Week 10 Predictions

South Carolina was one of the biggest winners of last weekend overcoming a 17-0 deficit in the 3rd quarter and outlasted Missouri in double-overtime for the stunning and crucial 27-24 win over the Tigers and kept their SEC Championship dreams alive. Clemson overcame another sluggish and overall unimpressive performance to take care of Maryland on the road 40-27, both Oregon and Alabama won in convincing fashion and LSU avoid disaster against a feisty Furman team that gave the Tigers all they could handle before running out of gas down the stretch. Week 10 has now arrived and we are blessed with yet another top 10 ACC showdown. Florida State welcomes rival Miami to Doak Campbell Stadium. Elsewhere in the country, Clemson travels to Virginia for the last match-up against the Cavs until 2020, South Carolina looks to stay on track at home against Mississippi State, and Georgia and Florida square off in an SEC-East elimination game featuring two unranked teams. Lets get to business! 



Florida vs Georgia 


This game isn't quite what we expected it would be weeks ago, but injuries and misfortune have plagued both teams and now they both are holding on for dear life and find themselves in pretty much a playoff to the SEC Championship. Win and stay alive...lose and you can forget about a trip to Atlanta. Georgia might have the worst luck of this season and has lost key players all over the field. Florida lost  Driskel weeks ago for the rest of the season and simply put, both teams are just desperate for a win. I don't see either of these teams making it to ATL especially considering Florida still has to make a stop in Columbia to take on the Gamecocks. As for Saturday, I see this one as a toss up. And I think UGA' s injuries cost it another one.

The Pick: Florida



#14 South Carolina vs Mississippi State

Following last weeks miracle at Missouri, the Gamecocks are back on track and right back in the thick of things when it comes to the SEC-East. I think they build off that huge win last weekend and roll against the Bulldogs. Conner Shaw is tough as nails and Mike Davis is one of the best running backs in the country. The defense still has some issues to be worked out but overall South Carolina proved it is BCS worthy last week and they avoid the letdown Saturday and get it done at home.

The Pick: South Carolina


#11 Auburn @ Arkansas 

Auburn appears to have bounced back in a major way from last season and look to be on a crash course to a showdown against rival Alabama with the winner advancing to the SEC Championship. The Razorbacks are win-less in conference play and just 3-5 overall to this point. They could easily become the spoiler team in the SEC this season and ruin another team's season if they are overlooked but I don't believe that will actually happen. Auburn keeps rolling and probably cracks the top 10 when the BCS polls are released Sunday evening.

                                                                                  The Pick: Auburn


#8 Clemson @ Virginia 


The Tigers look to pick up another conference road win Saturday when it hits the road for Virginia. I legitimately had forgotten the Cavs had a football team and haven't heard much of anything at all about them all season long. At first that worried me until I did a little research. UVA comes into the game 2-6 overall and win-less at 0-4 in conference play. They are giving up nearly 30 points per game and can't seem to avoid mistakes and when they are on the good side of turnovers, simply can't turn them into points. Lack of execution has killed them all year long. With any road game one should exercise caution but the Tigers, despite a less than stellar showing the past three games, should get it done "easily". Hopefully Clemson can put together its first complete game of the season and win big. The last few weeks have not been fun to watch, I'm ready to see that change on Saturday.

The Pick: Clemson


#3 Florida State vs #7 Miami

Growing up I always remember hearing stories and seeing highlights from this rivalry game. (WIDE LEFT, WIDE RIGHT..etc)  In recent years it hasn't grabbed the nations attention as much but this year is a different story. FSU has looked as good as anybody in the country behind Jamies Winston and Miami has caught many of us off guard and despite a sloppy game last week against Wake Forest, have looked solid thus far and enter the game undefeated as well. The "U" has showed some heart and came out on top in a couple nail bitters so far this year so in that regard, they are "battle tested". However, the lack of competition is a concern. They did knock off #12 Florida earlier in the year but that has been the only ranked team they have faced. While FSU is still on a high following their rout in Death Valley two weeks ago (sorry to bring it up again, Clemson fans) and a beat-down of NC State last weekend.  ESPN College Gameday will be on hand in Tallahassee and this one has the makings of another classic. However, this team is exceptionally good. Not only do I think the Seminoles win, I think they win big at home and they once again will jump Oregon in the BCS rankings and just might find themselves at #1, even if for a brief moment of time. (ACC! ACC! ACC!)


