#11 Oklahoma State at #22 West Virginia
Both the Pokes and the Mountaineers are coming off nail-biters from a week ago where they edged out Texas and Baylor respectively. Oklahoma State's top ranked offense struggled mightily against the Longhorns last week, mustering just 13 points in the Overtime win. Mason Rudolph was held without a TD pass and their wideouts committed a number of costly drops. They will really need to re-vamp their offense as they head into Morgantown. For West Virginia, they may need to revamp their defense. Over their past two games against Texas Tech and Baylor, the Mountaineers have given up 82 points and 1,010 total yards combined. With OSU coming into town, this could turn into yet another shootout for WVU. Their offense has bailed out their defense over the past couple of games though because Will Grier has thrown for 350+ and 5 TDs in both games. The big issue lately for WVU has been establishing a ground game. Justin Crawford was the Big XII's lead running back just a few weeks ago, but has disappeared with just 77 yards over the past two games. Texas only mustered up 42 rushing yards on OSU's defense, so it could be another tough day for Crawford. West Virginia has been on both sides of close games this season, but with their defense right now, I think they could lose this one. It'll definitely be a shootout, and I wouldn't be surprised by a lot of crazy points, but I'll take the Pokes in a close one. Cowboys win it 53-47.
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#3 Georgia vs. Florida
The Bulldogs are coming off a BYE as Florida heads into this rivalry match-up having lost their last two games by a combined 3 points... at home. This is the perfect upset in the making, and with a rivalry, it makes that chance even greater! However, I don't think the Dawgs will be sleeping on the Gators this year, they're looking to end their 3 year drought against the Blue & Orange. Freshman QB Jake Fromm has been sensational for Georgia this season, leading them to a 7-0 record and managing the offense very well. The biggest story in the SEC this year has been Georgia's defense. The Bulldogs are in the top 10 in all 4 of the main defensive categories (Scoring, Rushing, Passing & Total). Florida's offense ranks 102nd in total offense and that's good a good enough ranking for the worst offense in the state of Florida! I don't think the Gators will do much chomping in this one. Georgia wins 33-16.
#4 TCU at #25 Iowa State
The Cyclones are back in the top 25 for the first time since 2005! Their first task as a top 25 team? Host the #4 ranked Horned Frogs from TCU. This looks to be a good match-up, with two dynamic offenses and a lead in the Big XII race on the line. ISU has been on a tear this season, especially since walk-on Kyle Kempt has taken over at QB. The former 3rd-stringer has quite the back story of bouncing around at schools, including a redshirt stint at Oregon State under Mike Riley in 2014! After having numerous scholarships taken away because of coaching changes, Kempt went along with Campbell on his move to Ames. He's started the last three games and has thrown for 657 yards with 7 TDs and just 1 interception. He'll have to be stellar yet again to knock off TCU, as the Horned Frogs have the 11th ranked Total Defense in the nation. They only give up an average of 14.9 points per game, so ISU could have a tough time moving the ball. I think TCU has the edge in this one, even on the road, but I wouldn't be surprised with this game being close. Iowa State has played teams tough all season, and this one should be another battle. Horned Frogs keep their lead in the Big XII Conference and win a tough one on the road 37-24.
#14 NC State at #9 Notre Dame
The Fightin' Irish are coming off their biggest win of the season, beating USC 49-14 last weekend. The Wolfpack are back in the top 15 for the first time since 2003 and looking to cause some chaos in the ACC and even playoff picture in the weeks ahead. They march into South Bend with a 6-1 record and one of the best defensive players in the nation with DE Bradley Chubb. Chubb has 6.5 sacks and 13 Tackles for Loss on the season thus far, and opposing defenses have really struggled to slow him down. Notre Dame has the 6th best rushing attack in the nation, and QB Brandon Wimbush has 508 yards on the ground with 10 rushing TDs. NC State will have a tough time handling this ground game, but the Wolfpack do have the 6th ranked rush defense in the nation, giving up just 91.3 yards per game on the ground. I expect this to be a tough, grinding game, but I think Notre Dame has the talent to finish this one out. They have a tough schedule ahead, but this won't be the trip up for the Irish. If NC State does pull this upset though, they could really be a team to watch. They could still win the ACC with out this one, but I've got the Irish with a 27-20 win.
