Staff Picks
Casey Cregan – Staff Writer – (10-5)
Ole Miss @ Alabama – The battle of Lane Kiffin vs. Nick Saban is a lot of fun to follow on Twitter. Lane seems very confident in this match-up. However, I just don’t think Jaxson Dart will have enough to beat a fired-up Alabama squad that has finally settled on Jalen Milroe as their starting quarterback, at least for this week.
Ole Miss – 27, Alabama – 31
Ohio State @ Notre Dame – In probably the marquee game of the weekend, Ohio State travels to Notre Dame Stadium to play the Irish. Notre Dame has impressed early in the season blowing out all four of their opponents while Ohio State has struggled at times in games getting going. I won’t believe in Notre Dame unless they win this game, and I’m a huge Sam Hartman fan.
Ohio State – 28, Notre Dame – 27
Oregon State @ Washington State – DJ Uiagalelei seemed to come back to earth a little last week with his 2 interception performance. Cameron Ward is the quarterback you’ve never heard of but should by now. Heck, the Pac12 has a slew of good qbs no one is talking about. I like Ward and the Cougars to pull out this ranked vs. ranked match-up.
Oregon State – 22, Washington State – 31
Mississippi State @ South Carolina – South Carolina hung with the feared Georgia Bulldogs last week. Heck, Shane Beamer claimed victory after coming out at halftime. Note to Coach Beamer, we play 4 quarters in college football, and South Carolina forgot to score in the second half. This week should be a little easier, I just think Will Rogers and Jo’Quavious Marks will be too much for our feathered friends in the midlands.
Mississippi State – 30, South Carolina 27
Florida State @ Clemson – This is the marquee match-up on the ACC early in the season. Florida State, the pre-season media darlings came up with an impressive comeback win opening night versus LSU, but nearly fumbled away a victory against the struggling Boston College Eagles a week ago. Clemson seems to be getting going offensively and playing that “complementary football” that Dabo speaks about every week. Both teams are going to have to play really well to beat the other. I can’t pick against the Tigers.
Florida State – 21, Clemson – 31
Clifton Canady – Associate Sports Director (11-4)
Ole Miss @ Alabama – It’s not every day that we get to witness the battle of Lane Kiffin vs. Nick Saban, Lane is a former assistant under Saban and looking to beat the Saban again. Kiffin seems rather confident about his team’s chances, but with Alabama looking for redemption after their surprising loss at home a few weeks ago, it’s hard to bet against them. The Tide seems more determined than ever to come out on top. Will Ole Miss be able to pull off the upset, or will Alabama continue to assert its dominance at home? Either way, this promises to be a thrilling game.
Ole Miss – 21, Alabama – 31
Ohio State @ Notre Dame – Ohio State’s football program, despite its historical consistency, is grappling with offensive struggles this season, primarily due to an unsettled quarterback situation. In contrast, Notre Dame appears well-prepared for victory, bolstered by new head coach Marcus Freeman and quarterback Sam Hartman. Consequently, many predict a home-turf win for the Fighting Irish.
Ohio State 21, Notre Dame 35
Oregon State @ Washington State – Oregon State, led by former Clemson quarterback DJ Uiagalelei, is poised to challenge Washington State’s renowned home advantage. Uiagalelei, with a 61.8% completion rate, is ready to display his prowess on the field. Despite Washington State’s strong home record, the consensus leans towards Oregon State’s superior team.
Oregon State 42, Washington State 14
Mississippi State @ South Carolina – Mississippi State’s disappointing season contrasts with South Carolina’s unpredictable performance, ranging from a heavy loss to North Carolina to a competitive game against Georgia. However, the advantage of playing at their home ground, Williams-Brice Stadium, could tilt the scales in South Carolina’s favor. Despite the uncertainty surrounding the game’s outcome, South Carolina seems to have an little bit of an edge.
Mississippi State 27, South Carolina 31
The much-awaited game in the ACC is finally here and is shaping up to be a nail-biter. While Clemson has shown improvement in their past couple of games, this matchup against the Seminoles is a true test. Both teams have their strengths and weaknesses, making it difficult to predict the outcome. I do think that this game will be low-scoring. However, when it comes down to it, I have a gut feeling that the Tigers will come out on top in front of their home crowd.
Florida State 21, Clemson 24
Griffin Barfield (9-6) – Staff Writer
Ole Miss @ Alabama – A rare thing occurred two weeks ago when I took Alabama in Tuscaloosa, where they lost. Yes, I’ve liked Lane Kiffin and the Rebels this season, but do you really think the Tide loses two back-to-back home games under Nick Saban? I just can’t see it. Jalen Milroe has a great bounce-back game.
Ole Miss 24, Alabama 31
Ohio State @ Notre Dame – I haven’t been a fan of the Buckeyes all season. They took a huge step back at quarterback, and Kyle McCord has not done it for me just yet. Sam Hartman is the final piece that the Irish have been needed in this Marcus Freeman-led team and I can’t see them losing in South Bend. Notre Dame is dangerous, y’all.
Ohio State 20, Notre Dame 31
Oregon State @ Washington State – There’s no place like Pullman. Yes, the heart tells me to go with D.J. and the Beavers, but Washington State is a very tough place to play, and a very tough team this year. I think Cameron Ward is another incredible quarterback product, and the Cougars take this one at home.
