**Editor’s Note: Time to take the 6-0 Challenge and make your Week 8 picks against “Joe vs. the Pro and the Hero.” Joseph Goodman’s popular college football picks feature, “Joe vs. the Pro and the Hero,” is adding readers to the action this season. Pick your Week 8 games here, and sign up for Joe’s newsletter to see how your picks compare to the experts (and Joe) as well as other readers.

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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 14th season for Joe vs. the Pro and the Hero in its various forms.

This season, for the first time ever, readers are getting in on the action. Sign up for Joe’s newsletter, “Joe Goodman’s Sports Happy Hour,” to submit your picks each week and compare your wits against the experts (and Joe). The newsletter comes out every Thursday afternoon during the football season, so don’t procrastinate with your prognostications.

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. Nobody. 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 on Twitter.

6-0 CHALLENGE

We’ve noticed a trend with the 6-0 Challenge. The readers are getting better each week and Joe is getting worse. Some expert! We didn’t have a winner of the 6-0 Challenge because Washington and Oregon was a push against the spread, but we did have one picker go 5-0-1 against the spread and 6-0 straight up. Congrats Jonathan Cayce on being a college football genius, and enjoy those free samples at Costco.

We’ve had two winners of the 6-0 Challenge so far this season. Josh Williams of Chatom, Ala., went 6-0 in Week 6. Danny Moye of Brewton, Ala., went 6-0 in Week 7. The 6-0 Challenge won’t get you rich, but it will make you famous. What you do with that fame is up to you.

Last week, the 6-0 Challenge quiz question was which two teams should be in the SEC. Jonathan Cayce, the winner of the week, went with UAB and Clemson. We enjoyed the laugh, and also the thought of the Blazers and Crimson Tide playing in Birmingham’s Protective Stadium.

We’ll have a deeper dive into last week’s quiz question in Thursday afternoon’s weekly newsletter, “Joe Goodman’s Sports Happy Hour.” Sign up for the newsletter here.

Click the link here to make your picks for Week 8 of the 6-0 Challenge. The new quiz question is out of this world.

LAST WEEK

Joe: 3-3 straight up, 2-3-1 against the spread

Pro: 2-4 straight up, 1-4-1 against the spread

Hero: 6-0 straight up, 4-1-1 against the spread

Notes: Hero! What a massive week! The Harvard Man is on a roll now. Hero’s only miss last week was LSU’s home cover against Auburn.

THIS SEASON

Joe: 24-18 straight up, 16-24-2 against the spread

Pro: 27-15 straight up, 17-23-2 against the spread

Hero: 30-12 straight up, 22-18-2 against the spread

Notes: Hero is 11-1 straight up over the last two weeks. On to the picks!

No.16 Duke (5-1, 2-0 ACC) at No.4 Florida State (6-0, 4-0 ACC)

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

Where: Doak Campbell Stadium, Tallahassee, Fla.

TV: ABC

Series: FSU leads 19-0.

Spread: FSU by 14

Trendy: Duke is 4-2 against the spread this season.

SUPER STAT OF THE WEEK: Duke’s defense is allowing an average of seven points per game in victories.

Joe says: The lie-detector test is here for Duke’s miracle season. There will be no easy offensive yards in this game. The Blue Devils’ defense is nasty and defense travels, so I’m skeptical of a blowout. FSU’s defense is actually better on third downs, though, and Doak is going to be loud for this one. Opponents of FSU have only scored six points off of turnovers this season, and Duke thrives off of making teams pay for their mistakes. Advantage, FSU. The Noles’ backfield combo of Trey Benson and Lawrence Toafili get it done in the fourth quarter.

Joe’s pick: FSU 21, Duke 13

Pro says: Toughest game on the card to predict because we may not know until game time if Duke quarterback Riley Leonard will be cleared to play on his sprained ankle. The one thing we know for certain all season is the Blue Devils’ defense, ranked No.4 in scoring defense, allowing just 10.4 points per game, has been rock solid. I’ll side with the team with the better defense and one of the hottest head coaches in college football, Duke’s Mike Elko.

Pro’s pick: Florida State 27, Duke 20

Hero says: Duke is having an outstanding season led by a strong defense and should get their starting quarterback Riley Leonard back this Saturday. FSU is one of the favorites for the College Football Playoff led by Heisman candidate Jordan Davis at quarterback. The Blue Devil defense should get enough stops to make this game competitive, but the Seminoles will be hard to beat at home in Tallahassee.

Hero’s pick: FSU 31, Duke 20

No.14 Utah (5-1, 2-1, Pac-12) at No.18 USC (6-1, 4-0 Pac-12)

When: 7 p.m., Sat.

Where: Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum

TV: Fox

Series: USC leads 13-9.

