Note: Week 8 of the college football season is here. Make your picks for Joe vs. the Pro and the Hero using this link or with the embedded form at the bottom of the column. Each week, winners of the 6-0 Challenge will be celebrated in Joe’s weekly newsletter, “SPORTS! Happy Hour.” Don’t forget, picks are against the spread.
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Celebrated from coast to coast by sports fans, bag men, bartenders, mafia kings and mathematicians, Joe vs. the Pro and the Hero is the greatest resource for college football shenanigans on the internet. This is the 15th season for Joe vs. the Pro and the Hero in its various forms.
This is the second season of the grand experiment for readers to get in on the action. Sign up for Joe’s newsletter, “SPORTS! Happy Hour,” to keep up with who wins the 6-0 Challenge each week. Make your and compare your wits against the experts (and Joe). Win the 6-0 Challenge and enjoy eternal glory. The newsletter comes out every Thursday afternoon at 4:20 p.m. Enter your email to subscribe.
Joe subscribes to ol’ Billy Shakespeare’s philosophy of picking football games. “Jesters do oft prove prophets,” mused the Great Bard. What is Joe vs. the Pro and the Hero? Consider it a gift to society.
THE GRAND EXPERIMENT
Joseph Goodman is the lead sports columnist for AL.com. What happens when a sportswriter picks some of the toughest games of the week and goes head-to-head against a sharp and a football expert with a Harvard education? It’s a gift for college football fans every week in the state where college football is like a religion.
The Pro is Lee Sterling, a noted numbers man of national success. Sterling features his best picks on his website, ParamountSports.com, but The Pro fearlessly picks the most difficult college games of the week against Joe and the Hero. Joe is just a hack and a slacker who everyone loves to hate.
No one works harder than Hero Ben Abercrombie. Ben played football at Hoover High School and Harvard, and he’s working every day to regain his ability to walk. He’s a student at Harvard, and an inspiration to all. To thank him, we want everyone to stand up for Ben and show him some love.
Show Joe no love at all. Besmirch his name at small dinner parties, and troll him with signs on ESPN College GameDay.
6-0 CHALLENGE
Click the link here to make your picks for Week 8 of the 6-0 Challenge. We’re also embedding the picks form each week in Joe’s Tuesday column on the SEC and here in Joe vs. the Pro and the Hero. Weekly winners of the 6-0 Challenge will be announced in Joe’s newsletter. Sign up for the newsletter here and scroll down to make your picks at the bottom of this post. Remember, picks are against the spread.
LAST WEEK
Joe: 4-2 straight up, 2-4 against the spread
Pro: 4-2 straight up, 2-4 against the spread
Hero: 4-2 straight up, 4-2 against the spread
Notes: The Hero’s big week was highlighted by picking Oregon over Ohio State. Joe can’t even successfully pick his nose.
SEASON TOTALS
Joe: 22-20 straight up, 16-26 against the spread
Pro: 29-13 straight up, 23-19 against the spread
Hero: 30-12 straight up, 16-26 against the spread
Notes: Joe needs a big week or he might not be able to buy an outfit for Halloween. The way this season is going, he should dress up as a urinal doughnut.
Miami quarterback Cam Ward (1) holds the ball during NCAA college football practice, Wednesday, July 31, 2024, in Coral Gables, Fla.AP
No.6 Miami (6-0, 2-0) at Louisville (4-2, 2-1)
When: 11 a.m., Sat.
Where: L&N Federal Credit Union Stadium, Louisville, Ky.
TV: ABC, ESPN+
Series: Miami leads 11-4-1.
Spread: Miami by 4.
Total: 61
Trendy: The bookies note that the Cards are 5-1 against the spread in their six games at home vs. a team with a winning record.
LOUISVILLE GAME NOTES: After going 20-straight games without allowing a touchdown on the opening drive, Louisville has allowed the opposition to score a touchdown on the first drive for the third-straight contest.
Joe says: There’s a revenge factor here for the Canes’ defense after Louisville quarterback Jack Plummer passed for three touchdowns last season in Miami. The new quarterback at Louisville is redshirt senior Tyler Shough and he’s OK, but I’m more impressed with Cards running back Isaac Brown. He had 146 yards on 20 carries last week at Virginia. A balanced attack will keep the Canes on their heels, and I have Louisville pulling the upset in a wild one.
