We're halfway through the 2019 College Football season and things are starting to heat up. This weekend has some major matchups that could easily derail a team's playoff hopes, or boost them all the same. I won't bore you with any nonsense this week, it's strictly football and strictly business. Here are my games to watch in Week 7 along with all of my predictions, enjoy!
Week 6 Prediction Results: 7-2
Overall Prediction Results: 48-24
#23 Memphis at Temple
This is a big game in the American Athletic Conference. Both schools are looking to notch a key conference win as they prepare to take on the heart of their schedules. Temple wants to keep pace with Cincy, who came away with a big win against UCF last week, while Memphis tails SMU and the Mustangs unbeaten record. Statistically, these teams match up quite well, both averaging around 450 yards per game on offense and holding teams to fewer than 20 points per game. Memphis has the more dynamic offense, but the Owls stout defense will be ready for the test. They key players to watch in this one will be the running backs, Kenneth Gainwell (Memphis) and Re'Mahn Davis (Temple). Gainwell leads the Tigers rushing attack with 620 yards and 6 TDs. He's had 6 rushes this season go for more than 30 yards and averages over 8 yards per carry. For the Owls, Davis has been a tremendous boost to the offense in his freshman campaign, rushing for 503 yards and 4 TDs so far this season. This is a tricky game for sure, but you always have to be careful with a home underdog. I like Temple in this game and I think the Owls will put Memphis' 93rd ranked run defense on display. Temple wins a big conference game 26-23.
USC at #9 Notre Dame
We haven't seen the Trojans since they lost to Washington a couple weeks ago, but even with a BYE week I think they're going to struggle against the Irish. Notre Dame has been very consistent this year, and even with the loss to Georgia, they're looking to make a playoff run. Ian Book has thrown for more than 1,250 yards with 13 TDs and just 2 picks. The Trojans have been gashed in the passing game time and time again this season, so that alone spells trouble. On the other side of the ball for the Irish, they're giving up just 14.8 points per game on average, and they're always looking for turnovers. USC is -7 in the turnover battle so far this season, and this one could get ugly. Notre Dame pounds their rival for a satisfying 38-13 victory.
#1 Alabama at #24 Texas A&M
Yes, the Tide have been rolling this season, but we finally get to see how they fare against some competition with a pulse. The Aggies did not play well against the previous #1 ranked team, Clemson, but have another shot at the team on top with the Tide rolling into Kyle Field on Saturday. Tua Tagovailoa has been tremendous this season, throwing for over 1,700 yards with 23 TDs. Surprisingly enough, the run game has been the "struggle point" of Alabama's offense. This is where I believe the Aggies have a big opportunity as their rush defense gives up just over 100 yards per game on average. Their secondary will have to cover well, but if they can keep Tua throwing and under pressure, mistakes could be made. On the flip side, Aggie QB Kellen Mond will have to play his best game yet. Bama has been vulnerable at times on defense, giving up nearly 500 yards and 31 points to Ole Miss a couple of weeks ago. I'm sure A&M will cause headaches, but I'm also sure Bama will roll out in the end with a W. The Aggies hang for a bit, but Bama wins this game 36-21.
#10 Penn State at #17 Iowa
The Hawkeyes ran into a wall last week when facing the Wolverine defense, and now come home to face the that of the Nittany Lions', who rank 4th in the nation. Luckily for Iowa, they're right behind Penn State in total defense, ranking 5th in the nation. Neither team has been tested much on this side of the ball however, so we'll see what these offenses can cook up for their show down under the lights in Kinnick. This is one of those games where Penn State has better talent, but Iowa is Iowa, and they'll some how go wild and put up 40+ in this game. The Hawkeyes always have a big victory at home, and this would be the game. I want to see Penn State challenge Ohio State in the East, but I just don't know exactly what to expect from them in this game. Kinnick is a difficult place to win, and they'll prove that on Saturday night. I don't think I'll ever understand why, but Iowa wins this game 37-20. Screw defense, there's going to be a lot of random offense in this one, because why not.
