Turner Skehan (20-13-2)
So I might have missed on the Bama call last week…
Navy (+7) vs. Notre Dame
Strangely it seems ND’s early-season hype was undeserved. Wow, typing that felt like deja vu. Navy is efficient and runs the ball well. Malcolm Perry is a tough runner and doesn’t turn the ball over. Navy’s passing efficiency (although a limited sample size) is 7th in the country. Notre Dame can’t stop the run, and Ian Book is hardly a DII quarterback. I will take Navy +7. Maybe money-line.
VT (-5.5) vs. GT
Virginia Tech doesn’t have much of a passing offense, but I am not sure it will matter. They are pretty efficient on offense and play well where it matters on defense – in the red-zone. GT has the 121st defense in the country and is not much to write home about on offense. They are running a pro-style offense with triple-option players. Firing Paul Johnson may have been the right long term move, but it doesn’t feel like it right now. Lay the points.
Alabama (-17.5) vs. Mississippi St.
Do I have to do this? No, but I owe it to my loyal followers *wink wink* to tell the truth. Alabama should beat Mississippi State badly. Coming off a loss, fired up, I expect Saban’s squad to play with urgency. They need to be convincing in their wins down the stretch, and that starts this week. MSU runs the ball super well. Bama doesn’t defend the run all that well. Tua is hurt. Mac Jones is starting. MSU is a tough place to play. Bama played an emotional game last week. I don’t care. Lay the 17.5.
Jake Gordon (17-17)
Georgia at Auburn under 40.5
These are two of the best defenses in the country. I’m not sure Auburn scores against Georgia with Bo Nix, and I’m no Jake Fromm fan. Georgia might win by a little, but it will be in a 20-13 type game.
Alabama (-17.5) at Mississippi State
Like my colleagues, I believe Alabama will roll over Mississippi State following their tough loss to LSU.
Wisconsin (-14.5) at Nebraska
Nebraska has been overrated all season, and they still are today. Wisconsin has struggled, but this should be one of those games where they are up by 21 at halftime.
Florida (-7) at Missouri
A revenge game here for the Gators, who still have a lot to play for. I see them crushing a Missouri team that seems to be in a bit of a freefall.
Harrison Coburn (19-19)
Alabama (-17.5) at Mississippi State
The Tide are going to be alive for this one after their loss last week. You can bet your hard-earned money on that.
Florida (-7) at Missouri
Florida has a fantastic chance to land in a New Year’s Six bowl still, which should keep them engaged for the rest of the season. Missouri has looked lost the last few weeks, and I expect that to continue Saturday.
Notre Dame (-7) vs. Navy
The Irish aren’t good, but this line is begging me to take it. Notre Dame should win by at least a touchdown at home.
Wake Forest (+34.5) at Clemson
If you’ve followed my picks, you know I love Wake Forrest. I think this line is WAY too high and expect the Demon Deacons to put up a fight – for a half at least.
LSU (-21) at Ole Miss
Are you a believer yet? This is a team on a mission, and I don’t see them looking past an Ole Miss squad that can beat anyone on their best night.
Chase Irle (17-20-2)
Indiana (+14.5) at Penn State
Penn State is not a great team. They’re solid but lack explosiveness. Even against Penn State’s defense, I expect Indiana, who has a fantastic offense, to score plenty of points. 14.5 here is WAY too high, especially considering the Nittany Lions are coming off a marquee matchup with Minnesota and have to go to Ohio State next week.
Clemson (-34.5) vs. Wake Forrest
Wake up, Clemson is peaking. I understand people are fond of what Wake Forrest has done this year, but they don’t have the athletes to match up with the Tigers on the road. Clemson is still upset about all the disrespect they have received. They will wallop the Demon Deacons.
Oklahoma (-10) at Baylor
I don’t love the Sooners, but they are a far better team than Baylor, and they need impressive wins to work their way back into the top four. They will roll on the road by at least two touchdowns.
Oregon (-27) vs. Arizona
The Ducks are peaking at the right time, at home, and Mario Cristobal loves to run up the score. Expect them to put up 50+ in this one and easily cover the spread.
UGA (-3) at Auburn
The Bulldogs are hitting their stride, but Auburn is one of the toughest places to play in the country. They also might have the best defense in the country and will be playing with their backs against the wall. However, Bo Nix is going to have a tough time scoring at all against Georgia’s defense. It will be close for a while, but eventually, the Bulldogs will pull away.
Alabama (-17.5) at Mississippi State
A lot of people might think this is a trap game. I don’t think so. Do you think the Crimson Tide heard an earful from Saban this past week? I feel bad for whoever has to play them after their performance against LSU. Sorry Bulldogs.