Lowell's Locks: Week Three

From 5-1 to 1-5. College football can be a cruel mistress. 

A lot of tight lines that didn’t swing our way, such as Wisconsin +20.5 (Alabama won by 24), UGA -3.5 (they beat Tennessee by 3), and Clemson -2.5 (lost by 3). The only team that came through was LSU by the skin of their nose against Florida.

College football is all about bouncing back, and we do the same at Clemson Sports Talk with Lowell’s Locks, onto this weekend’s slate.

Saturday, September 20th 

#17 Texas Tech at #16 Utah (-3.5):

This is shaping up to be a high-scoring early-season Big 12 game. Texas Tech comes in ranked first in scoring offense and second in total offense, as they’ve slung it around against the likes of Arkansas Pine-Bluff, Kent State, and Oregon State. Utah will bring a whole different test in, as they present a level of physicality the Red Raiders haven’t had to face. I like Utah to be able to take the air out of the ball at home with a stout run game.

Lowell’s Lock: Utah covers -3.5

#22 Auburn at #11 Oklahoma (-6.5):

This feels like a spot that could get ugly for Auburn. Oklahoma’s defense has been flying around all season and currently ranks fourth in the country. They’ve been dominant on third down, disciplined in the red zone, and they swarm the ball at every level.

Offensively, the Sooners have found their rhythm. John Mateer has added a spark with his mobility and decision-making, and the run game is doing just enough to keep defenses honest. Add in a loud home crowd, and it could be a long day for Auburn (and former Sooner) quarterback Jackson Arnold.

Oklahoma looks more complete on both sides of the ball. If they start fast, this one might not be close.

Lowell’s Lock: Oklahoma covers -6.5

#9 Illinois at #19 Indiana(-6.5):

Indiana has looked sharp out of the gate and deserves the favorite tag here, but this line feels a little heavy. Illinois has quietly found rhythm offensively and is capable of keeping this tight. If they avoid a slow start and win the turnover battle, they’ve got every chance to steal it late. The gut tells me this will be a classic Big Ten grinder that won’t go a touchdown difference either way.

I’ll trust the gut here.

Lowell’s Lock: Illinois covers +6.5

Florida at #4 Miami (-7.5):

This rivalry is back on the schedule, but it might not stay close for long. Miami has looked like a playoff contender through three weeks. Carson Beck is running the offense with precision, completing nearly 80 percent of his throws and spreading the ball around with ease. The Hurricanes are winning at the line of scrimmage and dominating the second half of games.

Florida, on the other hand, is still trying to find itself. The Gators have shown flashes, but the consistency just isn’t there on either side of the ball.

The number is sitting just north of a touchdown, but Miami feels like the better team by a clear margin. I trust them to make a statement here.

Lowell’s Lock: Miami covers -7.5

South Carolina at #23 Missouri (-9.5):

Missouri has been one of the most efficient offenses in the country to start the season. They’re averaging over 50 points per game and nearly 600 yards of total offense. The Tigers are spreading the ball around, running the ball well, and giving defenses no time to catch their breath. And while the offense has grabbed the headlines, the defense has quietly been dominant too.

South Carolina comes in with concerns on both sides of the ball. The offense has been inconsistent, and quarterback LaNorris Sellers is questionable after taking a big hit last weekend. Even if he plays, this Missouri defense is going to test every throw and close down rushing lanes fast.

The Gamecocks might hang around early, but Missouri is simply better right now. The Tigers pull away late and cover this comfortably.

Lowell’s Locks: Missouri covers -9

Syracuse at Clemson (-17.5):

Clemson has had some rough moments this season, but this feels like a game they must dominate. Syracuse is playing with confidence under Fran Brown, and quarterback Steve Angeli is putting up big numbers through the air. He’s averaging over 350 passing yards per game. 

That said, Clemson has more weapons, and the home crowd adds pressure that Syracuse hasn’t faced often yet. Syracuse’s offensive line has shown cracks. Their run game is underwhelming, and they’ll have to be one‑dimensional more often than not. 

The 17.5 point spread is large, but I see Clemson pulling away late. It probably won’t be a blowout early, but once Clemson finds rhythm and forces Syracuse to throw, the game tilts heavily toward the Tigers.

Score Prediction: 38-14 Clemson

Lowell’s Lock: Clemson covers -17.5