Week 5 Prediction Results: 6-6
Overall Prediction Results: 25-29
#19 Texas vs. #7 Oklahoma (The Red River
I have to start off Week 6 with the biggest game of the week, the Red River Rivalry between Texas and Oklahoma at the Cotton Bowl. The Longhorns are on their way "back" with a formidable defense and an offense that's starting to really click together. Oklahoma is lead by Heisman hopeful Kyler Murray who is 5th in the nation averaging 349 yards of total offense by himself in each game. Texas has yet to play against someone with Murray's level of talent, so we'll see how much they can slow down the dual-threat QB. The Longhorns defense has been tough since losing their opening game at Maryland though, giving up just 19.8 points per game and 333.2 yards on average. This game is always a tough win to squeeze out, and I expect this year to be much of the same. The Texas offense is led by Sophomore stud, Sam Ehlinger. He's really playing well this year, cutting back on the freshman mistakes from a year ago and leading this offense with a purpose. Oklahoma's secondary could have some trouble with the Horns' passing attack. Wideouts Lil'Jordan Humphrey and Collin Johnson lead the team with 3 TDs each and both average about 15 yards per catch. Ehlinger had a big game against OU last year, and I think he does it again with a victory this year. Texas upsets Oklahoma 27-25.
Boston College at #23 NC State
The Golden Eagles come into Carter-Finley Stadium with a 4-1 record and look to upset the undefeated Wolfpack of NC State. Star RB and the nation's third leading rusher, AJ Dillon, is a game time decision for the Eagles, which would be a devastating loss. Dillon has 652 rushing yards and 6 TDs so far this season, and is the primary focal point of BC's offense. The Wolfpack offense is lead by Senior QB Ryan Finely. He's a big NFL prospect and is one of the most efficient QBs in the nation. He's completing 68.6% of his passes this season with 8 TDs and just 1 pick. David Blough torched BC's secondary for 296 yards and 3 TDs a few weeks ago, so I expect Finley to have a big day. The key to watch will be if BC can get any momentum going against the tough NC State defense. If AJ Dillon plays, they have a chance, but I still think Ryan Finley and the rest of the pack will be too much. NC State 37, Boston College 17.
# 5 LSU at #22 Florida
They Bayou Bengals travel to the Swamp to take on the rising Gators in this SEC cross division match-up. Both teams have surprised me this season, and LSU is looking to be a real contender against Bama in the SEC West. Florida, despite their loss to a very good Kentucky team, knocked off Mississippi State on the road last week with Dan Mullen's homecoming and are sitting at a strong 4-1 record. When looking at the numbers, both teams are remarkably similar. LSU averages 33.8 points per game and just under 400 yards of offense. On defense, the Tigers give up just 15 points per game and 333.8 yards on average. Florida averages 35.4 points per game and 378.2 yards per game on offense while giving up just 14 points per game and 311 yards on defense. Neither QB is a game-breaker by any means, but they are both consistent and run their respective offenses well. They take care of the ball well as both teams are in the top 10 in turnover margin, so any mistakes could be quite costly. I said I would start trusting LSU more and I'll stick to it this week. Big win on the road for the Tigers, 23-17.
#13 Kentucky at Texas A&M
Staying with the SEC, my next game prediction takes us to College Station, TX where the red-hot Wildcats will take on the Aggies. Kentucky has been one of the most exciting teams in the nation to watch this season, lead by the 4th leading rusher in the nation, Mr. Benny Snell Jr. Snell already has 639 yards and 8 TDs on the season, and he's the heartbeat of this Kentucky squad. He's a fiery competitor with a downhill attack to his running style that is hard to find in a back. He'll have his biggest challenge of the season thus far waiting in Aggie-land, against a defense that gives up just 80.6 yards rushing per game. For the Aggies, they will face a tough defense in Kentucky. The Wildcats are giving up just 12.6 points per game and less than 290 yards. A&M QB Kellen Mond has thrown 4 picks in the past two games, so his struggles could prove to be costly in this game. I'm going to keep rolling with the Wildcats, and they leave Aggie-land with a 31-17 victory.
#6 Notre Dame at #24 Virginia Tech
The big game out East will take place under the lights in Lane Stadium. The Hokies of Virginia Tech host the Fightin' Irish of Notre Dame in what will likely be the last "true test" for the Irish this season. Now everyone is counting out the Hokies since they lost to Old Dominion a couple of weeks ago, but Lane Stadium is never an easy place to play. They also have some spark back after back-up QB Ryan Willis threw for 332 yards and 3 TDs last week against Duke. He'll face a very tough Notre Dame defense today, one that held a dynamic Stanford offense to just 229 total yards last week. Ian Book has taken over at QB and the Irish offense has really opened up because of it the last couple weeks. Book has over 600 yards in the past two games to go along with 6 TDs and 0 picks. I think Book really makes Notre Dame a possible playoff contender after watching him play, so we'll see how he handles a Bud Foster Defense. Virginia Tech flies to the ball and always brings it on defense. They're only giving up 84 yards per game on the ground, so Tony Jones Jr. may have a tough time running the ball tonight. With that being said, my Uncle said there's still room on the Notre Dame Band Wagon for me, so I'm jumping on. I like the Irish and Ian Book in this game. Notre Dame 34, Virginia Tech 21.
