Even if my B1G picks have struggled for much of the year, the upset alerts have been spot on. However, this week I am less confident in these picks as I scroll through the top 25 games. Let’s hope I can keep the streak alive.
#22 Florida vs #14 Missouri
The Tigers beat an injured Georgia team last week, and because of many losses in front of them they jumped into the top 15. I think Missouri will struggle with the Florida defense, especially with James Franklin injured for the season. The Gator secondary is one of the best in the country, and they should be able to force Mauk into bad decisions all game. I just think Florida is too talented for the Tigers right now.
#9 UCLA vs #13 Stanford
I don’t think I would really consider this an upset, but because of Stanford’s surprising loss last week the rankings say UCLA is better. The Cardinal returns home to face one of college football’s best surprises. The Bruin defense is going to struggle with the pro-style attack from Stanford. I think Gaffney and Hogan will have big games. Also, the Cardinal’s defense is one of the best in the Pac12 and should be able to force a few turnovers from Hundley. UCLA is a nice story this season, but they are not a top 10 team.
#20 Washington vs Arizona State
Since the last pick isn’t really an upset, I will choose one more game this week. The Huskies are coming off of 2 disappointing losses against the best two teams in the Pac12. Now they head on the road to Tempe. I think Keith Price and company are set for a hangover, and the Sun Devils are good enough to knock them off at home.
Like last week there are also a few games to be interested in on Friday or Saturday. Louisville has its second toughest test of the season after handling Rutgers with ease. UCF is another surprise story, and Blake Bortles could scare the Cardinals defense. I just don’t think UCF will be able to stop Bridgewater enough. LSU travels to Oxford to take on Ole Miss. The Rebels were the ‘experts’ team in the preseason, and especially after their win over Texas, but the last 3 weeks has not been kind. It will be interesting to see the Ole Miss offense against the rebuild and reloaded Tiger defense. This game could be higher scoring than expected. Finally, the big matchup of the weekend sees Florida State travel to Clemson where Death Valley welcomes its second top 5 team of the season. This game is essentially for the ACC championship. There will be a lot of offensive talent and speed on the field for both sides, but the matchup will come down to which defense can get the critical stop. I think the Seminole secondary will be able to force Taj Boyd into more bad decisions than the Tiger defense can do to Jameis Winston. The quarterback that comes out on top will vault his name to the top of the Heisman hopefuls, and put his team in position for a national championship berth.
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