Clifton Canady – Associate Sports Director (33-12)
10 Louisville @ Miami (FL)
After a thorough analysis of both teams’ performance this season, the upcoming match between Louisville and Miami (FL) is expected to be a tight contest. However, the odds seem to slightly favor Louisville, who have been exceptional this year with a 9-1 overall record and are on the brink of securing a spot in the ACC Championship Game. Despite some struggles on the road, their track record suggests they have the upper hand over Miami, who started the season strongly but have recently lost momentum. With Tyler Van Dyke back as quarterback for Miami, there are still some uncertainties about his performance.
10 Louisville 24, Miami (FL) 17
1 Georgia @ 18 Tennessee
No.1 Georgia and No.18 Tennessee is shaping up to be an enthralling contest. Georgia, with their formidable defense, has been the standout team this season, maintaining a perfect record so far. On the other side, Tennessee, with the No.8 rushing attack, has shown impressive resilience throughout the season. However, given the Bulldogs’ relentless form and their reputation as 9.5-point favorites, it’s hard to see past them for the victory. The game might indeed be close in the first half, but expect Georgia to assert their dominance in the second half, as they have done all season.
1 Georgia 42, 18 Tennessee 17
5 Washington @ 11 Oregon State
Despite Washington’s impressive winning streak, some experts believe Oregon State, led by DJ Uiagalelei, will pull off an upset. The Beavers have shown their strength in both their running and passing game, which might be enough to tip the scales in their favor. Oregon State is also a 1-point favorite at home, adding to their advantage. But Washington’s past record cannot be ignored, as they have won 10 out of the last 11 games in this series. Given all these factors, it’s going to be a close game, but I’m giving my boy DJU a slight edge.
5 Washington 31, 11 Oregon State 34
Kentucky @ South Carolina
Despite the game being on South Carolina’s home turf, there are serious concerns about whether their defense can stand up against Kentucky’s offense. The Wildcats currently have a 53.9% chance of victory according to Fox Sports’ implied probability, while the Gamecocks hold a slightly lower chance at 50.7%. On the other hand, ESPN’s matchup predictor has Kentucky as the underdog with a 42% chance of victory. Given Kentucky’s current form and South Carolina’s defensive struggles, I predict a win for Kentucky with a scoreline of 21-14.
Kentucky 21, South Carolina 14
UNC @ Clemson
The highly anticipated clash between UNC and Clemson is sure to be a thriller. On one side, we have Clemson who has recently found their stride in the running game, putting on an impressive show. Their passing game also looks promising after the last outing. On the other hand, UNC boasts the best quarterback and offense in the ACC, but they are up against Clemson’s top-10 defense. This matchup will be a real test for both teams. Clemson enters as a favorite of -7.5, but UNC has been playing superb offense recently, scoring at least 42 points in each of its last three games.
UNC 24, Clemson 31
Griffin Barfield – Staff Writer (31-14)
10 Louisville @ Miami (FL)
Right off the bat, here comes my upset pick, and here’s why. Louisville has played two away games, a 13-10 win over NC State and their only loss against Pittsburgh. Yes, Miami is not the best with bringing in crowds, but unusual territory hurts the Cardinals. Squeaking by Virginia won’t cut it this week, and Miami’s defense holds the Cards’ rushing attack in a close, but huge game for Mario Cristobal and the Hurricanes.
Louisville 17, Miami 21
1 Georgia @ 18 Tennessee
Remember when I said Michigan was my consensus No. 1 pick all year? Georgia heard that, I guess. I don’t see Tennessee putting up a fight in this game, especially with how Carson Beck has picked up steam as the season has gone. The Vols keep it close in the first half, and the Dawgs do their traditional second half domination to cruise to another win.
Georgia 34, Tennessee 24
5 Washington @ 11 Oregon State
College GameDay was snubbed here, by the way. Anywho, nobody likes playing in Corvallis, Oregon, which is such a tough place to play. Washington have snuck by teams since their convincing win at Oregon, but I think the Beavers knock them out of contention. I don’t trust the Huskies’ defense to stop DJU and that strong rushing attack. I would love to see this, and I think it happens.
Washington 34, Oregon State 38
Kentucky @ South Carolina
Yes, Carolina is coming off a win. Yes, the game is at home for the Gamecocks. But Kentucky is battle-tested. They win games they should, and have only lost against Top-25 opponents. South Carolina is not a Top-25 opponent, and I think the ‘Cats get by. Close game though.
