Week 3 Predictions
Sept 11th 2008 - Written by: Scott Swinney
Week Three Predictions:
Last Week’s record 3-5 ATS and 8-5 Overall. YTD Totals: 10-9 ATS and 19-9 Overall
Ok, last week was about as poor as Maryland’s play at MTSU but, we look to rebound this week as we head in to a strong slate of ACC and National games. We will get this thing started on Thursday night and ride it all the way to late Saturday evening.
Thursdays Game: UNC @ Rutgers (-6) 7:30 ESPN: Both of these teams look to get on track after less than impressive opening games. Carolina will be trying to win it’s first game outside of NC in 6 years but, it won’t be an easy task against a Rutgers team that will be very inspired on Patriot’s Day. Who will win: Carolina will need to utilize it’s big play speed at WR and pressure Mike Teal in to some mistakes if it hopes to win this one. I think the Heels cover the spread but lose on a late game FG. Rutgers 27 UNC 24.
Saturday Games:
California (-15) at Maryland Noon ESPN: My gosh, what is going on up in College Park. The Terps struggled against Delaware and then losses on the road at MTSU. The musical QB approach hasn’t worked as the Terps have 28 points in its first two games. Cal has an explosive offense and if Maryland wants to stay close they will need to put up plenty of points. Who will win: The trip across the country will be difficult for the Bears but they awaken in the 2nd half to pull away. Cal 37 Maryland 14 (until proven differently)
NC State @ Clemson (-19): Noon Raycom: The Tigers and Wolfpack took care of FCS opponents last weekend and though they both weren’t as impressive as they would like a win is good any day of the week. The Tigers are banged up on the Offensive Line but should be able to protect Cullen Harper and open holes for Spiller and Davis. Russell Wilson returns at QB for the Pack and will need to be more accurate than he was against South Carolina if they hope to keep it close. Who will win; The Tigers will look to pound the Wolfpack defense on the ground and stay away from a defensive unit that leads the nation in interceptions. The Tigers duplicate their slow start of the past few weeks and let the Pack hang around but not for long. Clemson 31 NC State 13
Navy @ Duke (-2) Noon: Duke will try to rebound from a tough home loss against Northwestern last week but Navy presents a big challenge with its triple option attack. This game should be high scoring as neither D will be able to stop anyone. Who will win: Duke continues to improve under David Cutcliffe and outscores the Midshipmen. Duke 35 Navy 31.
Georgia Tech @ Virginia Tech (-7) 3:30 ABC: Georgia tech has been the surprise off the ACC at this point and can go a long way in making itself a Coastal Division contender with a win in Blacksburg. Virginia tech has no idea what it’s doing at QB and that has caused all kinds of problems. Who will win: The Jackets have played well in its previous two games but Virginia Tech will put a stop to that. An inspired Hokies defense creates a couple of turnovers and makes a statement here. Virginia Tech 27 Georgia Tech 17.
Virginia @ UCONN (-11) 7:00: The Cavaliers are bad and they won’t get any better here against last years Co-Big east Champs, Peter Lalich has again proven to be an idiot and will miss this week’s game due to his recent arrest. It won’t matter who plays QB as UConn rolls: Who will win: UConn 38 Virginia 14
National Games:
Kansas @ South Florida (-3): The Bulls continue to impress and will make a big statement this Friday. George Selvie is one of the top Defensive players in the country and well worth watching. USF 30 Kansas 24
Georgia (-7) @ South Carolina; The Dawgs will be very inspired after last years loss to the cocks. The crowd will be heading down the ramps by the 3rd Qtr. Georgia 38 South Carolina 14
Michigan @ Notre Dame: Both of these teams have struggled offensively but Michigan has more speed. Wolverines 24 Domers 13
Ohio State @ USC (-11): Many are projecting this one to be a big SC blowout but, I think the Buckeyes play with a chip on their shoulder and keep it close. It would help if Wells was healthy but the D will keep them in this one. USC 21 OSU 14
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