#21 USC at Arizona State
The Trojans are likely shell-shocked after the 49-14 thumping they received from the Irish last week. Arizona State is coming off back to back big wins against Washington and Utah, with impressive defensive performances. The Sun Devils have allowed just 17 points over the past two games compared to a minimum of 30 in their first 5. QB Manny Wilkins has helped their offense total 630 yards in the past two weeks combined, so we could be in for a good show with this Pac-12 after dark match-up. Sam Darnold looks to right the ship as the Trojans still lead the way in the Pac-12 South Division. They would have a two game lead on the Sun Devils with a head to head win tonight. Tempe can be a tough place to play, but it takes a lot to hold down Darnold. I'm still not entirely sold on Arizona State yet, so I'm going to stick with the Trojans. USC wins it in the desert 34-21, Fight On!
#2 Penn State at #6 Ohio State
The biggest game of the weekend takes place in the Horseshoe in Columbus, Ohio. The Nittany Lions take on the Buckeyes in a game that will not only likely decide the BIG 10 East Division winner, but will also likely decide which BIG 10 team will get into the Playoff! This game is going to be a good one, and to make matters even better, my friend Nate and I made a wager on this game during our radio show. Nate is crazy and thinks Ohio State is going to win this game, while I know the true victor will be Penn State. So with our opposing views, we put the intro rights for next week's show on the line. Winner gets to introduce the other person and I cannot wait to win this bet! Let me explain why Penn State will win this game (and the bet). First of all, Ohio State has demolished every team in their path since losing to Oklahoma, but that list of teams includes Army, UNLV, Rutgers, Maryland and a very lackluster Husker squad. Their offensive numbers have been off the charts, but only because they're inflated by major wins over bad teams. Penn State is coming off of a huge home victory over Michigan and has arguably the most well rounded team in the nation. Their defense ranks in the top 10 in 3/4 of the major categories, the only one that isn't is their 17th ranked pass defense. None of their opponents have been able to move the ball on the Nittany Lions and they give up an average of just 9.6 points per game (#1 in the nation). The front seven of Penn State's defense is one of the most underrated in all of College Football in my opinion. Hardly anyone mentions their dominance (mostly due to Saquon Barkely), but they have been reeking havoc on opponents all season long. The Nittany Lion defense is 6th in the nation for Tackles for Loss with 59 of them so far this season and 8th in the nation for sacks with 24. They like to bring constant pressure, and with players like Senior Linebacker Jason Cabinda leading the way, JT Barrett and the Buckeyes will have a difficult time moving the ball. Barrett isn't always the most accurate passer, and that's going to cost them against Penn State. The second reason Penn State will win this game is their offensive dominance. Yes, we all know about Saquon Barkely, but the rest of their offensive attack is no slouch, especially when they average 40 points per game. Saquon is the key play-maker, but WRs DaeSean Hamilton and Juan Johnson along with the 6'6 Kangaroo named Mike Gesicki at Tightend, Ohio State will have to deal with the most talented offense they've faced all season long. Again, the numbers are skewed because of their weaker schedule, but Ohio State is currently 36th in the nation for pass defense. I'm not buying that number because Tanner Lee put up over 300 on the Buckeys and after the Oklahoma game, Ohio State had the nation's WORST pass defense. Just because you play Army and UNLV doesn't mean your pass defense is fixed. I think Trace McSorley will reek havoc on this young secondary and knock the Buckeyes from Playoff possibilities. They already blew out the #1 ranked defense of Michigan! Ohio State is definitely capable of winning this game, I never want to assume anything with Urban Meyer, but I think Penn State wins a good one this afternoon 33-21.
