Last week was a bit of a rough week for our panel with a combined 21-9 record. I’m currently in the lead for the year with at 42-8. Andrew Robertson and Thomas Duggins are tied at 39-11.

South Carolina (-7.5) at Tennessee

Andrew: Can the Vols build on the strong 2nd Half in the Georgia game? That’s what everyone wants to know going into this game. South Carolina looked to be on the verge of imploding, then they went on the road and destroyed Arkansas in Fayetteville. I really think the Vols will play well, but I’m still not sold the defense can contain a mobile quarterback, and Connor Shaw is on of the best outside of the pocket. He’ll be the difference. WINNER: South Carolina

Thomas: South Carolina is coming off their most complete game of the season after a 52-7 destruction of Arkansas. Tennessee is coming off a bye week following their down-to-the-wire loss to Georgia. Many other media types are backing off the Vols’ upset chances against the Gamecocks. The Vols’ last win versus a top-25 team was against the Gamecocks on the notorious black jersey game ona Halloween night in 2009. Unfortunately for students and tailgaters alike, kickoff on Saturday is at noon. Tennessee has been within striking distance of the Gamecocks the last three years, but unable to finish the deal against Steve Spurriers bunch of fighting chickens. When you start talking how these two teams match up, I actually view them as pretty even. Obviously the matchup of the Vols’ oline versus South Carolina’s front four is the premier one. The Vols’ secondary is miles better than they were last year and I don’t think Connor Shaw will have anywhere close to the passing numbers he had versus the Vols last year. The key will be whether Tennessee can limit the damage Shaw does on the ground and throwing on the run because I think Mike Davis will get his. Tennessee’s rushing attack should enjoy ok success against the Gamecock defense. If Tennessee is able to establish their up tempo offense(hint: Justin Worley needs to be effective) like they did against UGA in the second half then they WILL score at a decent rate on this Gamecock defense. I’ve just got a feeling on this game, which is unfortunate for Vol fans because my gut often lies. Winner: Tennessee

Reed: This is the toughest game for me to pick this week. South Carolina may be the best team in the SEC East, but they typically don’t play well in Knoxville and their overall talent is comparable to Tennessee’s. The Gamecocks are averaging just 16.2 ppg in Knoxville this millennium and they’ve never scored more than 24 in Knoxville. That said, this may be the best South Carolina offense the Vols have ever faced. Connor Shaw will be the difference maker in this one (10 TDs and 0 INTs on the year). I’ve got South Carolina in a close one, but don’t be surprised if the Vols pick up their first win over a top 10 team since 2006. Winner: South Carolina 

USC at Notre Dame (-2.5)

Andrew: The Trojans showed some life last week after their “Lane Duck” head coach got fired. (You see what I did there?) Marquise Lee coming back from injury should provide an added boost. The Irish laid an egg against Oklahoma at home, only to go on the road and beat a pretty good Arizona St. team their last time out. It’s hard to know what to expect from either team at this point, but Notre Dame being at home in a rare night game should provide them with a needed advantage. WINNER: Notre Dame

Thomas: Neither one of these traditionally powerful programs is anything special this season. I think this game will be close, but I think Notre Dame has a little more depth on both sides of the ball and will beat the Trojans despite their apparent improvement under interim coach Ed Orgeron. Winner: Notre Dame

Reed: This used to be a matchup of top 10 teams but this year it’s a relative afterthought on a national scale. USC has been playing better since Kiffin’s ouster (is anyone surprised?) but I don’t think Coach O and Co. have enough to beat Notre Dame at home. Winner: Notre Dame

Florida (-3) at Missouri

Andrew: It feels like Mizzou is finally “earning their keep” as an SEC member after last week’s win in Athens. That loss came at a price, however, with James Franklin being out for several weeks. While the Tigers enjoyed a historic win last week, the Gators were busy getting completely shut down by LSU. If the Tigers win this game, they are a true threat to win the East this season…I just don’t see it happening. The Gator defense is really good and Missouri will have a first time starter at QB. WINNER: Florida

