Week 4 Predictions
Sept 18th 2008 - Written by: Scott Swinney
Week Four Predictions:
In the aftermath of Hurricane Ike hitting Cincinnati (yes, I said Cincinnati) I’m playing catch up on my picks this week. As of now it looks like our picks are right at the .500 mark, which we all know, doesn’t win anybody but the bookie money. Let’s reverse this trend this week.
Mississippi State @ Georgia Tech (-8) Noon: Georgia Tech played a very nice game at Virginia Tech last week and had a legitimate chance to pull off the upset on the road while the Bulldogs ended up playing a baseball game with Auburn losing 3-2. This should be a low scoring game with Tech winning at home but in a close one. Georgia Tech 20 Miss. State 16
East Carolina (-8) @ NC State Noon ESPN: The Pirates are enjoying a great deal of early season success and are knocking on the door of the top 10. NC State has struggled mightily on the offensive side scoring only 3 offensive points vs. D-1 opponents this season. I know this game will be filled with emotion since these two teams don’t like each other and the Pirates players always carry a chip on their shoulder. Look for this one to be close early but ECU continues it’s magical run. ECU 28 NC State 17.
Eastern Michigan @ Maryland (-21) 1:00: Maryland’s offense seemed to awaken from it’s slumber last week against Cal and jumped on the Bears early and often in a game that was never really contested. If the Terps run the ball with the same authority this week this one should be a blow out. Maryland 38 EMU 14
Virginia Tech @ North Carolina (-3) 3:30 ABC: This game could go a long way in determining who wins the Coastal division and plays for the ACC Championship. Tyrod Taylor has taken over at QB for the Hokies and provided a spark with his running ability. UNC is coming off its first win outside of the state of NC in 6 years as they dismantled Rutgers on Thursday night. I know many are hyping the Heels but until they show they can beat VT the Hokies are still the pick. Virginia Tech 27 UNC 24
Miami @ Texas A&M (-3) 3:30 ABC: Miami looks to go on the road and restore a little bit of pride for the ACC but, a trip to College Station is never easy. The Canes really put a hurt on the Aggies last year (34-17) in a Thursday night tilt and A&M will be looking for revenge. Miami is playing lots of young players which bode well for the future but not this week. Texas A&M 28 Miami 14
Wake Forest @ Florida State (-5) 7:00 ESPN2: Wake Forest has seemed to have the Seminoles number the past few years but, it seems that FSU has discovered a running game and Christian Ponder has done a nice job of directing the offense. The bad news for FSU is they are stepping up in class this week and Ponder will see one of the best defenses he will face all year. Last Wake trip to FSU resulted in a 31-0 win. This one won’t be that bad but, there is no way possible I can give the points in this one. Wake 34 FSU 24
South Carolina State @ Clemson 1:00: The Tigers haven’t put together the type of offensive performance they are capable of to date but that changes this week. After struggling in the first half last week the starters will get on track early this week. This one is over at the half. Clemson 56 SC State 10
National Games: Alabama (-9) @ Arkansas: The Hogs offense has been mediocre at best in a couple of early season wins. They won’t be able to put up many points vs. a strong Bama D. Alabama 28 Arkansas 14
Florida (-8) @ Tennessee: The Gators look to win their fourth consecutive in this series. I think they win but, by less than a TD. Florida 31 Tenn. 27
Georgia (-7) @ Arizona State: The Dawgs venture out west for a tough early season matchup. Temps should be around 100 at the 6pm PST kickoff and I think it will present some issues for Georgia. However, Arizona State was beaten outright as a 25-point favorite last week. Georgia wins this one by double digits in what could be a shoot out. Georgia 42 ASU 28
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