Week 3 is here for Joe vs. the Pro and the Hero

Celebrated from coast to coast by sports fans, bag men, bartenders, mafia kings and mathematicians, Joe vs. the Pro and the Hero is the greatest resource for college football shenanigans on the internet. This is the 15th season for Joe vs. the Pro and the Hero in its various forms.

This is the second season of the grand experiment for readers to get in on the action. Sign up for Joe’s newsletter, “SPORTS! Happy Hour,” to keep up with who wins the 6-0 Challenge each week. Make your and compare your wits against the experts (and Joe). Win the 6-0 Challenge and enjoy eternal glory. The newsletter comes out every Thursday afternoon at 4:20 p.m. Enter your email to subscribe.

Joe subscribes to ol’ Billy Shakespeare’s philosophy of picking football games. “Jesters do oft prove prophets,” mused the Great Bard. What is Joe vs. the Pro and the Hero? Consider it a gift to society.

THE GRAND EXPERIMENT

Joseph Goodman is the lead sports columnist for AL.com. What happens when a sportswriter picks some of the toughest games of the week and goes head-to-head against a sharp and a football expert with a Harvard education? It’s a gift for college football fans every week in the state where college football is like a religion.

The Pro is Lee Sterling, a noted numbers man of national success. Sterling features his best picks on his website, ParamountSports.com, but The Pro fearlessly picks the most difficult college games of the week against Joe and the Hero. Joe is just a hack and a slacker who everyone loves to hate.

No one works harder than Hero Ben Abercrombie. Ben played football at Hoover High School and Harvard, and he’s working every day to regain his ability to walk. He’s a student at Harvard, and an inspiration to all. To thank him, we want everyone to stand up for Ben and show him some love.

Show Joe no love at all. Besmirch his name at small dinner parties, and troll him with signs on ESPN College GameDay.

6-0 CHALLENGE

Click the link here to make your picks for Week 3 of the 6-0 Challenge. We’re also embedding the picks form each week in Joe’s columns and here in Joe vs. the Pro and the Hero. Weekly winners of the 6-0 Challenge will be announced in Joe’s newsletter. Sign up for the newsletter here and scroll down to make your picks at the bottom of this post. Remember, picks are against the spread.

LAST WEEK

Joe: 3-3 straight up, 2-4 against the spread

Pro: 4-2 straight up, 2-4 against the spread

Hero: 5-1 straight up, 2-4 against the spread

Notes: Joe nailed Cal’s cover on Auburn, but doesn’t have much more to show for the week. The Pro’s advice on South Florida was spot on. Hero’s only miss straight up was picking Auburn.

SEASON TOTALS

Joe: 7-5 straight up, 5-7 against the spread

Pro: 9-3 straight up, 7-5 against the spread

Hero: 8-4 straight up, 4-8 against the spread

Notes: Joe needs a big week to feed his new puppy. Tali is eating him out of house and home.

Tulane (1-1) at No.15 Oklahoma (2-0)

When: 2:30 p.m., Sat.

Where: Memorial Stadium, Norman, Okla.

TV: ESPN

Series: Oklahoma leads 2-0.

Spread: OU by 13.5.

Total: 47.5

Trendy: Tulane is 2-0 against the spread this season after covering last week in its 34-27 loss to Kansas State. K-State was a 9.5-point favorite.

TULANE GAME NOTES: Tulane likes to get after the quarterback, so the Green Wave can give Oklahoma’s young offensive line some problems. Six offensive linemen for the Sooners have made the first starts of their careers through the first two games.

Joe says: It’s old SEC vs. new SEC! I badly overestimated the Sooners last week against Houston. How do I even have a job? If Tulane can link together some first downs against Oklahoma early, then this one could get fun. Green Wave running back Makhi Hughes played high school ball at Birmingham Huffman. He’s a talented player and when paired with quarterback Darian Mensah can cause problems.

Joe’s pick: Tulane 21, Oklahoma 17

Pro says: The Sooners haven’t played defense since the Selmon brothers left, and with no passing quarterback or stud wide receivers, maybe they should bring back the Wishbone offense. Tulane looks like they found a keeper for at least the next three years in redshirt freshman quarterback Darian Mensah. If Oklahoma couldn’t pull away from Houston why would you even consider laying close to two touchdowns.

Pro’s pick: Oklahoma 27, Tulane 20

Hero says: The Oklahoma offense struggled last week in a close win over Houston 16-12 while Tulane fumbled away a chance at an upset versus Kansas State losing 34-27. I don’t expect the Sooners to have all their offensive problems corrected in one week, but the Sooners defense is good enough to limit Tulane and win the game at home by one score.

Hero’s pick: Oklahoma 24, Tulane 17

No.16 LSU (1-1, 0-0) at South Carolina (2-0, 1-0)

When: 11 a.m., Sat.

Where: Williams-Brice Stadium, Columbia, S.C.

