Lowell's Locks: Week Six

Now that’s more like it! After three straight weeks of 3-3, I broke through in a big way with a 6-0 week, which included a 31-20 score prediction for Clemson over NC State (final score 30-20). Not much to recap this week, as other than Alabama’s last-second barrage of points to pull away from Arkansas, everything went about how I expected. We’ve got a fun slate this weekend, so let’s get it!

Saturday, October 8th

#8 Tennessee (-2.5) at #25 LSU:

The Tennessee offense is among the most fun and balanced in the country, clocking in at second in scoring offense (48.5 PPG), first in passing offense (365.8 YPG) and 31^st in rushing offense (193.5 YPG). The defense hasn’t been great, but it’s been good enough. Good enough is all they need against a struggling LSU offense. Hendon Hooker helps ice this one in the fourth.

Lowell’s Lock: Tennessee covers -2.5

#17 TCU (-7) at #19 Kansas:

Who saw this coming? TCU and Kansas both sit at 5-0 and are inside the top 20. The story here is about Kansas, which is hosting college gameday for the first time. Jalon Daniels and this Kansas offense are explosive, and they put up a lot of points. While the Jayhawks are a great story, it’s hard to forget how TCU eviscerated Oklahoma to the tune of a 55-24 final score last week. TCU has the better athletes across the board, and Kansas’ undefeated dream comes to an end in an exciting shootout. 

Lowell’s Lock: TCU covers -7

Texas (-8.5) vs. Oklahoma (Cotton Bowl, Dallas):

I don’t think this is how either team saw the season going. Both teams sit at 3-2 and unranked, and both fanbases have questions about their head coaches. Oklahoma quarterback Dillon Gabriel is, at the very best, questionable to play after taking a nasty hit last week against TCU and leaving with a concussion. Meanwhile, Quinn Ewers looks set to return at quarterback for the Longhorns, and Bijan Robinson is the best running back in the country. Oklahoma’s issues defensively continue this week, and the offense struggles as Texas controls throughout.

Lowell’s Lock: Texas -8.5

#11 Utah (-3.5) at #18 UCLA:

Ever since their season-opening loss to Florida, Utah has been super impressive, dominating everyone that comes into their path. However, they haven’t played anything like that Chip Kelly’s Bruins are bringing to the table on Saturday. Dorian Thompson-Robinson vs Cam Rising will be a great quarterback duel, but Utah’s physicality along the lines will win the day in a fun one. 

Lowell’s Lock: Utah covers -3.5

South Carolina at #13 Kentucky (-6):

No Will Levis for Kentucky (gametime decision), no problem. Kentucky is simply a better team than South Carolina across the board. Spencer Rattler has turned it over more (7 interceptions) than he has thrown touchdown passes (4). Kentucky does what they do and forces a couple of turnovers, they run the football, and they walk away with a workmanlike performance. After a couple of tune-up games, things get real for the Gamecocks here.

Lowell’s Lock: Kentucky covers -6

#5 Clemson (-20.5) at Boston College:

I expect there to be a little bit of a letdown for the Tigers after a physical, emotional win against NC State.

But not that much.

The Eagles have zero ability to run the football, which is going to turn into a disaster up front trying to protect Phil Jurkovic from a Clemson defensive front that found itself last week against NC State. The Clemson offense is clicking at just the right time and will continue to connect on big plays. The first quarter to quarter and a half will be a slog, but Clemson gets a touchdown on the board just before half that starts the avalanche. Score prediction: Clemson, 41-16. 

Lowell’s Lock: Clemson covers -20.5