The Pick: Florida State 

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 

Week 8 Predictions

So after an unannounced bye week, I'm BACK! Had a busy week with class and midterms this past week and wasn't able to squeeze in time for my weekly predictions. But hey, just like every team gets a bye week, I figured I deserved one too and I'm rested up and ready to go for what promises to be another epic weekend of college football. Last Saturday proved to be upset weekend as Georgia, Stanford, Oklahoma, Northwestern, and Michigan all were knocked off. Clemson flirted with the upset bug against Boston College for most of the first half before outscoring the Eagles 21-7 in the second half and securing a 10 point advantage. Once again the defense stepped up when they needed it most and outside of a few mishaps, played well and recorded their 5th straight game holding an opponent to 14 points or less. Hard to believe it is now Week 8 and time to separate the contenders from the pretenders. This week is highlighted by, quite frankly, the biggest game in ACC History. For the second time this season, Clemson's Death Valley will be in the limelight. How will they fair this time?   LETS DO THIS! 

Week 8 Predictions 

#10 Miami @ North Carolina 

After an almost four year hiatus, the Hurricanes appear to be back as they have cracked the top 10 of the polls. The Tarheels on the other hand haven't been able to get on track and their lone win this year came against Middle Tennessee State. (!!!!)The Tarheels do have home field advantage over the Canes but unfortunately for them, it won't matter. Miami wins and wins big in Chapel Hill and becomes one step closer to a trip to Charlotte to play for the ACC Championship in December. 

The Pick: Miami 

#24 Auburn @ #7 Texas A&M

The much improved Tigers...I mean War Eagles..I mean War Tigers...or..whatever they are calling themselves these days look to pull the shocker at Kyle Field this weekend. The Aggies survived a thriller against Ole Miss last weekend 41-38. Johnny Football is having another great year and has thrown for over 1800 yards and 14 touchdowns. When it comes down to it, not confident that Auburn's offense can match Manziel and put up enough points. Aggies get the job done. 

The Pick: Texas A&M

#11 South Carolina @ Tennessee 

Tennessee was literally inches away from knocking off Georgia in Neyland Stadium two weeks ago and after a much needed bye week, the Vols will look to take down South Carolina this weekend. The Gamecocks won big at Arkansas and look to take control of the SEC-East following Georgia's loss to Missouri on Saturday afternoon. Conner Shaw is playing some of his best football ever and things appear to be coming together for the Gamecocks. I think Tennessee will again put up a good fight just as they did against Georgia....but at the end of the day, the genius of Steve Spurrier and the talent of South Carolina will prove to be too much for the Vols. South Carolina should win but I'm just saying, Be careful!

The Pick: South Carolina 

#6 LSU @ Ole Miss

The Rebels fell short in their upset bid against Texas A&M last weekend and will try to fair better this week when LSU comes to town.  LSU is playing well and Zach Mettenberger  isn't the same guy we saw in the Chick-Fil-A Bowl against Clemson last December. (yeah I know I've said it before but I owe him do after dogging him all off-season!) The Tigers are 6-1 and if they win out, they will have a solid argument for a spot in the BCS title game. But they will have to get past Alabama and Texas A&M. Their confidence is building and they are quickly becoming a threat in the SEC west. I'm close, really close, to calling an upset for this one but just can't quite pull myself to do it. But I believe Les Miles and company find a way to get it done on the road. 

The Pick: LSU 

And last but not least.......

Christopher's Game of the Week

#3 Clemson vs #5 Florida State
"It ain't the Bowden Bowl anymore....its better!"

Preview: 

