Week 8 Predictions

     Week 7 brought absolute chaos to much of the CFB landscape, and I expect much of the same in Week 8. We've got two ranked vs. ranked games in both Death Valleys, along with multiple top 25 teams on the road. I finally got back to .500 coming into last week with my predictions, but that was quickly demolished by the madness of Week 7. We'll see if I can fair better in the second half of the season. Thanks for reading all of my Gameday predictions!

Week 7 Prediction Results: 4-9
Overall Prediction Results: 37-42


Maryland at #19 Iowa

     The Hawkeyes are ranked for the first time this season and they look to keep pace in the BIG 10 West as the Terrapins of Maryland come to Iowa City. The Terps are coming off of their win against Rutgers, and will be looking to break through the 5th best defense in the nation. The Hawkeyes only give up 282 yards per game on average and 16.5 points. The key factor to watch in this game will be Maryland's rushing attack against Iowa's front seven. Running Back Ty Johnson leads the Terps attack that averages nearly 250 yards per game on the ground. The Hawkeyes defense only gives up 81.5 on the ground however, so I'm anxious to see how this pans out. The Terps have surprised a lot of people this season, owning a 4-2 (2-1 BIG 10) record without Head Coach DJ Durkin and all of the off-field issues. Nonetheless, they are a talented football team and will likely hang around with the Hawkeyes for a while in this one. With a big road trip to Penn State looming just one week away, this is a potential trap game for the Hawks. They don't typically fall victim to those often, and with Nate Stanley and his bottomless list of Tight Ends to throw to, I doubt they'll have many issues today. Terps will put up some points, but Iowa is looking very strong this year. Hawkeyes win this one at home 37-21.


#9 Oklahoma at TCU

     After a week to think about their loss to Texas, the Sooners find themselves back in the driver seat of the Big XII after Iowa State's upset win against West Virginia last week. Kyler Murray looks to continue his Heisman campaign against the Horned Frogs who have lost 3 of their last 4 games. TCU is always an upset potential team, but this game presents a very tall task. Oklahoma QB Kyler Murray has been absolutely stellar this season, accounting for 26 total TDs thus far, and challenging Tua Tagovailoa for the highest QB rating in the nation. This kid became my new Heisman favorite after watching him in the Red River Rivalry against Texas. Even in the loss, Murray accounted for 396 total yards and 5 TDs in that game. TCU has played better recently, but still have too much youth and inexperience to remain competitive in the conference. Shawn Robinson has 8 interceptions on the season thus far, and teams have been able to take wideout, KaVonte Turpin, out of the picture too often, suffocating the Frogs' offense. Even though OU's defense is not very strong, TCU has too much trouble getting the ball to their play-makers, and Oklahoma has too much firepower to keep up with. Sooners 48, Horned Frogs 30.


#6 Michigan at #24 Michigan State

     The Battle for Bragging rights in the state of Michigan takes place in East Lansing this year as the 6th ranked Wolverines take on the 24th ranked Spartans. The primary story-line here (as it has been for the last couple seasons) is that Jim Harbaugh can't beat the rivals. Harbaugh is just 1-5 against "Little Brother" Sparty and arch enemy Buckeyes, creating some rifts throughout the Michigan fan base. Sparty is coming off a big win in Happy Valley against Penn State, but as I've mentioned multiple times, you never know which Michigan State team will show up. Dantonio is never someone to count out in a game though. Sparty also brings the nation's top ranked rush defense into this game, giving up just 62.3 yards per game on average. The Wolverines run a very balanced attack on offense, averaging 207 through the air and 217 on the ground. For State, QB Brian Lewerke is a big play-maker, but has thrown 7 picks already this year and has been sacked 14 times. Michigan's pass rush is so aggressive, I'd be surprised if he's able to get the ball off most of the time. The Spartans have excellent receivers, so we'll see how many points they can put up. This should be a true BIG 10, grind-it-out grudge match. I would be surprised if this one turned out to be as lopsided as the Wisconsin game was last week, but you just never know with these teams. I like Michigan in this game, and I think they have potential to be the BIG 10 rep in the College Football Playoffs. Sparty puts up a good fight, but Harbaugh gets a much needed win against one of his rivals and Michigan breaks their 17-road game losing streak to ranked teams. Wolverines 28, Spartans 21.


