Best Games for 10/19

Noon Game

No. 22 Florida Gators @ No. 14 Missouri Tigers (12:21 on ESPN3)

It sucks that Missouri quarterback Jonathon Franklin is now out for the year. He was the catalyst behind last week's stunning upset of Georgia and was the best shot the Tigers had of beating Florida this week. Florida last week to LSU but their defense remains practically impregnable. It was only because their offense couldn't get going that they gave up 17 points. Florida's quarterback Tyler Murphy is still getting used to the college system but so far has been very impressive. If Franklin was in this game, I could see Missouri winning this game. But starting a freshman against one of the most impregnable defenses in college? Missouri's defense isn't stellar, so they are likely to give up some points. I got the Gators in this one 24-17.

Afternoon Game

No. 9 UCLA Bruins @ No. 13 Stanford Cardinal (3:30 on ESPN2)

Last week's loss at Utah is very concerning for Stanford. They gave up a ton of yards, especially on the ground, which is very uncharacteristic of them under David Shaw. Their offense was able to put up some good points on the board, but in the end their defense let them down. Now the Cardinal have to welcome a hot UCLA team that torched Cal by almost four touchdowns last week. Brett Hundley for the Bruins continues to show that he could make the jump to the NFL as just a redshirt sophomore. But what has been most impressive about the Bruins is how drastically their defense has improved since last year. They are only allowing 18 points per game, good for top 20 in college football this year. I know Stanford will be motivated to win, but I think that UCLA has a great chance in Palo Alto. This one could swing either way, but I'm going to take the Bruins 27-23.

Evening Game

No. 6 LSU Tigers @ Ole Miss Runnin' Rebels (7:00 on ESPN2)

To be honest, this game really isn't that great. This just happens to be the weakest time slot for this Saturday. I've kept expecting Ole Miss to take the next step and have a marquee victory, so maybe this week will be the one. Still, I have a hard time seeing that happen considering how LSU performed at the Swamp last week. LSU wins this game 35-20. 

Night Game

No. 5 Florida State Seminoles @ No. 3 Clemson Tigers (8:00 on ABC)

I advise that you watch this game no matter what. The implications of this game are huge. Not just in the ACC, but for the National Championship and probably for the Heisman as well. Florida State has had a real resurgence this year behind the young arm of redshirt freshman Jameis Winston. He has been phenomenal this year, but now goes up against one of the best quarterbacks in the country in Tajh Boyd. Each one of these quarterbacks has a great arsenal on offense to work with that should lead so plenty of scoring in this game. Clemson has drastically improved over the season on defense after surrendering 35 to Georgia. They are 10th in the country at 16 points per game allowed while Florida State is 3rd, allowing 13 points per game. However, Florida State really hasn't played anyone of note yet besides a Maryland team that was 25th. At this point in the season, it seems like Clemson is way overdue for a loss, but I'm not sure that this is the game that they falter with. This game is going to be close, but I think that Clemson has a slight edge. They are at home, with a more seasoned quarterback, and are probably pissed off that their the underdog in their own house. I got Clemson 19-13, but this is the can't miss game of the weekend.