TV: ABC, ESPN+

Series: LSU leads 19-2-1.

Spread: LSU by 7.

Total: 50.5

Trendy: LSU is 0-2 against the spread this season.

LSU GAME NOTES: This is LSU’s first trip to Columbia since 2008. LSU, coached by Les Miles, knocked off the Steve Spurrier-coached Gamecocks 24-17.

Joe says: ESPN College GameDay will be in Columbia, so the energy will be high despite the early start. I’m expecting an ugly, hard-fought game. I’m not sold on South Carolina despite that blowout against Kentucky, but LSU doesn’t have enough firepower to make this a blowout.

Joe’s pick: LSU 24, South Carolina 21

Pro says: The Gamecock defense came to life last week and the offense took advantage of some short fields in their easy win over Kentucky. Every offseason the experts keep telling everyone the Tigers’ D-line is good but I’m just not seeing any difference makers again this season. Laying a touchdown on the road seems like a recipe for disaster.

Pro’s pick: South Carolina, 24 LSU 23

Hero says: The Tigers got back on the winning track as expected last week versus Nicholls State 44-21, but LSU’s defense giving up three touchdowns is still a concern. The Gamecocks shocked Kentucky last week in Lexington 31-6 with a dominating defensive performance and hopes are high as the ESPN GameDay crew comes to Columbia this week. I am skeptical that Shane Beamer’s South Carolina team can repeat the success of last week against a more talented LSU team.

Hero’s pick: LSU 24, Oklahoma 16

Texas A&M (1-1, 0-0) at Florida (1-1, 0-0)

When: 2:30 p.m., Sat.

Where: Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, Gainesville, Fla.

TV: ABC and ESPN+

Series: Tied leads 3-3.

Spread: Texas A&M by 4.5.

Total: 46.5

Trendy: Florida has lost six games in a row against FBS opponents dating back to last season.

UF GAME NOTES: Making his first-career start in the Week 2 win over Samford, Florida quarterback DJ Lagway passed for the most yards ever (456) by a Florida true freshman quarterback, breaking Chris Leak’s mark of 269 vs. Kentucky in 2003.

Joe says: It’s DJ Lagway time at UF with the freshman quarterback likely getting the nod over Graham Mertz. Lagway is a rare talent paired with an average team, but there should be a renewed spirit in Gainesville after last week’s drubbing of Samford. Florida’s defense needs improvement, but Texas A&M struggled to move the ball against Notre Dame in the Aggies’ season opener. I suddenly got a case of freshman fever. I’m backing Lagway here with a late-summer afternoon game in The Swamp.

Joe’s pick: Florida 23, Texas A&M 21

Pro says: If I was Gators coach Billy Napier I’d start super true freshman QB DJ Lagway after watching the way he performed last Saturday. Napier seems to be leaning towards starting senior retread Graham Mertz. All Florida has left to sell recruits in a season where it seems they’ll be lucky to win five games is the future. That future probably won’t include Sunbelt Billy.

Pro’s pick: Texas A&M 27, Florida 20

Hero says: Florida freshman quarterback DJ Lagway started his first game last week, and even though it was against FCS Samford you could see the extra dimension throwing the football downfield that he provides the Gator offense. Whether it is Lagway or veteran quarterback Graham Mertz taking the snaps this Saturday, the Gator offense faces a strong Aggie defense that will make it difficult to score. Aggie quarterback Conner Weigman has shown flashes of potential, but he is not the dynamic playmaker that Florida faced in Miami quarterback Cam Ward to open the season. Even though this game could go either way, I have little faith the Gators can beat a good SEC opponent until they prove it on the field.

Hero’s pick: Texas A&M 23, Florida 20

UAB (1-1) at Arkansas (1-1)

When: 3:15 p.m., Sat.

Where: Razorback Stadium, Fayetteville, Ark.

TV: SEC Network

Series: Arkansas leads 1-0.

Spread: Arkansas by 23.5.

Total: 60.5

Trendy: UAB is 1-5 against the spread against SEC teams since the return of the Blazers’ program. The lone cover came last season when UAB quarterback Jacob Zeno passed for two touchdowns in UAB’s 49-21 loss at Georgia. UGA was favored by 39.5 points.

UAB GAMES NOTES: UAB’s defense allowed an average of 215 rushing yards per game in 2023. The Blazers allowed 209 rushing yards in the blowout loss to La.-Monroe last week.

Joe says: Arkansas’ first two games were away from Razorback Stadium, so UAB will be the home opener. UAB offensive coordinator Alex Mortensen should give the Blazers a slight edge based on his knowledge of the SEC. Will it be enough to cover the spread, though? It looks like another rough year for UAB’s defense and Arkansas offensive coordinator Bobby Petrino isn’t going to let up.

