CJ Stroud

College Football Week 4 Picks

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By Erich R Pilcher

Last week I did not find games that I felt were appealing to guess and I had a busy week. So I took a week off. Two weeks ago, I finished 3-2, bringing the season record to 8-3. So as conference play kicks off we have 4 games on tap in this week’s picks, but first some observations. 

1,2,3 AND THEN EVERYONE ELSE: Last time I wrote about Georgia and Alabama seemingly being on a crash course in both the SEC Championship and probable College Football Playoff matchup. Let’s throw Ohio State into the mix. These three teams have separated themselves from the pack. It appears it is them and then everyone else. Could a team knock them off? Certainly. But can it happen twice? Doubtful. 

SUN SHINES ON THE SUN BELT: In week 2 Georgia Southern, Marshall, and Appalachian State all went on the road against Nebraska, Notre Dame, and then sixth-ranked Texas A&M respectively, and won games. This is nothing but good for college football (despite my Fighting Irish being on the losing end of arguably the worst loss in school history). This gives parity and proves that early games cannot be overlooked

HUSKING FOR SAVINGS? Following the aforementioned loss to Georgia Southern, Nebraska fired Head Coach Scott Frost, giving him the dubious distinction of being the first head coach fired this season (Arizona State’s Herm Edwards was the second fired last week). The shocking aspect is that had Nebraska waited until October 1, they would have only paid frost 7.5 million instead of the 15 million they owe him. Nebraska under interim head coach Mickey Joseph and was housed 49-14 by Oklahoma in Lincoln. My point is, Scott Frost wouldn’t have done worse than that and even if he had, was anyone disappointed in Nebraska this season so far or enough to justify spending an extra 7.5 million to fire him three weeks early? I do not think so. 

#10 Arkansas (3-0) vs #23 Texas A&M (2-1)

6:00 PM EST  

ESPN

Last year Arkansas coming out party was upsetting then-undefeated Texas A&M. Since then their only loss has been to Alabama. Texas A&M rebounded from their shocking upset to Appalachian State to win a slugfest with Miami. Using an unpenetrable defense to overcome offensive shortcomings.

The Aggie defense could have a performance as they did against Miami but they will need offense in this game. The Razorbacks have KJ Jefferson as Quarterback and Raheim Sanders and Running Back averaging 147 yards per game. That is bad news for the Aggies as they are susceptible to the run and Arkansas can use that to their advantage 

For me, if the Aggie defense can get to the Razorbacks early and take them off their game early they have a chance. But that offense has been notoriously bad for Texas A&M. Arkansas will allow some points, but I’m thinking the Aggie defense wears down and allows a score late. The Hogs are the pick 

PREDICTION ARKANSAS 31 TEXAS A&M 23

  #5 Clemson (3-0) vs #21 Wake Forest (3-0)

11:00 AM EST 

ESPN

This is the first test this season for both of these teams. Clemson had their unprecedented run in the ACC Championships end last season finishing a disappointing 8-5. This was in large part due to their offensive struggles and the struggles of Quarterback DJ Uiagalelei. This season the offense has looked better than last season and despite losing Defensive Coordinator Brent Venables to Oklahoma the defense has shown flashes of rounding back into dominance

Wake Forest is led by Quarterback Sam Hartman. This offense revolves around the Run Pass Option and Hartman runs it masterfully. The problem is the defense they see in Clemson has one of the best defensive fronts in the country. They will need to run the ball to free Hartman up to make plays. 

To beat the Tigers a team must be well-rounded. Wake Forest relies on explosive plays and that will play right into Clemson’s strength. This game will be close for the first half. But the good roundness of the Tigers wins out in the end. 

PREDICTION CLEMSON 38 WAKE FOREST 20

 #20 Florida (2-1) vs #11 Tennessee (3-0)

3:00 PM EST 

CBS

After week one, there was a thought that Florida could be back on the rise. However, a loss to Kentucky and a missed field goal from USF-inducing victory have pundits questioning if they jumped to conclusions. Tennessee has hummed right along after last season’s blazing finish. 

The Volunteers are led by dual-threat Quarterback Hendon Hooker. This season he has completed 70 percent of his passes. Florida runs out a well-rounded defense to combat the Vol’s high-powered offense. Although they have been susceptible to big plays.

For the Gators, they have to find a way to run the ball consistently. That means Quarterback Anthony Richardson needs to throw the ball well and make plays with his feet. The theory here is the offense is your best defense. 