Jimbo vs Dabo. Jameis vs Tajh. #3 vs #5. College Gameday will be on hand. This one is going to be good, folks. This match up has quickly become quite the rivalry game. Both sides hate each other and as of late the winner of the game goes on to win the Atlantic division. With all due respect, this is the REAL ACC Championship game. It has also become a true home-and-home series as the home team has won nine of the last ten. In every game since 2002, the home team has came away with the victory, with the only exception being a stunning win in Tallahassee by Clemson back in 2006. The last time FSU won in Death Valley was in 2001. **FUN FACT OF THE WEEK: Remember the song "Fallin'" by Alicia Keys? How bout "Let Me Blow Your Mind" by Eve and Gwen Stefani? And I KNOW you haven't forgotten about Shaggy's "It Wasn't Me" well those were the songs atop the Billboard 100's the last time FSU won in Death Valley. **And say what you will, but FSU hasn't been the same program since their loss to Clemson in 2003 when the Tigers knocked off the #3 Noles 26-10 in a sellout crowd in Death Valley. Back then, this game was known as the Bowden Bowl. Saturday's showdown will be the biggest EVER played in Death Valley and its the first top 5 college football game ever in the state of South Carolina. Both teams have a shot at winning a National Championship and have a Heisman-caliber QB under center. It doesn't get much better than this. All eyes will again be on Clemson, SC this Saturday night at 8pm when the Tigers come rolling down the hill to take on the Seminoles. If you think you've seen loud, wait till Saturday night. Rumor has it that the Guinness Book of Wold Record will be on hand to see if the crowd can break the record for loudest stadium. Bring your ear plugs...this one is going to get a little rowdy. \

Players to Watch:

Clemson- QB Tajh Boyd, RB Roderick McDowell, WR Sammy Watkins, DE Vic Beasley 

Florida State- QB Jamies Winston, RB Devonta Freeman, WR Rashad Greene, RB James Wilder Jr.

My Thoughts:

As I've noted  earlier, this has truly become a series in which the home team wins. Florida State has yet to be truly tested this year. Their signature win to this point was......a 63-0 win over Maryland? (Granted Maryland was ranked at the time (#25) but lets be serious here, folks!) Clemson on the other hand won a physical brawl against Georgia in week 1, had to battle for a scrappy Thursday night road win in Raleigh and were forced to rally in the 4th quarter to win, what Dabo Swinney called a "Street Fight" Saturday afternoon in Death Valley against Boston College. In short, what I'm saying is the Tigers are more battled tested to this point..and it a hostile and close game, that could be a HUGE advantage. Jamies Winston is the truth, I'm not even going to pretend he is not. However, the Noles have had a pretty favorable road to get to this point and haven't been truly tested yet. Clemson will prove to be a big test for them and the atmosphere will be second to none Saturday night. Clemson's offense struggled to get going last weekend and had some issues holding on to the football but I believe those problems will be addressed. FSU is coming off a bye week and should be rested and ready to rock. However, Jimbo is only 1-2 following bye weeks in his time at FSU. If you're into that kind of thing you might also want to hear that Swinney is 8-0 in home games against ACC teams he lost to the previous year on the road. (Shout out to Clemson SID Tim Bourret for that note) And Tajh Boyd is undefeated against ACC competition in Death Valley. This one will likely be another shootout just as the Clemson-UGA game was. If you aren't making plans to watch this game, you really need to re-evaluate your life. This will be another instant classic. I'll be telling my children and grandchildren about this one. The winner will not only take control of the ACC, but make a statement on the national stage as well. For the Tigers, simply put...it could be a program defining win. A win Saturday...for lack of better words, would be monumental. 

Bottom Line: 

Although I anticipate this game being a high scoring affair, I think Clemson's defense is what makes the biggest difference, not their powerful offense. The Tigers recorded 5 sacks Saturday and held the nations leading rusher, Andre Williams in check for much of the game giving up only a 2.9 year per carry average. Clemson's Vic Beasley has emerged as one of the best DE's in college football and leads the nation in sacks and had a monster game Saturday with 5 tackles, 2 tackles for loss, 1 sack, 1 pass breakup, and 1 touchdown that sealed the win for the Tigers early in the fourth quarter. If the defense can continue to improve in their run defense and avoid giving up the big play, Clemson will be in great shape Saturday. The Tigers lead the nation in sacks, tackles for loss, and third down defense. (Yeah, that's right) The crowd will also play a major role...on Saturday they forced BC into back to back penalties as they tried to get the play called in from the sidelines and get set. As wild as the atmosphere was for the opener against UGA, Saturday promises to be even wilder. The Tigers are the underdog and rightfully so after their performance Saturday. Clemson is still searching for that true complete game and they tend to always rise to the occasion when the Noles come to town. History says the Tigers find a way Saturday night and I tend to agree. I think the electric crowd plays a major role throughout the game and Clemson's bend-but-don't-break defense makes just enough stops to put the Tigers in position for victory.

