Every week, Maxwell Award winner, Heisman Trophy finalist, former NFL starting quarterback and CBS Sports analyst Brady Quinn will be here offering his picks on some of the closest, most-competitive college football games.
We have already seen some surprises, but you can set your mind at ease this weekend with these straight-up winners.
Last week: 2-1 | Season: 8-7
LSU (-3) at No. 18 Florida: Luke Del Rio could be back for the Gators, which would be a lift for an offense that struggled when they needed him the most at Tennessee two weeks ago. On the other side, LSU may have found what was holding back the Tigers offense with a dominant performance vs. Mizzou. LSU accumulated 634 yards (the most ever vs. an SEC opponent) and did so without Leonard Fournette, who is also unlikely to play Saturday. Danny Etling was efficient and spread the football around to nine different wide receivers in new coordinator Steve Ensminger's offense. Stepping in for Fournette, Derrius Guice played well, rushing 17 times for 163 yards and three touchdowns. Florida's defense was hailed as the best in the nation heading into the Tennessee game, and we saw how that turned out. Pick: LSU
SportsLine ATS projection: Florida (+3) -- Analysis
No. 25 Virginia Tech at No. 17 North Carolina: Two of the nation's most efficient passing games go head-to-head in ACC play. The Tar Heels are looking to keep their momentum going after upsetting Florida State last week in a stunning finish with a game-winning 54-yard field goal. Meanwhile, Virginia Tech is in rebuilding mode -- trying to maintain the legacy Frank Beamer left behind while building a new culture under first-year coach Justin Fuente. One thing is for certain: The Hokies have played complimentary football this far into the season, boasting one of the nation's most efficient passing attacks along with a top-10 defense.
Meanwhile, UNC has quarterback Mitch Trubisky, who has emerged as a dark horse for the Heisman Trophy race. This, of course, is contingent upon another strong showing against a top-25 opponent. If UNC wants to make a play for the ACC title, it can't afford to drop another game this season. I believe the Tar Heels win a dog fight with Trubisky and wide receiver Ryan Switzer making a statement. Pick: North Carolina
SportsLine ATS projection: North Carolina (-2.5) -- Analysis
No. 23 Florida State at No. 10 Miami: One of the most heated rivalries in college football sees two teams squaring off in far different positions. The Hurricanes boast an unblemished record with optimism that "The U" is back under coach Mark Richt. But has Richt built Miami into a true contender, or are the Canes just benefiting from a soft schedule? Florida State, on the other hand, is hanging on for dear life. After suffering a blowout loss to Louisville on the road, FSU got off to another slow start and couldn't mount a comeback in time to hold off the upset against UNC. The Seminoles' struggles have largely been on the defensive side of the football. They are one of the worst teams in the nation on that side of the ball, giving up 438 yards per game (94th in total offense).
The one saving grace is freshman QB Deondre Francois, who has taken care of the football and helped running back Dalvin Cook get back to being his old self. The hard thing to predict is the weather. With Hurricane Matthew moving through South Florida, it's difficult to get a sense of how poor the field and conditions could be. If they're not optimum, I put my trust in the more experienced player in Miami QB Brad Kaaya leading his team over FSU. Both teams have a top-25 rushing attack, but it will come down to who takes care of the football best. I like the Hurricanes at home. Pick: Miami
SportsLine ATS projection: Florida State (+3) -- Analysis