Week 4 Predictions – 2019
Last Week: Nearly everyone went 5-0 last week, with the other 3 going 4-1, so there was not a lot of changes in the standings. For the most part, everything was chalk for the favored teams, and we did not include the Michigan State game, but that one could ultimately hurt the Bog Ten national perspective. Let’s see if there is similar success with the picks this week as we move on to week 4 of the college football season!
This Week’s Games: Ohio State returns home after a dominating win against Indiana. They will host the Redhawks of Miami (OH) in what should be a final tune-up game before finishing off the season with the rest of their games in Big Ten play. On the national stage, there are some key games that could help shape the College Football Playoff. Utah might be the last hope for the PAC-12 as they travel to USC in a PAC-12 South showdown. After both teams coming off bye weeks, Michigan travels to Madison, WI to take on the Badgers in what could be a pivotal game for both teams as they have their eyes set on a trip to Indy. College Gameday will be in Athens, GA as Notre Dame faces Georgia in a marquee matchup. Last, even though Alabama and LSU are the top teams in the SEC-West, this matchup up could be another chance for Auburn to grow and potentially show they can challenge for the SEC title.
Buckeye Greats: As with the past, we will continue to include former Buckeye players in our prediction fun and we are thrilled to have Vaughn Broadnax back with us as a regular participant for the fifth straight year.
Here we go with our Week 4 Picks – Good Luck to All – Gregg
(6)Ohio State vs Miami (OH)
Andy: I am not expecting much from this game except that Ohio State will have one more week to focus on solidifying their identity under Ryan Day against one more non-conference opponent. Miami was able to put up 13 points against Cincinnati despite having only one offensive touchdown. I don’t believe at home against Ohio State that Miami will have more success, the biggest concern when teams are this far mismatched is whether a coach can get a team fired up for the game. The following week the Buckeyes go on the road to a potential trap game against Nebraska.
Look for Ohio State to get a fast start with Master Teague and J.K. Dobbins gashing the Redhawk defense in the first half. I expect the defense to step up again big time and hold Miami under one offensive score.
Ohio State 55 – Miami 10
Bbaver: Pick: Ohio State – Bucks are rolling. Miami of Ohio? Not so much. Could the Bucks add another shutout to their record? Maybe. Miami was supposed to be a little better than they’ve been, and possibly win the MAC-east, but they fell apart after solid first quarters against Iowa and Cincinnati. Would like to see the Bucks put up 38 or more in the first half and play the backups all of the second half. I like the Bucks here 49-7.
Coach Rick: This is not going to be a good game to watch. Cincinnati rebounded after their blow up loss to OSU and beat Miami with no issues. This is a game in which you get to try a lot of new plays as well as get a lot of players a chance to see the field. OSU by 42.
Cory: If you’re excited to see Ohio State’s backup players, then this is the game for you. Miami (OH) enters the game with a 1-2 record, coming off a 35-13 loss to Cincinnati last week. So far the Redhawks’ only win came over Tennessee Tech, which is an FCS school. Miami features Brett Gabbert at quarterback, and if the name sounds familiar it’s because he’s the younger brother of current NFL backup, and former Missouri star, Blaine Gabbert. The younger Gabbert has been OK so far, but the Redhawks do most of their damage on the ground as six of their eight touchdowns have coming from running backs. The problem for Miami is they’re going against an aggressive Ohio State defense that is playing with an increased level of speed compared to what we saw last year. The likely won’t be much running room, which could spell an early day for the Buckeye starters. Unless the Redhawks can get an early score, this game will likely be over by halftime. Ohio State 59, Miami 7
Dave: xxx
Dr. Mark: Ohio State 51-10. Miami Qb is Blaine Gabbert’s little brother – he is a freshman- too big of a talent gap
Gregg: Obviously the only thing this game is going to be good for on the home side of the field is to work on same special plays, get a lot of players into the game and keep everyone healthy. It has been almost 100 years since the Buckeyes have lost to an in-state opponent (1921) and that is not going to change this weekend. Both Justin Fields and JK Dobbins are coming off a great game against the Hoosiers, and there is no reason to think they will not have the same success against the Redhawks. We should see a lot of back-up players starting in the 3rd quarter when the game is well in hand. This will just be a game-action training session for the game in Lincoln next week. The defense has been playing outstanding all year, Miami will not give them any challenge. The last time Ohio State faced a MAC school was in 2016, when they defeated Bowling Green 77-10 and I expect the same type of score this go around. Ohio State 56 Miami 6
