Lowell's Locks: Rivalry Week

With one week remaining in the regular season, this is my last shot to finish up the regular season with at least a .500 record. There will be conference title and postseason picks, but breaking even in the regular season would be a big accomplishment considering how the season started. We have some fun rivalry games this weekend, so let’s get right to it!

Saturday, November 27th

#2 Ohio State (-7) at #5 Michigan:

This isn’t going to be the showcase for Ohio State that it was last weekend against Michigan State. These Wolverines aren’t going to make it easy. They play really solid defense and run the ball well. They make this tight for three quarters before the Buckeyes put it away late to win it by a couple scores.

Lowell’s Lock: Ohio State covers -7

#10 Oklahoma at #7 Oklahoma State (-4.5):

It’s been a while since we’ve gone into this game believing that the Sooners were not the better team, but that’s where we are. Oklahoma State has been steady all year, playing really good defense and running the ball well. The Sooners have been in grinders all season long and have never looked like the playoff contender we thought they would be. The Sooners get eliminated from Big 12 contention in this one.

Lowell’s Lock: Oklahoma State covers -4.5

#1 Georgia (-35) at Georgia Tech:

Notre Dame beat Georgia Tech 55-0 last week, and I would not be shocked one bit if the Yellow Jackets get blanked two weekends in a row. This one is never even close, and Georgia might be covering by half.

Lowell’s Lock: Georgia covers -35

#3 Alabama (-20.5) at Auburn:

There's no logical reason for me to make this pick except “it’s rivalry week". Auburn pulling the upset over Alabama a week after losing to South Carolina would be college football personified. I don’t think they win, but I do think that Tank Bigsby and the Tigers can give an Alabama  team that’s looked vulnerable at times some issues.

Lowell’s Lock: Auburn covers +20.5

Florida State at Florida (-3):

Florida State has quietly won five of their last seven games, while the Gators have lost six of their last nine and have sent Dan Mullen packing. The Gators are in a total state of disarray, while the Seminoles seem to be finding themselves. The Seminoles notch one for the ACC on rivalry weekend.

Lowell’s Lock: Florida State covers +3

#23 Clemson (-11.5) at South Carolina:

Clemson hasn't been the powerhouse that many expected when the season started, but they’ve still found themselves in a nice spot as they’ve rattled off four straight wins and find themselves still in contention for an ACC Atlantic title. The offense has improved lately, especially in the running game, which is bad news for a South Carolina team that ranks 95^th in the country against the run. The Gamecocks hang around for a half, but their lack of production offensively against an elite Clemson defense catches up to them as the Tigers start breaking off chunk plays on the ground in the second half.

Lowell’s Lock: Clemson covers -11.5

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