In a week filled with dozens of games, only one really matters.
It is a Saturday for an early dinner, a Saturday for afternoon errands. It is a day for anticipation and imagination. It is a day when even the most enjoyable opening acts are ultimately just killing time.
Clemson and Florida State are positioned perfectly in prime-time, strangling Saturday’s spotlight with a game that has been circled since schedules were released. It is the two best ACC teams in a game matching Top-5 teams for just the fourth time in conference history.
It is the No. 3 Tigers against the No. 5 Seminoles. It is Tahj Boyd vs. Jameis Winston. It is a battle of unbeatens. It is Death Valley and the death of a dream.
It is a game that could determine a spot in the national championship, a game that could determine the Heisman Trophy winner.
It is two unstoppable offenses facing two Top-10 defenses.
It is a senior, Boyd, looking to define his career. It is a freshman, Winston, looking for the first big moment in a career that may have so many, none will define him.
It is Winston’s first serious road challenge, leading a team winless at Clemson since 2001. It is another big game for Boyd, who is 18-1 in home games, including the season-opening win over a healthy Georgia.
It is a lot of things.
“It may be the biggest game in ACC history. We don’t know,” said Clemson defensive end Vic Beasley, who leads the nation with nine sacks. “But our goal is to win a national championship.”
It is an attainable goal. The biggest hurdle is just low enough.
In a game destined to be decided by one possession, take the points and one of the best home-field advantages in the country. Take Clemson (+3).
Miami (-9) over UNC: The Hurricanes are back in the Top 10, while East Carolina took down North Carolina (1-4) by 24 in the Tar Heels’ last home game. The trap is in place, but the Tar Heels have done nothing this season to warrant a leap of faith.
Ucf (+12¹/₂) over LOUISVILLE: Everyone keeps waiting for the Cardinals’ statement blowout that will allow them to enter the BCS title-game conversation. Keep waiting.
TENNESSEE (+7¹/₂) over South Carolina: Buoyed by the return of Jadeveon Clowney after a week of mini-controversy, the Gamecocks erupted against Arkansas. Complacency returns in a trip to Knoxville, where the Vols two weeks ago nearly stunned Georgia.
Georgia (-7¹/₂) over VANDERBILT: The Bulldogs’ schedule finally slows down and running back Todd Gurley has a good chance to return. Done and done.
Florida (-3) over MISSOURI: Asking freshman quarterback Matt Mauk to take down one of the country’s top defenses in his first career start is awfully unfair. The Tigers will forever be stuck wondering what could have been if James Franklin had stayed healthy.
Syracuse (+7¹/₂) over GEORGIA TECH: In a battle of mediocrity, the points prevail.
OHIO STATE (-17) over Iowa: The undefeated Buckeyes need to start running up some scores with a soft schedule the rest of the season.
Auburn (+12¹/₂) over TEXAS A&M: I’d take Johnny Manziel over any quarterback in the country if I needed a game-winning drive to save my life. If I needed to score, I’d opt to go against the Aggies’ defense.
STANFORD (-6) over Ucla: This line initially kept dropping like Frazier against Foreman, a complete overreaction to Stanford’s loss at Utah. The Bruins’ numbers are impressive, but their late starting times have hidden the flaws in their offensive line and the accuracy of Brett Hundley. For once, insomnia serves me well.
Washington (+3) over ARIZONA STATE: Losing two tough games to two of the best teams in the country is no reason to doubt the Huskies. Running back Bishop Sankey, the nation’s second-leading rusher, will decimate the struggling Sun Devils’ run defense.
ALABAMA (-28¹/₂) over Arkansas: The Razorbacks have scored 17 points in the past two weeks and now face a defense allowing 5.2 points per game against offenses not run by Johnny Football. Cover your eyes, kids.
Lsu (-8) over MISSISSIPPI: Just another rough day for Eli Manning.
NOTRE DAME (-3) over Usc: One of the best rivalries in college football provides one of its least intriguing matchups. When in doubt, turn to Touchdown Jesus.
OREGON (-39) over Washington State: Vegas is making you pay for the Ducks with this line, since Oregon has covered every game this season, but don’t jump off too early. The Ducks are as good as it gets.
BEST BETS: Florida, Auburn, Alabama
Record: 28-30-2
Best Bets: 4-8