Jason: For the RedHawks to keep this one from getting out of hand they must force the Buckeyes to make a lot of mistakes. Miami has forced five force turnovers with a good pass rush and their ability to make plays behind the line of scrimmage. However, in both matchups against FBS teams, Iowa and Cincinnati, they were taken apart, although they hung in the games for a half in each instance. Freshman QB, Brett Gabbert, brother of Blaine, has hit on some big plays but the athletes just aren’t there on either side of the ball to compete for four quarters against the Buckeyes. The skill players and speed at all positions will overwhelm the RedHawks. Nobody on the Miami roster was even recruited by Ohio State. So when Miami coach Chuck Martin was quoted saying “It’s kind of like going to recess and they have the first 85 picks”, he wasn’t that far off. The Miami offensive line has really struggled so Chase Young and the Buckeye defensive line are about to make it for a long day for Gabbert and company. Ohio State will be able to score at will in this ‘name your score’ kind of day for the Buckeyes. Ohio State gets up early and pours it on for a half before the 2nd and 3rd stringers play the second half as the Buckeyes cruise to victory. Ohio State 63 Miami U 0
Joe-S-U: Ohio State
John: This is shaping up to be an Ohio State can name their number type of game. Similar to FAU, the only way OSU loses this one is if they get lost on the walk to the stadium following skull session. Even if they get caught peeking ahead to next week in Lincoln, they should still win big. Ohio State 59 Miami 3
Josh: Ohio State should win this one easily and use this game as a tune up for the rest of the season. Whatever they feel like they need to work on, this is the game to do it. This is a game that is a not a threat to lose, but they cant overlook Miami and make this game closer than it needs to be. Fields and Dobbins need to only play the first three quarters and how it is going to plan. The defense is back, and maybe it is still premature to say after their performance after 3 overmatched teams, however, no matter who you play, their production has ben amazing. This will be a odd start since it is at 3:30, but this will hopefully be over by halftime and fans can get ready for the night games. Ohio State 62 – Miami 3
Pia Pete: Ohio State big over the Redhawks.
PJSBuck: Well, here is the answer to this game: Ohio State by 48 or more. Noting to criticize from the IU game at all. Ryan Day is proving he is the real deal and seems to have a complete program here. Great to see. Great job guys.
Steven: This one won’t do much for Justin Fields’ Heisman campaign as he may not play past the first half. Expect OSU running back JK Dobbins to rack up close to the 198 he had in Bloomington last week, so his campaign might start bubbling up. If the Buckeyes get through this one with no injuries it will be the greatest victory as the game is such a mismatch that our third teamers would still be favored by a touchdown or more. OSU 70-10.
Trout: This game is not going to be a challenge. Ohio State has shown that they are not the same team that’s going to play down to their competition. They are a well balanced team on both offense and defense. Fields and JK should have no problem attacking the Redhawk defense. And on the defensive side, Chase Young and the other silver bullets will stop almost, if not all of what Miami throws at them. I see the Buckeyes scoring early and often. Bucks win big and remain undefeated. (Ohio State, 49-7)
Vaughn Broadnax (OSU 1980-83): I am going to cut to the chase and say the Ohio State beat Miami 56-3
Final Score: (6) Ohio State 76 Miami 5
(10)Utah @ USC
Andy: This one of the more intriguing match ups of the week. Utes coach Kyle Wittingham has consistently got production out of his team whether they’re the better team or not. I believe USC has much more talent than Utah, but they’ve got coaching concerns as well as concerns at the quarterback position. BYU struggled a lot in their first game of the year against Utah, then in week two against USC they win in overtime.
What is extremely concerning is that currently after three games USC is currently ranked 93rd in the country in total defense. I don’t care how much talent you have or if you have home field advantage or not.. USC has given up 73 points in the first three games of the season. When it comes to a match up like this I expect the team that is more fundamentally sound to win. Utah is currently averaging 439 yards of offense per game. I expect this game to go to Utah in a close one.
