Gridiron Guru: College Football Picks Week 9

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!
Clifton Canady26-15
Griffin Barfield27-14
Angelo Feliberty21-10
Casey Cregan28-13
Garrett Mitchell23-13
Lacey Steele25-15
Standings through 8 Weeks
CJ Spiller's Clemson Legacy Cemented Forever | ATP S2E12

Clifton Canady – Staff Writer

20 Illinois @ 1 Oregon

I believe Oregon will come out on top in their matchup against Illinois. The Ducks are currently the top-ranked team in the nation with a perfect 7-0 record, showcasing their dominance this season. Despite Illinois having a strong season with a 6-1 record and three AP Top 25 wins, Oregon’s high-powered offense and home-field advantage at Autzen Stadium make them a formidable opponent. The odds favor Oregon by a significant margin, suggesting they are expected to win comfortably. I predict Oregon will win with a score of 34-20, as they have the capability to put up multiple touchdowns against Illinois.

20 Illinois 20, 1 Oregon 34

21 Missouri @ 15 Alabama

I believe Alabama will secure the victory against Missouri in their upcoming matchup. Despite Missouri’s impressive 6-1 record, they will be without their leading rusher, Nate Noel, due to a foot injury, which could significantly impact their offensive capabilities. Alabama, with a 5-2 record, is playing at home and is favored by 14.5 points, indicating strong confidence in their ability to win this game. Given these factors, I predict Alabama will win with a score of 31-21, leveraging their home-field advantage and depth to overcome Missouri’s challenges.

21 Missouri 21, 15 Alabama 31

12 Notre Dame @ 24 Navy

I’m going to pick Navy for an upset against Notre Dame in their upcoming game. While Notre Dame is favored by 11.5 points, Navy has shown resilience in past matchups and has the potential to capitalize on any mistakes by the Fighting Irish. The Midshipmen have a history of pulling off surprises, and with a solid majority of bets leaning towards Navy, there’s a sense of optimism around their chances. Navy’s ability to start drives in advantageous positions could put pressure on Notre Dame’s defense, potentially leading to an upset. I predict Navy will edge out a close win with a score of 27-24.
12 Notre Dame 27, @ 24 Navy 24

5 Texas @ 25 Vanderbilt

I think Texas will manage to get things right on offense and secure a win against Vanderbilt, despite the potential for a tough fight from the Commodores. Texas, ranked No. 5, is looking to bounce back after a recent loss, and this game provides an opportunity for them to regain their offensive rhythm. While Vanderbilt has shown they can pull off upsets, as evidenced by their recent victory over Alabama, Texas will likely be prepared to counter any surprises. Vanderbilt’s home-field advantage might make things interesting, but I expect Texas to come out on top with a score of 35-24, using this game to fine-tune their offensive strategies.

5 Texas 35, 25 Vanderbilt 24

8 LSU @ 14 Texas A&M

I think LSU will edge out a win against Texas A&M in what promises to be a closely contested matchup. Both teams are undefeated in SEC play, making this game crucial for their race to Atlanta. Historically, Texas A&M has managed to pull off significant wins against LSU, such as their 74-72 victory in 2018. However, LSU seems to have a slight edge going into this game, and if they can maintain their offensive momentum, they could outscore the Aggies. I predict LSU will win with a score of 31-28, leveraging their offensive strengths to overcome Texas A&M’s home-field advantage.

8 LSU 31, 14 Texas A&M 28

Garrett Mitchell- Staff Writer

20 Illinois @ 1 Oregon

I haven’t seen Ducks this fearsome since the “Flying V” downed Iceland. If you know, you know. Illinois is having a good season. Not good enough to win on Saturday. Quack!

Oregon 41, Illinois 24

21 Missouri @ 15 Alabama

It would be easy for me to revel in the misery permeating through Tuscaloosa right now and go with Missouri, but the Tigers have not exactly blown any doors off themselves. I do not think the Tide will roll, but Alabama will win, and it will be close. I will take the Crimson Tide in this one.

Alabama 35, Missouri 27

12 Notre Dame @ 24 Navy

I “sea” that Navy is ranked in the top 25 since…well, I can’t remember how long it’s been. What a feel-good story! As much as I despise Notre Dame, and doubly so for poaching a Clemson commit, the Midshipmen will not sail out of the stadium in the win column on Saturday.

Notre Dame 27, Navy 17

5 Texas @ 25 Vanderbilt

Oh, how the mighty fell. Somebody check Bevo to make sure his horns are right side up. I mean, Vandy did beat Alabama and is the pride of SEC Shorts right now, but the Tide are doing their best to make that win lose its luster. I am rooting for the Commodores, but unfortunately Lionel Richie isn’t going to show up and sing a win into existence for Vandy this week.