Nebraska at Purdue
The Huskers are coming off a BYE as they head into West Lafayette while the Boilermakers are trying to figure out what happened against Rutgers last week. This will be a great indicating game of what direction the Huskers are going in for the rest of the season and if a bowl game is still a possibility for this team. Purdue is going to continue using their two QB system with David Blough and Elijah Sindelar. Statistically, Blough looks to be the better of the two, but from when I've watched Purdue this season, Sindelar seems to help move the offense along more. Regardless of who takes the snaps, the key for Nebraska is to get pressure on them and shut down the run. Purdue has two RBs that split the load fairly equally with Tario Fuller and D.J. Knox. Both are averaging around 6 yards per carry, so the Blackshirts need to get a push up front. Switching back to the pressure aspect of the game... CAN SOMEONE PLEASE HIT THE QUARTERBACK?! Nebraska's pass rush has been atrocious lately, mustering just a total of 10 sacks over the entire season thus far. If the Huskers want to make a bowl, that stat needs to change, pronto.
On the offensive side of the ball, Nebraska needs to establish a rushing attack, stick with the rushing attack, and make sure Lee's throws are necessary and accurate. Devine needs to carry the ball at least 20 times and just let him plow through that Purdue defense like a runaway train (pun intended). If Nebraska can establish a ground game with Ozigbo, Tanner Lee will have much less congestion in the pocket, allowing for more accurate passes. Purdue's newly vamped up defense loves to fly to the ball and hit hard, so the Huskers will really need to be careful with passing the ball. Lee has improved quite a bit since the early part of the season, but without a ground game to lean on, he will not be nearly as effective. Overall, this is definitely a game Nebraska should win, but it's also one they could positively lose. Hopefully they were able to get their minds right as they come out of the BYE week. I've go the Huskers coming out with a solid 34-17 victory. GO BIG RED!
Here are some Quick Hits on games I didn't get a chance to analyze deeply:
Cal at Colorado- The Buffs have fallen back into the pit they once owned having lost 4 of their last 5 games. Cal is on the rise after a couple of tough losses and a major upset against #8 Wazzu, so I'm going to go with the Golden Bears! I like what Justin Wilcox has cooking up in Berkley. Cal beat Colorado on the road 35-24.
UCLA at #12 Washington- A battle between two of the best QBs in the nation is set to square off up in Seattle. The Huskies have a 17 point spread for this game, but Josh Rosen of UCLA can always keep them in the game. Sadly, he doesn't have much help around him, and he'll have a tough time doing anything against this Washington defense. UCLA is not good enough to compete in this game, Washington wins it 31-17.
#16 Michigan State at Northwestern- The Spartans are coming off a tough game against their rival Indiana and have a showdown in Happy Valley vs. the unstoppable Nittany Lions. This has trap game written all over it, and I'm sure Northwestern will cause some headaches. They have a tough defense, but not much to offer on offense, much like Michigan State. Northwestern hangs around, but I think Lewerke finishes this game strong. I always pray for the upset, but this is one that's unlikely in my book. Spartans stuff the Wildcats 23-10.
Battle for the Floyd of Rosedale:
Minnesota at Iowa- A bronze Pig is on the line as Minnesota and Iowa clash for another classic BIG 10 Rivalry. The Hawks are coming off a puzzling loss to Northwestern as the Gophers just edged by Illinois. This will probably be fairly low scoring and honestly just an ugly game. Neither team plays a lot of "good looking football", but they get the job done most of the time. Iowa has 2 straight on the Gophers, and I think they'll take 1 more. Iowa 22, Minnesota 16.
Georgia Tech at #7 Clemson- The Tigers and the Ramblin' Wreck look to get back on track as the Yellow Jackets invade Death Valley. Clemson saw what very well was their repeat title hopes dashed by Syracuse, so they could be ready to fight after the BYE. Georgia Tech will likely jump out to an early lead and then wash it away as they normally do. I'll take the Tigers at home, Clemson wins it 33-17.
Thanks for reading my game predictions and I hope you have a fantastic Saturday! Don't forget to tune into The 2nd String, every Tuesday evening from 7-8 pm on KRNU2 online! Here's this week's episode of the 2nd String as well for you all to enjoy! GO BIG RED!
#CollegeFootballKnowItAll
Alex Fernando
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