Joe’s pick: Louisville 38, Miami 33
Pro says: Miami quarterback Cam Ward leads the nation with 20 touchdown passes and a scolding 182.4 quarterback rating. As good as he is, the defensive secondary looks vulnerable in four- and one-point escapes versus Virginia Tech and California. Now they face an underrated Louisville team with weapons at quarterback, running back and wide receiver that can rival almost any top SEC or Big Ten heavyweight. Canes coach Mario Christibal is a weak 0-3 against the spread coming off of a bye. Wrong team favored!
Pro’s pick: Louisville 38, Miami 37
Hero says: The Canes survived another close call against Cal last week. This Louisville team has the potential to beat Miami, led by the strong arm of quarterback Tyler Shough. Unfortunately for the Cardinals, Heisman favorite Cam Ward plays quarterback for the Canes. I don’t think the Louisville defense can get enough stops to pull the upset.
Hero’s pick: Miami 38, Louisville 27
Riley Leonard and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish face off against the Louisville Cardinals at home today. This game is available exclusively on Peacock. (AP Photo/Michael Caterina)AP
No.12 Notre Dame (5-1) at Georgia Tech (5-2)
When: 2:30 p.m., Sat.
Where: Georgia Dome, Atlanta
TV: ESPN
Series: Notre Dame leads 30-6-1.
Spread: Notre Dame leads 8.5.
Total: 49
Trendy: The sharps say that Georgia Tech is 0-4-1 in their last four games against independent schools.
GEORGIA TECH GAME NOTES: Tech has not beaten Notre Dame at home since a 23-14 victory over the 11th-ranked Irish in 1976.
Joe says: A long time ago, Georgia Tech had visions of being the Notre Dame of the South. When I mean a long time ago, I’m talking about before the Great War. When Tech first played Notre Dame in 1922, it was a major breakthrough for college football in the South. It didn’t exactly work out for Tech that way, but the Yellow Jackets are trending up with new coach Brent Key of Trussville and I love this game being played at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. The Ramblin’ Wreck has rushed for 616 yards in its last two games (victories against Duke and UNC). The Irish are in for a long day in Atlanta.
Joe’s pick: Georgia Tech 27, Notre Dame 24
Pro says: After the defenses of North Carolina, Syracuse, Louisville and Duke, Tech is facing the Fighting Irish defense that has given up only above 13 points once all season. This game will feel like they are climbing Mount Everest. On top of that, the Yellow Jackets might be without the services of dual-threat quarterback Haynes Ward. His backup redshirt freshman Zach Pyron might be good for a few plays here or there, or in goal-line situations, but not 60 minutes versus this tested and rugged defense.
Pro’s pick: Notre Dame 27, Georgia Tech 14
Hero says: The Fighting Irish have bounced back from their early season upset by Northern Illinois. Notre Dame transfer quarterback Riley Leonard is leading a very balanced offensive attack averaging 217 yards rushing a game and 184 yards passing a game. The strong Irish defense is only giving up 270 yards per game. A feisty Georgia Tech team is led by dual-threat quarterback Haynes King, but King may be limited in this game due to injuries. It is tempting to call for the upset in this game played at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, but I think the luck of the Irish prevails.
Hero’s pick: Notre Dame 28, Georgia Tech 20
LSU wide receiver Kyren Lacy (2) carries for a touchdown against Auburn cornerback Kayin Lee (3) in the second half of an NCAA college football game in Baton Rouge, La., Saturday, Oct. 14, 2023. LSU won 48-18. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)AP
No.8 LSU (5-1, 2-0) at Arkansas (4-2, 2-1)
When: 6 p.m., Sat.
Where: Razorback Stadium, Fayetteville, Ark.
TV: ESPN
Series: LSU leads 44-23-2.
Spread: LSU by 3.
Total: 55.5.
Trendy: Tigers are 6-0 against the spread in their last six games in October, according to Vegas insiders, but the Razorbacks are 4-0 in their last four games against teams with winning records.
LSU GAME NOTES: LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier leads the SEC and ranks No. 4 in the nation in passing touchdowns with 18. He’s coming off a three-touchdown passing performance against Ole Miss, which included a game-tying TD with less than a minute remaining in the contest followed by the game-winner on LSU’s first play in overtime.