The Pick: Clemson 36 Florida State 30

Week 6 Predictions

Week 5 kicked off last Thursday with two of the ACC's finest (I really hope you caught my sarcasm) squaring off as Georgia Tech and Virginia Tech met up for Coastal division battle. I'll save you the pain of a full recap but its safe to say if Miami can take down the yellow jackets this weekend they all of the sudden look like the front runner for the Coastal Division. After being shutout to now #25 ranked Maryland, West Virginia caught many by surprise when they upset #11 Oklahoma State, 30-21. Despite losing Conner Shaw early in the game, South Carolina was able to hold on for the 28-25 victory on the road against UCF. Clemson wasted no time against Wake Forest jumping out to an early 21-0 lead in the first quarter before cruising to a 56-7 win in Death Valley. Georgia got the job done at home against LSU, 44-41 in what will prove to be one of the best games of this 2013 college football season. And finally, USC (yeah, you know.....that one that used to be relevant in the early 2000's) parted ways with Lane Kiffin after a 62-41 loss to Arizona State.  Who will make headlines in week 6? 


Week 6 Predictions: Take Your Pick


#6 Georgia vs Tennessee 

Georgia QB Aaron Murray stepped up and had a great performance last weekend as the Bulldogs knocked off LSU between the hedges. Murray has thrown for over 1300 yards and 11 touchdowns this season. We know UGA has been tested nearly every week but Tennessee's three wins have come against Austin Peay, (didn't even know they had a football team) Western Kentucky, and South Alabama. The Vols at least have home field advantage going for them. However, it won't make much of a difference by the time halftime rolls around.

The Pick: Georgia 

#13 South Carolina vs Kentucky 

The Gamecocks got off to a shaky start last weekend on the road at UCF but behind Dylan Thompson and some hard-nosed running by Mike Davis, who racked up 167 yards and 3 rushing TD's, they weathered the storm and held off a late Knight rally to beat UCF. Shaw will get the start and has looked well in practice following his scary shoulder injury suffered in the 1st quarter last week. Bottom line...Kentucky is simply a bad football team. They might be able to pull some strings and keep it interesting early but the power and speed of Mike Davis will prevail yet again. Gamecocks roll to another victory and slowly inch their way back to the top 10.

                                                                                    The Pick: South Carolina


#25 Maryland @ #8 Florida State 

Yes, Maryland is indeed ranked #25 heading into this week and are hoping they can pull the HUGE upset in Tallahassee this Saturday and make a statement in the ACC's Atlantic Division. I have not seen Maryland play yet but they have proved to be a much better team than they were last season. However, this will be their first true test. I've been impressed with Winston's play thus far but still not sold on FSU as a whole just yet. (Maybe its just the Clemson fan in me) That being said, with the game being in Doak Campbell Stadium, and the uncertainty of Maryland, I have to stay conservative with my pick on this one.

The Pick: Florida State

                                    #3 Clemson @ Syracuse 


The Tigers head up to Syracuse, NY for a meeting with ACC-newcomer, Syracuse, who will be playing in their first ACC football game. The fans and players are hyped up and confident they can knock off the Tigers Saturday but I have to belt out ( in my Lee Corso voice) NOT SO FAST, MY FRIEND! Syracuse's signature win to this point is a 54-0 rout over Wagner. WAGNER! Now I know anybody can beat anyone at any given time and playing on the road is never easy BUT Clemson has proved thus far that they are a legit BCS contender. The defense is coming off one of it's best games in the Swinney era and the Clemson offense is back on track after some issues against North Carolina State. Don't be surprised to see Syracuse have some success early but soon enough Tajh Boyd and the Tiger offense will take control of this game.

 The Pick: Clemson

Other Games of Interest: 

#14 Miami (FL) over Georgia Tech

#18 Florida over Arkansas 

Auburn over #24 Ole Miss

#17 Baylor over West Virginia

#5 Stanford over #15 Washington 

Week 5 Predictions

Week 4 wasn't the most exciting weekend of college football but if you love offense, there was plenty to go around. Teams across the nation put up basketball-scores in route to victory. Clemson avoided the upset in Raleigh Thursday night and knocked off NC State, 26-14. The LSU Tigers sent the Auburn Tigers home with their first loss of the season, North Texas gave UGA all they could handle until the fourth quarter, and Florida defeated Tennessee in the Swamp, but lost starting QB Jeff Driskel for the season with a broken lower leg. Week 5 gives us another Top 10 showdown as LSU travels between the hedges to take on Georgia. In addition, Texas A&M plays Arkansas (who blew a big lead and fell to Rutgers last weekend), Alabama meets Ole Miss at home, South Carolina travels down to Florida to square off against UCF and Clemson is back home in Death Valley as they take on Wake Forest. Lets make some predictions! 