Spread: USC by 6.5

Trendy: Trojans haven’t covered the spread since Week 3.

SUPER STAT OF THE WEEK: Utah has only committed three turnovers this season. That’s tied for second in the FBS. Oregon leads the nation with only one turnover.

Joe says: The record skipped off the turntable for the Trojans last week against Notre Dame. You could kinda feel a loss coming for USC and now the big test will be how quarterback Caleb Williams responds. Utah has managed to survive without quarterback Cam Rising this season and that’s a function of the Utes’ defense. Utah defensive end Jonah Elliss leads the Power 5 with nine sacks. Utah’s running game and pass rush will keep this game close, but I’m still riding with USC’s Williams.

Joe’s pick: USC 28, Utah 24

Pro says: That had to be the worst game of USC quarterback Caleb Williams’ career dating back to Pop Warner. I always thought a USC loss would be because the Trojans’ defense couldn’t stop a stiff breeze, so the blowout loss in South Bend based mainly on Williams’ three horrific interceptions was shocking. Now they face the best defense in the Pac 12 in Utah, which has only given up 73 points in six games. Better defense and better coach is the theme this week, so I’ll run with it again.

Pro’s pick: USC 30, Utah 26

Hero says: The Trojans are licking their wounds after the beat down they took in South Bend last Saturday. Utah beat a weak Cal team, but their offense is still struggling without injured quarterback Cam Rising. Even though the USC defense has not shown much improvement, reigning Heisman winner Caleb Williams should lead the Trojans to victory at home in the Coliseum.

Hero’s pick: USC 31, Utah 24

No.7 Penn State (6-0, 3-0 Big Ten) at No.3 Ohio State (6-0, 3-0 Big Ten)

When: 11 a.m., Sat.

Where: Ohio Stadium, Columbus, Ohio

TV: Fox

Series: Ohio State leads 23-14.

Spread: OSU by 4.5

Trendy: Scoring totals for Ohio State games have hit the under in five of six games this season, including the last three.

SUPER STAT OF THE WEEK: Penn State’s defense leads the nation in yards allowed per play (3.42).

Joe says: I’d expect Ohio State receiver Emeka Egbuka to be back for this one, but with the weather report calling for rain and cold I’m not sure how much difference that’s going to make. Last year’s matchup was a wild one with Penn State and Ohio State combining for 45 points in the fourth quarter. Penn State hasn’t played the toughest schedule, but holding Iowa to just 76 total yards still resonates for me. I think this is the Nittany Lions’ year. I’ll take Penn State here in the revenge role, but I got a feeling this one will once again come down to another blockbuster fourth frame.

Joe’s pick: Penn State 31, Ohio State 28

Pro says: Buckeyes won in com-back fashion in South Bend this year, but I can’t forget Kyle McCord looked less than impressive for the first three quarters. In Penn State’s only real test this season they dispatched Iowa 31-0. Nittany Lions defense is something special, ranked among the top two in almost every major statistical category. Meanwhile, Ohio State’s run defense comes in a less than stellar No.62. Penn State has lost nine of the last 10 games in this one-sided rivalry. They finally get their revenge on Saturday afternoon.

Pro’s pick: Penn State 31, Ohio State 24

Hero says: Both teams come in undefeated in this huge Big Ten game, but we really do not know much about Penn State because of their very weak early season schedule. James Franklin hopes his Nittany Lions are ready for their first challenge of the year. Penn State is led by a strong defense that’s allowing only 194 yards per game. The Buckeyes offense is led by first-year starting quarterback Kyle McCord, who has the luxury of throwing to expected top five NFL draft pick Marvin Harrison, Jr. Penn State’s first-year starting quarterback Drew Allar has been impressive so far this season with 12 touchdown passes and no interceptions, but the challenge will be greater against a tough Buckeyes defense Saturday afternoon in Columbus.

Hero’s pick: Ohio State 24, Penn State 19

Memphis (4-1, 1-1 AAC) at UAB (2-5, 1-2 AAC)

When: 11 a.m., Sat.

Where: Protective Stadium, Birmingham, Ala.

TV: ESPN2

Series: UAB leads 10-5.

Spread: Memphis by 5.5

Trendy: Memphis’ only cover this season came in Week 2 against Arkansas State.

SUPER STAT OF THE WEEK: UAB’s defense is allowing 6.29 yards per play, which is tied for 120th in the country.

Joe says: The Battle for the Bones is back, but we’re still waiting for UAB’s defense to show up this season. Can the Blazers make enough stops in the second half of a close game? That’s the biggest question for this team in the second half of the season. My guess is no, unfortunately. Offenses tend to improve as the season progresses. I’m expecting a high-scoring shootout here, but Memphis and their dry ribs in the end.

