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Lowell's Locks: Week One

September 3, 2022
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Welcome back, college football! It’s been too long! It’s also been too long since I’ve gotten to write Lowell’s Locks! Here’s how it works if you’re not familiar.

I pick the most interesting games of the week. I give you my picks for those games, against the spread. Easy enough? Then let’s get to it. There are some big games with playoff implications right out of the gate. 

Saturday, September 3rd

#23 Cincinnati at #19 Arkansas (-6.5):

These are two teams that are more similar than you might think. Both teams want to physically dominate you up front on both sides of the ball, and both teams are pretty good at doing so. The key here is that the Bearcats lost quarterback Desmond Ridder to the NFL, while Arkansas brings back KJ Jefferson, who will likely be the best player on the field here. That and the home field should power the Razorbacks. 

Lowell’s Lock: Arkansas covers -6.5

#11 Oregon vs. #3 Georgia (-16.5) in Atlanta (Chick-Fil-A Kickoff):

I don’t trust this line, and neither should you. Oregon has a plethora of talent on both sides of the ball, and Georgia, while still talented, is needing to revamp after losing a lot of parts to the NFL. Oregon will likely be rolling out Bo Nix at quarterback, and you can count on a crazy turnover or two from him to propel Georgia to an opening win, but not to the tune of 17 points. Expect the Ducks to hang around. 

Lowell’s Lock: Oregon covers +16.5

#5 Notre Dame at #2 Ohio State (-16):

Another big line I have a hard time trusting. I can’t get the image of Ohio State being punked defensively by Oregon, Michigan and Utah out of my head. On paper they should be improved, but they should have been elite last season too. The offense will be among the best in the country, but Notre Dame will have the ability to play bend-don’t-break defense and will be able to pick their spots to score on the Buckeyes to keep it tight in the fourth quarter.

Lowell’s Lock: Notre Dame covers +16

Georgia State at South Carolina (-12.5):

Why is the line so low, you may ask? Well, the Panthers are actually a solid group of five team. They’ve gotten better every year under former South Carolina interim coach Shawn Elliott, and look to have their best team under him to date. Up front, they have the ability to hold up against South Carolina, but ultimately, the home crowd and a revamped attack led by new Gamecocks quarterback Spencer Rattler leads South Carolina to the win. Just don’t be shocked if it’s not the beatdown you might expect. 

Lowell’s Lock: South Carolina covers -12.5

Sunday, September 4th

Florida State at LSU (-3):

It might have just been Duquesne, but Florida State managed to run for over 400 yards in their week zero game, and it’s not an aberration. They have the talent now to run on most teams they play and will do so consistently throughout the season. LSU, meanwhile, is expecting big things with a revamped roster and new coach in Brian Kelly. This one goes back and forth for a while, with each team seemingly hitting knockout punches at various times, but the Tigers have the better talent and the home field and ultimately pull away late. 

Lowell’s Lock: LSU covers -3

Monday, September 5th

Georgia Tech vs. #4 Clemson (-21.5) in Atlanta (Chick-Fil-A kickoff):

Clemson has a lot to prove coming into this one. Everyone knows what the Tigers will be on the defensive side of the ball, but the quarterback and wide receivers remain question marks. Georgia Tech gave them a tough game last season, but Dabo Swinney can be vengeful when he wants to be. I think you’re going to see a lot of questions about the offense answered (whether it's by DJ Uiagalelei or incoming freshman Cade Klubnik) in a game that goes sideways in a hurry due to a Swinney with a chip on his shoulder.

Lowell’s Lock: Clemson covers -21.5

Lowell’s Locks

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Lowell's Locks: Week One

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