College Football Week Eight Picks

9 UCLA vs. 13 Stanford
The Stanford Cardinal look to recover from a stunning loss to Utah this week against an undefeated UCLA team. The Cardinal played great on the defensive end against the Utes but the offense had some key turnovers at some bad times and didn't play to their full potential. UCLA is going to apply pressure on sophomore QB Kevin Hogan, who is composed under pressure. The Bruins' secondary has had some bad moments and they will have to attempt to defend the psychical receivers of Stanford. Scoring against the Cardinal won't be easy, they are constantly disrupting opponents' backfields and are good tacklers. Though, it isn't very often they have to face a quarterback like sophomore Brett Hundley, who can run and pass effectively. I believe Stanford can recover, they are coached well and are a better football team than the Bruins. Plus, they are at home and Stanford Stadium will be rocking.
Stanford, 31 UCLA, 23

14 Missouri vs. 22 Florida

Dorial Green-Beckham

Two teams who have seen their starting quarterbacks go done with season-ending injuries square off in Columbia. The 4-2 Gators are led by junior Tyler Murphy at quarterback, who has been very good in Jeff Driskel's absence. The loss of back Matt Jones puts even more pressure on Murphy and the Gators offense which hasn't found its stride at all this season. The Tigers' defense has been solid this year and Florida will struggle to pass the ball even more against senior cornerback E.J. Gaines. Florida will rely heavily on their defense in this one, as usual, but they won't have to worry about senior QB James Franklin who separated his shoulder. Redshirt freshman Maty Mauk, who has thrown six passes this year, will start at QB. Mauk can scramble and he will be a decent threat, plus he has some great options to pass to, including sophomore Dorial Green-Beckham. If the Gators don't get enough pressure on Mauk and struggle to stop Henry Josey and the rest of this Mizzou backfield, the Tigers will handle this one.
Missouri, 28 Florida, 17

5 Florida State vs. 3 Clemson
This a huge one that should decide the ACC Atlantic Division. It could also decide the Heisman race as two true candidates, Tajh Boyd and Jameis Winston square off. Both offensives are explosive as the Tigers have Sammy Watkins and a lot of playmakers surrounding Boyd. The 'Noles have a number of offensive threats as well, including tight end Nick O'Leary and back Devonta Freeman. This one could well be a shootout, even though both defenses have their strengths. Clemson can bring the pressure and can force turnovers. Florida State is experienced is very well coached. Both teams could score a ton of points and whoever touches the ball last could win this one. They both appear evenly matched but I have to go with Clemson, just because they are at home and have already proven themselves once against Georgia.
Clemson, 42 Florida State, 38

Other Picks
7 Texas A&M, 48  24 Auburn, 34
20 Washington, 37 Arizona State, 31
11 South Carolina, 27 Tennessee, 24
12 Baylor, 61 Iowa State, 28
1 Alabama, 38 Arkansas, 14
6 LSU, 35 Ole Miss, 24
Current Picks Record: 41-14