Lowell's Locks: Week Three

A 3-3 week isn’t exactly what I was hoping for, but breaking even isn’t the worst thing in the world. Some unexpected drama from Texas and Kentucky really cost me this week, and I should have known better than to take early-season Clemson against a spread that large. Alas, we march on. Let’s go be great in week three. 

Saturday, September 17th

#6 Oklahoma (-11) at Nebraska:

Oklahoma hasn’t exactly been an offensive juggernaut yet this season, but they haven’t had to be. Brent Venables’ squad has been pretty darn good defensively, which is something they aren’t used to seeing in Norman in recent years. We all know about the struggles Nebraska has gone through, and the now-fired Scott Frost has so far been the result. Expect the Sooners to clamp down defensively and do what needs to be done on offense.

Lowell’s Lock: Oklahoma covers -11

#12 BYU at #25 Oregon (-3.5):

This is a game that ahs playoff implications, but not for the Ducks like you might think. BYU is looking to be this year’s Cincinnati, and they already boast a top ten win after knocking off Baylor last week, and will have future opportunities against Notre Dame and Arkansas. The defensive front has played well for the Cougars, and that bodes poorly for an Oregon attack that relies on the ground game. Look for BYU to really kick their CFP campaigning into gear here.

Lowell’s Lock: BYU covers +3.5

#22 Penn State (-2.5) at Auburn:

Don’t expect much offense in this one. If I could give you something other than a spread pick, I’d tell you to take the under (O/U 48). Neither team has been crisp offensively, but more importantly, both have been stout defensively, particularly Auburn up front. This one is almost too close to call. Ride the home team and what I think is the better defensive front.

Lowell’s Lock: Auburn covers (+2.5)

#13 Miami at #24 Texas A&M (-6):

Well, this was going to be the gameday game, up until the Aggies were upset by App State last weekend. The Aggies are going to shake things up and start Max Johnson at quarterback, while Miami is rolling in with Tyler Van Dyke and momentum on their side. Is Da U back? Will the rumblings about Jimbo Fisher grow louder? Or can the Aggies prove last week was a fluke and silence the doubters? Even with the shakeup at quarterback, I don’t think the Aggies can muster enough offense to pull it out. Things start getting weird for Jimbo in College Station.

Lowell’s Lock: Miami covers +6

#1 Georgia (-25) at South Carolina:

This feels like a prime opportunity for a South Carolina backdoor cover, but I can’t get past how mediocre the Gamecocks have been up front on both sides of the ball. Georgia State and Arkansas both pushed them around and got whatever they want, and last week Arkansas quarterback KJ Jefferson even went 18-21 through the air. This all bodes very poorly for the Gamecocks against the Georgia running attack and a quarterback in Stetson Bennett who does nothing but put up good performances. South Carolina will hit on a few big plays through the air, but the Bulldogs will stomp out any weirdness from the Gamecocks shortly after the half. 

Lowell’s Lock: Georgia covers -25

Louisiana Tech at #5 Clemson (-33.5):

Another one of those weird games where Clemson could probably have this thing handled by half. Instead, look for the Tigers to again play a lot of guys and handle business in a way that isn’t particularly pretty, but gets the job done in preparation for a big showdown with Wake Forest next week. 

Lowell’s Lock: Louisiana Tech covers -33.5