Last week was bittersweet, as I went a perfect 11-0 in my conference picks while not picking any of the other games featured correctly. The weekly tally was 11-3, putting me at 23-5 on straight-up picks this season. Let's dive into week three:
UCF vs. (20) Missouri
Missouri took command of a Toledo game that a lot of writers picked to be a lot closer than what was the actual case. The Tigers took control of the game from the opening gun, and I'm going to give them the benefit of the doubt at home against George O'Leary's team.
The Pick: Missouri 31 UCF 28
UMass vs. Vanderbilt
The Commodores are in a bad place right now and will face off against a hungry UMass team that wants to spill some SEC blood.
The Pick: UMass 21 Vanderbilt 15
Arkansas vs. Texas Tech
This game a few years ago would've been a marquee matchup, but both programs are currently on the decline. Texas Tech will prove to be too much for the Hogs' defense.
The Pick: Texas Tech 38 Arkansas 24
(6) Georgia vs. (24) South Carolina
This will be the first time since I've been writing these picks that I'll be forced to pick against South Carolina. I just don't think the Gamecocks' defense is up to the task of containing Todd Gurley. You won't hear me say that I hope to miss picks many times, but this definitely qualifies as one. Expect to see some tricks from Steve Spurrier on Saturday, but I don't think it'll be enough.
The Pick: Georgia 38 South Carolina 29
LA-Lafayette vs. (14) Ole Miss
The Rebels are feeling good after drumming Vanderbilt in Nashville. Now it's time for Hugh Freeze's team to tune-up before battling a brutal SEC West schedule.
The Pick: Ole Miss 42 LA-Lafayette 28
Mississippi State vs. South Alabama
The Bulldogs have looked good since the start of the season, and that's not going to change with another September warm-up game this week against South Alabama.
The Pick: Mississippi State 51 South Alabama 17
Southern Miss vs. (3) Alabama
Alabama's not as good as they're ranked, but seriously, it's Southern Miss.
The Pick: Alabama 49 Southern Miss 3
UL-Monroe vs. (10) LSU
The Tigers' running game has been impressive, and I look for LSU to pound the ball early and often.
The Pick: LSU 47 UL Monroe 18
Kentucky vs. Florida
Kentucky has some great skill players, but traveling to Gainesville and facing Florida's defense will be the factors that hand the Gators their first SEC win of the year.
The Pick: Florida 31 Kentucky 26
Tennessee vs. (4) Oklahoma
The Vols will go into Norman with a purpose and give the Sooners everything they've got to offer. In the end, Oklahoma will be just too talented on offense. This one will be close, though.
The Pick: Oklahoma 36 Tennessee 31
Rice vs. (7) Texas A&M
Texas A&M get another field day Saturday.
The Pick: Texas A&M 65 Rice 13
(23) Louisville vs. Virginia
Here's my upset special this week! The Cardinals get surprised by how good the Cavaliers are on defense and drop one in Charlottesville.
The Pick: Virginia 28 Louisville 23
East Carolina vs. (17) Virginia Tech
The Hokies came out with a big win in Columbus last week, shocking the country. East Carolina has traditionally played Virginia Tech, and this one will be a little closer than expected.
The Pick: Virginia Tech 24 East Carolina 17
(12) UCLA vs. Texas
I'm not a believer in UCLA, but I'm definitely not picking Texas after last week.
The Pick: UCLA 27 Texas 15
I hope you enjoyed my picks this week. Be sure to follow me on Twitter @griffaldo and tweet me your upsets of the week!
South Carolina fans, do yourself a favor and watch this "Squidbillies" clip!
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