Utah at #14 Stanford
The Cardinal are coming off their first loss of the season at the hands of the Irish last week. They still have all their hopes ahead of them as Pac-12 North foe Utah comes to the farm tonight. If Stanford wants to keep pace with Washington in the North Division, this is a must-win game. Utah is a sneaky team with the 5th best defense in the nation. Stanford's offense, especially the run game, has struggled at times this season, so they'll need to find a solution quickly. Bryce Love has been bottled up so far this season, rushing for just 327 yards through 5 games. The Utes give up less than 84 rush yards per game on defense, so Love could be in for another tough day. I think Stanford will bounce back in this game, and their defense should lock down Tyler Huntley and the Utah offense. This will be a fun game to watch tonight, and I've got Stanford with a big confidence building win. Cardinal 30, Utes 21.
Nebraska at #16 Wisconsin
I'm scared. I'm already having flashbacks of 2011 in Nebraska's first ever BIG 10 game and of 2014 when Melvin Gordon rushed for 408 yards on the Huskers. Nebraska has really regressed since their opening game performance against Colorado this year, and walking into Camp Randall Stadium probably won't help that cause. Two more players (WR Tyjon Lindsay and RB Greg Bell) have left the team this week, and Coach Frost has dubbed this squad "one of the most undisciplined team's in the nation who loves losing". Strong words from the Head Coach, but with the recent performances of this team, I don't disagree. There's not a lot of pride or fight in some of the guys on this team, and when you average 10 penalties per game, you're definitely undisciplined. As for the Badgers, with a trip to the Big House looming next week, this is a bit of a trap game. Wisconsin doesn't typically fall victim to those very often, and with BYU upsetting them at home earlier in the season, I doubt they will be overlooking anyone today. As usual, they plan to line up, run the ball and smash you in the mouth. Johnathan Taylor should have a big day as the Blackshirts have given up 473 rushing yards, just in the past two games. On offense, Nebraska will look to establish their own rushing attack with Devine Ozigbo, who is coming off of his career best game with 170 rushing yards and 2 TDs against Purdue. Adrian Martinez will look to get the ball out to his wideouts in space quickly, but Wisconsin's tough group of linebackers won't be easy to fool. The Badgers' secondary isn't the best in the nation as they gave up 256 yards through the air to Nate Stanley and Iowa their last time out, but I doubt the Nebraska O-line will give Martinez much of a chance in the pocket. I always want the Huskers to win, but I need to start being smart with my predictions. I hope they prove me wrong, but Wisconsin rolls 47-14 over the Huskers.
Now for some Quick Hit Predictions on other interesting games:
Maryland at #15 Michigan- The Terps have never really done much damage against the Wolverines, but with an offense that averages almost 34 points per game, they could keep pace for a while. I say only for a while though, because Michigan's defense is for real, and they'll bring a lot of pressure on Kasim Hill. Wolverines win convincingly at home 38-17.
Northwestern at #20 Michigan State- Sparty has been somewhat under the radar since their loss to Herm Edwards and the Sun Devils, but they're still playing football at Michigan State. They host an ailing Northwestern team who nearly knocked off the Wolverines last week. The Wildcats are always dangerous, but I think Sparty plays a complete game and gets a solid conference win today. Michigan State 31, Northwestern 17.
Florida State at #17 Miami- One of the greatest rivalries in all of College Football has lost a bit of it's luster to fans around the nation, but for these two teams, this game still means everything. The Seminoles have not had a great start to the Willie Taggart era and Miami is working to right the ship after their opening week stumble to LSU. Miami's QB issues have caused for some change ups, but they're still putting up over 44 points per game on average. Deondre Francois needs more help, but it's not coming yet. Canes win this rivalry game 37-20.
Iowa at Minnesota- The winner of this game gets a Bronze Pig. That's right, the Floyd of Rosedale is on the line as the Hawkeyes travel to the Twin Cities to take on the rival Gophers. Iowa has sat on their Wisconsin loss for two weeks now, so you know they'll be ready to play. I think Nate Stanley has a big game for the Hawks and Noah Fant demolishes the Gopher defense. Iowa wins big 30-13.
Arizona State at #21 Colorado- The Buffs are undefeated and in prime position to take control of the Pac-12 South with a win at home against the Sun Devils today. Steven Montez has been phenomenal at QB this year, completing nearly 76% of his passes! I expect him to have another big day and really step up in this game. Both teams are fairly similar with experienced QBs and dynamic receivers with N'Keal Harry (ASU) and Laviska Shenault Jr. (CU). Arizona State is a team that could definitely win this game, and I honestly think the Pac-12 South will be won by one of these teams. Sparky keeps it close, but the Buffs win it at home. Colorado 37, Arizona State 33. You're definitely going to want to watch this one.
Thank you for reading this week's gameday predictions! Happy football watching and GO BIG RED!
#CFBKnowItAll
Alex Fernando
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