Game 1 #23 Michigan Wolverines at #13 Indiana Hoosiers
Saturday November 7th, 12:00 – Memorial Stadium – Bloomington, IND
After a disastrous home loss to Michigan State as 20+ point favourites last Saturday, Michigan and Jim Harbaugh are on the hot seat. They look to bounce back this week against a much tougher opponent (on paper) in #13 ranked Indiana, a team they’ve won 24 straight games against.
On the offensive side of the ball, Michigan has been mediocre. QB Joe Milton has thrown just one touchdown, with no TD receptions from his wide receivers, and just three scores rushing. On the other side of the ball Michigan have just five sacks, one interception and one fumble recovery; areas they were supposed to thrive in.
Indiana roll in with their first 2-0 start since 1991, beating 8th ranked Penn State 36-35 and handily defeating Rutgers last weekend 37-21.
The Hoosiers employ a balanced offense led by QB Michael Penix Jr. With three skilled receivers on the wings, he and his teammates will look to exploit Michigan’s secondary and their defense will look to continue ball hawking, coming down with five interceptions in their opening two games.
I don’t exactly understand the line on this game (Michigan favoured by 3 points on 888sport.com). I like Indiana to win this one outright, but take the three points.
Free Pick – Indiana +3 (-110 on 888sport.com).
#5 Georgia Bulldogs vs #8 Florida Gators
November 7th, 15:30 – TIAA Bank Field, Jacksonville, FL
Since 1933 Jacksonville has been home to this “neutral site” matchup between the Bulldogs and the Gators, the current top-two teams in the SEC-East.
At 4-1 the Bulldogs are leading the pack, their only loss to #2 ranked Alabama. QB Stetson Bennett has been inconsistent (seven touchdowns, five interceptions) and will lean on depth at WR and top-target RB Zamir White. White has 402 yards rushing and 6 touchdowns. Their defense has been stout as well, compiling 17 sacks and six interceptions. Recent injuries to multiple key players could be an issue for the Bulldogs going forward, however.
The Gators (3-1) are coming off a 41-17 win vs Missouri. QB Kyle Trask has been incredible, throwing for 18 touchdowns and just two interceptions thus far. Behind him is a balanced running attack and a stacked receiving corps. His top two targets, Tight End Kyle Pitts and Wide Receiver Kadarius Toney each have 22 receptions, Pitts going for seven touchdowns and Toney for six.
If we were to lean one way or another in this game, we think Florida as the underdog (3 points on Betway) is the pick, but we could see that going either way. Instead, take the OVER (52.5 on Betway at -110) and sit back and watch the Gators offense vs the Bulldogs defense.
Free Pick: OVER the total of 52.5 (on Betway).
#1 Clemson Tigers at #4 Notre Dame Fighting Irish
November 7th, 19:30 – Notre Dame Stadium – Notre Dame, IND
If Trevor Lawrence didn’t have COVID, this would be the most hyped game of the season. Still though, any time you get two undefeated, top-four teams squaring off, it’s got to get your juices flowing.
QB D.J. Uiagalelei will again replace Lawrence. He’s looked okay but is a five-star recruit and expected to be a future first-round NFL pick. Behind him are stud RB Travis Etienne (606 yds, 9 TD’s rushing & 434 yards, 2 TD’s receiving) and WR Amari Rodgers (40 receptions, six TD’s). That duo hopes to ease DJ’s transition, along with a strong defensive corps that has recorded 28 sacks and 9 interceptions this season.
The Fighting Irish have yet to play a ranked team but sit 6-0 and are riding a 29-3 streak, including wins in 12-straight. QB Ian Book has led the Irish, throwing for 1225 yards and 7 TD’s to one interception, while adding 212 yards on the ground and 5 rushing TD’s. Look for #1 WR Javon McKinley to get into the end zone this weekend. McKinley has 14 receptions for 264 yards but no touchdowns.
This game has playoff scenarios written all over it. Should Clemson win without Lawrence it solidifies their #1 spot and all but guarantees a playoff bid. If ND can pull this one out, they are in position to represent the ACC and earn a spot in the playoff as well. Lose to a banged-up Clemson though, and their championship aspirations likely die with it.
We like Notre Dame to come out playing desperate and the old “hungry dogs run faster” mantra to apply. Take the Irish (+6 on 10bet at -110), and the Over (51.5 on 10bet at -110).
Free Pick – Notre Dame +6 (-110 on 10bet).
Bonus Pick – OVER 51.5 (-110 on 10bet).
