Recap and Preview of Games 11/16/2013

Recap
Another 2-3 week puts me at 5-11 since I've made my picks public.  Bad, but I was very close to having an undefeated week last week.  NC State was winning until giving up a late TD drive to Duke.  Then, somehow, they threw back to back pick 6's and gave away the win for me!  LSU likewise really folded down the stretch, giving up a late score.  Early on, I really thought that LSU was the better team over Bama.  And Tennessee battled Auburn for a while.  I wondered if Tennessee would be able to score enough to keep up with Nick Marshall and the Auburn offense.  They did for a while, just not long enough.  Of my three weeks, though, that I have made my picks public, this was by far my best week.

Preview for 11/16
1.  Clemson (-10.5) vs. Georgia Tech
I grew up a huge Georgia Tech fan and still follow them closely today.  This Tech team struggles on the road.  Just look at the BYU and Virginia games.  Tech struggled against a woeful UVa team, and got blown out by an average Cougar team.  I think that Tech will be competitive for a while, but they won't be able to stop Clemson.  Tigers win in a route 41-20

2.  Auburn (-3.5) vs. Georgia
I grew up a Jacket but graduated a Dawg.  I feel I know the character of this team better than any team.  The Dawgs are slowly getting healthy.  And when healthy, they are as good as anyone in the country, at least offensively.  The problem is, though, they are young and pourous on defense.  Like Tennessee, the Dawgs won't be able to score enough to outscore the Tigers.  Auburn wins 38-28

3.  Miami (-3) vs. Duke
Which Miami team will show up?  They looked pretty bad against UNC, FSU, and Virginia Tech.  They will need to play much better to beat a Duke team fighting for the Coastal Division title.  Duke, however, must get more from their offense.  They really struggled last week versus NC State.  Look for a low scoring game, and when that happens, I always take the experienced QB.  Miami wins 20-13

4.  South Carolina (-13.5) vs. Florida
Florida is staring 5-7 right in the eye, and there is no doubt head coach Will Muschamp is feeling the heat.  Should he though?  After all, the Gators have more injuries than an ER.  The Gamecocks have a good shot at the SEC East title, and will be ready to play. If South Carolina wins, and Missouri loses just once, the Gamecocks should win the 3 way tie with Mizzou and UGA based on their BCS ranking. Because of all that is on the line, USC will be ready.  Gamecocks roll 41-17

5.  USC (+4.5) vs. Stanford
Stanford is coming a very emotional win versus Oregon.  This has letdown written all over it.  I like how USC interim coach Ed Orgeron has weathered the ship.  I can't say that I follow Pac-12 football too closely, but I do know that the Trojans are playing a whole lot better and still have a legitimate shot at the Pac 12 South title.  For that reason, I am going with the Trojans in the upset.  USC wins 27-26