Picks Panel: Vols and Tigers plus five weekend winners

NCAA Football: South Carolina at Tennessee

Last week Vegas went 7-3 for a yearly total of 53-17 while I went 7-3 and am one game back at 52-18. Andrew was 6-4 (49-21) while and Thomas posted a 6-4 record (48-22). On to this week’s slate of games (it’s a good one)!

Tennessee at Missouri (-10.5)

Andrew: Well, most everyone thought Tennessee would have a Freshman QB start at some point this season, and that time is now upon us. Josh Dobbs looked good in the 2nd Half against Bama last week, but how much stock can we put in that performance? On the plus side, he was playing on the road against the most talented defense in the country. However, it was a no pressure situation and he saw a lot of basic formations from the Bama D. All things considered, I’m going to reserve my judgment of Dobbs until I see him play a whole game when something is on the line.

Switching to Missouri, they had their hearts ripped out by the Gamecocks last Saturday, and that is definitely a loss than can stick with a team. I’m predicting that happens to the Tigers this week. I anticipate they will come out flat against the Vols and think the UT coaches won’t throw too much at Dobbs and rely heavily on the running game. I also think we will see how having a viable running threat at QB can really open up holes in the zone read running game. Look for Tennessee to get big games from both Neal and Lane as both run for 70+ yards. After the Vols establish the run, look for Dobbs to hit some big gains on some play action passes. This game will build on what Tennessee did in the South Carolina game, and give everyone even more proof that the University of Tennessee’s football program is headed in the right direction. WINNER: Tennessee

Thomas: Every bit of me wants to take Tennessee. That’s not from a fan perspective, I just think UT and Mizzou are about even talent-wise. I don’t think Tennessee’s offense will step back that much, if at all, with Freshman Josh Dobbs at the helm, even with this being a road game for the Vols. My concern is how the Vols will stop Mizzou through the air after getting torched by Bama last week. I honestly don’t think Mizzou’s offense changes that much whether it’s Maty Mauk or James Franklin quarterbacking them. I said at the beginning of the year that Tennessee would avenge last year’s loss in this game and I’m sticking with it. My picking record be damned. Winner: Vols

Reed: Tennessee exorcized some demons with a victory over South Carolina two weeks ago and hopes to take another step forward this weekend in Columbia (look for a game preview in the morning). The Vols are looking to win their first SEC road game since 2010 and their first road game over a ranked SEC team since 2006. From a talent perspective, the Vols match up very well with the Tigers. Tennessee’s o-line should be able to slow down Missouri’s dynamic front four. Defensively, the Vols will be challenged by a Tiger offense which ranks second in the SEC in scoring, but Missouri hasn’t been as effective with Maty Mauk at QB. Can true freshman Josh Dobbs and the Tennessee offense outscore the Tigers? Only if they win the turnover battle. I expect the Vols to come out fired up and ready to go after a lackluster showing in Tuscaloosa last week. If this one is close, something tells me the Vols will be ready to take another step forward and pick up a road win. Winner: Tennessee

Miami at Florida State (-21.5)

Andrew: It’s been a while since this game has meant this much on a national level. This used to be a yearly matchup of Top 10 teams, but that seems like ages ago. This is one of those classic rivalries that make college football the best sport in the world. However, that’s all about the past. Speaking on this year’s game, Jameis Winston is probably the best player in college football right now and Miami almost lost to Wake Forest last week. Not much else needs to be said. This game will not be close. WINNER: Florida St.

Thomas: Miami has found ways to keep winning this year despite wildly inconsistent performances on both sides of the ball. That ends Saturday night. FSU blows away a second undefeated opponent and covers the spread with ease. Just too much firepower everywhere for the ‘Noles. Winner: FSU

Reed: Miami is the worst undefeated team in college football. They lucked into a win against North Carolina and have consistently struggled with teams they outclass all year. Can they step up and challenge an FSU team which has superior talent and national title aspirations? Nothing I have seen from either team leads me to believe this one will be close. I picked against Jameis Winston and the Seminoles in Death Valley and learned my lesson. Winner: Florida State 

Oklahoma State at Texas Tech (-2.5)

Andrew: The Red Raiders came down off their cloud last week, suffering their first loss of the season at Oklahoma. The Cowboys, on the other hand, are a choke job at West Virginia away from being undefeated. So, what we have are a couple of 1 loss teams with a lot to play for. Both of these teams are still very much alive for a conference title. Even in defeat, I was impressed with Texas Tech last week, as they showed a lot of grit in their loss in Norman. Given that OK St. still has questions at QB and the game is being played in Lubbock, I’m rolling with the Red Raiders. WINNER: Texas Tech

Thomas: Kliff Kingsbury failed me last week against the Sooners. The Cowboys are a solid team, but I’ll take the Red Raiders and their home field advantage. Winner: Texas Tech