Week 5 Predictions: Take Your Pick


                                                            #1 Alabama vs #21 Ole Miss

Ole Miss will roll into Tuscaloosa undefeated at 3-0 and 1-0 in SEC play. Alabama is starting to look like the team we all expected them to be after a not so impressive showing against Virginia Tech to kick off the season. The Rebels are a much improved team but they aren't quite ready to hang with the big boys of the conference just yet. Nick Saban's squad gets the job done and keeps their #1 ranking for at least another week.

The Pick: Alabama


#12 South Carolina @ UCF

South Carolina hits the road to take on 3-0 UCF Saturday at noon. The Gamecocks are not taking the Knights lightly and are prepared for what will not be a easy victory. The fans are pumped up as this is arguably the biggest game in the school's history. UCF already proved it can pull the upset as they took down Penn State just earlier this season in Happy Valley, 34-31. South Carolina is coming off their bye week and should be well rested, healthy and ready to go full speed ahead. This game has the potential to be very interesting, but at the end of the day I think South Carolina is just the better team and they will make it known.

The Pick: South Carolina


Virginia Tech @ Georgia Tech 

A HUGE showdown in the Coastal Division. Georgia Tech has looked solid thus far and took care of business last weekend against North Carolina. VT on the other hand needed 3 Overtimes to finish off Marshall at home last Saturday. Logan Thomas has been, well Logan Thomas and has already thrown 6 interceptions this season. If VT wants to stand a chance at winning the division Thomas has to take better care of the football. I like GT's offense better here and I think the Yellow Jackets get the job done at home against the Hokies.

                                                                                    The Pick: Georgia Tech



#3 Clemson vs Wake Forest

After a bye week and a Thursday night trip to Raleigh last week, Clemson returns home to take on division foe, Wake Forest. The Tigers had some trouble getting things rolling last week but stepped up and made plays when they had to. Its homecoming weekend for the Tigers so it should be a solid home crowd and atmosphere. Clemson proved once again that they aren't the "Same ole Clemson" team and that they are a different, more focused and a more mature team. Bottom line....Clemson has too many weapons on offense and the defense is improving. Too much talent all over the field for the Demon Deacons to match. Tigers win big on Homecoming.

The Pick: Clemson  

*Bonus Pick of the Week*

Presbyterian vs Charlotte 

After coming up short against Furman on the road last weekend, PC is even more focused and ready to get back on the winning side with Charlotte coming to town Saturday afternoon. Blue Hose get the job done and pick up an important win with conference play right around the corner and a trip to rival Wofford coming up next weekend.

The Pick: Presbyterian 



And last but certainly not least......  

Christopher's Game of the Week 

#6 LSU @ #9 Georgia 

Preview:

Another week of college football and another top 10 showdown featuring at least on SEC school. Starting to become quite the popular trend this year. This time, Georgia plays host to LSU who enters the game a perfect 4-0 and 1-0 in conference play. LSU is averaging 43.3 ppg while giving up 19.5. Georgia is averaging 40.3 ppg while giving up 29.7. College Gameday will be in attendance and this one should be another instant classic down between the hedges. 

Players to Watch:

LSU- QB Zach Mettenberger, RB Jeremy Hill, WR Odell Beckham

Georgia- QB Aaron Murray, RB Todd Gurley, RB Keith Marshall 

My Thoughts:

Zach Mettenberger is much improved this year and probably the most improved QB in the nation and has thrown for over 1,000 yards and 10 touchdowns with only 1 interception. Jeremy Hill is one of the most underrated backs in the nation and already has 6 touchdowns and 350 yards rushing to this point. Despite losing most of their team to the NFL, LSU hasn't had much of a drop-off at all from last season. Georgia was tied up with North Texas 21-21 halfway through the 3rd quarter Saturday before pulling away late in the game to secure the win. They will have to execute and much better this week or they could be in serious trouble.


