The Gould Standard Pick Six: Week 2
Ordinarily, I would be thrilled with a 4-2 record against the spread. Especially in the first week of Pick Six.
But this, as you know, is not an ordinary year.
After going 4-0 in the early and mid-afternoon games, I wanted more. Thank you, Louisiana and Duke, for covering. And North Carolina for recovering. And Army, for keeping us safe.
When Florida State jumped out to a 10-0 lead in its lightning-delayed game against Georgia Tech and Clemson began its march to the sea at Wake Forest, I had delusions of grandeur.
Then reality set in. It turned out that Georgia Tech had the Noles right where it wanted them. It not only covered but won. And Clemson, after opening a 37-3 lead going into fourth quarter, but gave up 10 to finish 37-13 and fell short of the 32.5-point spread.
Oh well. If I could have 4-2 every week...sign me up.
On to Pandemic Week 2. And remember—only five more weeks until the befuddling Big Ten returns.
THE GAMES
(Central Flyover Time)
No. 19 Louisiana minus-16.5 at Georgia State, 11 a.m., ESPN2
Syracuse plus-21 at Pittsburgh, 11 a.m. ACC
Tulsa plus-23 at No. 11 Oklahoma State, 11 a.m., ESPN
South Florida plus-25 at No. 7 Notre Dame, 1:30 p.m., USA
No. 14 UCF minus-7.5 at Georgia Tech, 2:30 p.m., ABC
No. 17 Miami plus-1.5 at No. 18 Louisville (-2.5), 6:30 p.m., ABC
THE PICKS
(ATS winner in bold)
No. 19 Louisiana minus-16.5 at Georgia State, 11 a.m., ESPN2
If I were Georgia State, I would be very worried about special teams. And many other things. Louisiana is awfully good.
The Pick: Ragin’ Cajuns
The Score: Louisiana, 42-17
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Syracuse plus-21 at Pittsburgh, 11 a.m. ACC
Syracuse showed a bit of an early pulse at North Carolina, but reverted in the second half of what turned out to be a blowout loss. Pitt has the quarterback, Kenny Pickett, and the defense to cover a big number.
The Pick: Pitt
The Score: Panthers, 35-10
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Tulsa plus-23 at No. 11 Oklahoma State, 11 a.m., ESPN
Tulsa has missed practice time due to Covid-19 problems. Chuba Hubbard and Oklahoma State’s potent offense will give the Golden Hurricane more problems.
The Pick: Oklahoma State
The Score: Cowboys, 41-13
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South Florida plus-25 at No. 7 Notre Dame, 1:30 p.m., USA
Bumped off of NBC to USA by U.S. Open golf. Let Duke hang around for three quarters last week. QB Ian Book didn’t click with new receivers...
Notre Dame ought to be intent on playing a more complete game this week. USF offensive coordinator Charlie Weis Jr., son of one of ND’s innovative hires. will not enjoy his trip back to South Bend. Interestingly, Bulls’ new coach, Jeff Scott, is a longtime Clemson assistant. Will that provide hints of Clemson scheme? Or is it all about personnel?
The Pick: Notre Dame
The Score: Irish, 42-10
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No. 14 UCF minus-7.5 at Georgia Tech, 2:30 p.m., ABC
Georgia Tech, fresh from a surprising, uplifting 16-13 win at Florida State, tries to keep it going under new coach Geoff Collins. True freshman Jeff Sim, a former FSU commit, looks like the real deal. Even more impressive: the Yellow Jackets’ defense. UCF is a much tougher challenge. But Tech getting a touchdown-plus? That works.
The Pick: Georgia Tech
The Score: UCF, 24-21
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No. 17 Miami plus-1.5 at No. 18 Louisville (-2.5), 6:30 p.m., ABC
Fun matchup. Two high-octane offenses. Two strong ACC brands that aim to have good seasons fueled by exciting QBs. Cardinals, who are sleeping in their own beds, rate the edge over the Hurricanes, who need to shake tendency to make critical mistakes.
The Pick: Louisville
The Score: Cardinals, 31-28
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LAST WEEK ATS: 4-2. . . THIS SEASON: 4-2
LAST WEEK STRAIGHT UP: 4-2...
THIS SEASON: 4-2