The Reverse Barometer is back. For those who are new to this or have forgotten, take the game predictions below and completely flip them. I have a gift, and always expect the opposite of what I believe will happen.
Texas A&M at Ole Miss
Believe it or not – this is the only game this weekend between two teams in the Top 25. Both are coming off losses last week – A&M suffered four costly turnovers it could not overcome vs. Alabama while Ole Miss lost a tough one to a pretty impressive (and undefeated) Memphis squad. The Rebels are banged up, especially on defense, but they get big Laremy Tunsil back at left tackle (just in time to face Myles Garrett). The Aggies are relatively more healthy, though watch quarterback Kyle Allen’s throwing shoulder in this one; will that be a factor? The weather also could come into play. This game boils down to two things: can Ole Miss run the ball vs. the Aggies and who will win the turnover battle? The loser is out of the SEC West race. Aggies find a way to win this one, 29-21.
Kansas State at Texas
Two weeks ago, Texas stunned OU and perhaps saved their season while Kansas State missed a golden opportunity vs. TCU at home. The Horns had a bye last week while the Wildcats felt the wrath of Oklahoma’s frustration at home. Texas continues to improve every week and they are brimming with confidence under coach Charlie Strong. But Bill Snyder always seems to have his team prepared and they always play well vs. the Longhorns. Texas wins a close one, 30-27, kicking a field goal in the final minutes.
Clemson at Miami
The No. 6 Tigers roll into Miami to play an unranked Hurricanes team. The last time an unranked Miami defeated a ranked team was in December of 1998. There are kids born that month who are currently playing their senior year in high school. This is really Clemson’s biggest test left this year in the regular season, though anything can happen. Al Golden is on the hot seat and it warms up a few more ticks, as Clemson doesn’t have much problem in racking up a 34-16 win in South Florida.
Utah at USC
Everyone seems to be surprised that USC is favored to win this game vs. the No. 3 Utes, but count me in the camp that simply does not believe in Utah. Yes, they’re good. They’re not No. 3 team in America good. They should have lost to Arizona State last week but benefited from some bonehead plays by the Sun Devils. USC may not have a coach but they still have more talent. They played well at Notre Dame last week and I expect them to play well at home on Saturday. USC 34, Utah 27.
Tennessee at Alabama
Tennessee had a bye week while Alabama utilized three pick-6’s to down the Aggies on the road. This is a historical rivalry game, but it is in Tuscaloosa, making Bama a 15.5-point favorite. The last time an unranked Tennessee team beat a ranked Alabama team was 1983. The Tide has won eight-straight over the Vols and that will continue. But I do like Tennessee with that point spread, as they have stayed in every game this season. Alabama 30, Tennessee 18