Utah 30 – USC 24
Bbaver: Pick: Utah – Good looking Utah team and a coach on the hot seat in southern California. I expect USC to keeps things close, but Utah flat out has a better team. I like the Utes on the road.
Coach Rick: This game scares me. Utah is ranked 10th going against unranked one loss USC and only favored by 3 points. All my information shows that this should not be a close game, yet Vegas has it close. Going with my gut and have Utah by 21 points.
Cory: It’s only been three weeks of the season but already the PAC 12 is a mess. USC, which should be one of the dominant teams in the conference, is coming off an overtime loss to BYU. Meanwhile, Utah enters the game 3-0 and ranked No. 10 in the country. Utah features two excellent players on offense in quarterback Tyler Huntley and running back Zack Moss. Huntley is completing 77.8 percent of his passes and has yet to turn the ball over, and Huntley and Moss have combined for eight of the team’s touchdowns. Visiting USC won’t be easy, by the Trojans will need a better performance from their young quarterback Kedon Slovis. In the loss last week to BYU, Slovis has three interceptions. So far, Utah’s only test was BYU in the opening week of the season and they didn’t have much trouble with the Cougars on the road. This game should be closer, but expect Utah to win and make a claim as the conference’s best. Utah 31, USC 24
Dave: xxx
Dr. Mark: USC 24-21– report today says USC president doesn’t want Urban-papers say coach Helton to be fired if loses pile up
Gregg: Utah and the Pac-12 both need the Utes to win this but it will not be easy, Coach Helton is still coaching to keep his job and the #1 name to replace him, Urban Meyer, will be in the stadium for FOX. Utah seems to find ways to lose in the Coliseum, and have not won in LA for over 100 years. However this time Coach Whittingham will be able to block out the demons that have prevented road victories in the past and will keep the conference hopes alive for a playoff spot one more week. Utah 24 USC 17
Jason: The Utes come into this ballgame ranked 10th in the country, and what is possibly the Pac 12’s final hope to get into a playoff. To keep the train rolling they must win at a place where they have never gotten it done. Kedon Slovis, the young USC signal caller struggled at times in the overtime loss to BYU a week ago, throwing 3 picks. If he does that in this game, the Trojans will get their doors blown off. The Utes have been able to run the football behind a mammoth offensive line and has not surrendered a sack thus far. While it will be tested against SC, it won’t be enough to completely change the Utes attack. USC will need to slow RB Zack Moss with their talented defensive front. If USC can keep the Utah offense off the field while controlling the time of possession, they can make it a four-quarter battle. Slovis will likely need to win this game with his arm and if Utah forces him into mistakes, the game could get away from the Trojans. The key in this one will be which team makes the bad mistake at the wrong time. Utah may have a bit too much this time around. Behind Moss and a steady running attack, the Utes pull off their first victory in the LA Coliseum, downing the Trojans and keeping their playoff hopes alive. Utah 27 USC 17
Joe-S-U: xxx
John: The Men of Troy lost last week to a BYU team in overtime that Utah beet handily in week 1. While the transitive property doesn’t necessarily apply in college football, I do think that the Ute’s have a slight edge in this one. Utah 31 USC 27
Josh: Utah is the last chance for the PAC-12 to have chance at the playoffs, and it is centered around their stout defense. Through 3 games, they give up an average of 240 yards a game, which despite some weaker competition, is pretty impressive. Utah did play BYU as their first game and won 30-12, while USC is coming off an overtime loss to the Cougers. They return home in a game that starts a rough stetch of games that will define its season. I expect this game to be close and competitive, and with this game on a Friday, USC tends to surprise a few teams. USC 21 – Utah 17
Pia Pete: USC takes care of business at home.
PJSBuck: I am going with USC only because I think they are do but this will be a great game. Trojans by 7
Steven: USC is coming off a tough loss at BYU who the Utes dominated on the road week 1. The Trojans need to lean more on the run game to give QB Kedon Slovis some help. He’ll need it as the Utes will bring a stout defense giving up less than 10 points per game. Despite the common opponent with differing outcomes I like USC at home, but in no way should anyone bet the farm on this one it should be close. USC 24-17.