Michigan State at #8 Wisconsin
The Badgers have not gotten much respect in the polls yet, even though they've only given up 29 points all season long. Sparty is coming off a tough loss in the Horseshoe to the red hot Buckeyes, but now have to travel to Camp Randle to deal with Johnathan Taylor and his Heisman campaign. Taylor has been unstoppable, averaging over 7 yards per carry and boasting 16 total TDs so far this season. If JK Dobbins can rack up 172 on the ground against MSU, I'm terrified to see what Jonathan Taylor's stat sheet will look like. For the Spartan offense, it all runs through Senior QB Brian Lewerke. He's thrown for over 1,500 yards thus far in 2019, with 11 TDs and just 2 picks. He will need to really control this game and make good use of his possessions, because Wisconsin loves to limit those. The Badgers rank 1st in the nation for time of possession, holding the rock for over 37 minutes per game on average. This will be a grinder, but I think the Badgers are a top team this year, and they're ready to prove it. Jonathan Taylor leads the way and the Bucky beats Sparty 30-10. On Wisconsin!
Washington at Arizona
A very interesting game out West may make you want to stay up late to watch the PAC-12 after dark. Washington travels down to the desert just a week after losing to Stanford on the Farm. The Huskies were a favored team to win the conference this year, but have not played well to start the season, looking very unprepared on offense. Arizona's defense shouldn't provide too much of a disturbance, but their offense is a different story. Led by Heisman hopeful Khalil Tate at QB, the Wildcats' offense averages nearly 550 yards per game and 37 points. The Washington defense will look to slow him down, but that's easier said than done. Arizona is a home underdog, and it's PAC-12 after dark... something crazy is bound to happen. BEAR DOWN! Wildcats pull the upset and remain perfect in conference play with a 31-27 victory.
#6 Oklahoma vs. #11 Texas (The Red River Rivalry)
I refuse to call this game "the Red River Showdown" until I am paid to do so, so it's still rivalry for now! The Sooners and the Longhorns square off at the Texas State Fair in a battle for a step up in the Big XII Conference. Statistically, Oklahoma has the edge, but we all know that this game can get wild. I would expect some fireworks in this game, as these teams have battled tough the last couple times they've met. The key players to watch are the QBs of course, Jalen Hurts (Oklahoma) and Sam Ehlinger (Texas). Both have right around 1,500 passing yards and can use their legs well too. Hurts leads OU in rushing with 499 and 7 TDs, but don't forget about Sam. The Longhorn native has a 4.6 average yard per carry and 3 TDs on the ground to his name. Both defenses are going to struggle, but I've been hyping up the Sooners defense under new coordinator, Alex Grinch, all year. I'm going with the Sooners in a big statement win. However, they'll need to be careful, because they could see Texas again in the Big XII Championship, and you NEVER want to play a team twice. Oklahoma wins the golden hat 48-37.
#7 Florida at #5 LSU
We've got quite the battle on the bayou this week as the upset minded Gators head into Death Valley to take on the Tigers of LSU. Traditionally, this would be a defensive slugfest (and still very well could be), but the big story to watch is the Tiger offense. LSU's offense has been one of the biggest surprises in 2019, and they're led by Hesiman hopeful, Joe Burrow, at QB. Burrow has over 1,850 passing yards with 22 TDs and just 3 picks on the season thus far. He's shattered a number of LSU school records in that area and doesn't look to slow down any time soon. The Gator defense made Auburn Freshman Bo Nix look his age with 3 interceptions and a couple of sacks. I doubt they'll have as much success against Burrow, who's completing 78.4% of his passes and has thrown at least 4 TDs in four out of five games for the Tigers. Florida should have some success on offense as LSU's defense has not looked the best at times this year, but Kyle Trask has never dealt with Death Valley at night before. LSU has looked like one of the best teams in the nation thus far, and I think they'll prove that against the Gators. We'll see if Florida proves me wrong again, but these Tigers from the SEC East should fare better. LSU 34, Florida 20.
