Curator & Coach - Week 3

Curator Sam Burnham

Game of the Week:
​LSU @ Auburn
Where do you start with this one? The 1996 "Night the Barn Burned?" The 1988 "Earthquake Game?" This is one of my favorite rivalries in college football. With LSU dominating Miami and Auburn looking strong against Washington, this one looks primed to be another great one. These two are vying with Alabama (and possibly A&M) for the SEC West giving this one the potential to be a de facto playoff game. Both teams need to win this one. Throw in the heated rivalry and you can expect it to be intense. Expect an inferno or some seismic activity.

Upset Alert
Colorado State @ Florida
To understand my reasoning for this one you must only go back to this past weekend. Colorado State is coming off their upset of Arkansas and facing their 2nd SEC opponent in as many weeks. Florida had not lost to Kentucky in 31 years and had not lost to Kentucky at home since 1979...until Saturday. So the Rams will come in with a boost of confidence while the Gators are looking to rebound after one of the worst psychological setbacks in recent memory.

But that is just the beginning. The match up to watch in this one will be Mike Bobo vs Todd Grantham. The Rams have racked up 1107 yards passing and 8 touchdowns. Grantham has a history of under preforming against strong offenses. Watch for the Rams to pick up some big plays downfield. If the Gators lose control of the game tempo, they could be in trouble. Strong defense will be critical.  Besides, Bobo is an old Georgia boy who'd love nothing more than knocking off the Gators in the Swamp.

Curator's Picks (8-12)

Georgia Tech @ Pitt
Boise State @ Oklahoma State
BYU @ Wisconsin
LSU @ Auburn
Colorado State @ Florida
Alabama @ Ole Miss
Mizzou @ Purdue
Ohio State @ TCU
Southern Cal @ Texas
​Washington @ Utah

Coach Drew Burnham

Game of the Week:
​Boise State @ Oklahoma State
The Broncos have won their last 2 games a combined 118-27 and the first of those was against a certified mid-major power. Brett Rypien is a man, while still not yet 40, at QB for the Broncos and has gone 41/56 for 667 yards and 7 TD’s through 2 games. Boise has proven that they are ready for a power 5 test. Awaiting them is Mike Gundy and the Cowboys. The Cowboys have been also explosive against FCS and mid-major competition. This will be the toughest test for each of these teams to date and I expect explosive offense from both sides.

Upset Alert:  
Ohio State @ TCU
My heart told me to go with Iowa State over Oklahoma, but with their QB day to day for an ankle injury, my head made me go a different direction.

Gary Patterson is the king of chaos. He creates it with his offensive style, he creates it with their game day environment, and he creates it with how he talks. Watch the guy. He will look like he’s having a heart attack by the 2nd drive of the game. Face flushed, sweating, yelling, jumping around, he embraces it and his team follows suit. That’s the last thing Ohio State needs right now. If anyone legitimately thinks that Urban Meyer hasn’t had some input in this game, I have some ocean front property that I’d like to sell you. Even with his under the table input, he will not be there to lead his team on Saturday. Those players need something sturdy and consistent in their lives right now and they certainly won’t find it in Arlington Saturday night. Give me the Frogs!

Coach's Picks (12-8)

​Georgia Tech @ Pitt
Boise Staate @ Oklahoma State
BYU @ Wisconsin
LSU @ Auburn
Colorado State @ Florida
Alabama @ Ole Miss
Mizzou @ Purdue
Ohio State @ TCU
Southern Cal @ Texas
​Washington @ Utah