Trout: Its really hard to judge this game. I don’t think either team is that good. If I have to pick one, I’ll have to go with the Utes. Just looking at common opponents, they were able to beat BYU by 2 scores, while USC struggled and ended up losing to them in double OT. The game will be close however. I don’t think either team has enough of an advantage offensively to keep a comfortable lead. I also think its going to be very sloppy, with both teams have multiple turnovers. In the end, I just see the Utes pulling off the slight upset, and the Trojans continue their slide into obscurity. (Utah, 24-20)
Vaughn Broadnax (OSU 1980-83): Going to go with an upset in the Coliseum. USC upset #10 Utah 27-24
Final Score: (10)Utah 23 USC 30
(11)Michigan @ (13)Wisconsin
Andy: This is the match up of the week for me. Two top 15 teams in the mix here. There is a lot to be concerned about with the Wolverines offense this year. I am not a believer in new offensive coordinator Josh Gattis. I think him being hired as offensive coordinator for Michigan was a big reach and so far the Wolverines have struggled a lot on offense, despite returning their entire offensive line from last year and having one of the best receiving corps in college football.
Michigan again is a top 10 defense under Don Brown, he has shown and proven himself to be an elite defensive coordinator. My concern is that despite Wisconsin getting off to an awesome offensive start this season I think Michigan’s defense will prove to be stingy regardless. Wisconsin currently has the # 1 defense in the country, with this type of match up I see a low scoring game regardless. Look for Michigan to lose a close game on the road.
Wisconsin 21 – Michigan 14
Bbaver: Pick: Wisconsin – Bad Michigan road team with an offense that is has been abysmal. Wisconsin wasn’t blowing out anyone a year ago like they blew out their first two opponents this year. And Michigan has not come within two touchdowns of covering the Vegas spread in any of their last five games dating back to a week before the OSU game last season. Does Michigan put things together? I doubt it…I like Wisconsin in a low scoring game.
Coach Rick: TTUN has allowed 21 point in their first two game and Wisky has not allowed a point yet. Both are coming off bye weeks. It is a home game for Wisconsin. TTUN is overrated, so that gives my the advantage to Wisconsin. I have Whisy by 17 points.
Cory: We’re going to learn a lot about two of the Big Ten’s best teams this week when Michigan heads to Wisconsin. Both teams have played cupcakes so far, and of the Michigan has looked far worse. The Badgers shut out South Florida and Central Michigan, whereas the Wolverines gave up 21 points to Middle Tennessee State and needed overtime to beat Army at home. Michigan is a better team than what they’ve shown. The talent is there. So far, it seems the main problem is quarterback Shea Patterson has taken a step back. His 62.1 completion percentage is the lowest of his career since his freshman year at Ole Miss, and if you watched the Army game you can tell something is not right with Patterson. On the other side, Wisconsin appears to have finally found a quarterback in Jack Coan. Coan is completing 76.3 percent of his passes with five touchdowns and no interceptions. Of course, that is eased by the fact that he has arguably the best running back in the country behind in Jonathan Taylor. Through two games Taylor has 237 rushing yards and five touchdowns. Wisconsin 28, Michigan 20
Dave: xxx
Dr. Mark: Wisconsin 31-24. Badgers very strong physically on both lines- Running back is a fine player- this game determines badgers season hopes. Press starting to doubt Harbaugh and his system
Gregg: Probably everyone one of our Buckeye 50 predictors will have the Badgers in this one, and it is not just because of their hatred for TBGUN. Jonathon Taylor is the real deal and is going to have a solid game. The fact that Michigan has looked so average the first two game has overshadowed the fact that their defense has played very well. But so has Wisconsin who is yet to give up a point this season and the only team in the country not to give up a second half score. Everything points to a home victory for Bucky but when both teams are ranked in the top 15, the Wolverines are 5-0. But that was before Harbaugh came to town, and he does not have a record to brag about against top rated teams. Michigan loses this one, and Wisconsin stays in the playoff hunt for one more week. Wisconsin 20 Michigan 13