Colorado at #15 Washington

     Well, after the Huskies' overtime loss to the Ducks last week, it's highly unlikely the Pac-12 gets a team into the playoffs this year. Oregon has an outside chance, but will need some help with teams ahead of them losing. As for the Huskies, they head home to take on the Buffaloes from Colorado, fresh off their first loss of the season at the hands of USC. The South division is still up for grabs, and Colorado will look to get back on track today against the Huskies. Washington's offense finally showed up a bit last week, racking up 437 total yards, but a missed Field Goal at the end of regulation sent the game to overtime, where the Ducks finished them off. The Huskies still have one of the most formidable defenses in the nation, but CU's offense isn't anything to overlook. They struggled against the Trojans last week, but the Buffs average nearly 35 points per game and over 450 total yards on average. Laviska Shenault Jr. is one of the best receivers in the nation, averaging 130 yards per game. Steven Montez might have some opportunities to pick apart Washington's defense, much like Justin Herbert did last week. Colorado is a dangerous team, but I doubt Chris Petersen would let his squad lose two conference games in a row this year. I say Washington fights off the Buffs in a bounce back game with a 24-21 victory.


#16 NC State at #3 Clemson

     The biggest ranked game of the week takes place in Death Valley as two unbeaten teams in the ACC square off for control of the Atlantic Division. The Tigers and the Wolfpack are lead by two tough defenses and dynamic QBs. Ryan Finely, the veteran, has thrown for more than 1,600 yards so far this season with a 10:3 TD to INT ratio. It seems as though he's been QB for NC State since 2010. The Wolfpack hasn't played a very difficult schedule so far this season, especially since their game against West Virginia was canceled due to Hurricane Florence. It's hard to know truly how good they are, but they've always played Clemson tough year in and year out. Speaking of the Tigers, they have the 3rd ranked total defense in the nation and will be looking to flex their muscles in a big match-up. They're giving up just 14.5 points per game and 261 yards per game on average, and have recorded 20 sacks on the season through 6 games. Ryan Finely will need to make sure his protection is sound if he wants to do any damage in this game, because Clemson will be bringing the heat. On the other side of the ball, stud Freshman QB, Trevor Lawrence, has taken the reigns for the Tigers. Lawrence has helped boost the efficiency of this offense, which is averaging 42.2 points per game in 2018. The best kept secret of the Clemson attack is their rushing game with Travis Etienne. He's racked up 761 yards and 11 TDs on just 83 carries this season, resulting in a stunning, 9.2 yard per carry average. With all the hype and focus on Trevor Lawrence and the formidable defense, Etienne has quietly become the 6th leading rusher in the nation and should probably start being considered as a Heisman dark horse in my opinion. NC State only gives up an average of 107 yards on the ground each game, but I think Etienne will take care of that in no time. He'll have a big game in this one and lead Clemson to victory, seriously, don't lose sight of the Clemson RB when it comes to Heisman voting later this season! Clemson takes care of business 36-17.


#22 Mississippi State at #5 LSU

     The Bayou Bengals continue their gauntlet of ranked teams as West Division foe Mississippi State comes to Death Valley. LSU absolutely dominated the Bulldogs of the East last week when they upset Georgia 36-16. They forced four turnovers against UGA and finished with a +7 margin in time of possession. Tiger QB Joe Burrow even had two rushing scores on the day. Mississippi State is coming off of their BYE week, so they'll be well rested for this showdown. Two weeks ago they knocked off Auburn 23-9, so you know this is going to be a tough, rugged, defensive game. Both offensive attacks are fairly balanced, but State does lean a little more on the run, especially with dual-threat QB Nick Fitzgerald. He leads the Bulldogs squad with 513 yards and 7 TDs on the ground. The Tigers have their own ground attack with RB Nick Brossette. Brossette averages just under 5 yards per carry and has 9 TDs on the season. It should be fun to watch these ground attacks run against the respective brick wall-like defenses each team possesses. LSU is always difficult to trust, but I like the Tigers at home in this one. That will set up a nice SEC West Division Title showdown with Bama in a couple weeks. Tigers beat their second squad of Bulldogs 24-13.