Joe’s pick: Memphis 42, UAB 35

Pro says: Tigers had a 21-10 third-quarter lead last week against Tulane, but couldn’t put away the top team in the AAC. On the surface it looks like a bad spot for the Tigers, which are led by fifth-year head coach Ryan Silverfield. That’s until you dig deep into his resume and realize his team is a super strong 4-1 against the spread as a road favorite. UAB will be singing the blues facing junior quarterback Seth Henigan and Old Dominion transfer running back Blake Watson. Don’t fall for the home dog here!

Pro’s pick: Memphis 41, UAB 32

Hero says: UAB has played better at home this season than on the road. Memphis has some good wins and kept the losses against Missouri and Tulane close. The Blazers hope that quarterback Jacob Zeno can keep them in the game with his arm on Saturday, and that their defense can generate some turnovers from Tigers quarterback Seth Henigan, who already has seven interceptions this season. Memphis has the better team and will probably win the on-field battle, but hopefully Birmingham can win the BBQ competition off the field!

Hero’s pick: Memphis 38, UAB 27

No.17 Tennessee (5-1, 2-1 SEC) at No.11 Alabama (6-1, 4-0 SEC)

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

Where: Bryant-Denny Stadium, Tuscaloosa Ala.

TV: CBS

Series: Alabama leads 58-39-7.

Spread: Alabama by 9

Trendy: Tennessee was upset at Florida in the Vols’ only true road game of the season so far.

SUPER STAT OF THE WEEK: Tennessee running back Jaylen Wright averaged 7.2 yards per carry in the Vols’ 20-13 victory against Texas A&M.

Joe says: The Vols’ defense is legit. Tennessee benefited from some turnovers last week against Texas A&M and Aggies’ star Ainias Smith only had one reception for 20 yards. It feels like a battle is coming for The Third Saturday in October. Good thing Alabama is well accustomed to those types of games at this point in the season. Alabama’s offense might be down a peg compared to previous seasons, but quarterback Jalen Milroe gets it done again in the fourth quarter of a close game.

Joe’s pick: Alabama 18, Tennessee 15

Pro says: Vols won last week by being patient and not making mistakes in the second half against Texas A&M. This game could be similar as Alabama couldn’t pull away from Arkansas and Tennessee is more balanced on both sides of the ball and has a better defense and more depth than Arkansas. To the wire!

Pro’s pick: Alabama 27, Tennessee 26

Hero says: The Third Saturday in October should be different this year when compared to last year when the offenses dominated the game. Both teams bring in outstanding defenses but both offenses have been inconsistent. The Vols offense is led by a strong running game (231 yards per game), but quarterback Joe Milton III has not been very effective, especially when he is pressured. The Alabama offense has been boom or bust, scoring on long pass plays but allowing drive killing sacks very frequently. I think we can expect to see more of the same from both offenses with a big play or two passing and running by Tide quarterback Jalen Milroe being the difference in the game.

Hero’s pick: Alabama 27, Tennessee 20

No.13 Ole Miss (5-1, 2-1 SEC) at Auburn (3-3, 0-3 SEC)

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

Where: Jordan-Hare Stadium, Auburn, Ala.

TV: ESPN

Series: Auburn leads 35-11.

Spread: Ole Miss by 6.5

Trendy: Ole Miss hasn’t won at Auburn since Hugh Freeze coached the Rebels (2015).

SUPER STAT OF THE WEEK: Auburn’s offense is ranked last in the SEC in total yards against conference opponents (266.7.).

Joe says: Lane Kiffin and his staff have had two weeks to prepare for this game, but something tells me that teams don’t need that much time to plan for Auburn these days. The Tigers’ defense should be better this week playing at Jordan-Hare Stadium, but they’ll need a major jump in toughness to keep this game competitive into the fourth quarter. Auburn’s offense is a confusing amalgamation of mediocre barrelling towards a losing season.

Joe’s pick: Ole Miss 27 Auburn 14

Pro says: Line might be elevated because Ole Miss comes off of a bye and LSU thrashed Auburn 48-18. Home team has covered six straight Tiger games, which also includes an amazing effort against Georgia just three weeks ago. Whenever you think Ole Miss is going to go on a run they usually fall flat on their face. Wrong team favored.

Pro’s pick: Auburn 27, Ole Miss 25

Hero says: The Tigers started slowly coming off a bye week and were dominated 48-18 in Baton Rouge last Saturday night. The Rebels are coming into Jordan-Hare this week fresh off a bye week with plenty of confidence. Auburn always plays better at home and should be able to run the football with some success against the Mississippi defense. However, Ole Miss has the better team this year and should be able to pull out an impressive victory in a challenging environment with a balanced offensive attack led by dual-threat quarterback Jaxson Dart.

Hero’s pick: Ole Miss 31, Auburn 17