Jason: So far on the young season the Badgers have certainly looked the part, not allowing a point this season. On the other hand, they haven’t been tested. Michigan will test the Wisconsin D more so than both USF and Central Michigan did despite having offensive struggles early in the year. QB Shea Patterson has gone from potential Heisman candidate to a guy just hanging onto the job. Another poor performance could force a change. On the other side, with two weeks to prepare, the Michigan run defense should be the first challenge to soon to be first round pick Jonathan Taylor. In the near loss to Army, the Wolverine D was the bright spot, holding the run heavy Knights to just 200 yards. Starting Badger QB Jack Coan has been a big surprise and a huge improvement in the Badgers attempt to have a more dynamic offense than they have had in past years. They have also implemented Taylor as a pass catcher out of the backfield, which has added another dimension that defenses have to be aware of. Michigan can slow Wisconsin enough to make it competitive into the second half. But, if the Wolverines haven’t improved the offense significantly in the bye week, they will be in for a long day in Madison. The defense will challenge the Badgers for awhile, but the offense won’t be able to sustain anything in terms of clock controlling drives, and eventually the Wolverine D will tire. Look for the Badgers to pull away late in the 3rd quarter to move to 3-0 and sending Michigan back to Ann Arbor with more questions than answers. Wisconsin 38 Michigan 20
Joe-S-U: Wisconsin
John: So is Michigan’s shiny new offence really more of an Edsel than a Ferrari, or was Capt. Khaki sandbagging against two relatively inferior opponents to not give UW film on his “real” new offense? This is the game that could make or break UM’s season. Win, and they have a good chance to be unbeaten going into the last Saturday in November. Lose, and 7-5 becomes a real possibility. Having watched their first two games, I think Michigan is what we’ve seen – a mediocre football team, especially on offense. Badgers win, but they will let the Wolverines hang. Wisconsin 24 Michigan 17
Josh: Through two games, Wisconsin has yet to allow a point. Both teams are coming off a bye week, and should be ready for this matchup. As Ohio State fans, this becomes a big game because we host Wisconsin on October 26th, and obviously The Game is at the end of the regular season. As good as Michigan’s defense has been, they will need to stop Jonathan Taylor, and the Badgers beat Michigan 24-10 the last time they went to Camp Randell. Josh Gattis will need to show some improvement on the offensive side or else the Wolverine faithful are really going to lose confidence in Harbaugh. I expect this to be a close game, but the Badgers will pull away late and win. Wisconsin 34 – Michigan 21
Pia Pete: Wisconsin exposes Meatchicken for the garbage team they are.
PJSBuck: Easily the best game of the week. I am going with Wiscy in an upset becasue they are playing in Madison and Jonathon Taylor is the real deal. Wiscy by 14 and a big “L” for the bad guys.
Steven: Through two games Wisconsin has yet to be scored upon and the Badgers are scoring a ton. Michigan, well… let us say that the Josh Gattis experiment has yet to bear any fruit. The team has looked lethargic and QB Shea Patterson is all hype. If backup Dylan McCaffery isn’t firmly in place as the starter by the end of the game, color me surprised. A QB change probably won’t help things this week. Unless the Wolverines miraculously put everything together during this week’s practice, the Badgers should roll. Harbaugh’s a fraud. Wisky 42-14.
Trout: Wisconsin has look great, but has played lesser competition. And at the same time, Michigan has looked so-so, but they have also been dealing with injuries. I will give the win to the Badgers, mainly because of Jonathan Taylor. He is an amazing player that will definitely be playing on Sundays. However, I do see this game being closer than most people think. I think Michigan will play better with the amount of criticism they’ve endured over the past few weeks. They’ll want to prove the haters wrong. I am also not sold on Jack Coan from Wisconsin as a QB. He’s just a guy Unfortunately for Michigan, they just wont have what it takes. Shea Patterson has been average at best, and he wont be mush of deference maker. The game will be neck and neck going into the 4th quarter, but with Taylor as the Badger’s secret weapon, they end up pulling away. (Wisconsin, 31-21).
