All eyes are fixed on Le Golf National in Paris and the 2018 Ryder Cup. But let us not forget – this weekend is also a big one for college football.
And the beauty of a road Ryder Cup for football fans in the U.S. is the time change. Ryder Cup coverage will be pretty close to ending on Saturday just as the football games are about to kick off! Does it get any better than that?
Since this is Ryder Cup week, we’ve enlisted the help of Ryder Cup caddies Paul Tesori (Webb Simpson) and Joe Skovron (Rickie Fowler) to give us their respective picks for five, key college football match ups, as well as caddies Matt Minister and Ryan Rue.
Here’s a look at their respective picks…
Syracuse at Clemson (3)
Spread: Clemson -22.5
Tesori’s Pick: Clemson
Why?: This isn’t very helpful, but my reasoning is just that the Tigers are good and at home.
Skovron’s Pick: Clemson
Why?: Syracuse is undefeated, but the public is on them and the line is moving the other way. Clemson should be on alert after last year. They will roll at home.
Minister’s Pick: Clemson
Why?: Clemson at home and they have too much talent. Stomp the Orange.
Rue’s Picks: Clemson
Why?: Syracuse coming off the FSU win could have a slight hangover. I see Clemson winning and covering in Death Valley.
Florida State at Louisville
Spread: FSU -6
Tesori’s Pick: Louisville
Why?: Both teams are struggling to find an identity. It’ll be a close game that I think FSU will win by a field goal.
Skovron’s Pick: FSU
Why?: I haven’t seen Louisville play and FSU had that rough start but I’m trusting they are getting things right and their athletes will take over.
Minister’s Pick: Louisville
Why?: Louisville at home and playing not a great FSU team. Home-field pulls the cover.
Rue’s Picks: Louisville
Why?: Florida State stinks! Sad state of affairs going on in Tallahassee. Louisville squeaks one out and covers.
Ole Miss at LSU (5)
Spread: LSU -12
Tesori’s Pick: LSU
Why?: These Tigers are starting to look like a legitimate contender to Georgia in the East.
Skovron’s Pick: Ole Miss
Why?: I haven’t seen Ole Miss play but the public is on LSU and the line is moving the other way. I’ll take the points even at Tiger Stadium under the lights.
Minister’s Pick: LSU
Why?: LSU is at home and the defense shuts down Ole Miss. LSU covers.
Rue’s Picks: LSU
Why?: Night game in Baton Rouge is hard on anyone! LSU wins big.
Stanford (7) at Notre Dame (8)
Spread: Notre Dame -4.5
Tesori’s Pick: Stanford
Why?: I’m calling an OT victory by Notre Dame by a successful two-point conversion. Stanford covers.
Skovron’s Pick: Notre Dame
Why?: I think Notre Dame has a chance at the playoff after the QB change. Stanford is a good football team, well coached, and coming off a big win. I think Notre Dame will be ready to go for this one.
Minister’s Pick: Notre Dame
Why?: It’s a one-touchdown win at home for the Golden Domers.
Rue’s Picks: Notre Dame
Why?: Tough game to pick. Going with the Irish here. Not sure about the Cardinals defense.
Ohio State (4) at Penn State (9)
Spread: Ohio State -3.5
Tesori’s Pick: Ohio State
Why?: This is clash of teams I want to lose every week. Ohio State by 10. They are just too talented everywhere on the field.
Skovron’s Pick: Ohio State
Why?: Two good football teams at PSU and I would love for the Buckeyes to lose, but I think they cover.
Minister’s Pick: Penn State
Why?: Penn State covers an extremely close game. I wouldn’t be surprised to see it come down to a field goal walk off for either team. Enough to cover.
Rue’s Picks: Ohio State
Why?: I think it will be close for two quarters but the Buckeyes are just going to wear Penn State down.