The Goldin Guarantee: Clemson-NC State and Week 6 picks

I'm not wanting to brag, but this was a great weekend. Not only did our Tigers beat those snobs from Chapel Hill while the Mid-Western Tigers beat the Chickens for us, but I went 5-1 for the weekend. My scores were a little off on some, but I wasn't too far out of the ball park. I didn't give UNC enough credit, only predicting them to score 9 against us. I knew Tennessee would give Georgia fits, but I didn't think the final score would be that close. And, alas, I made the mistake of having too much faith in Duke. That error in judgement kept me from a perfect 6-0 for this weekends games, so this week, I'm stepping it up to strive for perfection

Saturday 10/4

Florida (-1) @ Tennessee(+1) 12:00 (SEC Network)

In what used to be one of the best rivalries of the '90's, we have two programs looking to get back amongst college football's elite. Florida's 2-1 with a loss to Alabama, while the Vols are 2-2 and coming off a tough loss to UGA. Both teams have improved from last season, but I think Will Muschamp's squad has the upper hand in this one, although it will be interesting to see if the Gators' offense has really improved as much as we think they have. The Goldin Guarantee: Florida 14 Tennessee 10

Virginia Tech (-3) @ North Carolina (+3) 12:30 (ACC Network)

I seriously don't get Virginia Tech. They haven't been the same since beating Ohio State. They followed that performance up with close losses to ECU and Georgia Tech. North Carolina surprisingly impressed me in our win over them Saturday. They find a way to make plays. I think Virginia Tech's D will have a lot of the same trouble we had with the Heels, while Virginia Tech doesn't have the offense to overcome that like we did. The Goldin Guarantee: UNC 35 VT 28

Alabama (-4) @ Ole Miss (+4) 3:30 (CBS)

Gameday is making its first appearance in Oxford for what should be at least a good party. Alabama is an elite football program that has a great tailgating tradition, while Ole Miss is an elite tailgating school that is playing well on the field this year. Vaught-Hemmingway often plays second fiddle to the action that takes place in the Grove, but it will be rocking this week. Like always, though, Alabama has talent all over the field. Derrick Henry and TJ Yeldon are a solid pair of running backs, while Amari Cooper is arguably the best receiver in the nation. Ole Miss has the talent from recruiting, but this will come down to how well they've developed those players and coaching. Hard to go against Saban in this one. The Goldin Guarantee: Alabama 31 Ole Miss 21

NC State (+16.5) @ Clemson (-16.5) 3:30 (ESPNU)

Both these teams have given FSU a fight over the past 2 weeks. NC State lead the game with the Noles at home, but eventually surrendered it en route to a 15 point loss. However, it is also note worthy that FSU turned the ball over 4 times against the Pack. Like UNC, NC State is a team that Clemson is better than, but they can give us trouble. Being at home is a huge plus for Clemson. Now that the QB situation seems to be straightened out, I look for our offense to go right to work. If we don't turn the ball over, then our defense should keep the Pack offense in check. With a relatively mistake free performance, we could cruise to a win. However, if we're unfocused and make mistakes, NCSU can make this one tighter than it should be. The Goldin Guarantee: Clemson 49 NC State 28

LSU (+7.5) @ Auburn (-7.5) 7:00 (ESPN)

LSU travels to the defending SEC Champions for a huge night game. LSU took out their frustrations from their loss to Mississippi State on poor little New Mexico State, while Auburn continued undefeated season by trouncing Louisiana Tech. If this game was in Tiger Stadium, I'd have to give the Bayou Bengals the edge, because I feel like the energy there would be absurd. Jordan-Hare is going to be rocking, and LSU has to answer Nick Marshall and Co. It'll be a close one, but Auburn keeps their dream alive. The Goldin Guarantee: Auburn 31 LSU 27

South Carolina (-10) @ Kentucky (+10) 7:30 (SEC Network)

After dropping a home game against Mizzou last Saturday, there are questions about this Gamecock team. This should be a game where a lot of players get some work and the coaching staff can make evaluations, however, that's what we thought about the Sakerlina's game with Vanderbilt. Adding that this one is on the road sets up well for an upset. That being said, this one also has the makings for a Sakerlina blow out. It will probably be one that is close enough to make old Steve sweat and throw the visor, but still a multi-score game. The Goldin Guarantee: South Carolina 27 Kentucky 7