Joe says: I had mostly crummy picks last week, but I was dead-on about LSU Kyren Lacy being the difference for LSU against Ole Miss. Lacy caught the game-winning pass in overtime. I didn’t think much about quarterback Nussmeier to begin the season, but he’s a winner. LSU is 7-1 in games featuring Nussmeier as a starter. This one is going to be a battle, but the Tigers are trending in the right direction.
Joe’s pick: LSU 35, Arkansas 31
Pro says: Another week, another elimination game for LSU. I don’t trust this Tiger defense that has given up 422 rushing yards combined in their two games against SEC opponents. Two other factors that could tilt the scale for the Hogs. They’re coming off of a bye and SEC home-field advantage can’t be ignored.
Pro’s pick: Arkansas 28, LSU 26
Hero says: An improving LSU defense slowed down Lane Kiffin’s Ole Miss offense last week to close out an overtime win in Baton Rouge. The Hogs enjoyed the week off after pulling the home upset over Tennessee. LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier is having a great year, throwing to weapons like wide receiver Kyren Lacy and tight end Mason Taylor. Arkansas counters with dual-threat quarterback Taylen Green, who is leading a balanced attack that’s averaging 485 yards per game. I am still not completely trusting the LSU defense and believe the Razorbacks can pull the upset at home.
Hero’s pick: Arkansas 28, LSU 23
Texas wide receiver Isaiah Bond, center, runs against Colorado State after a catch during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Austin, Texas, Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)AP
No.5 Georgia (5-1, 3-1) at No.1 Texas (6-0, 2-0)
When: 6:30 p.m., Sat.
Where: Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium, Austin, Texas
TV: ABC
Series: Texas leads 4-1.
Spread: Texas by 3.5.
Total: 56
Trendy: Athens-area loan sharks won’t tell you that Georgia is 0-5 against the spread in their last five conference games, but the wise guys know the real truth.
TEXAS GAME NOTES: The Bulldogs‘ lone victory against Texas was a big one. In 1984, UGA won 10-9 in the Cotton Bowl. It was the Longhorns’ lone defeat of the 1983 season.
Joe says: The last time Georgia was an underdog in a true road game was at Alabama on Oct.17, 2020. That was four years ago, and this Texas team might be the best in college football since that national championship Alabama squad. This is Texas’ biggest game of the season, and Georgia’s passing defense has struggled at times. I don’t think UGA quarterback Carson Beck can keep up.
Joe’s pick: Texas 32, Georgia 28
Pro says: The Longhorns looked dominant in their rivalry game last week against Oklahoma. Then again, Oklahoma was playing without five of their top six receivers and started a true freshman at quarterback. Georgia is tested, having held Clemson to 188 total yards in a 34-3 rout and close loss at Alabama. Georgia has their backs against the wall as a loss could possibly knock them out of the College Football Playoff. I’ll back the team with their backs against the wall and getting more than a field goal.
Pro’s pick: Georgia 30, Texas 24
Hero says: Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers returned from injury last week to lead the Longhorns’ romp over Oklahoma while Georgia quarterback Carson Beck threw for 459 yards in the Dawgs victory over Mississippi State. The Texas defense leads the nation in only allowing 230 yards per game, but Georgia will be by far the best offense they have faced. Fortunately for Texas, they also feature one of the top offenses in the county averaging 496 yards per game and the Bulldog defense has had difficulty stopping effective passing teams. In what could develop into an entertaining shootout, the home-field advantage in Austin could be the difference in a huge victory for the Longhorns.
Hero’s pick: Texas 38, Georgia 34
The Georgia Bulldogs will host the Auburn Tigers in SEC action today. This game is available on multiple streaming services for free. (AP Photo/ Butch Dill )AP
Auburn (2-4, 0-3) at No.19 Missouri (5-1, 1-1)
When: 11 a.m., Sat.
Where: Faurot Field at Memorial Stadium, Columbia, Mo.
TV: ESPN
Series: Auburn leads 3-1.
Spread: Missouri by 6.5.
Total: 51
Trendy: Auburn is 4-0 against the spread against teams with losing records, according to people who pay attention to such things.
