Hey everyone, we've got some big games this weekend, and I cannot be any more excited for the Huskers' big showdown with the Badgers. The Nebraska-Wisconsin rivalry has gotten bigger every year, and now has the Freedom Trophy for the second year. I'm more of a fan of the Broken Chair Trophy between Nebraska and Minnesota, but beating Wisconsin will have to do for now, Minnesota can wait a week. Obviously with a big game like this, the Huskers are bringing in a lot of recruits! I'm very excited for my tour tomorrow, it's always fun getting to know the recruits and their families. My favorite part is talking football with them, but just to think that I get to have a direct impact on helping them in their recruiting choice is pretty cool. I'll be doing my best to get us the best recruits possible! Now onto my picks for the week, if anyone thinks they can beat me, or wants more games to have a prediction on them, please comment!
1. 11 Oklahoma vs. Texas
The Red River Rivalry, one of the oldest and most recognizable rivalries in college football. As a Husker, I am taught to hate both of these teams with a burning passion, but this is always a fun game to watch. The passion in this rivalry is one of the best, and that always leads to a great game. Texas is struggling... to say the least. Oklahoma has won all of their games so far, but I'm still not buying into them. Texas doesn't look like they can beat them the way they're playing though. However, I ALWAYS say that you should never count a team out, especially in a rivalry game. Texas QB Jerrod Heard has brought a dynamic, play-making ability to the Longhorn's offense, but has a long way to go before they can start winning consistently. Baker Mayfield has been torching opposing defensing, and will continue to do so against Texas. This will be a close one, but I think Oklahoma will pull it out. I would love to see a Texas upset though, just to take OU down a peg. Sooners 25, Longhorns 20.
2. Indiana at Penn State
This game probably doesn't look appealing to most viewers, but with how well Indiana played the Buckeyes last week, this will be a good game to watch. Penn State has a tough defense, but a very sluggish offense. Indiana is known for their fast-paced offense, and their defense has improved very much from last year. They are still susceptible to gashing big plays, and that was ultimately their demise last week against Ohio State. Penn State at home is always tough, and the Hoosiers are still ailing after injuries to both their starting QB and RB were knocked out of last weeks game. Both Sudfeld and Howard are listed as questionable for the Penn State showdown. Backup QB Zander Diamont played very well against Ohio State and will play well against the Nittany Lions if he has the start. I think that Indiana will bounce back from a tough loss to the Buckeyes and take out their frustration on Penn State. Hoosiers 35, Nittany Lions 21.
3. Navy at 15 Notre Dame
Always a fun game to watch in my opinion. The option ground attack of the Midshipmen always seem to push the Irish to the very brink of an upset. Notre Dame handled Georgia Tech earlier this year, which runs a very similar system to Navy. However, Navy has run over, around and through everyone on their schedule. The Irish struggled for 3.5 quarters against Clemson, and the Midshipmen are giving up an average of 15 points per game. If they don't start off hot against Navy, an upset could be brewing. Navy dominates teams in TOP, causing opposing defenses to wear down. Coming off a tough loss in Death Valley could still be on the minds of the Irish. This could get ugly for the Irish, but I think that they rebound quickly after their loss and avoid the upset. Notre Dame 44, Navy 28.
4. 13 Northwestern at 18 Michigan
Huge game in the BIG 10 conference between the top two defenses in the nation. Both teams have struggled over the past couple years, but have had very close games with each other. Michigan has won the last four meetings including two Overtime games. Northwestern's Freshman QB Clayton Thorson and Sophomore RB Justin Jackson are the two key factors on offense. Jackson has 636 yards through 5 games, and has rushed for over 100 yards in 10 of his last 13 games. If he can get going on the ground, that will take a lot of pressure off of Thorson. It will also open up the spread-play action passing game that Northwestern often tears apart defenses with. Michigan on the other hand has been on fire after their opening loss at Utah. Their offense seem's to struggle early on in games, but finds its groove and sticks to it. This is where I think Northwestern can pull the upset. They already have a good road win at Duke, but this will be a much tougher test. This game will be decided by whichever team can get their offense going first against a very tough defense. Don't expect a lot of scoring in this one, unless by the defenses. I've got the Wildcats in a close one, 16-10.
5. Miami (FL) at 12 Florida State
Another classic rivalry in college football, the Canes and the 'Noles. The FSU-Miami game is always a good one. Everett Golson has the Seminoles offense humming and the Canes are coming off of a long week to think about that loss at Cincy. Florida state hasn't played the best competition, but have claimed one of the toughest defenses to score on throughout the year. I think that it will be tough for Miami to put up a lot of points, FSU's defense is very fast and gets a lot of pressure. Kaaya has gotten better, but on the road with Florida State's pressure, I think it will be too much. Seminoles win it 35-20.
6. 23 Cal at 5 Utah
Big time game in the Pac-12 North Division. Two unbeaten teams face off in Salt Lake City. The Utes have surprised everyone this year, specifically with their trashing of Oregon. Travis Wilson has been playing with a ton of confidence this season and has brought a fire to this team. He faces off against arguably the best QB in the Pac-12 and one of the best in the nation. Jared Goff has the Golden Bears offense as the 9th best passing team in the nation. He has over 1600 yards already this season with an impressive 15:4 Touchdown to Interception ratio. The biggest problem Cal faces is on defense. The bears are giving up around 24 points per game while the Utes only give up 18. Turnovers are going to be key in this show down. Most people forget that both of these teams are undefeated, especially with Cal. Goff has been playing well, but Salt Lake City is a tough place to win. I think the Utes will hold strong in this one and win 38-28.
7. Wisconsin at Nebraska
Big game in the BIG 10 West. Obviously both teams are struggling so far this season, but this is still a young rivalry and always sets up for a good game. Nebraska hasn't always played well against the Badgers, but they have yet to lose to them at home since joining the BIG 10. Nebraska has had big problems on offense, specifically when they cross the 50. Strong drives are being shut down because of stupid penalties and bad play calling. I'm looking for a lot more of the running game to be a factor in Nebraska's offense. Armstrong has made some great improvements at Quarterback, but he should not be throwing more than 25 times per game. Nebraska is much stronger on the ground, and so is Tommy. Hopefully the Coaching staff has learned from their previous clock management mistakes throughout the season and have made adjustments. Wisconsin is struggling on offense, but holds strong on defense. Look for this to be a close game, both run defenses are not going to give up much. Turnovers, as always, will be key in this game. Two fumbles in this game could be the difference. The Blackshirts have a better chance than the experts might think, Wisconsin seems to struggle more on offense than the Huskers. Look for Tommy to take command and finish drives in this game. I've got the Huskers winning 30-26.
I hope everyone has a great Saturday! I'm very excited to go help with recruiting. Nebraska has a lot of big name recruits at this game, and I'm going to give them the full Husker Experience! GO BIG RED!
#CollegeFootballKnowItAll
Alex Fernando
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