Week 7 Picks
This weekend's action will be important. This is the final weekend of football before the BCS Rankings are released. Teams will be fighting to make an impact on the voters, and the computers, of course.
For the season, I am 24-11. Not bad, but it could be better. What games should we pay attention to this weekend?
Duke at Virginia Tech
I know, this game won't affect anything in most fans' world. However, Duke is 5-1 and needs one more win to be bowl eligible and that is HUGE for Duke. Virginia Tech is clearly down this year and it could get worse for the Hokies. If this game was at Duke, I may have given the 'W' to Duke. The Hokies are mad, but still struggling to find the identity that Hokie fans wish they had. This will be closer than most would have predicted at the start of the season. Duke is hungry. The Hokies are lost. I am going to give the Hokies the benefit of the doubt; Hokies win 24-21.
Tennessee at Mississippi State
Yet another game that doesn't matter much in the rankings, but it does hold some meaning. Mississippi State is undefeated, and Tennessee has its issues coming into this game. For Dooley, there has to be a sense of urgency here. The expectation at Tennessee is that UT should never lose against Mississippi State......just like it was against Kentucky, and we remember that game. If Dooley wants to keep his job, this is a must win game. Every game down the stretch will turn into a must win game if he doesn't get the win here. There isn't much talk about Mississippi State. They are flying in under the radar, in a way. Much of that is because they haven't played a tough game up to this point. Even though the Vols are struggling, I am picking them to come out on top. They have a good team that just hasn't gotten over the hump yet. I think they are way better than any team Mississippi State has faced. Vols win 34-27.
South Carolina at LSU
This is a game that could have a huge impact. The Gamecocks are on a roll. LSU is still looking for their offense to show up this season. Even if the Tigers find some offense, it may not help much against this defense. South Carolina is just lights out on defense. Clowney is an NFL player playing college football. Spurrier has his team right where he wants them, and now he has to let his players take the next step. It won't be easy playing in Death Valley. If they come out and play like they did last week against Georgia, then LSU is in for a long night. LSU is not that team that can come from behind to win. South Carolina wins this game with their suffocating defense; 20-10.
Texas vs Oklahoma.
Texas is coming off a tough loss to West Virginia. Oklahoma has a little spark in them after last week's win. Both teams understand that this game is important for one reason..... Bragging rights. It may not be the biggest rivalry in college football, but it's up there. Texas is still trying to show that they are back on the right path. Vince Young stopped by to give a little pep talk to the team this week. Really? I'm not sure that was the best motivational speaker for this week, but hey, I'm not the coach. Oklahoma has the best offensive attack going into this game. Landry Jones is a veteran quarterback, and the Sooners will need his leadership. I like the Sooners, 31-21.
Boston College at Florida State.
Why, oh why, is this a game to watch? Boston College gives FSU problems almost every year they play. "But it's in Tallahassee!" Doesn't matter. In fact, the Eagles have given FSU more problems in Tallahassee than when it's a home game for Boston College. I don't care what the records say, Boston College could give FSU problems. FSU is coming off a very tough loss to N.C. State. That could mean the Noles are angry, and they destroy the Eagles. However, the last time FSU lost an emotional game it turned into three losses in a row. The Seminoles had better use last week's loss as a wake up call. Florida State is clearly the better team, but they can't keep heading into games thinking 'they just have to show up'. We will see if Florida State responds the right way and takes care of business. I like FSU, 28-17.
Florida at Vanderbilt.
This is a game that could sneak up on the Gators. Vandy isn't having the season they hoped for, but that could all go away with an upset this weekend. Oddly enough, Vanderbilt might be the best team that Florida has played. Yes, I went there. LSU is terrible. The Vols? Nope, they are terrible. Don't get me wrong.....I don't think Vanderbilt is much better but I think Vandy could give Florida a run. Florida starts slow and finishes strong. They have been a second half team all year long. I don't think that changes in this game. Vandy will be tough at first, but Florida will make the changes at halftime. Gators win, 27-10.
Stanford at Notre Dame
Notre Dame looks like a top 10 team, from the team's record anyway. The Irish must continue to win in convincing fashion in order to keep moving up in the polls. Stanford will be their toughest test thus far. I'm not ready to jump on the wagon for the Irish yet, but if they win this game, that could be a different story. It's not that I don't think the Irish can win this game, it's who they have played up to this point. Notre Dame still has much to prove, even though we are half way through the season. No reason to pick against them this week. The Irish luck continues.....Notre Dame wins, 21-17.
Stanford at Notre Dame
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