team but we would probably go with the Vols and new coach Jeremy Pruitt., especially in a night game at raucous Neyland Stadium. Last week the Vols started to gel but that was against one of the poorest teams in America, UTEP. For Tennessee to post a win over Florida they have to run the ball, move the chains, and minimize turnovers. QB Jarrett Guarantano doesn’t have to be a hero, just not play dumb…forcing throws, throwing picks, taking huge sacks. Going against Golden Gator and saying Tennessee skins the Lizards in Knoxville.

#2 GEORGIA @ MISSOURI…besides Alabama, Georgia probably has the most complete offense with a strong stable of tailbacks, depth of quality receivers, and a top ranked quarterback. That should be enough to win this game. But no so fast. Mizzou has its own qb headliner, Drew Lock, and he will certainly make some noise on Saturday. Bottomline though…the Dawgs have barely broken a sweat this season and the more talented and complete Georgia team will have no trouble pulling away in the second half. Run with the Dawgs in the one.

#3 CLEMSON @ GEORGIA TECH…the Tigers are trying to find the team of the last two seasons in which they dominated other teams on their way to the CFB. Meanwhile the Jackets continue to flounder as evidenced by their lackluster performance against Pitt. It was one of the poorest efforts by Tech and has to have you wondering about Paul Johnson’s longevity. And they must have the most inept special teams unit in the country. The Tigers won’t need much help from the Jackets in this one. Tigers bite the Jackets on the Flats.

#7 STANFORD @ #20 OREGON…both teams have identical records (3-0) but have played very different levels of competition. Oregon has played three cupcakes: Bowling Green, Portland State, San Jose State. Meanwhile, Stanford has played two challenging teams, San Diego State and Southern Cal. So while Oregon has some pretty stout defensive numbers, they really haven’t been tested, and with the Cardinal they will be tested. Stanford plays very physical and if rb Bryce Love can find his groove, this game goes to Stanford. Cardinal over the Ducks.

#18 WISCONSIN @ IOWA…the Badgers were bit last Saturday by BYU, barely losing on a whiffed field goal attempt. Ouch. So they really need to bounce back and we think they will. RB Jonathan Taylor is Heisman caliber and he’s going to need his A game and a strong push by his offensive line going against the #2 ranked defense that has racked up 12 sacks so far this season. Go big with Bucky the Badger in a close one.

NEBRASKA @ #19 MICHIGAN…the Huskers opened the season with two losses, the most recent to Troy. This is the first time since 1956 in which the Bug Eaters lost their first two games. And with a trip to Ann Arbor, it looks like that streak is going to continue. Ouch. I don’t see much changing especially if Husker qb Adrian Martinez can’t go. He’ll be replaced by a so-so qb, Andrew Bunch. The Wolverines feature qb Shea Patterson that is starting find his place in Harbaugh’s offense. Wolverines chomp on the Huskers.

WASHINGTON STATE @ SOUTHERN CAL…the Cougars are sitting at 3-0 but they really haven’t played anyone yet, at least no high powered FBS offense. If the Trojan defense can keep playing tough and if their offense can finally get back on track, the Trojans have a good chance of pulling off this win. That’s a lot of “ifs” but we think they can do it. Trojans over the Cougars.  Note: this is a Friday night game so don’t forget to call your guy.

#17 TCU @ TEXAS…the Horned Frogs have beaten the Longhorns in five of their six meetings since TCU joined the Big 12. But tomorrow might be Texas’ best chance to win. The Horns are riding high after blowing out USC last week while the Frogs are coming off a slobberknocker against Ohio State. If Gary Patterson can get his TCU teams re-focused, they should be alright. This will be a tight one in Austin but the Horned Frogs will prevail. 

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