Picks: 30-9
ML: 21-17-1
Many matchups have been postponed or cancelled due to a coronavirus outbreak, and it is still up in the air whether some other matchups will be played. However, with a limited schedule this week, our experts here at BCMG still will give you their predictions on the most intriguing week 7 matchups.
Graeme's Predictions:
Louisville @ 4 Notre Dame
Game Time: 2:30pm EST
Venue: Notre Dame Stadium - South Bend, IN
Network: NBC
Line: Notre Dame -16.5
Notre Dame has to tune some things up. Their offense hasn't been jumping out of the stat sheet this year, which is something they can fix, but it needs to come soon. The Irish's 3rd-down offense has not been great at all, only converting on 18% of their attempts . And no, the defense isn’t taking the ball away enough, but the offense isn’t putting the D in a bad position either, with just two turnovers so far. Louisville has been very impressive this year with their offensive tempo. They certainly have a lot of kinks in the offense and the defense, but the upside has plenty of potential. For me, Louisville definitely has what it takes to make this game competitive. Notre Dame has gotten off to too many slow starts this year, so if they get down early I expect them to make a roaring 2nd half comeback.
Prediction: 42-24 Notre Dame
15 Auburn @ South Carolina
Game Time: 12:00pm EST
Venue: Williams-Brice Stadium - Columbia, SC
Network: ESPN
Line: Auburn -3.5
These two teams haven't played each other since 2014, so it is pretty rare we get this matchup. In fact, these teams have only played a total of 12 times. Auburn hasn't lost to SC since 1933, so they will look to improve their already impressive win streak. However, if they want the win to become a reality, they have to be better on offense. They have been winning almost all their games by grinding it out on defense, but the Gamecocks have plenty of playmakers on both sides of the ball. South Carolina's time management has not been superb by any means. Some of that blame goes on Will Muschamp, but his whole team hasn't made the smartest decisions either. Can SC not screw up if they have the lead? Seems like a ridiculous questions, but that's where we are with this years South Carolina team. If the Gamecocks want to upset Auburn, they have to have explosive plays for 40-50+ yards. I do believe South Carolina can clean up their decisions in order to knock off this Auburn team.
Prediction: 20-17 South Carolina
11 Texas A&M @ Mississippi State
Game Time: 4:00pm EST
Venue: Davis Wade Stadium - Starkville, MS
Network: SEC Network
Line: Texas A&M -6.5
Mike Leach's offense has hit a bump in the road. After a lackluster performance last week, things need to change. The problem is, things probably won't change. Mike Leach is set on his air raid attack, throwing the ball around 40 times a game. For Texas A&M, they have to come up with interceptions. Getting the Mississippi State offense off of the field is a must. They can't let them get hot. This is a game where Kellen Mond has to show up and have a big game, especially if the defense is not clicking.
Prediction: Texas A&M 45-30
Logan's Predictions:
1 Clemson @ Georgia Tech
Game time: 12:00 pm EST
Venue: Bobby Dodd Stadium - Atlanta, Georgia
Network: ABC
Line: Clemson - 27.0
The number one team in the country, the Clemson Tigers, will take on the unranked Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets this weekend. The Tigers are ranked number one for a reason as they have begun the season 4-0, which includes a blowout win against 7th ranked Miami. The Yellow Jackets are sitting on a .500 record after losing to UCF and Syracuse while winning against FSU and Louisville. But, they are coming off of a commanding win against Louisville last week and they will look to prove their value this week against Clemson. But, much like the mitochondria is to the cells, Clemson is the powerhouse of the ACC and they are favored by an astounding 27 points. I believe that Georgia Tech will show that they are a little bit better of a team than everyone expected as they will compete with Clemson for the majority of the game. But, despite the Yellow Jackets efforts, the Clemson Tigers will move to 5-0 on the season.
Prediction: 38-17 Clemson
Kentucky @ 18 Tennessee
Game time: 12:00 pm EST
Venue: Neyland Stadium - Knoxville, Tennessee
Network: SECN
Line: Tennessee - 6.0
Kentucky versus Tennessee matchups have a reputation of always being thrillers and that is exactly what can be expected this weekend in Knoxville. The Kentucky Wildcats began the season ranked 23rd but have lost two of three games since then. The Tennessee Volunteers began the season ranked 16th and have managed to only slip-back a couple of places with a loss to UGA. The Volunteers have a very powerful defense and a somewhat manageable offense. Kentucky is the opposite as they have a horrible defense but their offense is above-average. I believe that because of Kentucky's horrific defense and Tennessee's terrific defense, the Volunteers will have no problem proving that they are one of the top teams in the SEC this season. Tennessee will take home the win with ease.
Prediction: 31-17 Tennessee
5 UNC @ Florida State
Game time: 7:30 pm EST
Venue: Doak Campbell Stadium - Tallahassee, Florida
Network: ABC
Line: UNC - 13.5
The UNC Tar Heels will take on the Florida State Seminoles this Saturday as one of the final games of the day. UNC is currently ranked at a very debatable 5th Place and they will look to prove that they should be there this weekend against a 1-3 Florida State team. The Tar Heels are currently boasting a 3-0 record after playing three ACC games. UNC started off the season strong with a blowout win against Syracuse but then showed some defensive flaws in week two as they barely escaped Boston College. UNC recovered last week with an 11-point win against 19th ranked, Virginia Tech. Florida State's only win this season has come against Jacksonville State. Although the Seminoles have gotten off to a rough start, they showed signs of improvement last week as they hung with Notre Dame for the majority of the game. The Tar Heels are favored by 13.5 in this game and that seems just about right to me. Florida State will make this game a little bit closer than expected but the UNC Tar Heels will still be able to take the win on the road.
Prediction: 28 - 20 UNC
Davis' Predictions:
3 Georgia @ 2 Alabama
Game Time: 8 pm EST
Venue: Bryant-Denny Stadium - Tuscaloosa, AL
Network: CBS
Line: Alabama -4.5
This is the biggest game so far here in the crazy 2020 college football season. But, the Crimson Tide will be without the greatest head coach of all time, Nick Saban, after he tested positive for COVID-19. Honestly, I thought this game wouldn't happen on Saturday but here we go. Georgia is coming into this game having more impressive wins than Alabama including against ranked teams like Auburn and Tennessee. Georgia has one of the best defenses in the SEC and a freshman QB running the offense. The Georgia defense is coming off of an incredible last half of football against Tennessee where they did not allow a point and forced four turnovers. The defense has only allowed about 12 points per game through three games but expect that to change against the best offense in the SEC in Alabama. The Crimson Tide have scored at least 35 points in all three games and have scored at least 50 points in their last two. QB Mack Jones and WR Jaylen Waddle have connected for almost 400 yards and three TD's, while RB Najee Harris has rushed for 350 yards and 10 TD's. The question is how the Crimson Tide will play without their leader and how will it affect the game. I believe the defense in the SEC has been depleted over the years and Georgia's defense will have a tough time on Saturday. I believe Georgia's offense will have a field day against the Alabama defense. This is a classic Big 12 shootout and you can expect this game to be close and high scoring. I think this is the first loss for the Crimson Tide in 2020 and Georgia at the end of the week will be ranked #1.
Prediction: 52-45 Georgia
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