Vaughn Broadnax (OSU 1980-83): Wisconsin runs over Michigan 30-17
Final Score: (11)Michigan 14 (13)Wisconsin 35
(7)Notre Dame @ (3)Georgia
Andy: Notre Dame has finally done what many people have criticized them for.. not getting off to a hot start and not winning easier games by larger margins. So far this season this season they have outscored their opponents 101 to 31. Now Louisville and New Mexico aren’t exactly the toughest opponents, but the stigma the last few years under Notre Dame was that the games that should have been comfortable wins, were close games. So far this season they’re the Fighting Irish have looked good on defense, rated 21st overall in total defense but struggled offensively currently with the 94th overall offense.
Georgia is in the top 20 for both offense and defense so far this year. Quarterback Jake Fromm’s only real issue is his inability to hit deep throws.. aside from that the passing offense for Georgia has been efficient and support by an excellent run game with one of the best offensive players in the country in DeAndre Swift. The Bulldogs are averaging over 7 yards a carry per player and already have four running backs with two rushing touchdowns or more. Kind of a useless stat I realize, but with how crazy efficient Jake Fromm has been (75% completion, 5 TDs and 0 INT) this Bulldog offense is going to be hard to slow down much less stop.
The game is at Georgia, I honestly don’t think this game will be that competitive if it turns into an offensive shoot out. I don’t have faith in Ian Book to put up massive yards and touchdowns against an elite defense on the road.
Georgia 45 – Notre Dame 20
Bbaver: Pick: Georgia – There are six top tier teams in CFB: Bama, Clem, Ga, Okl and Ohio St. Notre Dame is in that next tier. I like Georgia by 14 to 17 pts in this one….too much talent wearing red.
Coach Rick: Game of the week!! Neither team has played anyone yet. Both teams are scoring. I am giving the advantage to Georgia because they are home. This is a must watch game. Georgia by 7.
Cory: The much-anticipated rematch between Notre Dame and Georgia is finally happening. These two teams met last year in a defensive struggle that saw Georgia come away with a 20-19 win in South Bend. For Notre Dame, the name of the game is simple: Touchdowns. In last year’s game the Fighting Irish had success moving the ball but saw 12 of their 19 points come from field goals. That won’t cut it against an elite team such as Georgia. This is going to a put a lot of pressure on Ian Book’s shoulders. He didn’t play in last year’s game – Brandon Wimbush was still the starter – so there is a lot for him to prove this week. Georgia has not been tested so far, but we know this is an elite team that is chock full of NFL talent. Everybody knows about quarterback Jake Fromm, but the player you should be watching is running back DA’ndre Swift. Swift is averaging an absurd 9.4 yards per carry so far, and is one of five Bulldogs running backs to have over 100 rushing yards on the season. Expect Notre Dame to keep it close again, but for Georgia to pull off a close one. Georgia 31, Notre Dame 28
Dave: xxx
Dr. Mark: Georgia 31-20. Should be a good game if Irish can keep it close into the third qtr- Georgia doesn’t seem to have any real weaknesses yet- Irish QB has a chance to prove he is an elite player.
Gregg: I can’t want to get home from the ‘Shoe and watch this one, but I fear it may be over early. The Domers are 120th out of 130 teams in FBS in run defense and that stat was not established against the likes of Georgia. The Bulldogs have grown men in the backfield and the front line and are going to run all over the Irish. Jake Fromm will get his passes as well but expect to see a heavy dose of ground game in this one. Notre Dame QB Ian Book has not proven he can thrive in the pressure of a big game or a hostile crowd and we have both this weekend. Georgia moves into second place in the polls and the Irish are officially eliminated from the playoff race. Dawgs 37 Domers 20
Jason: For Notre Dame to keep in the playoff picture, they need either an upset in Athens or at the very least keep it close. QB Ian Book has played well early in the year, throwing for 533 yards and 6 TD’s with no picks in the first two games, albeit against Louisville and New Mexico. If Book is good, it still might not be enough if the Irish defense can’t create turnovers of their own. It will be a difficult task as the Georgia offensive line has given QB Jake Fromm plenty of time in the pocket to pick apart defenses. For Georgia to be successful, they rely heavily Fromm, who has completed 75% of his passes for 601 yards and 5 TD’s without an interception on the young season. The Notre Dame secondary is in for their biggest challenge they will see all season and they will do it in the most raucous environment they will play in as well. Look for Georgia to ride the adrenaline of the crowd, jumping on the Irish early. Notre Dame has too much talent to just fold and they will fight and claw to get back in it before the half before the talent of Georgia will prove to be just too much. The Dawgs pull away early in the fourth quarter and cruise down the stretch, sending a major blow to the Irish’s playoff hopes. Georgia 38 Notre Dame 21
