Alabama -4.5 over Mississippi State
Saturday, Oct. 3 12:00 P.M.
Alabama took care of business against the Gamecocks with a 49-18 win last Saturday night. Keelon Russell had 365 passing yards and four touchdowns in the win, both being season-highs. The Bulldogs continued their magical run with a comeback victory over No. 19 Missouri at home. Quarterback Kamario Taylor continues to be one of the nation’s best stories for a team that was projected to finish near the bottom of the SEC. The cowbells will be alive for this morning kickoff, but Alabama’s defense will do just enough to help the Tide leave Starkville with a win.
Iowa +14.5 over Ohio State
Saturday, Oct. 3 3:30 P.M.
The Hawkeyes remained undefeated after quarterback Hank Brown found Reece Vander Zee for a game-winning touchdown in the final seconds against Michigan last weekend. Ohio State trounced Illinois 42-19 to open Big Ten play last weekend behind Jeremiah Smith’s four touchdowns and 217 receiving yards. While the Buckeyes certainly have more firepower in this matchup, Coach Ferentz and the Iowa defense should be able to keep this one within two touchdowns at home.
Tennessee -7.5 over Auburn
Saturday, Oct. 3 3:30 P.M.
Tennessee fell short of the upset with a 20-17 loss to Texas in Neyland Stadium, marking the Volunteers’ record 2-18 against the AP No. 1. Freshman quarterback Faizon Brandon was ineffective in the loss, tallying 145 passing yards and one touchdown. The Tigers bounced back from their loss to Florida with a six-point victory against Vanderbilt on The Plains. It does not seem like either of these teams will be competing for an SEC title, but Tennessee needs this home win if they want any chance at making a run at the College Football Playoff. Coach Heupel rallies his team and beats Auburn in Knoxville by over a touchdown.
Florida -5.5 over Missouri
Saturday, Oct. 3 3:30 P.M.
Florida stunned No. 4 Ole Miss 52-28 in The Swamp behind Jadan Baugh’s three-touchdown performance. Quarterback Aaron Philo played another solid game under offensive coordinator Buster Faulkner, who is showing the nation that his offense can hang with the best of them. The Tigers fell to Kamario Taylor and the Bulldogs on the road to begin SEC play with a loss. This could be a great spot for Missouri to bounce back with a home environment to help, but Florida has too much strength on the ground to lose this one. Baugh has another huge game and leads the Gators past Missouri by a few scores.
BYU -6.5 vs. TCU
Saturday, Oct. 3 7:00 P.M.
The Cougars moved to 3-0 after defeating Colorado State 41-23 in Fort Collins. Running back LJ Martin had a season-high 176 rushing yards and three touchdowns in the win. The Horned Frogs lost their second game of the season against UCF after turning the ball over four times. These two programs are heading in opposite directions, with BYU looking to make the CFP and TCU just trying to stay above .500. The Cougars expose the Horned Frogs in front of their home crowd to remain unbeaten and inside the AP top ten.
Clemson +18.5 over Miami
Saturday, Oct. 3 7:30 P.M.
Clemson has won three straight since losing in embarrassing fashion to LSU in week one. Freshman quarterback Tait Reynolds has settled in as the Tigers’ starting quarterback as conference play gets going. Miami beat Central Michigan 52-3, with Heisman hopeful Darian Mensah throwing for nearly 350 yards and three touchdowns. The Hurricanes are the much better team here and will win, but Dabo will have Clemson playing inspired football to stay within two touchdowns at home.
Season Record Against the Spread … 13-11
