Week 9 Predictions

UPSET EXTRAVAGANZA!!! 

Depending on the colors you represent, week 8 was quite an entertaining weekend...a weekend full of upsets that nearly shook the rankings upside down. It started on Thursday night and carried on well into the latter hours of Saturday night. SIX of the top 11 fell Saturday including #3 Clemson, #6 LSU, #7 Texas A&M, #8 Louisville, #9 UCLA, and #11 South Carolina. The upsets didn't stop there either as Georgia lost their second straight game and fell to Vanderbilt. It was a rough weekend for many. Clemson let a golden opportunity pass by and got absolutely dominated against a legit National Title contender in Florida State. Jamies Winston has proved to be one of the best to play for Florida State and still has plenty of football left as a Seminole. With the BCS rankings now out, its now or never for many teams and every game counts. Clemson saw its National Tide dreams come to a crushing halt as did Louisville. Only a handful of teams remain unbeaten heading into this weekend. Things have been weird in the SEC this year...Georgia is 4-3 and Missouri is 7-0. (Show me a person that saw that coming and I'll show you a future PowerBall winner.) Anyways, its a new week and more importantly a chance to get back on the winning side for many top ranked teams that came on the wrong end of an upset last Saturday. The fact that we are now in Week 9 disgust me. That Clemson-UGA showdown seems ancient now...I could only wish I could say the same about the showdown...or shutdown I witnessed last Saturday in Death Valley. But without further due....lets do this! 

North Carolina State @ #2 Florida State

Last season North Carolina State was able to pull the shocker as the Wolfpack took down the Seminoles in Raleigh. However many things have changed since last year. Last week proved anyone can lose any given Saturday. BUT there is no way North Carolina State can hang with Florida State in Tallahassee. Too many weapons all over the field and speaking from experience, FSU isn't exactly a fun place to play. Seminoles leave no doubt in this one. 

The Pick: FSU

Vanderbilt @ #16 Texas A&M 

Fresh off a win over Georgia, Vandy is feeling good about themselves but they need to keep it in perspective. A win is a win and injuries are a part of the game, BUT Georiga has lost almost every key player and are struggling now and find themselves in serious danger of not making a bowl game. Texas A&M might have to go without the services of a injured Johnny Manziel but they have plenty of other play makers that can get the job done Saturday.

The Pick: Texas A&M

#21 South Carolina @ #5 Missouri 

With Conner Shaw likely restricted to the sidelines this weekend, the Gamecocks will look to Dylan Thompson to step up and lead South Carolina when they head to Columbia, MO for a HUGE prime time showdown in the SEC-East. Missouri proved last week that it could win without QB James Franklin who is out for the remainder of the season. New QB Maty Mauk lead the Tigers past the Gators 36-17 in his first career start. The Tigers have some play makers at the WR position and will be a test for South Carolina's secondary. As much as I want to buy-in to Missouri, I can't pull myself to believe the ole ball coach will lose two in a row. Gamecocks find a way to get it done after last weeks disappointing performance against Tennessee...but it won't be easy. 

The Pick: South Carolina

#9 Clemson @  Maryland

I don't know why Maryland always gives the Tigers problems but that is the reality. The last time the Tigers played in College Park, they had to rally from an 18 point deficit to win a shootout 56-45. The Tigers can not afford to get into that type of situation again this year. It will be very interesting to see how the guys respond after last weeks blowout loss. The Tigers have plenty to play for but can't allow FSU to beat them twice. I'm pretty worried about this game as this road trip is always more difficult than it should be for the Tigers. However, I think they respond well and get the job done. 

The Pick: Clemson 35 Maryland 21

Other Games of Interest 

#6 Stanford over #25 Oregon State

#3 Oregon over #12 UCLA

#15 Oklahoma over #10 Texas Tech

#1 Alabama over Tennessee 

#7 Miami over Wake Forest