Good morning, college football fans. Here are the picks for this week. Looking at the slate, it’s not going to be one where you have to spend all day in front of the television. I feel the best slate again belong at the night time with two fun matchups on the ESPN networks then the main event with Clemson-Louisville. They are some entertaining non-conference matchups featuring Power 5 teams. Let’s dive in after a word from Kanye.

MUST WATCH OF THE WEEK
3 Clemson (-3) at 14 Louisville 7:00 pm ABC – In the age of realignment, this football matchup has become a rivalry. The teams always play close games. It’s been that way for the last several years. Can Louisville finally win a major night home game? They had the Florida State win, but it always seems the Cards puke on their shoes in these moments. That said, I like Lamar Jackson in this game against a tough as hell defense. I could see the Tigers beat up quite a bit after last week’s game versus Auburn. Kelly Bryant headed to The Big Papa gives me zero confidence at all. I like the home team in a tight victory. UL 27-24

RIVALRIES & SORT OF RIVALRIES
23 Tennessee at 24 Florida (-4.5) 2:30 pm CBS – This is a weird line. I know Tennessee had their issues in The Swamp in the past years, but I like where the Vols are right now offensively. Jack Kelly is a strong runner, and Quinten Dormaday has done some nice things at quarterback. Florida can only win this game if they get turnovers, and that’s a tough task. I’m not sure what their offense is at this point. In a stunner, the Vols come into Florida and pull out one. TENN 20-17

Texas at 4. USC (-15.5) 7:30 pm FOX – It was a nice try by FOX to try and make us think that this game should be considered a rivalry game. It’s not. They played an amazing Rose Bowl, but neither of these players even give a shit. This is my lock of the week as well. Texas is still looking for answers on defense, and I know Tom Herman loves playing ranked teams yet I have to pick Sam Darnold with the points. Trojans look as good as anyone in college football to begin the year. USC 45-21

THE HOME DOG SPECIAL PRESENTED BY VANGUARD
12 LSU (-8) at Mississippi St 6:00 pm ESPN – I don’t think this will be a regular category, but there are a few home dog games that stand out. This is one of them. I wouldn’t be surprised if this is the game of the day. Both teams have legit defenses, and the Bulldogs are flying under the radar heading into this one. I love Nick Fitzgerald’s game and not only do I think State covers, they win this football game. CLANGA. MISS STATE 21-17

18 Kansas State (-4) at Vanderbilt 6:30 pm ESPNU – Seriously, these two games will be a treat. My guess you know nil about either team since both played cupcakes to begin the year. Here’s what we know: Kyle Shurmur is an emerging quarterback for Vandy who had two huge games to begin the year. Their defense is pretty solid with problems on their offensive line. If they win, Vandy is likely ranked and a thing for the first time since James Franklin. Kansas State is led by Jessie Ertz who loves to run the football. I’m taking the Commodores. It feels like a game where they want to send out a statement that they’re here to be a thing in the SEC. VANDY 24-20

25 UCLA (-3) at Memphis 11:00 am ABC – Fun way to start our day with UCLA and Memphis where it will be a shooutout. Some are concerned about the body clocks of UCLA playing this game at 9:00 am their time. I feel like that could be a factor early on, but the Bruins’ offensive firepower will wear down Memphis. Josh Rosen will have another massive game. UCLA 45-31

SNOTAP BAR WATCH OF THE WEEK PRESENTED BY JOSE GATOS
19 Stanford (-9) at San Diego State 9:30 pm CBSSN – Nothing is worse than a good bar watch game on an obscure channel for bartenders. You have to ask about ‘CBS Sports Network’ instead of ESPN. Best of luck. Ohh boy, this is interesting. USC destroyed the Goofy Tree last week, and now, they head to San Diego for another road game against a lethal San Diego State team who knocked off Arizona State. While Aztecs can run, I like Stanford’s version better. Cardinal just barely miss the cover. STAN 28-21

KEEP ONE EYE ON
9 Oklahoma State (-12.5) at Pitt 11:00 am ESPN – I would love to lock up Oklahoma State, but I’m not going to do that on the road. I saw how Pitt handled Penn State, and it wasn’t well. While on the road, it does feel like the Panthers are a few steps behind the top tier teams in college football. Look for a huge James Washington day as the Pokes roll. OK STATE 38-24

Charlie.