In rivalry games such as this, anything can happen and usually does. At some point, talent just wins out. The Vols are the better team and they prove it by winning in front of what will be a rowdy home crowd. 

PREDICTION FLORIDA 20 TENNESSEE 33

 Wisconsin (2-1) vs #3 Ohio State (3-0)

6:30 PM EST 

ESPN 

It will be a blackout at the Horseshoe for this showdown between two teams that pride themselves in physicality. They just show it in different ways

In week one, Ohio State was tested by Notre Dame (they pulled away late using a punishing rushing attack) and have blown out two underwhelming opponents since. 

Wisconsin uses a rushing attack led by running back Braelon Allen. He currently averages over six yards per carry and has five touchdowns. Quarterback Graham Mertz has finally shown the promise he had as a recruit. He has completed over 70 percent of his passes and leads the B10 with 11.2 yards per pass completion. 

The main issue for the Badgers is how to stop the Ohio State potent offense led by CJ Stroud. And Jaxon Smith-Njigba. Ohio State could be more reliant on the throw with running back TreVeyon Henderson banged up. This could play into Wisconsin’s hand defensively, being able to put pressure on Stroud and possibly forcing some mistakes. 

I think this Ohio State team is a different beast. That will show in this game. I do not think it’s a blowout but much like they did against the Irish, Buckeyes pull away late.

PREDICTION WISCONSIN 17 OHIO STATE 28

LAST WEEK 3-2

CURRENT RECORD: 8-3

College Football Week 1 Picks

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By Erich R Pilcher

There is an old saying, “Fall seven times, stand up eight.” I must be a subconscious believer in that because even after my debacle that was picking the NCAA Tournament, I’m back here each Friday to pick the biggest College Football games of the week. 

To start us out on the honest path, last night I told someone I was picking West Virginia to upset Pittsburgh in the return of the “Backyard Brawl” game. Well, the Panthers won by seven. Thus I have started this season 0-1. Hopefully, I rebound with the following picks and start the year off right. 

(5) Notre Dame Fighting Irish vs (2) Ohio State Buckeyes

7:30 PM EST on ABC 

This is the premier match-up of Week One with two College Football blue bloods squaring off in Columbus. Notre Dame brings a talented, but unproven roster into this game led by new Head Coach Marcus Freeman (also an Ohio State graduate and former linebacker) and Redshirt Sophomore Quarterback Tyler Buchner (making his first career start). Meeting them is the potent Buckeye offense led by preseason Heisman Trophy front-runner, Quarterback C.J. Stroud. 

The cupboard is not bare for the Irish. They return many from a defense that was excellent last season. Returning are Defensive End Isiah Foskey, Jason Ademiola, and Line Backer Bo Bauer. They also added Northwestern Graduate Transfer Safety Brandon Joseph (to replace the superstar Cornerback, now Baltimore Raven, Kyle Hamilton). This is going to be key to slowing down Stroud and the Buckeye offense that is built around explosive plays. 

The biggest question is can the Irish score enough? They do have arguably the top Tight End in the county Micheal Mayer and Buchner showed last year in spot duty he can certainly make plays (mostly on the run). But will that be enough to keep pace with an offense that scored 45.7 points per game last season, returns key cogs in Wide Receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (last season broke the single-season and single-game school records in yards and receptions), and Running Back TreVeyon Henderson (rushed for 277 yards in one game)?

The current spread is at 17.5 points for the Buckeyes, which is a bit too steep given the talent the Irish have. I also think the Irish will shock some people defensively by getting pressure on Stroud and getting stops. However, it’s a tough hill to climb for the offense. If this game were played a month later, I would say the Irish could hang with the Buckeyes. But offensively, the Irish have too many questions and Ohio State has all the right answers. Sadly, (I’m a Notre Dame fan) Ohio State is the pick.

PREDICITON: NOTRE DAME 28 OHIO STATE 41

(11) Oregon Ducks vs (3) Georgia Bulldogs

3:30 PM EST on ESPN/ABC 

The Georgia Bulldogs FINALLY got over the hump and beat Nick Saban and Alabama en route to winning their first National Title since 1980. Oregon last year pulled off a major upset going into Columbus and knocking off Ohio State (a game that kept the Buckeyes from the College Football Playoff). No doubt they are looking to do the same to the Bulldogs in Atlanta. 

