2017-09-28 17:29
Now almost every game will be conference games, so the contenders will be sorted out over the next 8 weeks.
A ranking is not really helpful right now, but soon there will be only less than 25 teams left in contention for the playoff spots.
I selected this 3 games as the BLOCK OF GRANITE TOP 3 GAMES FOR WEEK 5
Sat, Sept. 30
#2 Clemson @ #12 Virginia Tech
This could be a preview of the ACC final.
Clemson looks like the way ahead favorite for their division and in the Division of Virginia Tech there are not many teams challenging them. Miami eventually and Duke?
It would be fun to have a little more competition, so VT winning here would be healthy for the conference, but not in national playoff terms.
Clemson is a 7 points favorite here.
So far does look VT very good and the torch given from Frank Beamer to Justin Fuente seems to burning bright, brighter than in the last few seasons under Beamer.
IF the Hokies get the upset done, the Hokies will be the next hot thing.
Can they do that?
The Clemson Defense will be the key. If they are overtaken by a hot Hokies team, Clemson will fall.
My heart says Clemson will lose here, my gut says they will win.
I will pick in this case based on my heart.
Hokies win.
Fri, Sept. 29
#5 USC @ #16 Washington State
Mike Leach did work hard to make the once abyssal Cougars a contender for the PAC12 again.
This season they did not start with one or two booboos and they are as perfect as their guests from south California.
Vegas sees USC ahead by 3.5 points, which is not much and shows the respect the Cougars get now.
Wazzu, as the Cougars are called in the past, can beat any team on a perfect day, but I'm still convinced they can also lose to anyone, if they are overconfident or not prepared.
Is that possible against USC?
Not sure.
I think the name alone will ring many bells of respect, so I think they will play with all their heart.
Is that enough?
Maybe.
I think Wazzu will use every opportunity they can get and USC will deliver enough of that to give the game away.
Cougars win.
Sat, Sept. 30
#24 Mississippi State @ #13 Auburn
The Bulldogs did fall hard after their loss against Georgia last week.
Now comes the next SEC test and they better pass that if they like to stay in the top 25.
Auburn did so far lose to Clemson and won 3 other games, including a Missouri game they won big.
Vegas gives Auburn credit for that and makes them a 9 point favorite.
I don't think this is OK, but maybe I'm wrong.
That loss against Georgia last week was heavy, so maybe they will also lose to Auburn, not that high as Missouri did.
I don't think so.
I expect a close game.
There could be an upset, but I don't dare to pick that.
Tigers win.
Other interesting games:
Fri, Sept. 29
#14 Miami @ Duke
Miami is officially in rebuilding mode under Mark Richts, but expectations are high in Miami and everyone wants to see a winning U.
Duke did so far play better than expected and are still underdogs here, at home, 6.5 points.
I think Miami will beat that.
Hurricanes win.
Sat, Sept. 30
#13 Oklahoma State @ Texas Tech
The Cowboys did also fall hard after their stunning loss, at home, against TCU.
Now they face so far perfect Texas Tech.
Fast against fast is the motto of the game and the Cowboys are the favorites. by 9.5 points.
Expected score is again something like 45 to 35.
Cowboys win.
Sat, Sept. 30
Iowa @ Michigan State
Both teams lost 1 game so far and Vegas sees the Spartans 3.5 points ahead.
I am not sure after last weeks loss against Notre Dame.
Iowa lost only a close one against Penn State.
I pick an upset here.
Hawkeyes win.
Tags: Block of Granite, News