Kentucky 35, South Carolina 31
20 North Carolina @ Clemson
Senior Day and another home game for the Tigers. This game comes down to which unit I trust more: Clemson’s defense or the Tar Heels’ defense. Despite North Carolina’s incredibly exciting offense, I think their defense holds them back in this game. The Tiger defense will get a few late game stops to get Clemson their third straight.
North Carolina 24, Clemson 35
Garrett Mitchell- Staff Writer
10 Louisville @ Miami (FL)
The Cardinals have been a surprise success story in 2023 as one of the strongest teams in the ACC. Miami, however, has never been able to find the consistency it needs to be a contender. Now with two quarterbacks down with injury, do not look for this game to be close. The Cardinals fly away with this one.
Louisville 31, Miami 10
1 Georgia @ 18 Tennessee
A week ago, I would have considered this to be the marquee game in the country this week. That was until Tennessee got absolutely demolished in every facet of the game by Missouri. Georgia is not quite as dominant as the past two seasons, but they are plenty good enough to give Tennessee a similar beating. I will take the Dawgs to pull away in this one.
Georgia 38, Tennessee 21
5 Washington @ 11 Oregon State
Oregon State has been one of the darlings of college football all year behind former Clemson quarterback DJU. Unfortunately for the Beavers, Washington has been one of the best teams period. The Huskies howl on Saturday.
Washington 41, Oregon State 24
Kentucky @ South Carolina
Oh, South Carolina. Not the season you thought was going to happen down in Columbia, is it? Well, it is not going to get any better on Saturday. Please make sure to not get cat scratch fever before Clemson comes to town next week. We need our pound of flesh, too. Wildcats take this one going away.
Kentucky 34, South Carolina 17
20 UNC @ Clemson
The Clemson Tigers have discovered a new lease on their football lives. After a disastrous first four games to start the season, the Tigers have roared to life and demolished then-number 15 ranked Notre Dame before picking apart Georgia Tech in their most dominant win of the season. North Carolina and dynamic quarterback Drake Maye and company will present quite the challenge on offense, though they have yet to see a defense even close to the caliber that Clemson will throw at them. Meanwhile, the Heels’ defense is porous. I expect the Tigers to do dirty things on the ground with Mafah and Shipley having a big day along with Cade Klubnik and the receivers. Like Jerry Reed once sang, “when you’re hot, you’re hot.” Right now, Clemson is scorching.
UNC 20, Clemson 45
Casey Cregan- Staff Writer (29-16)
10 Louisville @ Miami (FL)
I have said on numerous outlets that I believe Miami is atrocious. They’ve got some really nice pieces, especially on the defensive side, but otherwise they are not a good football team. And yes, I know, they beat Clemson. What a crock. Louisville by a lot.
Louisville 34, Miami 14
1 Georgia @ 18 Tennessee
How is Tennessee still ranked? Seriously? Georgia will dog…er…Dawg walk Tennessee is this game. It’s amazing how people see Tennessee play this season and think only 18 teams are better than them. They’re not good. Georgia is. Enough said.
Georgia 45, Tennessee 3
5 Washington @ 11 Oregon State
DJU is having a tremendous year. The Clemson alum has really fit in nicely with the Oregon State offense and team. I’m extremely happy for the kid, who, by ALL accounts is a tremendous person. Washington is just better than the Beavers. I’ve got Washington here even on the road in Corvallis.
Washington 24, Oregon State 17
Kentucky @ South Carolina
Speaking of quarterbacks that are having great seasons, Spencer Rattler is one of them. Too bad his team is not great. Kentucky seemingly took a step back from last year with their results so far this season. I think this game is closer than we want it to be and it may even be one the feathered friends from the Midlands come out on top.
Kentucky 28, South Carolina 29
20 UNC @ Clemson
Senior Day in the Valley. Cade Klubnik and Clemson absolutely decimated this UNC team a season ago in the ACC Championship. I have a hard time thinking that UNC is 40 points better this season, even with their 8th ranked Offense in the country and all-everything quarterback Drake Maye leading the squad. RB Omarion Hampton is 9th in the country in rushing yards. Tez Walker is having a great second half after sitting out the beginning of the season because the NCAA makes no sense. All that to say, Clemson is rolling right now, and that defense will prey on Maye and company. UNC will score on Clemson, but I believe Clemson wins comfortably.
UNC 20, Clemson 41
