It’s a rough start for my picks, I’ll be honest.
That’s what I get for ever thinking about picking Vanderbilt to cover.
But another week of football is upon us, so I desperately need to pick things up. Here are my picks for the top games on Saturday.
DISCLAIMER: My picks are for entertainment purposes only, with no money being placed on any game.
2014 Record: (5-8)
Saturday, Sept. 13
Georgia (-6) vs. South Carolina (CBS, 2:30 CT)
The biggest game of the SEC East schedule comes early.
If Georgia beats the Gamecocks, they’ll take complete control of half the conference, dropping South Carolina to 0-2 in the SEC. It’s not necessarily a “must-win” for USC, but it’s definitely one they need to slow Georgia’s roll.
Even though South Carolina is at home, I’m not comfortable going in that direction. I’ll take the sure thing, aka Todd Gurley, to lead his team to victory.
Dawgs win by 10 points.
Arkansas vs. Texas Tech (-2) (ABC, 2:30 CT)
The first of two SEC vs. Big 12 match-ups this week.
There’s no question Arkansas is better than they were a year ago, but how will they fare going into Red Raider territory? Texas Tech is 2-0, though both wins were under seven points, so they haven’t exactly been all that impressive.
Expect a high scoring game. Arkansas can certainly score on this Texas Tech defense, but if we’re talking shootouts, give me the Raiders.
Guns up.
Kentucky vs. Florida (-18) (SEC Network, 6:30 CT)
Florida just can’t afford to lose at home to Kentucky, even though this Wildcats team has improved.
After this game, the Gators will begin a brutal run, beginning with Alabama next Saturday. Considering their season opener was cancelled, Florida will need to tune things up quickly, and should be able to against UK.
Kentucky will hang around, but the Gators will pull away in the second half.
Tennessee (+20.5) vs. Oklahoma (ABC, 7:00 CT)
This line has been all over the place, but for now, has settled with a good value pick here.
Oklahoma will win this game in Norman, and rightfully so. However, Tennessee has more than enough talent to compete with the Sooners for four quarters. My only question is, how will the atmosphere affect a young Vols team going on the road for the first time?
No one knows, but regardless, I’m taking Tennessee to cover the +20.5 line. This is a sure fire way to determine if UT is legit or not, just hanging with the number four ranked team in the nation.
USC (-17) vs. Boston College (ESPN, 7:00 CT)
I almost didn’t include this match-up, but since it’s the primetime game on ESPN, I guess I have to.
Luckily, it should give me an easy win.
Boston College looked shaky against Pittsburgh last week, and now draw a very strong USC team coming off their huge win at Stanford. Yes, it’s a long road trip to Boston, but it will worth it.
Trojans win big.
UCLA (-7.5) vs. Texas (FOX, 7:15 CT)
Vegas is being a bit too generous to Texas here, I think.
The Longhorns just aren’t a good football team without David Ash at quarterback. Heck, they’re trying to find walk-ons from kids walking around campus.
Sure, UCLA just barely got past Memphis, but they stay composed to pull that one out. If this line was a little higher, I might put my fake money on Texas.
However, I think the Bruins improve to 3-0 with a nine-point victory.
OVC Quick Picks
2014 Record: (12-4)
Cumberland vs. UT Martin – UT Martin
Eastern Illinois vs. Illinois State – Illinois State
Chattanooga vs. Austin Peay – No pick
Morehead State vs. Eastern Kentucky – Eastern Kentucky
Jackson State vs. Tennessee State – Tennessee State
Southeast Missouri vs. Southern Illinois – Southern Illinois
