Lowell's Locks: Week Seven

Back and forth, back and forth. Here’s how the last five weeks have played out:

4-2, 2-4, 4-2, 2-4, 4-2. Something has got to give here, as once again I have pushed back to .500. For some reason, I just can’t get over the hump (thanks to Texas and Alabama for blowing it against their respective opponents). I can feel it though, this is the week. We have some fun matchups too, so let’s go!

Friday, October 15th

Clemson (-13.5) at Syracuse:

How Clemson continues to be double digit favorites in Vegas despite barely even being able to score double digits is mind boggling. Especially against a Syracuse team that has a lot of fight in them. Their three losses this year have come by a combined 16 points, with one 10 point loss and two three points losses. They even sport a win over Huge Freeze and Malik Willis’ Liberty team. This is an Orange team under Babers that always plays the Tigers tight, as well. I just don’t see it. Fade Clemson until proven otherwise.

Lowell’s Lock: Syracuse covers +13.5

Saturday, October 16th

#20 Florida (-11.5) at LSU:

This LSU program is reeling. They’ve lost star CBs Derek Stingly and Eli Ricks, along with star WR Kayshon Boutte for the season, and Coach O is on the hot seat two seasons after bringing home a title. Can Orgeron cool the heat at home? Absolutely not.

Lowell’s Lock: Florida covers -11.5

#11 Kentucky at #1 Georgia (-21.5):

I’m very, very tempted to pick Kentucky to cover. There’s just something to be said for a team that simply...hangs around in every ball game. I just have a hard time envisioning this Wildcat offense getting anything going against this Bulldogs defense. It stays close for a half, but eventually the Dawgs wear them down and start running wild in the second half.

Lowell’s Lock: Georgia covers -21.5

TCU at #4 Oklahoma (-13.5):

Something flipped for Oklahoma last week when they brought in backup quarterback Caleb Williams. There seemed to be a new air of confidence and new life on the sideline for the Sooners. They ran the ball better with the true dual threat in there, and as a result they started being able to connect on some of those classic Lincoln Riley deep shots as they stormed back against Texas. I think the rest of the Big 12 is in big trouble.

Lowell’s Lock: Oklahoma covers -13.5

Pittsburgh (-5) at Virginia Tech:

This feels like a classic Pitt/ACC Coastal situation. Pittsburgh and Kenny Pickett are riding high with their offense, and they have Clemson coming to town next week. Virginia Tech blew a game that they quite frankly should have won against Notre Dame, and they appear to be more physical than they have been the past few seasons. Pitt is still in prime position to light up the scoreboard again and seize control of the ACC Coastal. ACC Coastal Chaos, however, will not be mocked.

Lowell’s Lock: VT covers +5

Vanderbilt at South Carolina (-18):

Boy, these are two BAD teams. As much as I do not trust the South Carolina offense, I trust Vandy's even less. Plus, Vandy appears to also have no life on defense. Seems like a bad combination. Even the Gamecocks can roll against them.

Lowell’s Lock: South Carolina covers -18