Trevor Lawrence and the Clemson Tiger roll into Tallahassee looking for a win.
Playoff and bowl positioning starts becoming a factor as we head into week nine. Here are my picks for week 9.
Clemson at Florida State (+17.5, 48.5): I still have issues with Clemson’s offense despite the fact that they having been playing better. The think the Tigers will win but an improved Florida State will come to play against their rivals.
Purdue (-1, 48) at Michigan State: Purdue still has a chance to win the Big Ten West after their impressive win over Ohio State. Jeff Brohm has the Boilermakers playing well and they have a golden opportunity to make a statement with a win against a banged up Michigan State.
Wisconsin at Northwestern (+3.5, 51.5): Wisconsin is also banged up as they will be playing without starting quarterback Alex Hornibrook. That opens the door for Northwestern at home and that is why I am going with them.
Florida (-6, 52) vs. Georgia: The world’s largest cocktail party will once again be a battle. It will come down to Georgia’s offense versus Florida’s defense. If Georgia can run the football, they can set the tone against a fast Florida defense. Expect a tight game that could be decided by a field goal. Georgia wins, Florida covers.
South Florida (+8.5, 75) at Houston: Expect a high scoring game between two offenses that play with good tempo and get up and down the field. South Florida has flown under the radar all season. People will know who they are after they win at Houston today. Give me the Bulls in this key American East match up.
Iowa at Penn State (-5.5, 51): I may regret this pick but something tells me Trace McSorley will bounce back and beat a good Iowa team in Happy Valley. 5.5 is a tough number for a Big Ten game in late October but I think the Nittany Lions win by 7.
Kansas State at Oklahoma (-24.5, 64.5) Oklahoma got a little bit of their mojo last week with their win at TCU. They will build off of that win by thumping K-State. I like Boomer Sooner as a decisive home favorite.
Kentucky at Missouri (-7.5, 55.5): The Tigers have been a tough out at home during the Barry Odom era. Kentucky’s running game will give the Tigers some problems but I can’t see Kentucky scoring enough to win this game. Drew Lock and company win and cover.
Washington at California (+12, 45): Justin Wilcox will have his Bears ready to play in this game. Cal’s defense will give the Washington offense some problems but it won’t be enough. I think Washington wins a close game. Take Cal as the home dog. They will play tough.
Washington State at Stanford (-3, 54): Big game for both teams in the PAC-12 North. Washington State is coming off an emotional win over Oregon at home so a let down wouldn’t be a surprise. That’s why I am taking Stanford at home despite their offensive struggles of late.
Texas A&M (+1, 44) at Mississippi State: A&M is playing well and looking at their schedule, they may not lose again the rest of the season. Mississippi State has fallen apart all of a sudden. Give me the Aggies as a short road dog. I like them a lot in this one.
NC State at Syracuse (+2, 65.5): We thought the Pack was a legit contender in the ACC and then Clemson dispelled that notion. Dino Babers always finds a way to get his Orangemen up games like this and something tells Syracuse will play and win this game. That’s why I’m taking the Orange as a small dog at home.
Texas (-3.5, 62) at Oklahoma State: I’m on the Texas wagon until further notice. Besides, despite Okie State’s history of playing well in prime time home games, I just don’t think they are physical enough to match up with Texas’ multi dimensional offense. Hook em Horns!
Notre Dame vs. Navy (+24, 53.5): I’m not getting burned again by Notre Dame as a big time favorite. I’m taking the Midshipmen as the dog in this one. Notre Dame will win but it’ll be a battle.
Oregon at Arizona (+9.5, 65): Oregon is so inconsistent, especially on the road. Arizona has