Welcome to Week 4 College Football fans, and get ready for a big weekend! There are a lot of great matchups to watch, and they're even starting tonight, so you get my predictions early yet again. Last week's predictions were much better, so we're headed in the right direction again. There are a lot of games to pick on this weekend, but here are some of the most interesting ones. If you have another game you'd like my thoughts on be sure to leave a comment below. Thanks for reading and enjoy!
Week 3 Prediction Results: 7-4
Overall Prediction Results: 22-16
#10 Utah at USC
The Utes have cracked the top 10, and are headed down to Southern California to put their ranking to the line. The Trojans haven't lost to the Utes in LA since 1916, but this could be a different story. While the Trojans have been scoring well, their defense has struggled to slow opponents down. They're giving up over 400 yards per game, and with Tyler Huntley and Zack Moss beginning to hit their mid-season stride, the Utes look ready to roll. USC will look to keep the pressure on Huntley as they've recorded 9 sacks already this season. The real question in this game is how USC Freshman QB Kedon Slovis will handle the Utah defense. The Utes are giving up just under 240 yards per game on average and just 9.7 points per game, good enough for 6th in the nation. It should be fun under the lights tonight, but I've got Utah winning the South, and this is a big step in the right direction. Utes win in LA for the first time in over a century 36-17.
#23 Cal at Ole Miss
This is a game that should end up fairly tight in my opinion, and a key defensive stop/play will likely be the deciding factor. The Golden Bears from Berkley are traveling down South to take on the Rebels of Mississippi. A unique PAC-12 and SEC matchup will feature two teams struggling on offense, but stifling opponents on defense. The Bears are giving up just 16.3 points per game and 313 total yards on average. Ole Miss has been tough against the run early in the season, giving up 106 yards per game on the ground. This might not be the most exciting game to watch, but I guarantee there will be some bizarre plays on SportsCenter following this one. I've struggled picking against the Rebels, but I like the style in which Cal plays their game. Golden Bears win 19-13.
#22 Washington at BYU
As usual, the Cougars have been messing up my predictions. They've clawed back to win two come-from-behind games in overtime against Power 5 opponents, and now host the Huskies of Washington. UW knocked them good last year, so this is a bit of a revenge game mixed in. The Cougars love playing teams tight, but I bet the Huskies roll with this one. Jacob Eason has been very impressive so far this season, throwing for nearly 800 yards and 7 TDs with just 1 pick. This will be a statement game for Chris Petersen's squad, fighting to get back into the national spotlight.
Huskies 40, Cougars 20.
#16 Oregon at Stanford
Even with the Cardinal struggling this season, this rivalry in the PAC-12 North always brings a show. The Ducks are looking to jump back into the playoff race, but the only way to do that will be to blow out every opponent. While difficult, with Justin Herbert running the show, it can be done. Oregon is averaging 44 points per game and Herbert already has 11 TDs on the season. One of the most surprising things about the Ducks this year is the defense. They're giving up just 12 points per game and less than 100 yards per game on the ground. I think they're ready to make some statements, and the Farm is a great place to start. Oregon wins 49-21.
#11 Michigan at #13 Wisconsin
Our first major BIG 10 battle takes place up in Madison, WI this weekend as the Wolverines duel with the Badgers. These ferocious rodents have a lot of hype behind each of them, but (other than Army) this will be their first true test of the season. The Badgers have yet to give up a point this fall, and average over 500 yards per game on offense, led by star RB Jonathan Taylor. The Wolverine's defense is tough, but their offense is still struggling to find rhythm. I would expect a lot of ground and pound from both teams in this game. I said Michigan would finish with at least 3 losses at the beginning of the season, and this would be one of them. Camp Randall and the Badgers will be jumping quite a bit at the end of this game. Wisconsin 37, Michigan 23.