Reed: Oklahoma humbled Texas Tech last week, but the Red Raiders were impressive even in defeat. Their passing attack ranks 4th nationally and I don’t think Oklahoma State has the defense to slow them down. Winner: Texas Tech

Michigan at Michigan State (-6)

Andrew: Michigan has a terrible defense and Michigan St. has a terrible offense. This will be a good-on-good/bad-on-bad matchup worth watching. This game will probably determine the winner of the Legends division in the Big Ten. The Spartans were my preseason pick to win the division, and I haven’t seen enough from the Wolverines to make me believe they can win in East Lansing against this stingy Sparty defense. WINNER: Michigan St.

Thomas: Big 10 football is just so boring. Michigan is the more talented team, but Michigan State has a monster defense. I think the Spartans find a way to pull through in East Lansing. Winner: Michigan State

Reed: Michigan State’s defense gives up just 12.3 point per contest (good for No. 3 in the nation) and is good enough to frustrate a Michigan offense which scores over 42 points per game (8th nationally). The Wolverines have been downright awful in their two road games this season, with an overtime loss to Penn State and a narrow 3-point win over hapless Connecticut to their credit. Winner: Michigan State

Mississippi State at South Carolina (-12)

Andrew: The Cocks were a quarter away from their season going into a tailspin, but Connor Shaw emerged and breathed new life into his team. Now, Carolina is in really good shape to make it to Atlanta for the SEC Championship. That renewed life will be more than enough motivation for this game. The Bulldogs, meanwhile, got a much needed win over Kentucky last Thursday, but even that win was closer than it should have been. Dan Mullen is starting to feel the heat in Starkville, and this weekend’s game won’t help his chances at job retention at all. Look for the Gamecocks to make quick work of MSU as they set their sights on their next game with Florida and a possible SEC East title. WINNER: South Carolina

Thomas: It would be so like South Carolina to blow this game after pulling off the upset in Missouri last weekend. Quite frankly though, Mississippi State just isn’t good. Even if Connor Shaw can’t go I just don’t see a way that the Gamecocks drop this contest. Winner: USCe

Reed: Connor Shaw’s heroic effort in the Gamecock’s upset of Missouri last weekend put Spurrier’s squad right back in the thick of the race for the SEC East crown. Shaw has been fighting an illness this week but the Gamecocks don’t need him to beat a Mississippi State team which struggled at home against Kentucky last week. Winner: South Carolina

Georgia (-3) at Florida

Andrew: Talk about a game that has lost its luster since the preseason. The World’s Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party (or whatever they’re calling it these days) is just an afterthought on a national scale this week. Just like South Carolina, both Florida and Georgia are still very much alive for the SEC East title. Also, both schools still have loads of talent on their rosters. These teams and fanbases hate each other, and regardless of what their records are, both schools want nothing more than to win this game. It will be nasty, like always. There will be a lot of trash talking and probably a few on-the-field scuffles between the 2 teams, which makes it a must-watch game regardless of the teams’ records.

Todd Gurley is finally returning, and this will provide Georgia with a huge boost offensively. Florida’s defense is still stellar, but the Missouri game exposed some of their deficiencies. Florida’s offense is a mess, and I don’t think they can match scores with UGA if their offense gets going. And while Georgia has many deficiencies on their defense, Florida’s offensive ineptness and the return of Gurley will be just enough for Georgia to squeak out a win and stay alive in the East. That will also move Will Muschamp’s record to 0-3 against Georgia as a coach. (Interesting side note: Muschamp was 0-4 as a Georgia player versus Florida… he’s never tasted victory in Jacksonville) That’s not good for his job security. WINNER: Georgia

Thomas: Todd Gurley is back. Which is great news for Dog fans as Aaron Murray will finally have some help for the first time since the Tennessee game. Both teams have endured brutal runs of injuries this season that have transformed each one’s once promising seasons into disappointment. This matchup has the SEC’s worst offense in Florida and one of the conference’s worst defenses in UGA, so which one will better the other? Georgia, that’s who. Winner: Georgia

Reed: The Bulldogs are the only team in the SEC East to not start a backup QB this year. Aaron Murray will get one of his weapons back this week with the return of Todd Gurley and the Bulldogs should muster enough offense to outscore the hapless Gators. Winner: Georgia 

About The Author

Reed Carringer

A native of Knoxville, TN. I grew up saturated in all things Big Orange and began taking an active role in Football & Basketball Time in Tennessee the past several years. Make sure to catch Football Time on Tennessee Sports Radio Monday's and Friday's from 6-8 pm. I strive to cover the Vols in a fan-friendly, but informative way. I value your input and interaction! You can follow me on Twitter @FootballTimeMag.