Oregon State 21, Washington State 35
Mississippi State @ South Carolina – The Gamecocks are weird this year, man. From getting blown out by North Carolina to keeping up with Georgia, it is very tough to position this team somewhere. But if one thing’s for sure, home-field advantage is one of the biggest advantages in college football. On a night game at Williams-Brice Stadium, I’ll take South Carolina in a shootout. I wouldn’t be surprised if they got blown out though, either. This is the team we are talking about when speaking on South Carolina, I just don’t know where to put them.
Mississippi State 27, South Carolina 35
Florida State @ Clemson – Florida State proved to the college football world that they are human with a close game against BC last week. They can score at any point on the field at any time, and that’s what makes them dangerous. The Clemson defense holds on, Cade and the offense gets going on the weakest link of the Seminoles’ defense: the secondary. I think the Tigers win in a game that will be remembered as a Death Valley classic.
Hot Take: They win on a game-winning field goal by recent addition Jonathan Weitz.
Florida State 24, Clemson 27
Drew Watts (9-6) – Senior Staff Writer
Ole Miss @ Alabama – I never thought I would make a pick that meant Alabama would lose back-to-back games. I know Jalen Milroe is getting the start this game and he is very clearly the best option for Alabama at QB. I just think that Ole Miss squeaks this one out.
Alabama 24, Ole Miss 34
Ohio State @ Notre Dame – Ohio State is one of the most consistent programs in the country over the last handful of years. Ohio State has possibly the best wide receiver group in the country this year… My question is who is going to get them the ball consistently. I haven’t liked this Buckeye offense all year, and that is why Im taking Notre Dame at home.
Ohio State 23, Notre Dame 30
Oregon State @ Washington State – I know this game is on the road for Oregon State and Washington State is really tough to beat at home. I’m making this one simple though. Oregon State is a better football team. Give me the Beavers.
Oregon State 35, Washington State 26
Mississippi State @ South Carolina – Mississippi State has been a very very bad football team to this point in the season. South Carolina certainly hasn’t been good, but I do think they should handle this game easily, especially at home.
Mississippi State 23, South Carolina 38
Florida State @ Clemson – I think there are a few ways this game could go. Clemson wins by 7, Clemson wins by 3 or Florida State boat races the Tigers. Clemson hasn’t shown me that they are ready to beat this Florida State team yet this year. But none of that matters. The only one that matters is when they meet Saturday afternoon in Death Valley. My head is telling me to take the Noles, but I am going to ride with the Tigers in a close one.
Florida State 28, Clemson 31
Garrett Mitchell (10-5)- Staff Writer
Ole Miss @ Alabama
Right now, the only thing the Tide are rolling through is options at quarterback. So far, none of them have exactly lit up the stat sheet. Something is amiss with the 2023 Alabama Crimson Tide, and I’m not sure the ship gets righted on Saturday. If Alabama can only score 17 points against South Florida, color me surprised if you do not struggle with a fairly decent Rebels team.
Ole Miss 27, Alabama 21
Ohio State @ Notre Dame
This is one of the marquee games of the entire college football season, featuring two blue-blood programs with national title aspirations. Both teams are undefeated, but when put to the eye test, it is the Fighting Irish who appear as the most complete team. I’ll take Notre Dame in this one.
Ohio State 24, Notre Dame 31
Oregon State @ Washington State
DJU has been a revelation for Oregon State at quarterback (insert eye roll). Washington State has played well and are 3-0, but the Beavers have a bit more talent in more places and a signal caller who has magically hit his stride. Give me the Beavers in this one.
Oregon State 37, Washington State 24
Mississippi State @ South Carolina
Misery loves company, I guess. Neither the Bulldogs nor Gamecocks have exactly wowed anyone this season. If my football math adds up, that could mean an exciting game could happen in Columbia. South Carolina wins, but it will be close, and certainly not pretty. Somebody grab me some Pepto.
Mississippi State 17, South Carolina 21
Florida State @ Clemson
Had you asked any Clemson fan two weeks ago what they thought about this one, most would have probably shuddered at the thought. However, the Tigers have scored 66 and 48 points respectively in their last two contests, the defense for Clemson has been lights out, and Florida State looked very much human against a pedestrian at best Boston College team. It will be tough, but Death Valley wins out. Tigers in an instant classic.
Florida State 24, Clemson 27
Anthony Weeks (10-5) – Sports Director
Ole Miss @ Alabama – Quarterback issues in Tuscaloosa will cost them a chance at a National Championship this season.
Ole Miss 31, Alabama 28
Ohio State @ Notre Dame – One key player I’m watching in this game. Sam Hartman, he has elite blocking up front and playmakers on the outside.
Ohio State 28, Notre Dame 42
Oregon State @ Washington State – I have no skin in the game with this pick, I’m going with the better roster.
Oregon State 21, Washington State 31
Mississippi State @ South Carolina – After a close first half with Georgia, this week they return home to Williams Brice Stadium.
Mississippi State 28, South Carolina 42
Florida State @ Clemson – Clemson’s defense keeps this game close, but young Cade Klubnik makes one too many mistakes.
Florida State 35, Clemson 24
