College Football Week Four Picks
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| Marion Grice |
The Pac-12 has been extremely impressive this year but the favorite remains a question. The winner of this one could well prove themselves as the biggest contender to Oregon in the conference. Arizona State is coming off a bizarre but impressive win over Wisconsin, while Stanford has dominated Army and San Jose State thanks to a power ground game and dominant defense. These two teams have contrasting styles: Arizona State runs a spread attack with speed and a high-scoring offense while the Cardinal rely on power and a stiff defense. The key for Stanford will be shutting down explosive Marion Grice who was dominant against the Badgers and junior QB Taylor Kelly who can make plays with his legs. Luckily, their front seven has proven they can stop the run and they have stopped explosive offenses more than once (Oregon last year). Even if the Sun Devils are held down a little bit they should still manage to put up points. That will put pressure on sophomore Kevin Hogan and the Cardinal offense. Arizona State doesn't have any proven defenders other than Will Sutton and Tyler Gaffney and Anthony Wilkerson can just run people over.
Stanford, 31 Arizona State, 23
6 LSU vs. Auburn
Two undefeated teams collide in this rivalry game which is always a good one. LSU hasn't been necessarily dominant but they are 3-0 and senior Zach Mettenberger, who has been the X-factor for a while in Baton Rouge, has been playing great this year after a rough junior season. Along with junior back Terrence Magee and receiver Odell Beckham, who has 330 yards this season. Auburn has been surprising this year even though they haven't played any real contender and a lot of their success can be credited to junior QB Nick Marshall. Although he isn't a real dual threat Marshall has proven he can run as well but this Tigers defense can be dominant even if it is inexperienced. Even if the LSU defense plays well can it stop the two-headed monster of a backfield that includes Corey Grant and Tre Mason? If they do Auburn just doesn't have the talent there right now to stop this LSU offense and score against their D.
LSU, 27 Auburn, 14
22 Notre Dame vs. Michigan State
This has been huge the past couple of years as whoever wins it usually takes a huge step in the right direction. Notre Dame has been efficient and their offense looks better than expected when Everett Golson was suspended. Tommy Rees has played well this season but this Michigan State defense is extremely underrated. Max Bullough is a beast in the middle and Spartans' defensive end Shilique Calhoun who has had a huge year. The Spartans also feel confident in their offense after Connor Cook has earned the quarterback job over Andrew Maxwell. The Notre Dame defense is not what is was last year but it is still a stingy unit. Stephon Tuitt will pressure Cook all day and the Fighting Irish have speed all over the unit. Speedy USC transfer Amir Carlisle has been huge in the backfield for the Irish and Cam McDaniel offers a change of pace player and will give Notre Dame a scary 1-2 punch. This one could be a defensive battle much like last season, but Notre Dame is the better football team.
Notre Dame, 20 Michigan State, 9
Other Picks
Fresno State, 35 Boise State, 21
19 Florida, 34 Tennessee, 20
24 Wisconsin, 21 Purdue, 17
Kansas State, 35 Texas, 24
15 Michigan, 24 UConn, 13
Current Picks Record: 18-6
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