Gridiron Guru: College Football Picks Week 8

Gridiron Guru is the ultimate college football picks showdown, where Clemson Sports Media’s writers battle it out by picking five games from across the country. It’s like watching your buddies debate football at a tailgate party but with experts. Check out their picks below each week for a dose of football excitement – it’s all about the pure joy of college football! Don’t miss out!
WriterRecord
Clifton Canady25-11
Griffin Barfield22-14
Angelo Feliberty21-10
Casey Cregan26-10
Garrett Mitchell19-12
Lacey Steele22-14
Standings through Week 7
Clemson vs Virginia: Dabo Swinney faces former assistant Tony Elliott |  Around The Paw S2E10

Clifton Canady – Staff Writer

Virginia @ 10 Clemson Noon

I’m going with Clemson to win big over Virginia this Saturday at noon. The Tigers are heavily favored, with the spread at Clemson -21. I expect Clemson’s high-powered offense to overwhelm the Cavaliers in Death Valley, where former Clemson assistant Tony Elliott makes his highly anticipated return. My prediction is that Clemson wins convincingly to remain undefeated in ACC play. The Tigers should have no trouble covering the three-touchdown spread in front of the home crowd.

Virginia 7, 10 Clemson 49

6 Miami @ Louisville Noon

This matchup between Miami and Louisville is shaping up to be a close contest. Miami, with a record of 6-0, is slightly favored by 1 point, but Louisville, at 4-2, has shown strong performance throughout the season. The analytics suggest a tight game, with Louisville having a slight edge in some predictions, such as a projected score of 26-25 in favor of the Cardinals. Miami’s quarterback, Cam Ward, is expected to be a key player, potentially exploiting Louisville’s defense with his rushing ability. However, Miami’s inability to play effectively from behind could be a critical factor, especially against a resilient Louisville team. Given these dynamics, 

6 Miami 27,  Louisville 31

South Carolina @ Oklahoma 12:45 PM

Given the matchup between Oklahoma and South Carolina, Oklahoma is slightly favored by 1.5 points. South Carolina has struggled in close games, particularly in the SEC, with losses to LSU and Alabama, often due to turnovers. Despite Oklahoma’s challenges, they have a strong record as a home favorite. Considering these factors and Oklahoma’s No. 18 ranking, I predict Oklahoma will win at home.

South Carolina 18, Oklahoma 21

7 Alabama @ 11 Tennessee 3:30 PM

For the Alabama vs. Tennessee game, scheduled for 3:30 PM ET, I’m picking Alabama to win. While neither team seems to be at an elite level this season, Alabama’s historical strength and current ranking give them a slight edge. Despite both teams being in the top 15, their performances suggest they might not fully deserve those spots. Alabama’s ability to perform in crucial moments, as seen in past matchups, could be the deciding factor. I predict Alabama will secure a victory, possibly with a score around 28-24, leveraging their experience and tactical advantages.

5 Georgia @ 1 Texas 7:30 PM

I think that Georgia might face their second loss of the season. Texas, ranked No. 1, is favored by 3.5 to 4.5 points and has a strong defense, leading in points allowed per game. Georgia, despite their talent, has struggled to put together a complete game, which could be challenging against a formidable Texas team. With Texas having a 76% chance of winning according to ESPN’s Matchup Predictor they will capitalize on Georgia’s inconsistencies.

5 Georgia 26, 1 Texas 31

Casey Cregan – Staff Writer

Virginia @ 10 Clemson

The Tigers started slow against an overmatched Wake Forest team a week ago before bringing home a 35 point victory. UVA has hung around in games and is truly just a few plays from being 6-0 on the season. Anthony Colandrea is fun to watch, and we get to see Kobe Pace back in Death Valley. UVA’s defense is better than Wake’s, but not by much.

Clemson 41, Virginia 17

6 Miami @ Louisville

If it were up to the national pundits a few weeks ago, this would be the biggest match-up of the season. However, Louisville lost to SMU and then slept-walked through a game with UVA last weekend. Louisville scared me when seeing them on the schedule. I’m not so scared of them anymore. Which Miami team will show up? The darlings of college football? Or the ones that need some help from some questionable whistles…hmm…

Miami 41, Louisville 34

South Carolina @ Oklahoma

Oh what could have been for our feathered friends in the midlands. Going to Tuscaloosa and beating mighty Alabama! Oops, the ball just slipped out of Seller’s hands again. Not only the ball, but the game. Despite some late game fun, the moral victory national champions got another one a week ago. Oklahoma’s defense is really good, so is South Carolina’s. Low scoring affair this weekend.

Oklahoma 15, South Carolina 13

7 Alabama @ 11 Tennessee

Slurpees for everyone with this 7-11 match up (according to ESPNs poll). Bama escaped the chickens last weekend, and Tennessee needed overtime to beat Florida. The third Saturday in October is reserved for these two teams. This has all the makings of a beautiful fireworks show, or a huge dud. Hoping for the show.