#2 Ohio State at Purdue

     The Boilermakers start their gauntlet of a second half schedule with the first of 4 ranked teams over the next 5 games, and who better than the #2 Buckeyes. Purdue has been solid this season, but some early slip-ups on the year has them with a 3-3 record. They're still alive in BIG 10 play with a 2-1 record however, and have the offense to give any defense headaches. Having watched and called a game for this team in person, it was easy to see how talented they truly are. Senior QB David Blough has been incredible this season, completing 68.4% of his passes and throwing for nearly 1,700 yards. He's only thrown 2 picks this year as well. Running Back DJ Knox and freshman standout Rondale Moore are the two best weapons of their high-powered offense, and Head Coach Matt Brohm will look to get them the ball in space. One secret weapon Purdue possesses is their Tight End, Brycen Hopkins. He torched the Huskers for over 100 yards receiving and is a reliable target that Purdue likes to sneak out on wheel routes. Ohio State's defense could be pressured a little bit in this game, especially after Minnesota hung around with them last week. As they head into their BYE week, I wouldn't be surprised to see the Buckeyes with a lackluster performance yet again. Their schedule doesn't demand much attention right now and they're more than talented enough to win this game without playing their best. With that being said, I'm sure Dwayne Haskins will continue his video game-like season. He's already thrown for more than 2,300 yards and 28 TDs on the year, so expect more of that against a Purdue secondary that gives up nearly 270 yards per game through the air on average. Purdue will put up some points, but Ohio State will definitely put up more. No trap game for the Buckeyes today, they win on the road 44-33.


#12 Oregon at #25 Washington State

     The Ducks are coming off a major win against rival Washington, but now travel to Pullman, where College Gameday has set up shop, to take on the Cougars. Washington State is a very quiet 5-1 this season and Mike Leach is never a coach to count out of a game. The air-raid attack of the Cougars racks up over 400 yards per game on average, and their offense ranks 1st in the conference. Senior QB, Gardner Minshew, has 2,422 yards through the air this year and is completing nearly 69% of his passes. He owns a 19:4 TD to INT ratio and has only missed 400+ passing yards in just two games this season. Oregon's defense gives up an average of 239 yards per game, so that will definitely be tested tonight. Statistically, these teams are remarkably similar. Oregon averages 43 points per game while the Cougars average 41.8. The Ducks give up 24.8 points per game compared to 23.8 for Wazzu. Two great QBs with endless amounts of weapons to throw to and two offensive-minded coaches who love to rack up yards and points. The big question will be on defense in this game. Wazzu ranks second in the Pac-12 in total defense and have recorded 18 sacks on the season. The Ducks will have a tough time putting up their usual numbers in this game, and coming off of a big win a week ago, there could be a bit of a drop off up in Pullman. This is a tough pick and it'd be pretty crazy to see the upset. I was always burned when I put my faith in Wazzu, and I sill believe the Pac-12 will be left out of the playoffs no matter what. This one should be close, but I'll take the Ducks. I'm excited to see what happens in this game, but Oregon wins it 47-43.


USC at Utah

     Sticking with the Pac-12, we move to the South Division as the Utes take on the Trojans. As I've mentioned multiple times this season, the South is completely up for grabs in the Pac-12, and two of the front runners will be squaring off in Salt Lake City tonight. USC is coming off a big win against Colorado, but now have to face the top ranked defense in the conference in Utah. The Utes give up just 16 points and 300 yards per game on average. They rank 9th in total defense in the nation and USC's young offense could have some troubles tonight. JT Daniels has been improving, but is still a true freshman. USC's offense only averages 25.7 points per game, and Utah has scored 40+ in back to back games. Utah's QB Tyler Huntley is a big play-maker for the Utes, and his dual-threat ability opens up a lot of different looks on offense. I really like the Utes in this game and I think they're going to win and fight their way back into the South Division crown conversation. Utah wins a big one out West 34-20.