Bottom Line:

The only thing that concerns me to this point is the strength of schedule. LSU's signature win to this point is a 37-27 win over #20 TCU. Outside of that, the Tigers have played UAB, Kent State, and Auburn. Oh and by the way, LSU hasn't played a road game this season. Georgia on the other hand will be playing their 3rd top 10 opponent of the year Saturday night. It could be fair to say the Bulldogs were not fully focused on the task at hand last week and were looking ahead to this game but it almost came back to haunt them. For me, I just have too many questions for LSU and not sure if they are truly a top 10 team based on who they've played to this point. We all know how good Georgia is and the Bulldogs may have the best QB-RB duo in the country in Murray and Gurley/Marshall. If the game was in that other "Death Valley", my pick would be harder but with the Tigers finally playing a quality opponent and having to do it on the road, I'm not sure they can handle it.

The Pick: Georgia 

Reflections From Raleigh

Last night was my first (and probably last) trip to Raleigh. It was not what I expected at all. Tried to head downtown for lunch and to explore before the game only to find out that it was deserted and there was a prison less than five minutes away. That was my cue to head back towards the stadium as quick as humanly possible. After driving in circles we finally found someone who knew what was going on and how to direct me towards a public parking lot. Before I'm even parked and out of my car I get I'm greeted with a nice warm (f-bomb you)...welcome to Raleigh, right? Tailgating in Raleigh was also not what I expected either..it felt more like a bunch of people having their own picnic in some random gravel lot with porta potties. 98% of the fans I came into contact with either cussed at me or talked trash (both before and after the game) and I was flipped off at least four times throughout the day for absolutely no reason. Got called a bandwagon by a complete stranger to which I could only laugh. Fans were extremely cocky and confident before the game and after the game instigated confrontations as I walked back to my car. At the end of the day though, I got the last laugh and proudly blasted "Eye of the Tiger" as I waited in traffic in the parking lot and rolled out of Raleigh. Well, enough about that..lets get to the actual game, shall we? 

Not So Fast, My Friend! 

It was FAR from a pretty, but the Tigers found a way to get it done on the road and came up big when we needed it most. We didn't quite cover the spread but if you go back and really breakdown this game, this was a solid win. Be cautious in your assessment of the Tigers performance last night. It wasn't the best, but it was a win. It was the first road game of the year, on a Thursday night, and in a place where we struggled and failed miserably in our last trip. We got behind but didn't give in and came back to take control of the game. I've been to numerous games in Death Valley and a handful on the road/neutral and I've seen the Tigers start like they did last night and not recover or make adjustments and lose a game in which they should have won. The old Clemson team would have lost last night. No doubt about it. Its sign of the progression and maturity of this team and program. Don't overlook it! I will say that some big calls changed the game (i.e. that state player was IN bounds, by the way) and played a major role in the outcome. However, the bottom line is Clemson found a way to get the job done on the road and move on step closer towards returning to Charlotte for an ACC Championship. 

The Tigers will certainly have to play better on both sides of the ball moving forward and I think they will. Clemson is back at home next weekend for Homecoming and should get back to its self next weekend in Death Valley. As for NC State, I can't put my finger on it. They looked much better than expected but not sure how much Clemson's lack of execution and overall swagger ( Yes, I just went there) played into that. Bottom line is the Tigers move forward with another win and all their goals are still on the board and up for grabs. And that's all that matters. One game at a time. Lets rest up and get ready to go after it hard next week against Wake Forest! Great job last night Tigers and Tiger nation! Have a nice weekend! Oh yeah, and GO TIGERS! 

Week 4 Predictions

Week 4 Predictions

Many college football fans had their eyes set on College Station in Week 3 for the epic rematch from last season of Texas A&M and Alabama. Alabama couldn't have asked for a worse start falling behind 14-0 early but the Tide would rise and respond down the stretch and hold off a late Aggie rally to survive a thrilling 49-42 shootout. Johnny Manziel had an overall solid game but threw two costly interceptions both leading directly to Alabama touchdowns that ultimately proved to be the difference maker. South Carolina held off the visiting Commodores, Ole Miss thumped Texas (see ya later, Mack Brown) and both Auburn and Texas Tech picked up conference wins and head into Week 4 undefeated. Clemson and Georgia were on their bye weeks and will look to stay in the win column this week as they take on North Carolina State and North Texas, respectively.