Alabama 34, Tennessee 31

5 Georgia @ 1 Texas

Yet another “Game of the Century” this weekend in the SEC in Austin, Texas as Georgia visits the Longhorns. Even when not playing their best, Texas rolled Oklahoma last weekend in the Red River Rivalry. Georgia lost to Alabama and then beat Auburn. The fans are restless in Athens, and I think they may just continue to be after this weekend.

Texas 31, Georgia 27

Garrett Mitchell- Staff Writer

Virginia @ 10 Clemson Noon

The Clemson Tigers return to Death Valley after two games away and welcome an old friend, Tony Elliot, back to Tiger Town along with his Virginia team. Clemson has been rolling merrily along and not to get too Cavalier with this one, but I think the Tigers roll again.

Clemson 45, Virginia 13

6 Miami @ Louisville Noon

I have long held the belief that Miami is overrated. I still think that. But I’m not sure that Louisville is the team to prove it this week. The Cardinals put up a game fight for a half and then the ‘Canes pull away to a respectable margin of victory.

Miami 35, Louisville 24

South Carolina @ Oklahoma 12:45 PM

I really wish I could make some wise crack about Brent Venables having plenty of experience beating South Carolina. He does, but I have no confidence in the Oklahoma offense. South Carolina should have beaten Alabama (yuck), but their offense is not great either. Expect a low scoring defensive battle that goes the Gamecocks’ way this time.

South Carolina 24, Oklahoma 21

7 Alabama @ 11 Tennessee 3:30 PM

Not sure in all good conscience I would have Alabama ranked #7 after losing to Vandy and nearly getting beat on their home field by South Carolina, but what do I know? I do know the Tide will not be rolling out of Knoxville with a win this week. Rocky Top rules the day!

Tennessee 38, Alabama 31

5 Georgia @ 1 Texas 7:30 PM

Game of the week right here. I remember when Texas was last ranked #1. the Vince Young era seems so long ago. Georgia has shown its vulnerability, giving up 31 points to a putrid Mississippi State team, and if that happens again then Bevo is going to take the Dawgs out back and “hook’em” good on Saturday. Give me the Longhorns.

Texas 38, Georgia 27

Lacey Steele – Staff Editor

Virginia @ 10 Clemson Noon

Clemson runs the show from start to finish in this one with no real threat.

Virginia 17 Clemson 40

6 Miami @ Louisville

Another close game for Miami but this is when they thrive.

Miami 40 Louisville 36

South Carolina @ Oklahoma 12:45PM

This will be a nail biting game of back and forth scores but Oklahoma squeezes out the win at home.

South Carolina 27 Oklahoma 28

7 Alabama @ 11 Tennessee 3:30PM

This will be a game of crazy explosive plays and Tennessee gets the big win at home.

Alabama 33, Tennessee 38

5 Georgia @ 1 Texas 7:30 PM

This one will be a battle but Texas has the edge in this home game

Georgia 24, Texas 31

Griffin Barfield – Staff Writer

Virginia @ 10 Clemson Noon

Going into its last bye week, the offensive firepower will remain heading into the break. I don’t think the Tigers break 40 points, but they take another big win in the ACC and head into their toughest part of the season.

Clemson 38, Virginia 10

6 Miami @ Louisville Noon

I said Miami would screw up at some point this season, but I thought it would be against Louisville. I just have not liked what I have seen from the Cards in the last three weeks. People are not going to like it, but the Hurricanes win, and it’s not even close. Cam Ward has a big day.

Miami 42, Louisville 27

South Carolina @ Oklahoma 12:45PM

South Carolina is dangerous. I was wrong early this season, but a young offense and a hungry defense is tough to beat. Oklahoma does not have an offense, as we saw last week in the Red River Rivalry. I think the wheels are falling off at Oklahoma, and the Gamecocks get a huge win in Norman.

South Carolina 17, Oklahoma 13

7 Alabama @ 11 Tennessee 3:30 PM

Speaking of wheels falling off, Tuscaloosa and Knoxville are two towns that have not liked what they have seen so far from their respective teams. The Tennessee defense is strong and I really like what is going on with that unit. This game will either be Alabama beating themselves, or the Tide rolling over the Vols. Remember what happened two years ago at Neyland? The same thing happens.

Tennessee 31, Alabama 30

5 Georgia @ 1 Texas 7:30 PM

Texas has looked way too good, nearly flawless. This is the toughest team on their schedule so far, but the game is in Austin. Another game of the year, in my opinion, but something tells me Georgia. This is the biggest game of the season, perhaps a must-win for Kirby Smart, and he makes the adjustments to win games. Carson Beck remembers his game against Alabama, and the Dawgs win an absolute classic.

Georgia 38, Texas 35

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