Joe-S-U: Georgia
John: As much as it pains me to ever pull for any SEC team, the Buckeye fan in me will be rooting hard for the Dawgs. However, I don’t thinks the UGA will really need my support. I believe I read that the Irish have lost 9 of their last 10 against top five opponents. It will be 10 of 11 after Saturday night. Georgia 31 Notre Dame 10
Josh: This is where Gameday is heading for this week, and if you have $1000 lying around, you might be able to get a ticket to this game. I expect it though to be more hyped than in should be. Both teams have actually looked pretty good, but with some weaknesses. Notre Dame needs to stop the strength of Georgia and this is in the run game. They have given up some big plays already, but Jake Fromm does have the same run threat that Louisville had. If there was any chance for Georgia to make a statement that they deserved to be in the playoff over Notre Dame last year (which I think Ohio State had a better argument over both) then this is the game to make that statement. I expect this game to be a closer than expected, but I think there is a good chance of an upset. But not in this one. Georgia 38 – Notre Dame 35
Pia Pete: ND gets humiliated by Georgia.
PJSBuck: Tape this one as it will be a great game. I hope ND wins but Georgia is tough at home. This will be a very close game, maybe even OT. Georgia eventually by 5.
Steven: You would like to think there’s a no lose proposition here for Buckeye fans… no matter what a top 10 team goes down. If It is Georgia, that’s great for the Bucks, right? Yeah, maybe not. If the Irish pull off the upset, they’ll most assuredly jump the Bucks, and their remaining schedule may keep them there. Georgia’s SEC schedule will give them much stiffer competition. The SEC should cannibalize itself, at least a little bit. The Irish gets a cupcake draw from their modified ACC schedule, (isn’t all of the ACC a cupcake draw, save Clemson?). Take the Dawgs at home. Any day you can root against the Irish is a good day. Georgia 38-24.
Trout: I’d like to pick the Irish in this game, but I don’t think they are that good. That’s not to say, I think Georgia is a world beater. I think they are a good team, but can’t compete with Alabama or LSU . Notre Dame over the past few years has crumbled when they have faced good teams. And I feel like this year we are going to get more of the same. They are able to beat up on the small directional schools, but once it’s time to face teams like Georgia, they never get the job done. Not to mention, Fromm from Georgia is much more consistent player than Ian Book of Notre Dame. I see Notre Dame hanging around early, potential tied at half, but then Georgia pulls away and wins comfortably. (Georgia, 35-17)
Vaughn Broadnax (OSU 1980-83): Notre Dame gets neutered by Georgia 37-21
Final Score: (7)Notre Dame 17 (3)Georgia 23
(8)Auburn @ (17)Texas A&M
Andy: Auburn has struggled a lot on offense this year under true freshman quarterback Bo Nix. A&M and Auburn are very evenly matched.
They’re both top 40 offensively and top 40 defensively. In a game like this I typically like to go with a team that is home and looks like an advantage for Texas A&M. After looking very poor a week ago against Clemson, A&M needs a big win like this to rebound and kick them off to a strong start in conference play.
I do expect a close game.
Texas A&M 28 – Auburn 23
Bbaver: Pick: A&M – Tough call here as I think Auburn has one of their better teams since their 2013 run that let them to the BCS title game. But I will go with Jimbo’s team at home.
Coach Rick: This is going to be another good game this weekend. I think that the records would the same if they had each others schedule. I think I am going with Auburn in this game even with them travelling. I have Auburn by 10.
Cory: In a loaded SEC the only path to the playoff is by winning out, and Auburn faces its first real challenge of the season this week at Texas A&M. Auburn’s played a couple of gimmes after a come-from-behind win over Oregon in Week 1. Texas A&M followed up their loss to Clemson by throttling Lamar. While Auburn’s defense is impressive, the one-dimensional offense is hard to overlook. The Tigers can run the ball well – they’ve got 845 rushing yards and nine scores on the ground through three weeks – but passing is a different story. Quarterback Bo Nix is completing just 52.4 percent of his passes, and that’s just not good enough in a conference like this. Playing at Texas A&M will make it ever harder on the Tigers’ freshman quarterback, which is why I like the Aggies this week. Texas A&M 35, Auburn 16
Dave: xxx
Dr. Mark: A&M 40-38. I think everyone feels that Jimbo is building a contender and Gus is treading water trying to stay relevant with Bama LSU and Georgia.
