When 6th century BC Chinese poet, Lao Tzu, said “Those who have knowledge, don’t predict. Those who predict, don’t have knowledge” he clearly hadn’t been introduced to College Football. He definitely hadn’t heard of our College Football predictions game, Pick 6!
It might not have been on our slate of six games last week, but there were definitely some knowledgeable people in the football world who predicted a win for Georgia over South Carolina. No-one would have predicted that a missed Rodrigo “Hot Rod” Blankenship field goal would be the deciding factor in the game.
The unpredictable nature of the College Football game is one of the reasons we love it so much. It’s what led us to create Pick 6!
If you’re new to the game, presumably you’re a Miami Hurricanes fan, surfacing for the first time since Week 0 after beating Virginia in Week 7.
Each week we select 6 games from the College Football schedule, and the trio of College Chaps predict the winners. We tally the scores through the season to crown a champion. We’re joined by a guest picker each week who contributes to a guest season total. They also have their own leaderboard to fight for.
Last week, Cam Mellor of Pro Football Focus became the first guest to achieve Pick 6 perfection. In doing so he gave the guests a slender lead at the top of the table.
Predictions Table After Week 7:
- Guest – 31
- Alex Chinery – 30
- Oliver Hodgkinson – 29
- George Somerville – 27
Guest Leaderboard After Week 7:
- Cam Mellor – 6
- Dane Brugler – 5
- Nat Coombs – 5
- Brian Baldinger – 4
- NFL Draft Diamonds – 4
- Trevor Sikemma – 4
- Ross Dellenger – 3
This week we’re joined by multiple College Chaps Podcast guest, and spider bite survivor, Mello. He makes up one third of the slightly more well known College Football podcast trio, Stick To Football. When he’s not talking football on the STF podcast, or on Mic’d Up (Joplin’s newest sports talk show), Mello is a teacher. Prior to this CFB season, Mello used his College Football knowledge and insight to raise funds for school supplies.
So, to this week’s Pick 6 games!
Pitt @ Syracuse – Saturday 19th October 00:00
Alex Chinery: Pitt
Both programs are mired in constant inconsistency. Pitt seems to be slightly more consistent, whilst Syracuse has been downright bad at times. So, Pitt are my pick.
George Somerville: Pitt
Tough one to call, but Pitt have faced the tougher schedule so far and have the better record, so I have Pitt winning in New York.
Oliver Hodgkinson: Pitt
I want to believe in Tommy DeVito and Syracuse, like I did before the season. The problem is, I don’t believe. Pitt win in a close, low scoring game.
Mello: Syracuse
I still believe in the preseason hype and what they can do at home.
Florida @ South Carolina – Saturday 19th October 17:00
Alex Chinery: Florida
I expect South Carolina to have a let down after last weekend’s upset of Georgia. I also expect Florida to come out firing after the loss to LSU.
George Somerville: Florida
I’m still on the Florida Gators train, and think they are a MUCH better team with Kyle Trask at QB than Franks. Despite the Gamecocks shock win over Georgia last week I have the Gators coming away with the win.
Oliver Hodgkinson: Florida
It looks like QB Ryan Hilinksi will be fit for the Gamecocks which will be a huge boost for them. However, I think Florida will be too strong as they look to bounce back from defeat at the hands of LSU.
Mello: Florida
Gators should be focused after a loss and will take SC seriously after they beat Georgia. SC can’t pull off two upsets in a row.
Oregon @ Washington – Saturday 19th October 20:30
Alex Chinery: Oregon
It would be very Pac-12 if Oregon was to lose this game. Since their week 1 loss to Auburn they have rebuilt well, and still have a slim shout at the playoff. A statement win here would help.
George Somerville: Washington
“Clash of the Mascots” with the Duck and the Husky trashing each other on Twitter. Both teams have been enigmas this year, especially given the pre-season hype. So this is a tough one to call. Ducks or Huskies? I’m going with the home team here in what might be considered a shock. Huskies win!
Oliver Hodgkinson: Oregon
In last week’s Pick 6, I singled out the Washington defense as being the likely difference maker against Arizona. This week it’s the Oregon turn. That Oregon defensive unit is averaging less than 9 points per game given up. Two offenses that have game winning quarterbacks, but the Ducks edge it.
Mello: Washington
Washington is a tough place to play and they can’t lose this game in the PAC12. Eason out shines Herbert.
Colorado @ Washington State – Sunday 20th October – 00:00
Alex Chinery: Washington State
Colorado got humbles by Oregon last week and I’m not sure their offense can keep up with Washington State. I’m expecting a Mike Leach masterclass.
George Somerville: Washington State
I had Colorado as a contender in the PAC12 at the start of the season, but Mel Tucker’s side have had a mixed but essentially frustrating season so far. So have Wazzu, but I take the Cougars to win this one.
Oliver Hodgkinson: Washington State
I find myself going with Washington State every time we feature them on Pick 6. It’s almost certainly because we have Easop Winston Jr. on our College Chaps fantasy team.
Mello: Washington State
Too much offense at home and Colorado is beat up. If Wazzu loses its because of a poor locker room
Michigan @ Penn State – Sunday 20th October 00:30
Alex Chinery: Penn State
There is absolutely zero chance I can trust Michigan right now. Penn State are a better and more consistent team.
George Somerville: Penn State
The Nittany Lions are building a head of steam and I think Penn take this game.
Oliver Hodgkinson: Penn State
Penn State have the best defense in the Big Ten, outside of Wisconsin. They have Sean Clifford and K.J. Hamler clicking on offense. Michigan have “statement wins” over Rutgers and Illinois. No further comment.
Mello: Penn State
The defense is too tough. Michigan will struggle to score and Penn State will get a big play, that’s the difference.
Boise State @ BYU – Sunday 20th October 03:15
Alex Chinery: Boise State
This game is going to be wild, with neither starter slated to start at QB. I think Boise is the stronger team, they’re my pick.
George Somerville: Boise State
This could be anybody’s game with injury doubts hanging over both teams starting QB’s. Boise are definitely the form team coming into this rivalry game, so it’s hard to see beyond the Broncos, even without Hank Bachmeier. Broncos win.
Oliver Hodgkinson: Boise State
Chase Cord went in to spring camp competing with Hank Bachmeier for the starting job, so the Boise State offense is in capable backup hands. Their defense, with Curtis Weaver, is too good for BYU too.
Mello: Boise State
The battle of backup quarterbacks. Boise’s QBs looked good against Hawaii and should be able to move the ball against a tough BYU defense.
Photo Credit: Sports Illustrated