After a little bit of a slow week and a disappointing record of 2-2, there's a lot of interesting matchups this weekend with enticing spreads. Conference play is starting and that's always a good thing.
GEORGIA TECH (-8.5) over NC State - The option at home after a big road win will dominate. Tech's D still has room to improve, but is playing well enough to get the job done.
Georgia (EVEN) over MISSISSIPPI ST - In a battle of 0-2 teams in SEC play, the experience of Richt and the Dawgs is the difference. This game is for Richt's job and the entire UGA season. They'll find a way to win.
Alabama (-7) over ARKANSAS - The Tide is the much more physical team and will dominate the line of scrimmage. The Razorbacks may get a few TDs on the Tide secondary, but Mallett won't have enough time to pass for most of the game. Ingram and Richardson will be too much for an Arkansas D that struggled against UGA at times.
Oregon St (+17.5) over BOISE ST - I expect a very close game. The Broncos are really good, and it's on the blue field, but the Beavers gave TCU a close game and I expect nothing different here.
Stanford (-4.5) over NOTRE DAME - The Cardinal won't need a fake FG in OT to defeat the Irish. The Cardinal are better on both sides of the ball, especially at the line of scrimmage. TD Jesus will definitely need to make multiple appearances for Brian Kelly to have a shot at a win.
Nevada (-4) over BYU - I don't think the Wolfpack's pounding of Cal was a fluke, and this BYU squad clearly misses Max Hall and the other seniors who graduated off last year's team.
South Carolina (+3) over AUBURN - I like the Gamecocks to win the SEC East this year, and this is a crucial game for them. Garcia's experience makes the difference, in spite of Auburn's confidence coming off the Clemson game last week.
Last week: 2-2
Season: 11-3-1