Gregg: Aggies have a bye week last week against Lamar and are ready to get a hard fought SEC victory. If they win, they stay in the discussion for an SEC West crown but the road only gets tougher for them with games at Georgia and LSU at the end of the season. SO enjoy this one Jimbo while you can. Texas A&M 31 Auburn 24
Jason: Yet another big game in the SEC as Auburn travels to the state of Texas for the 2nd time this season and hopes to make it 2 for 2. The Auburn offense has done enough to be effective running for nearly 850 yards and 6 yards per tote. They have struggled throwing the football with freshman QB Bo Nix manning the helm, but he hasn’t needed to just yet. He will have to be better to get out of College Station with a win because the Tigers won’t run the ball as well against the Aggies as they have against the likes of Kent State and Oregon. The Aggies held Clemson to just 121 yards and the Tigers don’t have the weapons that Clemson does. A&M QB Kellen Mond has been very pedestrian early in the season as well and the Aggies need him to get going to put up the type of offensive numbers they expected coming into the season. Both teams rely on defense and this game won’t be any different. I expect a a low-scoring grind it out type of a game with both teams in the game until the end. Both teams will try to run, and struggle to do so and they both need their QB’s to be special to get their offense rolling. , and both teams need their respective starting quarterbacks to rock, and they’ll struggle. I would lean toward the veteran Mond to be a bit better than Nix, and make a couple extra plays that it takes to win a game like this. The Aggies get the win in front of the 12th man and send them home happy. Texas A&M 24 Auburn 17
Joe-S-U: Auburn
John: The higher ranked Tigers are a slight road underdog this week to A&M. This is an enormous game for the Aggies, who will need a win to realistically have any chance at an SEC West title and/or playoff berth. The Aggies schedule is absolutely brutal, by the way. Having already played and lost to #1 Clemson, the play current #8 Auburn followed by games with #2 Alabama,, #3 Georgia and #4 LSU. Even considering the built in SEC bias in the polls, that’s just nuts. This is the hardest game of the week to pick. While I don’t think A & M has the horses to win the SEC West, I think they have enough to squeak by Auburn. Texas A&M 21 Auburn 17
Josh: On paper, these teams are pretty well matched, and both have had tougher non-conference games. Auburn was able to come from behind to defeat Oregon in a game that I felt they were gifted, and Texas A&M lost on the road at Clemson in a game which the final score does not reflect how much the Aggies were really beaten. I think that with this game in College Station, and Texas A&M looking for a marquee win to help contend in the SEC, I see them winning this game at home and putting pressure on Bo Nix. Texas A&M 24 – Auburn 21.
Pia Pete: Auburn struggles but get the win over A&M.
PJSBuck: My weekly who gives a shi*&^%$#t game. I think Auburn takes this eventually in a hard fought game. Tigers by 7
Steven: The Auburn Tigers have a “good” win coming back to beat an Oregon team that basically beat themselves. This is paired with wins against Tulane and Kent State. A&M have a “good” loss playing Clemson tough and beating two over-matched opponents. This is as much of a toss-up as can be so I’ll take A&M’s QB Kellen Mond at home over Bo Nix on the road. A&M 28-27.
Trout: This game is very much a toss up. I think I will have to go with Auburn in this game. I don’t think either team has a shoot at the CFP this year. I just think the Tigers have been slightly better against Power 5 teams. The Aggies looked lost when they played Clemson. I think it will be a low scoring game, with neither team having much success moving the ball. However, Auburn just gets enough of a offensive going late in the game to pull off the victory. Auburn wins in a close one. (Auburn 17-14)
Vaughn Broadnax (OSU 1980-83): Auburn travels to College Station and loses to Texas A&M 24-10
Final Score: (8)Auburn 28 (17)Texas A&M 20