Week 4 Predictions: Take Your Pick 

Auburn @ #6 LSU 

Gus Malzhan has Auburn at 3-0 and ready to gain back some respect for a program that has seen better days since winning the BCS title in 2010. If Auburn can find a way to get it done in Tiger Stadium, watch out for the (Auburn) Tigers...this could be their rebound year. LSU is also 3-0 and coming off two blowout wins and will be tested against a much improved Auburn squad. Auburn will have a good season this year and might steal a win or two in conference play, but not this week. Always tough to knock off LSU at home. 

The Pick: LSU  

Texas State @ #25 Texas Tech

Kliff Kingsbury is off to a good start as head coach at his alma mater as the Red Raiders enter week 4 undefeated at 3-0. They cracked the top 25 with their win over TCU this weekend and will again take care of business this week against the Bobcats. Texas Tech easily moves to 4-0 this weekend and the Red Raider nation slowly but surely feel better about letting Chad Morris slip through the cracks. It is way too early to tell, but Kingsbury appears to be a great fit back at Texas Tech. 

                                                                                     The Pick: Texas Tech

#9 Georgia vs North Texas

A well rested Georgia team welcomes North Texas to town as a warm-up for another crucial SEC showdown next weekend when LSU comes to Athens for battle. Coming off the bye week and win over South Carolina I anticipate the Dawgs to pick up right where they left out and cruise to an easy victory over North Texas. With LSU looming next week, this is another case of jump out to an early lead, get your reserves in the game and most importantly, stay healthy.

The Pick: Georgia 

#8 Florida State vs Bethune Cookman

For the second straight week Florida State squares off against another inferior opponent at home and for the second straight week they will prove they are they are on their back to college football's elite. Jamies Winston will push the Noles closer to an epic potential top five showdown in Death Valley against the Tigers on October 19th. Seminoles put this one away early and prepare for ACC play on the road in Chestnut Hill against Boston College next weekend. 

                                                                                    The Pick: Florida State

Bonus Pick of the Week

North Carolina vs Georgia Tech

These two Coastal division foes meet up for an important ACC match-up giving the winner a small step ahead of the pack as conference play begins to heat up. North Carolina's Bryn Renner has thrown for over 500 yards so far this season and has only 1 interception. They win a close one this week over the yellow jackets. 

The Pick: North Carolina

And last but not least...... 

Christopher's Game of the Week

#3 Clemson @ North Carolina State

Preview:

Clemson fans would like to forget what happened the last time the Tigers made the trip to Carter-Finley Stadium. The Tigers rolled into Raleigh ranked #7 and got absolutely blasted by the Wolfpack and fell 37-13. However, things will be much different this time around and this team is better in nearly every aspect of the game. Going on the road on a Thursday night is not a easy task for anyone but the Tigers, coming off their bye week, should be loaded and ready to fire away when they take the field Thursday night. 

Players to Watch: 

Clemson- QB Tajh Boyd, WR Sammy Watkins, WR Gerome Hopper, RB Roderick McDowell 

North Carolina State- QB Pete Thomas, RB Matt Dayes, NC State Defense.

My Thoughts: 

I've had this game circled on my calendar since the schedule was released. I told a few friends of mine in the off season I was more worried about this week than I was about week 1 against Georgia. The Tigers know very well that if they don't show up ready to play they will and can get knocked off by the Wolfpack. This game will be nothing like the shootout we saw last season in Death Valley, but NC State is capable of making this game a bit "too interesting" if you are a Tiger fan. If the Tigers want to prove they are the real deal and a National title contender, this is a game where you have to make a statement. I haven't heard of anyone calling for an upset but it has to be in the back of everyone's mind. Will the Tigers "pull a Clemson" this year and if so, when? 

Bottom Line:

The Tiger defense is improving and North Carolina State has yet to even put up a touchdown through the air. That's good news for a Clemson secondary that is still suspect. If the Tigers show up and play to the level they are capable of, we'll see Cole Stoudt and Chad Kelly in the game as early as the 3rd quarter. However if Clemson comes out flat and ill-prepared, it could be a rough night in Raleigh. All that being said, Clemson is the better team here and will prove it on the field. The spread is 13 in favor of the Tigers and I think they cover it and then some. Even if the defense is shaky, the Offense will put up more than enough points to secure the victory. Clemson picks up its first conference win of the season in convincing fashion. 

The Pick: Clemson 47 North Carolina State 21