🏈 PJ's Picks- Week 4

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There is a heavy out of conference flavor to the picks this week. Ole Miss, Kentucky and Tennessee have the week off. Other teams get into conference play. South Carolina surprised many of us, but the rest of the conference teams pulled off a W, including Vanderbilt, though they had to really huff and puff to do it.

South Carolina and Boston College spoiled my slate for last week. Let's see how this week's games will turn out.

 

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Clemson at Florida State

This one does not have the same luster as last year's clash. Clemson was demolished by Georgia in their opener. The 'Noles narrowly escaped in their opener versus Oklahoma State, and did no look like defending national champions doing it. Key players from both schools are now flashing their skills on Sundays. Still, the Noles are very tough at home, and Clemson's defense is suspect. Jameis (crab legs) Winston gets it going.

PJ's Pick: FSU 44 Clemson 21

 

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Oklahoma at West Virginia

This one interests a lot of Bama fans, since we get a chance to see how we compare with the Sooners. Oklahoma's defense didn't have a lot of trouble stopping Tennessee's offense last weekend, though it took a late pick six for them to cover the spread. West Virginia, as we know, is pretty potent on offense and Trickett is a pretty nifty quarterback. Still, Oklahoma is used to the HUNH offenses, and ultimately has more talent on both sides of the ball. No matter how many couches they burn in Morgantown on Saturday, the outcome is:

PJ's Pick: Oklahoma 41 West Virginia 28

 

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Virginia at BYU

The Cavaliers had a dismal season in 2013 after showing up on everyone's radar in 2012. no one was expecting much from them this year, not even after they showed a stout defense and a resilient offense in their opener against UCLA. people will be paying attention now, after they upset the fighting Petrinos of Louisville. This week they are travelling across country to BYU. I don't think they have enough firepower to beat BYU on the road, but this will be an interesting game.

PJ's Pick: BYU 31 Virginia 21

 

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Georgia Tech at Virginia TecThe Engineers had to rally late to defeat FBS newcomer last week. Meanwhile, the Hokies, fresh off their upset of Ohio State, fell behind early to East Carolina, and could not make up the difference. This one is at Blacksburg, where the Hokies are really tough. Bud Foster's defense should slow down the wishbone enough for the home team to prevail.

PJ's Pick: Virginia Tech 27 Georgia Tech 21

 

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Troy at Georgia:

The Dawgs have to be smarting from yet another loss to South Carolina at Columbia. Larry Blakeney has had some teams at Troy that gave upper tier teams a hard time, as Oklahoma State found out a few years back. This Trojan team, though, does not seem to be of that caliber, as they were blown out by UAB in their opener this year. This should be a "stats" game for the Dawgs.

PJ's Pick: Georgia 51 Troy 6

 

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Indiana at Missouri

The Hoosiers have really tried to elevate their football program in recent years, but unlike their powerhouse hoops program, the gridiron teams are buried in mediocrity. Meanwhile, Mizzou is quietly establishing that they have a very solid team, and Maty Mauk would have to be included in any discussion of who the best QB in the SEC is. Indiana is from one of the power 5 conferences, but this one will be another embarrassing loss.

PJ's Pick: Missouri 41 Indiana 10

 

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Northern Illinois at Arkansas

The Hogs showed off their muscular running game last week against Texas Tech, and pulled away in the second half to win rather easily. Their defense is still a work in progress, but the Hog fans are beginning to feel upbeat about their fortunes. Northern Illinois is not just another directional school, however. They have had high NFL draft picks in recent years, and even made it to a BCS game. It may be a little tougher than last week, but the Hogs will continue to do what they have done well so far this year, and it should be enough.

PJ's Pick: Arkansas 31 Northern Illinois 21

 

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Texas A&M at SMU

The Aggies are again taking on one of their old SWC rivals, though the Mustangs have stepped down in class since those days. With the still going on enlargements at Kyle Field, I wonder how long this one stays home and home. SMU is extremely outclassed talent wise. Sumlin can name his own score, but he has no reason to put a merciless beat down on an overmatched foe.

PJ's Pick: Texas A&M 55 SMU 14

 

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Auburn at Kansas State

Gus Malzahn takes his pack of big hungry cats to Manhattan... not the Big Apple, but the other Manhattan. Bill Snyder's feline are a scrappy, well coached bunch, and they are defending their home lair. Still, as we all know, a Tiger is much bigger and stronger than a wildcat. The feline fur will fly, but in the end the Auburn kitties will prevail.

PJ's Pick: Auburn 38 Kansas State 28

 

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Mississippi State at LSU

Dan Mullen takes his Starkville dog pack down to Red Stick this week. The State Bullies have been talking about how this year the are ready for the big time. Les Miles, meanwhile, has a bunch of young, hungry tigers just beginning to make a name for themselves. This will be the first real test for the Stark Vegas pack, in one of the toughest places to play. The smart pill machine is telling me these dogs aren't ready for prime time

PJ's Pick: LSU 34 Mississippi State 21

 

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South Carolina at Vanderbilt

The Gamecock defense will finally catch a break. After dealing with powerhouse offense from Texas A&M, East Carolina and Georgia consecutively, they take on the statistically challenged Commodore attack. The best that can be said for the 'Dores offense is that they seem to have settled on a quarterback, It is no surprise that the winner seems to be the one who, coming in, had the most game experience. The Gamecocks offense should get in some good work as well. At the end of this one the steam whistle won't be blowing, and the Gamecocks will be crowing.

PJ's Pick: South Carolina 40 Vanderbilt 13

 

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Florida at Alabama

The Gators narrowly escaped an upset trap in the swamp this past week. We did learn that there are some chinks in their defense, and to date Jeff Driskell isn't the second coming of Tebow on offense. Robinsn is a promising playmaker as receiver, and their running game has shown some promise. Still, they are not the best offense we will see this year. It will be a test for our offense, but one that I expect we will pass with flying colors. The Gators will do their best to limit Cooper, and they will learn that yes we do have other weapons.

PJ's Pick: Alabama 38 Florida 20

 

[252BAMA]

Oklahoma at West Virginia

This one interests a lot of Bama fans, since we get a chance to see how we compare with the Sooners. Oklahoma's defense didn't have a lot of trouble stopping Tennessee's offense last weekend, though it took a late pick six for them to cover the spread. West Virginia, as we know, is pretty potent on offense and Trickett is a pretty nifty quarterback. Still, Oklahoma is used to the HUNH offenses, and ultimately has more talent on both sides of the ball. No matter how many couches they burn in Morgantown on Saturday, the outcome is:

PJ's Pick: Oklahoma 41 West Virginia 28

"The Sooners will miss Keith Ford, their top running threat and the guy who leads the Big 12 with five touchdowns."

http://espn.go.com/college-football...-sooners-lose-top-rusher-keith-ford-2-3-weeks

"West Virginia coach Dana Holgorsen announced Monday night that sophomore cornerbackDaryl Worley has been suspended indefinitely for an undisclosed violation of team rules."

http://espn.go.com/college-football...s-suspended-indefinitely-violation-team-rules