Clemson, SC - October 1, 2016 - Memorial Stadium: Lamar Jackson (8) of the University of Louisville Cardinals during a regular season game (Photo by Allen Kee / ESPN Images)
Week 3 of our College Football Game of the Week picks takes us to Papa John’s Cardinals Stadium for a matchup of two ACC heavyweights as Clemson takes on Louisville.
The reigning national champions will try to top Heisman Trophy winner Lamar Jackson in a primetime bout.
Here’s Sports Spectrum’s picks for this week including a bonus upset pick.
Jason Romano: Clemson 42, Louisville 31 – Louisville is a tough out, especially at home, but Clemson’s defense should be good enough to limit Lamar Jackson. I like the Tigers on the road to get the win.
UPSET PICK: Mississippi State over LSU – The SEC opener for both teams should prove to be a physical contest. LSU appears to be the better team on paper here, but Mississippi State is home and I think they keep it close and pull off the upset.
Justin Adams: Clemson 31, Louisville 30 – Lamar Jackson accounted for six touchdowns last week. Mr. Heisman will be tough to stop but, I believe in Clemson’s defense which recorded 11 sacks last week against Auburn. Give me the Tigers and it’s strong defense to win in a thriller.
UPSET PICK: Vanderbilt over Kansas State – Kansas State is look for their first regular-season win against an SEC opponent since 1982. It’s won’t happen against an up-and-coming Vanderbilt team led by head coach Derek Mason, who’s itching for a marquee victory.
Jon Ackerman: Clemson 35, Louisville 24 – The defending national champs against the defending Heisman winner. A team is greater than one man, so I like Clemson and that D, which has yet to allow a touchdown this season, over Louisville QB Lamar Jackson, even if he’s playing at home.
UPSET PICK: San Diego State over Stanford – This might be the biggest game on SDSU’s schedule all year. After going 11-3 last year with a bowl win, and taking out Arizona State last week on the road, the Aztecs get Stanford at home. I can see them getting a statement win.
Last week’s picks:
Jason: Oklahoma 34, Ohio State 23
Justin: Ohio State 31, Oklahoma 27
Jon: Ohio State 34, Oklahoma 21
Actual Result: Oklahoma 31, Ohio State 16
Season Record: (Upsets Record in Parentheses)
Jason: 1-1 (0-0)
Justin: 0-2 (0-0)
Jon: 0-1 (0-0)