Enter new Oregon Head Coach Dan Lanning. Last year he orchestrated the Bulldog defense that was key in winning the championship. He also has a bevy of talent at his disposal with stud Linebackers Justin Flowe and Noah Seawell. One would be foolish to think that Lanning doesn’t know how to make Georgia Quarterback Stetson Bennett uncomfortable and other secrets behind the Bulldog offense. They would be even more foolish to think he won’t use them to his team’s advantage.

As was mentioned the key to the Bulldog’s run last season was a great defense. That defense only returns three starters but features a very talented group of young players that should fit in nicely. Many are expecting the offense to run wild here, but I disagree. I think defense rules the day. And I like Bennett more than Oregon’s Bo Nix to make the key plays when he needs to. Bulldogs are the pick.

PREDICITON: OREGON 13 GEORGIA 24

(23) Cincinnati Bearcats vs (19) Arkansas Razorbacks

3:30 PM EST on ESPN/ABC 

Two of last year’s best stories square off in week one. The Bearcats crashed the College Football Playoff Party after their 13-0 regular season (that included beating Notre Dame in South Bend). Arkansas started a shocking 4-0, this included wins against Texas and Texas A&M. Then the Razorbacks lost three straight. However, they rallied winning five of their last four games (only loss to Alabama, by seven)including the Outback Bowl. 

With returning players wise these teams are on the opposite end of the spectrum Cincinnatti lost much of their talent from last year’s squad. Including Quarterback Desmond Ritter and Defender Sauce Gardner, among others. Arkansas reruns much of their team including scintillating Quarterback KJ Jefferson. However, the Bearcats under Head Coach Luke Fickell have shown that they will be prepared and play to their strengths. 

I feel this will be the best game of the weekend. I think both teams will trade some thunderous shots, leading to a very “Nip and Tuck” game. However, when looking for an edge in close matchups, go with who you know. I know Arkansas has an explosive offense and they are ready to prove last year was no fluke.

PREDICTION: CINCINNATI 30 ARKANSAS 35

UPSET SPECIAL

Florida State Seminoles vs Louisiana State Tigers

SEPT. 4TH 6:30 PM EST on ABC 

Before anyone assumes this is sour grapes about Brian Kelly leaving Notre Dame for LSU, hear me out. To start last season the Seminoles took Notre Dame to overtime where they eventually lost. And, while they started the season 0-4, they rebounded to win five of their next seven and were within a field goal of a bowl game berth against rival Florida. 

LSU Returns only six starters overall and who will start at Quarterback is a mystery. Whoever starts under center will have playmaking Wide Receiver Kayshon Boute to target, the rest is as good of a guess as the quarterback. Despite a formidable receiving corps, the Tigers have major questions on the offensive line and could be missing Running Back John Emery Jr to suspension. 

The Seminoles are trending up. After some early hiccups, Mike Norvell appears to have Florida State trending upward. In his third season, he has stability on both sides of the ball, led by third-year Quarterback Jordan Travis. Add in a vast upgraded group of receivers and a three-headed monster at Running Back, and the Tigers’ defense under new coordinator Matt House will be tested. 

Everything here points to an upset. I’m taking the Seminoles

PREDICITON: FLORIDA STATE 35 LSU 27

LOCAL FLAVOR 

South Dakota State Jackrabbits vs Iowa Hawkeyes

11:05 AM EST on FS1

This life only has two guarantees, death and taxes. A third could be added as well, Kirk Ferentz is Iowa’s Head Football Coach. Ferentz begins his 24th season against FCS foe South Dakota state. The Jackrabbits did make it to the FCS semifinals and are ranked second in the FCS poll. 

The Hawkeyes started last 6-0 (and ranked second in the polls) behind a stifling defense. But, an inept offense led to the Hawkeyes being embarrassed by Purdue and Wisconsin. They rebounded to win four hard-fought games in a row before getting housed by Michigan in the B10 Championship Game and losing to Kentucky in the Citrus Bowl. 

The stingy defense returns most of their starters. Any questions regarding the offense should not be an issue in this game. I look for the game to be close for the first half and for Iowa’s defense to play lights out in the second half, putting the Jackrabbits away.

PREDICTION: IOWA 31 SDSU 13

That does it for this week’s games. If there are any games you would like to see picked feel free to comment or send an email. Thanks for reading and let’s enjoy the season 

Season Record: 0-1