NCAA week 4 Expert Picks

#3 Clemson @ NC State

Josh: NC State almost lost to Richmond and the Spiders are not a bad division a FCS team, but if they needed a last second field goal to beat them at home the Tigers might be a challenge. That’s exactly what Tajh Boyd and this lethal Clemson offense will, way too much of a challenge, and I like the Tigers big 42-17.

Connor: The talent and speed of Clemson will be way too much to handle for NC State’s defense. Offensively, the Pack are still looking for a new Quarterback. This has the makings to be a rout.

Ben: This one is not even a question. NC State is definitely not a force on either side of the ball as they should have fallen to a Spiders team that could not get past Gardner Webb this past week. Clemson is on an entirely different level in all aspects of the game, and they take it convincingly 52-20.

#23 Arizona State @ #5 Stanford

Josh: Well Arizona State beat Wisconsin last week and we all saw one of the most bizarre finishes to a game ever. Credit to the ASU defensive line for staying down on that ball, smart play and they took advantage of the referees confusion. This is Stanford’s first test of the year. They struggled with Army last week, but they will quickly get into a groove. Kevin Hogan is a good quarterback and I love the Cardinal running back Tyler Gaffney, I think he will have a big day and propel the Cardinal to a 28-21 win.

Connor: Stanford was less than impressive last week against Army. They will have to be better to beat Arizona State who is coming off of a big win against Wisconsin. I expect the Cardinal to be much better and get a tight win. 27-24 Stanford.

Even though the Sun Devils won on a game that ended in about as much confusion as you will ever see out of a referee, I do like this team a lot. Stanford is a very talented football team, but I do believe they are slightly overrated as they had an unimpressive victory over Army. However, I agree with my comrades that the Cardinal are going to wake up enough to squeak by ASU 34-28.

Auburn @ #6 LSU

Josh: Gus Mahlzan is now in control of Auburn and has guided them to a (3-0) start and I have been impressed so far. They grabbed a late win last week from Mississippi State give them their first SEC win in 10 tries. QB Nick Marshall will have his hands full this week with this LSU defense. The more important QB in this matchup is Zach Mettenberger who has answered the critics. Last season he threw 12 touchdowns and 7 interceptions. Through three games this season he has thrown 9 touchdowns and no picks. Hes completing 62% of his passes and it’s beginning to feel like he finally gets it. That being said who doesn't love an upset? Auburn 31-28

Connor: Auburn is 3-0 and looks much better than last year. However, winning inside of Death Valley at night is a new challenge. Auburn will keep it close in the first half but in the second the LSU Tigers will run away with it. I like LSU 33 to 17.

Ben: The LSU Tigers have been missing a reliable offense in the past couple of years, which is the one thing preventing them from reaching success. However, it appears that Zach Mettenberger is a completely different man. After an impressive win at TCU, the Tigers have routed UAB and Kent State, but they will face a brand new task this Saturday. This Auburn team has a lot of confidence, and Nick Marshall has looked nothing short of impressive. I think the 3-0 Auburn Tigers lead most of the game and put quite the scare into LSU, but in the end the experience of Mettenberger trumps that of Marshall and LSU escapes 37-34.

Tennessee @ #19 Florida

Josh: Boy this Florida offense looked like an offensive train wreck against Miami. Driskel did not look good, the running game could not seemed to get established consistently, and on the last play of the game they false started, which basically sums up their offensive day. Now Tennessee gave up 674 total yards of offense last week to Oregon, so it will be important for Jeff Driskel and Mack Brown to have good games so they can build confidence heading into their difficult SEC games. They have Tennessee, Kentucky, and Arkansas these next three games and it’s important they go (3-0) I think they get past Tennessee 25-17

Connor: After the disaster in Eugene last Saturday I am not sure if I am going to pick Tennessee one more time this season. Seeing the putrid Florida offense will be a relief however so the Vols can keep it close. But can they score enough? Doubt it. Florida 23-16.

Ben: If you are a big fan of offense, change the channel. Florida has proven early that they are unable to score many points at all, as Driskel has yet to prove he is worthy of any praise. On the Other side, you have a Tennessee team that looked like a high school team against the Ducks. In the Vols defense, Oregon can do that to a lot of teams. In this battle of who can get to 20 first, I am going to take a risk and pick the upset with the Vols winning on a time expiring field goal to stun the Gators, 20-18.

Michigan State @ #22 Notre Dame

Josh: Boy do I love Notre Dame football! Okay kidding, but as much as I dislike Tommy Reese he’s been quite effective this week. This offense has been like no other ND offense and they love to air it out. On the other side of the ball, guess who has another great defense? You got it, Mark Dantonio and the Michigan State Spartans. Once again they are top 25 in points allowed per game and I am scared of their defense. It’s unfortunate the offense is terrible, but I like the running back tandem of Jeremy Langford and the 5 foot 8 inch 198 pound Nick Hill. I think the Spartans take it 23-21 behind new QB Connor Cook and the two backs

Connor: Wow is this one going to be low scoring or what. Neither one of these teams are great on offense and there is not a whole lot of separation between the two overall. Because of home field advantage I like the Irish 13-10.

Ben: Speaking of abysmal offenses, how about them Spartans? Let us put things in perspective. Those mighty Cowboys over at McNeese State put up 53 points on the Bulls of South Florida. On the flip side, Michigan State could only muster 23. I have not been too impressed with the Irish offense either, but I see them winning this one without too much trouble, 24-10.