Nebraska at Minnesota ($5 Bits of Broken Chair Trophy)
IT'S CHAIR WEEK!!! Nebraska and Minnesota will battle it out Saturday night in South Canada for the greatest trophy in sports history. The $5 Bits of Broken Chair is on the line as the Huskers and Gophers fight in the cold. This was originally the game I opted for with the Huskers winning, and then losing on the road at Purdue. I honestly might flip that preseason prediction now, because this will be a difficult game for the Huskers to win. Nebraska's production on offense has been atrocious this season, as they rank 127th in the nation with 14 turnovers lost so far this season. Bad snaps, no rhythm in the play calls and poor execution have plagued this offense all season. They will need to play well in this one as the Gophers have scored 35+ in four out of five games this season. Minnesota is undefeated, but haven't faced much competition thus far. They've been winning tight games, and their offense has been difficult to stop. Wideouts Rashod Bateman and Tyler Johnson provide big targets for Sophomore QB Tanner Morgan, and the two receivers have combined for 9 TDs so far this season. The Husker secondary will have to be ready for a lot of deep balls, as Bateman averages 23.3 yards per catch. On the ground, Nebraska will have to deal with Rodney Smith and is 5.4 yards per carry. The Blackshirts have done well to keep Nebraska ahead in most games this year, but if the offense struggles, I'm not sure how long they'll be able to hold on. Injury updates on Adrian Martinez and JD Spielman have been scarce, so I imagine it will be a game time decision on who plays. I'm confident Vedral can run the offense for the Huskers, but he'll need the ground attack to step up. The weather is going to be nasty, and TCF Bank Stadium hasn't always been kind to the Huskers, who've lost 2 out of the last 3 in the Twin Cities. The talent on the Gophers offense worries me and Nebraska's struggles on offense are only the beginning of their issues. They would need a clean game to get this victory, but I think the Gophers might take the chair. I'm hoping for the best, but I'm predicting the Golden Gophers to beat the Huskers 28-20.
Now for some quick hit predictions on other interesting games around the nation:
#20 Virginia at Miami- The Cavaliers are ranked and have only lost to Notre Dame so far this season, yet are still not favored against 2-3 Miami. The Hurricanes lost a crazy one to VA Tech last week but won't lost to two teams from Virginia this year. Big game from the U and Miami knocks off Virginia 34-21. The ACC Coastal Division is just a jumbled mess.
Hawai'i at #14 Boise State- The Broncos are leading the way for G5 teams bidding for the New Year's Six Bowl bid, and host the high powered Rainbow Warriors on the "smurf turf" this weekend. They have one of the best win percentages at home over the last decade, and with Hawai'i turning the ball over more than Nebraska (15 times so far this season), I think the Broncos win this one comfortably. Boise State 42, Hawai'i 23.
Washington State at #18 Arizona State- The Cougars ran off the rails quick at the end of September with back to back conference losses, but will look to right the ship down in the dessert. Unfortunately, they will be up against a stout defense from the Sun Devils. I could really see this one going either way, but if ASU running back Eno Benjamin gets on a roll, look out. Big day from Benjamin and the Sun Devils take this one at home 33-24.
Colorado at #13 Oregon- The PAC-12's last hope at a playoff birth likely stands with the Ducks. They host the the Buffaloes in Autzen for the first time since 2016, when a redshirt freshman Steven Montez made his first start in place of the injured Sefo Liufau. Montez went off in that game and upset Oregon 41-38. That won't happen this time around, Oregon wins big. Ducks 48, Buffs 17.
Texas Tech at #22 Baylor- The Red Raiders are banged up, but still love taking down ranked teams. After upsetting the Pokes last weekend, they now set their sights on the unbeaten Bears. Baylor hasn't played much competition yet this season, but Matt Ruhle has this team primed for a Big XII push. Baylor makes a statement with a 46-21 victory at home. Sic 'em!
Thank you for reading all of my Week 7 game predictions and be sure to listen to the latest episode of my podcast with my roommate Nate Muhlbach, The 2nd String, if you haven't already. Enjoy your weekend of football and be sure to root for Nebraska as they battle for The Chair! GO BIG RED!
#CFBKnowItAll
Alex Fernando
No comments:
Post a Comment