Lowell's Locks: Week Nine

Clemson Sports Talk

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“I’ve experienced the highest of the highs and the lowest of the lows. I think to really appreciate anything you have to be at both ends of the spectrum.”

-John Elway

The worst week in Lowell’s Locks history occurred last weekend, as I racked up a monumentally bad 1-5 record. The only thing that saved me from 0-6 was TCU mounting a huge rally to overcome a 28-10 halftime deficit against Kansas State, eventually winning by 10. The hardest lessons are learned from losing, and it’s time to bounce back with a fun slate of games on tap. Let’s go!

Saturday, October 29th

#2 Ohio State (-15.5) at #13 Penn State:

In what is the premier game of the week, we get Ohio State and Penn State in the noon slot. The Buckeyes haven’t faced a real challenge yet this season, and Penn State brings some interesting dynamics to the table with their running attack and a secondary that can hang with anyone. However, I have very limited trust in quarterback Sean Clifford for the Nittany Lions. Expect this to be a fight into the second half, but much like the Penn State-Michigan game, I expect the dam to break at some point against the home team.

Lowell’s Lock: Ohio State covers -15.5

Notre Dame at #16 Syracuse (-2):

Notre Dame has been shockingly bad this season but played arguably their most complete game of the season in routing UNLV at home last week. Syracuse is coming off a heartbreaking loss to Clemson, one in which the Orange controlled throughout the entire first half, before giving up 17 unanswered to lose it in the fourth. The Syracuse defense has been great all throughout the year, and it’ll hold up just fine here, too, while the Orange’s offense finds its footing to put the Irish away late. 

Lowell’s Lock: Syracuse covers -2

Florida vs #1 Georgia (-22.5) in Jacksonville:

If Florida wants to have a chance, they’ll have to lean on the offensive line and try to control the clock in this one, much as Missouri did to them a few weeks ago. I just don’t see it happning consistently for this Gators offense. It won’t be a total blowout, but Georgia takes care of business well enough in this one and turns their sights to #3 Tennessee coming to town on 11/5. I’m expecting a backdoor cover by Florida here.

Lowell’s Lock: Florida covers +22.5

#9 Oklahoma State at #22 Kansas State (-1.5):

Will Adrian Martinez be good to go at quarterback for the Wildcats? If so, we’re going to have a barn burner. I’ll take the Cowboys to cover in what is a real “last team with the ball wins” feeling Big 12 game.

Lowell’s Lock: Oklahoma State covers +1.5

#19 Kentucky at #3 Tennessee (-12):

This is a potentially fascinating game of matchups. Kentucky ahs the ability to hold the ball for 40 minutes a game and will potentially do so in this one against a relatively poor Tennessee defense. How will Tennessee respond when it isn’t getting to go 100 miles per hour and run 80 plays a game? Plus, there is a potential look-ahead factor with a trip to Athens coming up next week for the Vols. Things are going to get a little weird.

Lowell’s Lock: Kentucky covers +12

Missouri at #25 South Carolina (-3.5):

It is time to acknowledge the Gamecocks. I’ve picked against them the past two games (even knowing Kentucky and A&M would not be playing starters at quarterback), and they’ve found ways to win. Missouri has a good defense, but the offense can be a real issue at times with the amount they turn it over, especially in critical moments. The Gamecocks find a way to somehow win another one.

Lowell’s Lock: South Carolina covers -3.5