Texas 38, Vanderbilt 17

8 LSU @ 14 Texas A&M

As a Clemson fan, about the best thing to come out of Baton Rouge is a big pot of gumbo. Unfortunately, their football team is pretty good this year, too. As much as the Aggies love to tout the advantage of Kyle Field, not even a 12th man will help Texas A&M this week. LSU is going to geaux get them a win in College Station.

LSU 31, Texas A&M 24

Casey Cregan- Staff Writer

20 Illinois @ 1 Oregon

If Illinois were anyone other than Illinois, quarterback Luke Altmyer may be in the conversation for Heisman talk. I think their dream start to the season takes a hit this weekend against the #1 ranked Ducks

Oregon 41, Illinois 23

21 Missouri @ 15 Alabama

Name me a more fraudulent top 25 team other than Mizzou? You can’t. All that talent and they can’t win games. However, rumors are rampant that the Alabama locker room is a mess. Trouble in T-Town? Not this weekend. A little get right game for the Tide at home.

Alabama 27, Missouri 17

12 Notre Dame @ 24 Navy

I have no reason to pick Navy other than, America. Notre Dame has picked it up as of late. Beaux Collins may be the best blocking receiver in the country. It seems that’s really all Coach Marcus Freeman is really asking him to do. Notre Dame wins here, but close!

Notre Dame 24, Navy 21

5 Texas @ 25 Vanderbilt

Can the best possible outcome of the season happen this Saturday? There are nets up in the visitor’s section just in case Texas fans get frisky again this week. Diego Pavia is a great story for Vandy. Clark Lea is likely the national coach of the year. I just think Texas will win, in another close contest. I’m ok if I’m wrong here. Because I’ll be pulling hard for the Commodores.

Texas 41, Vandy 31

8 LSU @ 14 Texas A&M

This should be an outstanding game. Grant Nussmeyer is having a heck of a year for LSU. They lost that (now) mind-boggling game to open the season against USC, but as we all know, as Tiger fans, you can take game 1 with a grain of salt. Right? I think so. I’m going with the upset here, just because A&M is at home and they have that 12th man.

Texas A&M 27, LSU 24

Griffin Barfield – Staff Writer

20 Illinois @ 1 Oregon

Illinois will put up a fight, don’t get me wrong. This team has fight, and Luke Altmeyer has been one of the most underrated quarterbacks in the country this season. Oregon is the No. 1 team for a reason, and although they won’t cover the spread, they will win the game.

Oregon 31, Illinois 17

21 Missouri @ 15 Alabama

The two most underwhelming SEC teams go at it this weekend, and all eyes will be on Kalen DeBoer. Missouri just snuck out of a loss last week against Auburn, and Alabama is a different caliber, whether the Tide is playing like it or not. The game is in Tuscaloosa, and if Alabama does not win this game, DeBoer will not be welcomed back at Bryant-Denny ever again. Tide roll.

Alabama 42, Missouri 20

12 Notre Dame @ 24 Navy

Navy is the wagon this season, as well as the other teams that have been successful with out using the transfer portal this year (*cough cough*). Notre Dame is different though, the team has been playing its best football this season so far. Heart wants Navy, head says the Irish, so I will be going with Notre Dame in this game. I would love Navy to win, though.

Notre Dame 30, Navy 23

5 Texas @ 25 Vanderbilt

Yes, you can believe the narrative all you want, Vandy potentially doing it again and what not. But it’s not. That was Texas’s trip-up game last weekend, and they will bounce back with a huge win. It would be incredible to see another field goal post taken through the streets of Nashville, I just don’t see it happening. Horns win.

Texas 42, Vanderbilt 20

8 LSU @ 14 Texas A&M

Who would have thought these two teams were the undefeated ones left in the SEC? What a game this is going to be, and Mike Elko has a better grasp on his team than he did Week 1. The LSU offense has looked unstoppable, and I love the strides Garrett Nussmeier has done. However, I love the Aggies’ rushing attack in this spot. Kyle Field will not see another disappointing loss this weekend, A&M in a classic.

Texas A&M 24, LSU 23

Lacey Steele – Staff Editor

20 Illinois @ 1 Oregon

Oregon controls the game steadily from start to finish in this one.

Illinois 14, Oregon 36

21 Missouri @ 15 Alabama

This game seems like it will be defensive in the first half then offensive in the second half.

Missouri 24, Alabama 38

12 Notre Dame @ 24 Navy

Notre Dame scores early and often in this one never really letting Navy get within reach.

Notre Dame 34, Navy 20

5 Texas @ 25 Vanderbilt

Texas will nominate from start to finish after their defeat at home last week.

Texas 40, Vanderbilt 21

8 LSU @ 14 Texas A&M

Battle of defenses game and A&M makes enough stops for the win.

LSU 14, Texas A&M 20

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