Minnesota at Nebraska (Battle for the $5 Bits of Broken Chair Trophy)

     The greatest trophy in the history of the world is on the line as Minnesota and Nebraska face off in Lincoln this afternoon. Based on a twitter war between a the Fake Bo Pelini account and Minnesota's Goldie Gopher, the $5 Bits of Broken Chair Trophy was created for the rivalry between Nebraska and Minnesota. The Gophers hung around with Ohio State on the road last week, and now head to Nebraska to take on the 0-6 Cornhuskers. It's obvious the Huskers are well past due for a win, and last week is a perfect example why. The Huskers gave up a 10 point lead with 3 minutes left to eventually lose in overtime. The offense is really starting to move the ball well, and Adrian Martinez is one of only two QBs in the nation to average 225 passing yards and 50 rushing yards per game. The other QB is Kyler Murray of Oklahoma. The Huskers' offense has been extremely balanced over recent weeks, and they average 440.5 total yards per game. Minnesota has a tough run defense, giving up just 121.5 per game on the ground, but Devine Ozigbo will look to put up another stellar performance. Defense is the big question for the Huskers in this game, as they rank second to last in the conference. They made some good stops against Wisconsin and Northwestern over the last two weeks, but could not step up when it counted. Minnesota is lead by their own freshman QB, Zack Annexstad, who has struggled this year, completing just 52.7% of his passes and owning a 8:7 TD to INT ratio. I think Nebraska will step up their pressure on defense and really cause havoc for the Gopher offense. This is the day Husker fans. Nebraska gets the first win of the Scott Frost era with a 38-33 victory over the Gophers. GO BIG RED!


Now for some Quick Hit Predictions on other interesting games around the nation:

#20 Cincinnati at Temple- The undefeated Bearcats travel to Temple to take on the Owls. Don't knock the 3-3 Owls too quickly, since Sophmomore QB, Anthony Russo, has taken over, the Owls offense has come alive. This is a tough road game for Cincy, and I like the upset here. Russo has a big game and Temple upsets Cincy 31-27.

#1 Alabama at Tennessee- The Tide role in to Knoxville to take on the rival Volunteers. Jeremy Pruitt left Bama to take the job at Tennessee and has done fairly well this season. The Vols knocked off Auburn last week and can put up some points. Bama will have no issues today, but the 30 point spread is a bit too much for someone who coached at Bama just last season. The Tide Roll 49-30.

#18 Penn State at Indiana- The Nittany Lions season has imploded yet again in the past few weeks with back to back losses to Ohio State and Michigan State for the second year in a row. Indiana is a tough team at home and can hang around with teams. I think Penn State will be extra motivated today and Miles Sanders will have a big game. Nittany Lions 34, Hoosiers 14.

Vanderbilt at #14 Kentucky- The Wildcats have had two weeks to sit with their overtime loss, so I feel bad for Vandy. They gave up a big lead against Florida last week at home in a heated game, and now have to deal with Benny Snell on the ground and Josh Allen with the Wildcat defense. Kentucky is still very much alive in the SEC, and they'll prove it today. Wildcats win it 34-20.

North Texas at UAB- This might not be the most attractive game to most, but coming out of C-USA we have an interesting match-up in the state of Alabama. The Blazers are 5-1 this season with a defense that gives up just 14.2 points per game. North Texas averages just under 40 points per game, so welcome to the classic Buzzsaw vs. Rock game. Mason Fine of the Mean Green owns a 16:1 TD to INT ratio and half of those TDs have been thrown to Rico Bussey Jr. UAB could have a difficult time slowing him down and I think North Texas pulls off the upset on the road. This one is going to be tight, but I've got the Mean Green winning 34-30.

Thanks for reading my Gameday Predictions post and I hope you all have a wonderful College Football Saturday. Be sure to tune into my radio show on Monday night at 7 pm Central on KRNU2 online and get ready for a big celebration in Lincoln and GO BIG RED!

#CFBKnowItAll
Alex Fernando