Thomas: Those Missouri Tigers are so hot right now, at least that’s what I’ve heard on just about every radio show and read everywhere after the Tigers’ upset win over UGA. Earth to the world, Mizzou lost their starting quarterback to injury. The Gators have the best defense in the SEC when you look at the talent they have at all three levels, and while Mizzou’s defensive line does a good job getting into the backfield, I just feel like the brutally physical nature of this Florida team is a bad matchup for the Tigers, especially with a backup quarterback. And if this game turns into a battle of who can win ugly, I don’t understand how you can’t ride with Muschamp’s reptiles. Winner: Florida

Reed: I’m going against the grain on this one. Missouri’s offense is good enough to put pressure on Florida’s defense and I think the Tiger defense will cause enough turnovers to win the game. Winner: Missouri

Auburn at Texas A&M (-13)

Andrew: I’m not a Heisman voter, but if I was, Johnny Manziel would be my #1 at this point in the season. The guy is unflappable no matter the situation. Auburn has been a surprise this year. With another win, they would double their win total from last season. Playing at Kyle Field with #2 under center for the Aggies, I don’t think this will be the week they get that sixth win. I think TAMU wins comfortably. WINNER: Texas A&M

Thomas: Gus Malzahn has done a good job guiding this Auburn team to a 5-1 start. However, Johnathan Manziel is the best player in college football. It will be interesting to watch the Tigers’ quarterback battle after freshman Jeremy Johnson provided an added dimension in the passing game filling in for starter Nick Marshall against Western Carolina. College Station is the opposite of a friendly environment for visiting teams. While I expect the Tigers to score at least 25 points, I just don’t see Auburn’s defense being able to slow down the Aggies. Winner: Texas A&M

Reed: Auburn covers the spread in this one but they’re not ready to knock off Johnny Football and the Aggies. Winner: TAMU

LSU (-10) at Ole Miss

Andrew: I really like where the Tigers are at right now. Their offense might be the best of the Les Miles era, but the game against Florida last week also showed they can win ugly, low scoring games, too. Ole Miss was on the verge of a huge win over Texas A&M last week, but just couldn’t close them out. Ole Miss’ defense isn’t nearly as stingy as Florida’s, so look for Mettenberger, Hill, Beckham, and Landry to all have a good night for LSU as they keep on trucking towards the big showdown on November 9th. WINNER: LSU

Thomas: Ole Miss’ defense is hurting from an injury standpoint. LSU is not the opponent to be bringing a wounded defense against. Zach Mettenberger and his deadly duo of receivers in Odell Beckham Jr. and Travon Landry should carve up this Rebel defense. Not to mention that LSU might have the best running back in the SEC in Jeremy Hill (yes I know Yeldon and Gurley are in the SEC. Hill is that good). I just think LSU brings too much talent across the board for Hugh Freeze’s squad to handle. Winner: LSU

Reed: Ole Miss has dropped three straight and will probably make it four this week. That’ll put the Rebels at 3-4 on the year but their remaining schedule is favorable. Despite their struggles, I still see the Rebels winning 8 games this season and continuing their rise under Hugh Freeze. LSU wins this one and cements their spot as the biggest challenger to Bama in the SEC. Winner: LSU

Florida State (-3.5) at Clemson

Andrew: This game could end up being for a spot in the National Championship game, provided either Oregon or Alabama lose at some point. Clemson has already proven they can win on the biggest stage with their season opening win over Georgia. The Noles haven’t had a marquee win yet, but a win Saturday would definitely qualify. Florida St. had a Bye last week after absolutely destroying Maryland the week before. While they were home resting, Clemson was busy struggling with Boston College. This is an advantage for FSU. Expect Jameis Winston to be even more famous Saturday night after what should be an entertaining game. WINNER: Florida St.