#7 Notre Dame at #3 Georgia
Our top 10 matchup of the weekend features the Irish and the Dawgs down in Athens. This will also be the first real test for both teams in the 2019 season, so the inflated statistics don't provide too much guidance for this game. Both defenses are tough, but this game will be decided by the quarterback play. Ian Book and Jake Fromm are two of the best in the nation for a reason, so expect a show on Saturday night. Both have been extremely efficient, especially Fromm who is completing 75% of his passes. This game should be tight for a while, but I think Georgia might pull away late. Bulldogs 33, Irish 21.
Nebraska at Illinois
I'm not going to sugarcoat this one, this is a game Nebraska needs to win. The Huskers have not won on the road since Mike Riley was head coach, and that streak needs to end. The Illini are coming off of a bad loss against Eastern Michigan last week, and will be looking to right the ship against the Huskers. Illinois' defense has been better this year, especially against the run. This game might be tight for a while, and Nebraska will need to fend off a late attack to get this win. Hopefully the Huskers can build off of last week's success and come out strong again on offense. Adrian will have to really get into rhythm with his receivers though, because the Illini will bring a lot of pressure to keep him from scrambling. Nebraska has lost at Illinois before, so Husker fans need to remember it's possible. However, this is a game they should win and will hopefully be a boost heading into the Ohio State game next weekend. Nebraska FINALLY gets a road win and snaps their 8 game losing streak away from Memorial Stadium. Huskers 34, Illini 23.
Now for some quick hit predictions on other interesting games:
Air Force at #20 Boise State- Always a good rivalry out west when the Falcons and the Broncos meet. Air Force just knocked off the Buffalo in Boulder, but the Blue Turf is never a fun place for opposing teams. Ball control is key, but I think Boise edges this one out. Should be close though! Broncos 27, Air Force 21.
Michigan State at Northwestern- A very unique game in the BIG 10 features two teams who are always dangerous in conference play. The Spartans are coming off a devastating loss at home to Arizona State, and the Wildcats are hoping Hunter Johnson will hit his breakout soon. I think Sparty has the edge here, Northwestern keeps it tight with their defense, but the offense isn't quite ready. MSU wins on the road in Evanston 27-14.
South Carolina at Missouri- Outside of Georgia and Florida, the SEC East is fairly irrelevant, but this could be a fun game to watch. Kelly Bryant is starting to hit his stride with the Tigers, and has thrown for nearly 800 yards with 6 TDs and just 2 picks so far this year. Carolina on the other side runs a very balanced attack, averaging around 250 yards both on the ground and through the air per game. Both teams are from Columbia, but only one can win. Mizzou takes it at home 38-28.
West Virginia at Kansas- Much like the SEC East, the rest of the Big XII doesn't really mean much outside of Oklahoma and Texas. However, with the Mad Hatter running the show in Lawrence, the Jayhawks could cause some headaches. Their performance against BC last weekend was a big surprise, and I don't think WVU is ready for it. Rock Chalk as the Jayhawks win 36-21.
Oklahoma State at #12 Texas- Speaking of Texas, they host the undefeated Cowboys this weekend. Spencer Sanders has been slinging it for Mike Gundy and his mullet so far this season, throwing for 622 yards with 7 TDs and 1 interception. However, there's no way Sam Ehlinger loses two in a row at home. Hook 'Em as they say down in Texas, and the Longhorns ROLL 46-28.
Colorado at #24 Arizona State- The Buffs are coming off of back to back overtime games, splitting the two. Arizona State narrowly avoided OT in East Lansing last week, but now have to deal with Steven Montez and his deadly corps of receivers. The Sun Devils' defense has been extremely impressive this season, but they're vulnerable through the air. Montez and Colorado turn it around and the Buffalo walk out with a 30-21 victory.
Thank you for reading my Week 4 Predictions and please be sure to share my post with all of your football loving friends and family! Enjoy the games and GO BIG RED!
#CFBKnowItAll
Alex Fernando
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