No. 4 Florida State (-4) vs No. 11 Georgia Tech 8 pm Saturday ABC
Daniel: I pretty much have this pick’em contest wrapped up for the year and since there’s no prize, I’m rewarding myself by picking Tech to win with a clean conscience. The ‘Noles find ways to win, no doubt about that, but Georgia Tech is coming off three quality wins itself and pulled one out against rival Georgia last week in FSU-like fashion. The Yellow Jackets pull off the surprise in this one and throw the playoff committee into some chaos. Winner: Georgia Tech 28-24
Houston: As I have said in recent weeks, I just can’t pick against Florida State until I see them lose a game. It hasn’t been fluid and it hasn’t been pretty, but this is a team that knows how to win close games in the 4th quarter. I expect them to be in another close game this weekend, but, like they always do, they’ll pull it out against all odds and set up their showdown with Alabama in the first round of the playoff. Winston will throw a couple picks that will leave you scratching your head, but also some touchdowns that will leave your jaw on the floor. Winner: Seminoles 31-27
Reed: The Seminoles have been playing with fire all season. Georgia Tech’s rushing attack and ball control offense will make it tough to Florida State, but I’ve sworn against picking FSU to lose until they play an SEC team. This will be close, but FSU wins close games. Winner: Seminoles 31-24
Richard: Georgia Tech has been playing good football to close the year. They finished the year with 5 straight wins, including wins over Clemson and Georgia. They boast the nation’s third ranked rushing offense, and their defense has been adept at forcing turnovers. Jameis Winston will inevitably have a slow start for Florida State, and the Seminoles will come out playing sloppy. The Yellow Jackets’ running game will allow them to shorten the game and get into the fourth quarter with a chance to win.
However, Florida State RB Dalvin Cook will have a big game, and allow the Seminoles to pull out another close win. Then it will be up to the College Football Selection Committee to determine if the nation’s only unbeaten team is also one of the four best teams in America. Winner: Florida State 28-24
