Lowell's Locks: Week Two

Now, that’s what I’m talking about. A 5-1 record to begin to the season is the kind of hot start I know you all are looking for and have come to expect from these locks. Deion's Buffs got the kind of hot start against TCU, and the kind of hot start Clemson could have used in Durham on Monday night (the 1 in 5-1, sadly). What’s in store for an encore? We’ll find out on Saturday, but here are my locks!

Note: No Clemson or South Carolina pick this week, as neither game has a line posted. Both the Tigers and Gamecocks should roll against their FCS opponents. 

Saturday, September 9th:

#10 Notre Dame (-7.5) at NC State:

NC State didn’t do much to inspire confidence against UCONN, slogging their way to a 24-14 win last weekend, where no semblance of a downfield passing game existed. Notre Dame has been hot, rolling over Navy and Tennessee State to start the season. The Wolfpack will present a stiffer challenge, but the Irish O-line and run game, combined with the unlocked downfield game with Hartman, should give the Irish a fairly comfortable win. 

Lowell’s Lock: Notre Dame covers -7.5

#20 Ole Miss (-7.5) at #24 Tulane:

In what could sneakily be the game of the weekend, expect a lot of fireworks in this one. The O/U in this one is 65, and if I had to pick something other than the spread, I’d take the over. Both of these offenses should find some huge plays, and things could get a little weird in New Orleans. 

Lowell’s Lock: Tulane covers +7.5

#23 Texas A&M (-3) at Miami:

Miami slogged through a 38-3 win over Miami (OH) last weekend, while the Aggies put on a show in crushing New Mexico 52-10, an offensive output we haven’t seen in College Station in quite some time. So the pick here should be easy, right?

As the legendary Lee Corso would say, “Not so fast, my friend.”

The Hurricanes boast a strong defensive line and quite possibly the best secondary the Aggies will run into all season. They also have the advantage at quarterback with Tyler Van Dyke. Both teams will want to lean on the run, but when it comes to the critical third downs to move the sticks, the Canes should be able to do it more often and control the clock and tempo against an Aggies team that suddenly wants to play fast. We may even get a Jimbo Fisher and Bobby Petrino implosion on the sideline at some point, which will be fun for all viewers. 

Lowell’s Lock: Miami covers +3

SMU at #18 Oklahoma (-14.5):

It’s easy to get caught up in recency bias when Oklahoma does something like what they did in putting up 73 points against Arkansas State last weekend. Quarterback Dillon Gabriel put up 308 yards and 2 touchdowns and added another score on the ground...in just the first half. The Mustangs, though, looked plenty efficient themselves against a decent Louisiana Tech squad, running out to a 31-0 lead before coasting to a 38-14 win. There should be some early fireworks, and the Mustangs can certainly keep things interesting for a minute, but Oklahoma takes this one over in the second half. 

Lowell’s Lock: Oklahoma covers -14.5

#13 Oregon (-6.5) at Texas Tech:

Again, it’s a dangerous game to carry over one week’s results to the next week. But the Ducks looked pretty impressive in dropping 81 (yes, with an 8) on Portland State last weekend. Texas Tech lost a thriller in overtime to Wyoming, but don’t write them off just yet. This should be a fun battle between Oregon quarterback Bo Nix and Tech quarterback (formerly of Oregon) Tyler Shough. Tech is going to come out with something to prove, but Oregon looks a little more complete at this point. 

Lowell’s Lock: Oregon covers -6.5

#11 Texas at #3 Alabama (-7):

If not for Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers going down in the first half of this game last season, Alabama is likely a three-loss team. The Longhorns will certainly come out firing in order to avenge that tight loss last season, but this Alabama team has something a Nick Saban-coached team hasn’t had in a while: A chip on their shoulder. 

Sure, Texas will move the ball and get their points against a banged-up Tide secondary, but Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe will also show the world what he can do. The Tide also have the advantage along both lines and the most important piece of advice here? Never bet against a Saban team when they feel disrespected. 

Lowell’s Lock: Alabama covers -7

Until next week, folks.