I am all the way back, baby. My picks last week were so hot, Adam Levine has been sliding in my DMs praising them. Troy and Western Kentucky almost won outright, and probably should have, and Washington and USC both cruised to wins. The only blemish was an all-time under push during the Notre Dame-Cal game. But going 4-0-1 for one week is not good enough, we have to keep pushing forward. Also, if you want the audio version of these picks, be sure to check out this week’s edition of “Is it Saturday Yet?” wherever you get your podcasts.
Current Record: 10-7-1
Iowa State (-2.5) vs Baylor
Iowa State is better built to win this game. It’s going to be a slow, defensive battle, something we are not used to seeing in the Big 12. The only time Baylor has played an actual team this year, BYU had a field day offensively without their two best receivers. I expect Iowa State to be able to move the ball, with QB Hunter Dekkers and RB Jirehl Brock, better than Baylor. The Bears want to get it going on the ground, but Iowa State boats the fifth best rush defense in the nation. The biggest advantage Iowa State has is home field, which has won each of the last four meetings between the schools. CYCLONE WARNING: Iowa State is covering against Baylor.
Florida (+10.5) at. Tennessee
Tennessee is a better team than Florida, but 10.5 points is too much in a rivalry game, especially one that has been dominated by Florida recently. Just how dominant? Florida has won 16 of the last 17 meetings, including seven wins in Knoxville. I’m well documented as being an Anthony Richardson truther (he can’t throw the ball) but it is impossible to deny the talent he has with his legs. Florida followed their loss to Kentucky with a too close for comfort 31-28 win over USF, but that makes me love them in this game even more. USF was not a game the Gators were going to get up for. Tennessee is. Even in a 10 point loss to Kentucky, Florida’s defense did a good job keeping Will Levis in check. If they can do the same to Hendon Hooker, the Gators will keep this one close.
Wake Forest (+7) vs. Clemson
This is a big plug my nose and take it game. Sam Hartman is back for Wake and looks AWESOME. Now, let’s play a game where we throw out the history books for this matchup, unlike we did for Florida-Tennessee. If you must know, Clemson has won the last 13 meetings with the Demon Deacons. However, this is not the same Clemson team. DJ Uiagalelei is, to be brutally honest, not good. The Tigers defense is legit, but asking Hartman and company to keep it within a touchdown at home is not a tough ask. Sharp money agrees with me, while the public is on Clemson heavy. Trust the sharps (and me) and back the Deacs.