Grill Hill: Slow college football week won’t stop us now

After the first full week of 15 Grill Hill picks, I’m pleased to share the results of a long three days of football.

My picks went 10-5 in Grill Hill’s second week, with the biggest blunders being that I had faith in two Ohio-based teams in the Cincinnati Bengals and Ohio State. Also, I picked against Georgia, so I’m pretty sure my degree is being rescinded.

While I wait for my diploma to be repossessed, let’s dive into this week’s games. Remember, you can sign up and try to top my picks here.

HS

Carver vs Northside, 7:30 p.m. Friday

The Patriots avoided a potential trap game last week against Jordan and take on an 0-3 Carver team that had a week to prepare for this Region 1-4A matchup. The Tigers need a victory to end a poor start and to avoid losing to Northside for the first time ever. I don’t believe they can do either.

Northside 27, Carver 21

Hardaway at Cairo, 7:30 p.m. Friday - Cairo 34, Hardaway 14

Manchester at Jordan, 7:30 p.m. Friday - Manchester 31, Jordan 10

Marion County at Lamar County, 7:30 p.m. Friday - Marion County has rolled out to a 3-0 start and has a stud running back in Travon Mathews. The Eagles hit the road and take on a Lamar County that embarrassed them 27-0 in 2016. But that was a banged-up Marion County team, and this one is going to pull the upset.

Marion County 24, Lamar County 21

Tuscaloosa Academy at Glenwood, 8 p.m. Friday - Glenwood 42, Tuscaloosa Academy 24

NCAAF

Tennessee at Florida, 3:30 p.m. Saturday - Florida 20, Tennessee 14

Clemson at Louisville, 3:30 p.m. Saturday

It’s strange, but the marquee matchup of Saturday is not part of the night cap. In a rematch of what was arguably the best regular season game of 2016, the Cardinals look to replicate a big offensive showing against North Carolina while facing a Clemson defense that sacked Auburn quarterback Jarrett Stidham 11 times. Reigning Heisman Trophy winner Lamar Jackson will again show that anyone ignoring him is being ridiculous, but I’ve already learned my lesson about picking against Dabo Swinney’s team.

Clemson 30, Louisville 28

LSU at Mississippi State, 7 p.m. Saturday - LSU 21, Mississippi State 10

Kansas State at Vanderbilt, 7:30 p.m. Saturday - Vanderbilt 27, Kansas State 21

Kentucky at South Carolina, 7:30 p.m. Saturday

Kentucky and South Carolina are poised to be contenders in the SEC East, and this game will go a long way in deciding their pecking orders. Kentucky had a bit of a hiccup against Eastern Kentucky, while the Gamecocks played so well Missouri fired its defensive coordinator Monday. South Carolina quarterback Jake Bentley has the Gamecocks rolling, and I don’t foresee Kentucky being able to slow them down.

South Carolina 35, Kentucky 24

NFL

Eagles at Chiefs, 1 p.m. Sunday

This year’s Andy Reid Bowl pits an Eagles team fresh off a big win over the Redskins against a Kansas City squad that opened the entire NFL season with a huge upset victory over New England. The Eagles will be able to put up its fair share of points with second-year quarterback Carson Wentz, but the Chiefs -- led by rookie phenom running back Kareem Hunt -- defend Arrowhead Stadium.

Chiefs 34, Eagles 28

Patriots at Saints, 1 p.m. Sunday - Patriots 34, Saints 20

Vikings at Steelers, 1 p.m. Sunday - Vikings 28, Steelers 24

Cowboys at Broncos, 4:25 p.m. Sunday - Cowboys 38, Broncos 27

Packers at Falcons, 8:30 p.m. Sunday

Atlanta was disappointing in its 23-17 victory over Chicago in Week 1, while Green Bay slugged its way to a 17-9 victory over the Seahawks. The Falcons were simply unable to get the run game going against a stout Bears defensive front, and the task won’t get easier against the Packers. Aaron Rodgers gets sweet revenge for the way the Falcons bounced him from this past postseason.

Packers 27, Falcons 24

Of course, all of these games may be rescheduled or outright cancelled as we await what Hurricane Irma does. Stay safe out there, everyone.

This story was originally published September 11, 2017 at 10:36 AM with the headline "Grill Hill: Slow college football week won’t stop us now."