Thomas: I’m a huge fan of Jameis Winston, but I really think Clemson avoids the choke-job this year that has plagued their program. Tahj Boyd is really good and when Chad Morris’ offense is locked in there isn’t a defense in America that can keep them off the scoreboard. It’s not like Clemson is devoid of playmakers on defense either, as Vic Beasley leads the nation in sacks. FSU has more talent, but I just think this is Clemson’s year. Either way, this game should be entertaining and live up to its billing as the greatest ACC contest in a decade. Winner: Clemson

Reed: This could be the game of the year. Two of the best offenses and defenses will face off in a game which should decide the winner of the ACC. If you like watching explosive QBs, this one is must see TV as Boyd and Winston are two of the best in the nation. I’ll take the senior QB and home team to beat the up and coming Seminoles in a close one. Winner: Clemson

UCLA at Stanford (-4.5)

Andrew: The media loves to talk about Teddy Bridgewater’s prospects as an NFL quarterback, but I wouldn’t be surprised if Brett Hundley ends up being the first QB taken in next year’s draft. I love this guy’s game, and he has a good guy coaching him. Every time I watch the Bruins, I marvel at how well coached their team is. Likewise with the Cardinal, who had a rare slip up on the road at Utah last week. If not for that, this could have been a prime upset pick game. However, I think last week’s game will serve as a wake up call for Stanford as they take care of business at home in a hard fought, close game. WINNER: Stanford

Thomas:  I, like many, was utterly shocked when the Cardinal lost to Utah last week. UCLA is no slouch either behind the wizardry of quarterback Brett Hundley. That said, David Shaw’s team is too talented across the board to drop a second game in a row. Give me the Cardinal, but I will not be shocked in any way if UCLA pulls this game out. Winner: Stanford

Reed: I was absolutely floored when Stanford lost to Utah last week. They’re in for another tough game this week when undefeated UCLA comes to town but it’s probably not good for the Bruins that Stanford lost last week. Look for the Cardinal to get back on track this week. Winner: Stanford 

Washington at Arizona State (-3)

Andrew: Do the Huskies have anything left in the tank after their last 2 weeks? While they were busy playing Oregon tough for about 3 quarters, the Sun Devils were breezing through their game with lowly Colorado. Both these teams look fairly even on paper, so with the scheduling advantage, I’ve got to go with ASU. WINNER: Arizona St.

Thomas: Huskies. By double-digits. They are smarting from their loss to Oregon last week. The Huskies are better on both sides of the ball. Justin Wilcox’s defense is too good. Keith Price, Bishop Sankey (awesome name) and Austin Seferian-Jenkins and company are too good on offense to lose to the Sun Devils. Winner: Washington

Reed: Washington is too balanced to lose this one. Their defense will slow Arizona State’s offense and Washington QB Keith Price will put up enough points to win this one comfortably. Winner: Washington

Georgia (-7) at Vanderbilt

Andrew: The Dawgs are hurting. We already knew that before last week’s game, but the Missouri loss really was a startling alarm as to how much Georgia really has lost. The good news, though, is they should have their workhorse back this week in RB Todd Gurley. Vandy had a Bye week last week, and they needed it to repair their confidence after the shellacking Missouri put on them 2 weeks ago. This game should be close given UGA’s injuries, but I think the Commodores have started a downward spiral that they won’t come out of, at least not this week. WINNER: Georgia

Thomas: It won’t be pretty because their defense is bad, but UGA will win this game. They can’t afford to drop another SEC contest if they want to win the East and Aaron Murray won’t let them be outscored by a one-man band of a Vandy offense. Winner: UGA

Reed: Yes, the Bulldogs are banged up, but not enough to lose to lowly Vandy. It really is that simple. Winner: Georgia

Minnesota at Northwestern (-12)

Andrew: It is really sad what is going on with Minnesota football and coach Jerry Kill. That sort of situation has to affect a team and their preparation. It doesn’t look like Kill will be on the sidelines this weekend in Evanston. Look for the Wildcats to get back on track after 2 tough defeats To Ohio St. and Wisconsin. Minnesota doesn’t have near the amount of talent of either of those teams. WINNER: Northwestern

Thomas: Northwestern. Especially now that Minnesota head coach Jerry Kill has taken a leave of absence to deal with his epilepsy. Both teams are looking for their first conference win. I think Northwestern is the better team from a talent standpoint and obviously Pat Fitzgerald has garnered quite the reputation as a coach  Winner: Northwestern

Reed: I thought Northwestern would beat OSU two weeks ago and also picked them to beat Wisconsin last week…both Wildcat losses. That said, they’re too talented to drop a third straight game. Winner: Northwestern