The predictions: FSU to win Disappointment Bowl

by Gary Shelton on September 29, 2018 · 0 comments

in College Sports in Florida, general, NFL, Tampa Bay Bucs

Saturday, 1 a.m.

Think of it as a fight between Pee-Wee Herman and Don Knotts.

Neither FSU nor Louisville has been impressive this year. Both are 2-2, and both had near flirtations with disaster against tiny opposition, and the fan base is angry about both head coaches. Think of it as two disappointments getting together to compare failures.

So can FSU upend Louisville? And which team has to win for it to be considered an upset?

Oh, as disappointing as FSU has been, Louisville has probably been worse, losing to Virginia and barely getting by Western Kentucky. In its last three games, coach Bobby Petrino has pulled his starting quarterback.

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The smart money says that Cam Akers breaks one late in the game, and the Noles hold on. But not by much.

Prediction: FSU 20, Louisville 18.

Florida at Mississippi State: Dan Mullen had a lot of good days in Starkville. He should have another one Saturday.

Mullen's Gators made a nice statement last weekend with a lopsided win over Tennessee. Florida isn't ready to compete with Georgia for the division title, but Florida should have a good season.

Look for Feleipe Franks to hit a deep one.

Prediction: Florida 24, Mississippi State 20.

Pitt at UCF: The Knights bring some of the laughter upon themselves when they decide to act like royalty, but the truth is that they're pretty good. So is quarterback McKenzie Milton. Pitt will challenge for a half, but it won't last.

Prediction: UCF 30, Pitt 17,

FAU at Middle Tennessee  Now that reality has bashed the Owls around the head, they go against someone their own size. FAU can't play with the Oklahomas (or UCFs) of the world, but they can handle Middle Tennessee.

Prediction: FAU 32, Middle Tennessee 20.

The National Games

Ohio State at Penn State: Penn State is pretty good. Ohio State is very good. Look for the Buckeyes to have too many weapons.

Prediction: Ohio State 28, Penn State 20.

Syracuse at Clemson: It's hard not to grin over the way the Orange have played behind Eric Dungey this week. But winning at home and winning in Death Valley are two different things.

Prediction: Clemson 23, Syracuse 14

Stanford at Notre Dame: The Cardinal always seem to play well against Notre Dame, and expect this one to be no different. Stanford can look boring at times, but David Shaw has beaten the Irish in five of the last seven games they've played.

Prediction: Stanford, 24, Notre Dame 22.

The NFL

Bucs at Bears: Instead of playing a team that has been excellent for years, the Bucs play against one that looks as if it will be good in the coming seasons. The Bucs figure to have a tough time scoring against Chicago, but the Bears' offense (strong on the run, weak on the pass) might not be able to take advantage of the matchups.

Prediction: Tampa Bay 24, Chicago 23.

Bengals at Falcons: Atlanta should be able to win at home. Otherwise, the rest of the NFC South may leave them behind. Cincinnati was impressive in a win over the Ravens earlier this season, but they lost to the Panthers last week.

Prediction: Atlanta 30, Cincinnati 21.

Kansas City at Denver: The Chiefs' Patrick Mahomes is one of the stories of the NFL early, but Denver is a tough place to play at night. Look for a late defensive play by the Broncos.

Prediction: Denver 24, Kansas City 19.

Baltimore at Pittsburgh: The Steelers took a step toward regaining their mojo in the first half against the Bucs. At home, they should win against Baltimore, which lacks a quarterback to take advantage of the Steelers' secondary.

Prediction: Pittsburgh 28, Baltimore 22.

 

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