Joe’s pick: Arkansas 55, UAB 13

Pro says: If you watch a lot of Razorback football you just felt they’d probably find a way to blow that 21-7 lead to Oklahoma State and sure enough it happened again. Their talent so far doesn’t match their results. Hogs QB Taylen Green threw for 416 yards and ran for 61 but special teams blunders led to another late loss. If UAB wasn’t led by Clown Coach Trent Dilfer I’d take the points here.

Pro’s pick: Arkansas 48, UAB 17

Hero says: The Hogs let the game get away from them in the second half last week versus Oklahoma State, but you can see the potential of the Arkansas offense led by transfer quarterback Taylen Green. The Blazers’ defense still does not look ready to slow down a good SEC offense. UAB’s offense, led by senior quarterback Jacob Zeno, has the potential to move the football, but Arkansas should be able to control this game with their offense and cruise to an easy victory at home.

Hero’s pick: Arkansas 45, UAB 13

New Mexico (0-2) at Auburn (1-1)

When: 6:30 p.m., Sat.

Where: Jordan-Hare Stadium, Auburn, Ala.

TV: ESPN2

Series: First meeting.

Spread: Auburn by 28.5.

Total: 60.5

Trendy: Auburn has lost four games in a row against FBS opponents dating back to last season.

AU GAME NOTES: Auburn sophomore defensive end Keldric Faulk recorded sacks on back-to-back plays in the second quarter against California. The last Auburn player with sacks on consecutive plays was Reggie Torbor in 2003 against Ole Miss’ Eli Manning.

Joe says: Auburn’s defense kept the Tigers in the game against Cal despite all those turnovers. I felt bad for those guys in the end. I’m expecting Hank Brown to start at quarterback for Auburn and for the Tigers’ offense to drastically improve simply based on the fact that it can’t get any worse.

Joe’s pick: Auburn 55, New Mexico 10

Pro says: Tiger quarterback Payton Thorne seems to make a habit after having one good game then taking two or three steps backward. New Mexico won’t have a winning season but they do seem to be making progress on offense and the defense is using coach Bronco Mendenhall’s 3-3-5 defense, so I’ll back a defense that should start figuring out how to play his schemes better as the season progresses. Mild dog call.

Pro’s pick: Auburn 41, New Mexico 22

Hero says: Auburn coach Hugh Freeze better have his Tigers ready to dominate a bad team this week after the disappointing performance against Cal last Saturday. Auburn needs to reestablish their run game against a suspect New Mexico defense which will provide the opportunity for big plays in the passing game. The Lobos do have a talented playmaker at quarterback in sophomore Devon Dampier, who can make some plays against the Auburn defense. Even though New Mexico had a week off last week to prepare for this game on the Plains, I don’t think it will matter against an Auburn team needing a big turnaround win this Saturday.

Hero’s pick: Auburn 52, New Mexico 20

No.4 Alabama (2-0) at Wisconsin (2-0)

When: 11 a.m., Sat.

Where: Camp Randall Stadium, Madison, Wis.

TV: Fox

Series: Tied 1-1.

Spread: Alabama by 15.5.

Total: 50.5

Trendy: Wisconsin is 0-2 against the spread this season.

UW GAME NOTES: Wisconsin is 1-9 against Top-10 non-conference opponents at home all-time. The Badgers will be playing their first such game in 35 years.

Joe says: Luke Fickell-coached teams always play tough, and Camp Randall Stadium will be rocking. This is a fascinating matchup. Alabama struggled last week against South Florida and Wisconsin didn’t look great in its Week 1 win against Western Michigan. Wisky transfer quarterback Tyler Van Dyke (Miami) threw 12 picks last season. I like the chances of Alabama’s secondary to make a big play late in the game.

Joe’s pick: Alabama 28, Wisconsin 18

Pro says: To beat Alabama you need to pierce their defense. Wisconsin lost running back Braelon Allen to the NFL and new starting quarterback Tyler Van Dyke a Miami transfer with only 192 and 214 passing yards and only one touchdown pass against two lower level defenses doesn’t seem up to the challenge. Bama coach Kalen DeBoer is a stellar 11-2-1 against the spread in his career against non conference opponents and I’ll back him and the Tide as I doubt they fumble three times like they did last week. Bama pulls away late.

Pro’s pick: Alabama 35, Wisconsin 13

Hero says: It is another SEC versus Big Ten match up on the FOX Big Noon Kickoff game of the week. Alabama has the speed and talent advantage over the Badgers, but Wisconsin coach Luke Fickell will try to slow down the Bama offense with the same aggressive defensive approach that South Florida used last week to frustrate the Tide for three quarters. Bama needs to show improvement in the offensive line and avoid costly turnovers to avoid a close game in Madison. Wisconsin transfer quarterback Tyler Van Dyke has the experience to cause the Bama defense some problems if the Tide fails to get pressure on Van Dyke on passing plays, but Alabama should be ready for their first road test under first-year coach Kalen DeBoer.

Hero’s pick: Alabama 38, Wisconsin 17