Last week, Keister and I both went 9-1 overall on misses against Ohio State and Missouri, respectively. This keeps Keister ahead by one game at 18-3 to my 17-4. Collectively this season on the blog, I've gone 50-13. Let's check out what picks are in store for week six:
Florida vs. Tennessee
Keister: ESPN analyst Tom Luginbill said it best yesterday on-air that "this is put up or shut up time for the Gators." The events of this weekend will start as the beginning of the end for Will Muschamp's underwhelming tenure as Gators' head coach.
The Pick: Tennessee 28 Florida 13
Griff: Florida will come out fighting, but for the Gators to have a chance, quarterback Jeff Driskell has to improve. Neyland Stadium will be too intense for the Gators.
The Pick: Tennessee 23 Florida 20
(6) Texas A&M vs. (12) Mississippi State
Keister: We all know a rowdy crowd doesn't phase the Aggies, however, the most diverse set of weapons they've faced this year will throw off the timing and rhythm of Kevin Sumlin's squad. Look For Bulldogs' quarterback Dak Prescott to further increase his chances for post-season honors.
The Pick: Mississippi State 34 Texas A&M 28
Griff: This will be the biggest test for Texas A&M yet, and two prominent quarterbacks from the SEC West square off in one of the premier games Saturday. Difficult game to call, but give me Texas A&M in a what'll be a street fight to the finish.
The Pick: Texas A&M 31 Mississippi State 30
(3) Alabama vs. (11) Ole Miss
Keister: Oxford will be a great atmosphere Saturday for tailgating and festivities. Unfortunately, that's about as much enthusiasm as you'll get as an Ole Miss fan! It will be very surprising if Lane Kiffin doesn't design a plan to break opponents' spirit early.
The Pick: Alabama 41 Ole Miss 17
Griff: The Rebels get selected to host their first "College Gameday" during a rough week this season. Hugh Freeze puts together a plan that'll keep Ole Miss in it for the first half, but Alabama's going to break this one open after the break.
The Pick: Alabama 35 Ole Miss 24
Vanderbilt vs. (13) Georgia
Keister: Todd Gurley's going to get plenty of rest in this game. Look for him to watch most the second half to give the Sanford Stadium crowd a preview of the future in the Bulldogs' backfield.
The Pick: Georgia 38 Vanderbilt 10
Griff: Georgia's going to easily avenge their 2013 loss in Nashville on Saturday. Gurley will make a highlight run or two early on, and this game gets ugly quick.
The Pick: Georgia 31 Vanderbilt 7
(15) LSU vs. (5) Auburn
Keister: All the logic points to favoring Auburn in this game. A true freshman making the start at quarterback for the Bayou Bengals in Jordan-Hare Stadium makes Auburn seem like an easy W. The underdog role that Les Miles has been given this week is cause for effective game management and poise by a young QB that's not going to be asked to put the ball in the air much with LSU's solid ground attack.
The Pick: LSU 21 Auburn 17
Griff: Both teams have proven themselves running the ball so far this season, and this game's sure to have an old school, smash mouth-style feel to it. LSU's defense is what concerns me here, as the Tigers from Baton Rouge have allowed opponents to average 4.5 yards per carry. I'll take Auburn in this one.
The Pick: Auburn 31 LSU 21
South Carolina vs. Kentucky
Keister: I've been on the fence about this game all week as to who to pick, which has been rare for this matchup lately. There'll be some signature visor throws, but a fourth quarter surge along with a big special teams play or a turnover will compensate for poor execution out the gate for the Cocks.
The Pick: South Carolina 28 Kentucky 24
Griff: South Carolina suffered an awfully bitter loss last week to Missouri in the final minutes of a game that many thought to be over. The Gamecocks will bounce back this week and earn some confidence through their running game in Lexington.
The Pick: South Carolina 34 Kentucky 20
(14) Stanford vs. (9) Notre Dame
Keister: The "luck of the Irish" won't be necessary in South Bend on Saturday. Everett Golson will manage the game and stay in control throughout the contest. The score won't indicate a blowout by any means, but I don't foresee any doubt creeping in for Irish fans.
The Pick: Notre Dame 28 Stanford 20
Griff: Stanford isn't as good as their ranking shows, but I feel that the same is true with the Irish. That being said, Notre Dame's defense will keep them in business on Saturday against the Cardinal.
The Pick: Notre Dame 24 Stanford 17
North Carolina State vs. Clemson
Keister: The Wolfpack looked good last week in a loss, but there's going to be a lot of pressure from the Tigers' defense and good execution from Deshaun Watson and friends on the offense to help Clemson win big.
The Pick: Clemson 38 North Carolina State 14
Griff: I'm interested to see how many touchdowns Deshaun Watson throws for Clemson this week, after he set the school record in his first career start last week against UNC. The Wolfpack will appear ready at first, but Clemson punches the gas pedal with their high octane offense.
The Pick: Clemson 45 North Carolina State 27
(19) Nebraska vs. (10) Michigan State
Keister: Tommy Armstrong Jr. will have a breakthrough performance as the first QB in a long time to create a buzz about this sneaky Cornhusker team that will continue to fly under the radar after a good showing in East Lansing on Saturday.
The Pick: Nebraska 27 Michigan State 23
Griff: Ameer Abdullah's quickly popping up on a lot of analysts' Heisman Trophy radars, but the Spartans' defense will step up to earn Michigan State their first big win of the season. This game will have a great finish.
The Pick: Michigan State 24 Nebraska 23
Thanks for checking out our picks this week! Be sure to give Griff a follow on twitter @griffaldo for more updates and analysis. Before we leave you this week, we'd like you to check out a new segment to the blog that includes a high school and FCS pick from our good buddy John Gault.
Chapin vs. Richland Northeast
About the only thing stoppin' the Fightin' Eagles from winning this friday is the bus breakin' down on the way to Richland-Northeast boys! Look for Logan Bailey to make plays all over the field with his feet and through the air! You better not be surprised if the defense pitches a near shut out! By the time this one's said and done, there will be a Cavalier waiving the SOS flag in the Eagles' Nest, and I'll be sipping on a Fresca and enjoying a fried chicken platter at Fat Buddies
Chapin 52 The Rusty Cavaliers 13
Citadel vs. Wofford
Throw out all the record books boys and add some more Sweet-N-Low because this Beacon Iced Tea Bowl is sure to be "a plenty!" The Bulldogs from the low-country make the trek up to Sparkle City and are looking for a fight! In this wishbone attack, two can tango and first-year head coach Mike Houston will be sure to pull out all the stops against a bunch of pesky Terriers on the defensive line. Look for a rare air attack by the short-haired Dawgs and a good ole-fashioned Southern Conference showdown at Gibbs Stadium!
Wofford 34 The Citadel 27 in OT Boys!!!
Thanks for reading!
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