The Goldin Guarantee: Clemson vs UNC and Week 5

While I had my best record of picks over last weekend, the loss to FSU put a damper on the whole thing. I went 4-2, missing on Clemson-FSU and Georgia Tech-Virginia Tech. Paul Johnson is a crafty fellow, and I really have no idea how Virginia Tech managed to beat Ohio State. Well, let's keep the train rolling and go on to week 5!

Saturday 9/27

Vanderbilt (+17) @ Kentucky (-17) 12:00 (SEC Network)

This game is definitely the old fashioned, SEC slobber knocker between two traditional powers that you dreamed about watching when you agreed to upgrade your cable package to get the SEC Network, right? Well, maybe not.

Vanderbilt is bad. Yet, somehow the 'Dores looked halfway decent against South Carolina. Still, Kentucky is the better team right now and probably won't take a win against Vandy for granted like South Carolina almost did. The most interesting part of this game will be when Vandy and Kentucky fans start arguing who will be better in basketball. Assuming Vanderbilt actually brings fans. The Goldin Guarantee: Kentucky 38 Vandy 17

Tennessee (+17) @ Georgia (-17) 12:00 (ESPN)

If all of that Vandy-Kentucky action isn't getting it done for you at noon, then this game may pique your interest. As late as the early 2000's, Tennessee-Georgia was one of the premier games in the SEC. There were many Dawg fans (especially from North Georgia) who would rank their hatred for the Volunteers over the likes of Florida, Auburn, and Georgia Tech. However, it doesn't have the spice it used to. Mainly that can fall on Tennessee, because the Vols are still climbing out of disarray and trying to reestablish themselves as one of the SEC Elites again.

Georgia responded to their loss vs South Carolina by destroying Troy. However, I think the Vols will come ready to play. An upset against the Dawgs would help Big Orange Nation get pass that blowout loss to Oklahoma. I expect Tennessee to give Georgia all they want between the hedges, but, in the end, Georgia's talent lets them run away with it. The Goldin Guarantee: Georgia 38 Tennessee 21

Florida State (-21.5) @ NC State (+21.5) 3:30 (ABC)

After a hard fought win against Clemson, FSU heads to Carter-Finely Stadium, which has been a house of horrors for the 'Noles. The folks in garnet and gold have definitely not forgotten NC State giving FSU their first loss in 2012 as this guy celebrated in the student section. Florida State will be getting Jameis Winston back from suspension, unless he decides between now and game time Saturday to hold up an Arby's or sing a dirty limerick in the University President's office (would it surprise anyone at this point). That being said, FSU isn't the same FSU from last year, and I think they get a little bit of a scare in Raleigh before coming away with the win. The Goldin Guarantee: FSU 27 NCSU 19

Missouri (+6) @ South Carolina (-6) 7:00 (ESPN)

South Carolina followed up their impressive upset of Georgia with an underwhelming 48-34 victory at Vanderbilt. Mizzou bolstered the SEC reputation by dropping a 31-27 game at home to Indiana. The same Indiana who lost to Bowling Green the week before 45-42. The same Bowling Green that lost to Wisconsin last week 68-17. Somehow, this got Gameday. South Carolina has looked less than stellar in every game except for the UGA win, so the question is which Gamecock team shows up Saturday. Mizzou is a beatable team, but South Carolina can't let them hang around like they have done with Vandy and ECU. The talent differential isn't as great, so playing a subpar game will lead to a Mizzou win. The Goldin Guarantee: Mizzou 28 South Carolina 24

North Carolina (+14) @ Clemson (-14) 7:00 (ESPNU)

Vegas severely underestimates what an angry Clemson team is capable of against a team like Carolina. Clemson came into the South Carolina State game with a chip on their shoulder and put up 73. This team should be even more fired up to get a shot at another conference foe, at night, in Death Valley. After last week, players, coaches, fans, and everyone are just ready to cut loose and tear someone up. UNC, if you didn't know, gave up 70 points to East Carolina last week. East Carolina isn't a scrub team, but Clemson is both more talented and better coached. This will also be the first start for Deshaun Watson. Clemson has the potential to run up the score like ECU did, but expect Dabo to call off the dogs early enough so no one gets hurt. The Goldin Guarantee: Clemson 56 Carolina 9

Duke (+5.5) @ Miami (-5.5) 7:30 (ESPN2)

This game could go a long way in deciding  who take the Coastal division. Duke will be on the road, but it'll probably feel like home with all the empty seats at Sun Life Stadium. Al Golden's squad is 2-2 with losses to Louisville and Nebraska. Duke is a solid 4-0, with their only win over a P5 foe being a 41-3 drubbing of Kansas (that would be one heck of a basketball game, though). The U is a long way from being back, and I'm shocked at how little respect the Devils are getting in the game. The Goldin Guarantee: Duke 31 Miami 30