AUBURN GAME NOTES: This will be the 130th time Auburn plays a team with the nickname Tigers. Auburn is 67-57-5 in matchups against Tiger-kind Clemson, LSU, Memphis, Missouri, Pacific and Sewanee.
Joe says: I still have PTSD from that 2022 matchup between Auburn and Mizzou at Jordan-Hare. Ask yourself this question. Is this Auburn team any better? The answer is yes, but Auburn still has severe limitations at quarterback. Mizzou’s Brady Cook mightily two weeks ago against Texas A&M, so I’m not expecting a pretty game here. Still, I have no faith in Auburn quarterback Payton Thorne on the road against a quality opponent.
Joe’s pick: Missouri 21, Auburn 17
Pro says: What am I missing here? Auburn’s two wins were over Alabama A&M and New Mexico and all four losses have been by six points or more. Now you’re asking them to go on the road to play a No.19-ranked Missouri team still smarting off their loss to Texas A&M and lose by less than a touchdown or win the game outright? Even though Auburn coach Hugh Freeze is a superstar play-caller, he doesn’t have a quarterback to execute the game plan.
Pro’s pick: Missouri 37, Auburn 17
Hero says: Missouri coach Eli Drinkwitz called 2-4 Auburn a very dangerous football team coming off a bye week. The Mizzou offense has not been as explosive this year under returning quarterback Brady Cook, but the Tigers still have plenty of weapons to challenge the Auburn defense including receiver Luther Burden III. Meanwhile, Auburn has been relatively effective moving the football when they are not turning the ball over, averaging 445 yards per game. Look for the Mizzou defense to get a key fourth-quarter stop to preserve the victory for the home team.
Hero’s pick: Missouri 27, Auburn 20
Vanderbilt wide receiver Junior Sherrill (0) makes a catch for a touchdown ahead of Alabama defensive back Malachi Moore (13) during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)AP
No.7 Alabama (5-1, 2-1) at No.11 Tennessee (5-1, 2-1)
When: 2:30 p.m., Sat.
Where: Neyland Stadium, Knoxville, Tenn.
TV: ABC and ESPN+
Series: Alabama leads 59-39-7.
Spread: Alabama by 2.5.
Total: 56
Trendy: Alabama is 4-0 against the spread in their last four games when favored by a field goal or less.
ALABAMA GAME NOTES: With a 5-1 record, Alabama points out this week that Kalen DeBoer is the first Alabama coach since Frank Thomas in 1931 to win five of his first six games.
Joe says: This is a de facto must-win playoff game for both teams. The loser likely will be out of the hunt for the College Football Playoff. Tennessee lost two weeks ago to Arkansas, and then had trouble with Florida. Last season, Tennessee’s defense couldn’t contain Jalen Milroe. I expect Milroe to begin scrambling more during games and that will keep Tennessee’s defense off balance once again in the second half.
Joe’s pick: Alabama 36, Tennessee 30
Pro says: Both teams head into this contest with big question marks as Alabama has allowed 25, 40 and 34 points the last three games and Tennessee quarterback Nico Iamaleava has only completed 13 out of 38 passes of 10 or more yards downfield the last two games. Will we see a 52-49 barn-burning Vols win in Knoxville just like two years ago? Probably not, but home-field advantage and UT coach Josh Heupel’s experience in this series might tilt the scales ever so much.
Pro’s pick: Tennessee 26, Alabama 24
Hero says: These two preseason favorites for the playoffs have struggled in the last two games with both losing conference games on the road and then barely winning home games. With Alabama, the primary issue has been the defense allowing time consuming drives while also giving up long passing plays. With Tennessee, the primary issue has been an offense that is missing on big passing plays while also struggling to establish their running game. The home-standing Vols will have the advantage in this game if they can reestablish their running game on offense and keep the big-play ability of the Alabama offense on the sideline. Bama quarterback Jalen Milroe may be able to save the game for the Tide, but it is hard to pick against a Vol team with the better defense and a huge home-field advantage on Rocky Top.
Hero’s pick: Tennessee 31, Alabama 28
MAKE YOUR PICKS
It’s Week 8 of the 6-0 Challenge. Make your picks, fellow sports donks and college football geniuses.
