Lowell's Locks: College Football Week Three

Feel the difference - The best user experience on mobile devices or personal computers. Avoid clickbait and sites bloated with advertising!  Join us today for just $1 or get a full year for $63.17.

Things started off hot for me, as Maryland rolled over Syracuse to easily cover the spread and then Missouri pounded West Virginia. Things were looking good for the Tigers against A&M as well, until Jimbo Fisher called timeout before fourth and goal with just seconds to play, to draw up something tricky to get the Aggies into the endzone and cover the spread. From there it was all downhill, as Texas couldn’t score quite enough to cover the 6.5, losing by 7, Stanford got rolled by USC, and South Carolina played Hillinski a lot longer than I expected as I ended up with my first under .500 week of the season.

But, it’s a new week. As always, in the immortal words of Deshaun Watson, let’s go be great in week three.

Friday, September 13th

#20 Washington State (-9) at Houston:

The beat goes on for Mike Leach and the Washington State offense. Totally unknown quarterback Anthony Gordon stepped in to replace Gardner Minshew, and all he’s done is throw for 884 yards, nine touchdowns, one pick and complete over 80 percent of his passes. They haven’t faced the stiffest competition in the world, but those numbers are gaudy.

Meanwhile, Houston has bounced back since getting thrashed in the opener against Oklahoma and has two straight victories. In what should be a reasonably high scoring affair, I lean towards Washington State. The Houston defense is porous, and Washington State’s is better than people realize. Look for them to get one or two critical stops that gets them some breathing room.

Lowell’s Lock: Washington State covers -9

Saturday, September 14th

#2 Alabama (-25.5) at South Carolina:

The Crimson Tide lost this one the last time these two teams met in Williams-Brice Stadium, and South Carolina feels like they have something special in quarterback Ryan Hilinski. But this Alabama squad is a whole different animal from Charleston Southern. Tua and Co. have a point to prove in this one, and they do so emphatically against a still suspect South Carolina defense.

Lowell’s Lock: Alabama covers -25.5

#24 USC (-4.5) at BYU:

USC shocked me last week when they came out and pummeled Stanford without starting QB J.T. Daniels. Now, things get a little easier against a pretty meh BYU squad. Trojans’ QB Kedon Slovis has another huge day in the new air raid offense.

Lowell’s Lock: USC covers -4.5

#9 Florida (-8.5) at Kentucky:

It was terrible enough for Kentucky when Gunner Hoak left the program, but now Terry Wilson is out for this game with an ankle injury. That’s bad news against a Florida squad that’s loaded with potential. Felipe Franks turns in a great performance as the Florida defense smothers the Wildcats’ offense. 

Lowell’s Lock: Florida covers -8.5

#19 Iowa (-2) at Iowa State:

College Gameday will be in Ames for this one, as Iowa State tries to get up-and-coming superstar head coach Matt Campbell his first win against the Hawkeyes. With an extra week to prepare in this one, expect to see the Cyclones throw the kitchen sink at Iowa. It’ll be a slugfest for four quarters, but the home crowd delivers Campbell a huge upset win.

Lowell’s Lock: Iowa State wins outright

#1 Clemson (-27.5) at Syracuse:

Does Syracuse miss Eric Dungey or what? The former Syracuse quarterback seemed to single-handedly will the Orange to wins during his time there, and the Orange are averaging just 22 points a game without him this season. The defense, meanwhile, gave up 63 points to the Terps last week. While Clemson’s offense hasn't looked totally locked in yet this season, this Syracuse defense could be just the remedy they need. The Clemson defense proved its worth in shutting down Texas A&M last week as well, and should have no trouble with this slumping offense. 

Lowell’s Lock: Clemson covers -27.5