Week 8 Predictions

   Welcome to week 8 my football loving friends! There's a bit of a lull in the nation's schedule this week, but that doesn't mean chaos is bound from happening. The Huskers are on BYE this week, which is much needed. However, I'm ready to make some predictions and I know you're ready to read. Here are my Week 8 CFB predictions, enjoy!

Week 7 Prediction Results: 14-2
Overall Prediction Results: 62-26


#9 Florida at South Carolina

     The Gamecocks pulled off a big upset down in Athens last week against the Bulldogs, but now have to come home to face the ninth ranked Gators. Muschamp and crew will be looking to get back into the SEC East title picture as they put their battered offense against the teeth of the Florida defense. The Gators are reeling a bit after being ravaged by the LSU Tigers for 511 yards of offense and 42 points last week. They may have more success against South Carolina as they've struggled with injuries this year on offense. The Gamecocks did play impressive defense last weekend against Georgia, but it'd be hard pressed to expect that performance two weeks in a row. I think Florida bounces back as they get a BYE before squaring off against Georgia. South Carolina had a big win last week, but this one won't be as much fun. Gators chomp the Gamecocks 30-20.


Temple at #19 SMU

     Another big game in the American Conference pits the second rated offense (SMU) in the conference against the second rated defense (Temple). The Owls are used to playing as the underdog, and often times cause headaches when in that spot. SMU however has been on a tear this season under second year head coach Sonny Dykes. The Mustangs average just under 500 yards per game and 44 points. They're led by Texas transfer, Shane Buechele, at QB, who's thrown for nearly 1,700 yards with 12 TDs and 5 picks. Statistically, these teams match up extremely well, and both are fighting for control in their respective divisions. Temple helped SMU last week by beating Memphis, but there's still a lot of season left. I think the ground game is going to determine this game, to make third down as manageable as possible. Both backs are good, but Xavier Jones has 12 TDs on the ground so far this season and averages nearly 6 yards per carry. He gives SMU the edge in this one, and I think the Mustangs continue their unblemished season with a hard fought victory over the Owls. SMU wins an important game at home 27-21.


#18 Baylor at Oklahoma State

     The Bears survived a scare last week, but now travel to Stillwater to take on the Pokes of Oklahoma State. With both teams averaging nearly 40 points per game, I would expect a lot of offense in this one. Baylor's defense hasn't been tested with much offensive talent, so this will be a great indicator to what kind of test they're up for. We'll learn a lot about Baylor in this game, and I'm not sure they'll walk out of this road game unbeaten. Their rush defense hasn't faced the likes of Sophomore RB Chuba Hubbard, and he's averaging nearly 7 yards per carry with 1,094 rushing yards and 13 TDs. Pokes by 3 and the Cowboys win 34-31.


#12 Oregon at #25 Washington

     In a game that will likely decide the PAC-12 North division, the Ducks and Huskies meet again in Seattle for their annual rivalry. Oregon edged out an overtime victory last year, but will look for a statement win on their schedule, which is quickly losing its luster due to the chaotic PAC-12 games. Justin Herbert has been impressive, but very few people are paying much attention since they lost their opening game to Auburn. This could be a chance for the Ducks to jump back into the nation's eyes. Washington's defense has not been what it was in recent years, while the Ducks have one of their best defenses in history. Giving up just 8.7 points per game and fewer than 270 yards per game, Oregon has earned a top ten (8th) defense ranking. Washington has been extremely hot and cold this year, primarily due to the performance of Jacob Eason. He'll need a stellar performance to pull off this victory, but Oregon's secondary has 12 picks on the season and won't make it easy. I don't think it'll be anything too flashy, but the Ducks will win this game and win it well. Somewhat tight, but never in doubt. Oregon 30, Washington 21.


#17 Arizona State at #13 Utah

     Moving down South in the PAC-12, we find Arizona State and Utah in another game that could likely determine the division winner. The Sun Devils have held their own this season, and apart from a slip up in Boulder, have looked pretty impressive, especially on defense. They're giving up an average of just 17.7 points per game, which is down 8 from a year ago. They're also holding teams to under 100 yards rushing per game, which will be tested quickly by Zack Moss and the Utes offense in this one. Tyler Huntley has yet to throw an interception on the season and Utah's offense is almost perfectly balanced statistically. Their defense isn't to shabby either, giving up just 13.2 points per game. My keys for victory in this one lie with the running backs. Zack Moss for Utah has the advantage with 7.6 yards per carry, but Eno Benjamin is always a threat out of the backfield with the passing game. This feels like a game Utah could break out in, but something is holding me back. ASU has competed well against stiff competition so far this season and I just feel an upset coming. Sun Devils win in Salt Lake City over the Utes 26-21.


#16 Michigan at #7 Penn State

     The game of the week will have White Out conditions for the Wolverines to deal with in Happy Valley. This is somewhat of a battle for who gets to be in second place behind Ohio State at the end of the year, but for now it's an important game for these teams. Michigan has not looked impressive so far this season, particularly on offense. The defense has kept the Wolverines in games and allowed them to come away with victories, but Penn State brings a new challenge. The Nittany Lions have a lot of speed, primarily with star wideout KJ Hamler. The speedy Sophomore averages 17.5 yards per catch and has 5 TDs so far this season. He'll give the Michigan secondary headaches all night. On the other side, Penn State has a defense of their own that ranks 4th in the nation currently. Opposing teams average just over 50 yards per game rushing against the Nittany Lions, and Michigan's offense has been very mediocre this season. This one will be a tight defensive battle, but I like Penn State to come away with the win. I said Michigan would have at least 3 regular season losses this year, and I stand by it. Nittany Lions win in the White Out 20-10.


Now for some quick hit predictions on a few other games:

Iowa State at Texas Tech- Two middle of the road Big XII teams look to keep pace in the conference race as the Cyclones take on the Red Raiders. Texas Tech is banged up in a number of key positions, but have still put up some good points. Unfortunately for them, Iowa State's defense is not as banged up, and they'll lead the Cyclones to victory. ISU 35, TTU 23.

TCU at Kansas State- Both of the purple teams in the Big XII envisioned a much better start to the season, but here we are. This one could go either way to be honest, but Gary Patterson is never good to go against. I'll take the Frogs in this one. TCU wins one on the road 31-26.

Arizona at USC- For this battle in the PAC-12 South, I would expect a lot of points. Both defenses have struggled as of late, but the offenses can pile on the points. Khalil Tate will need to cut back on the turnovers in order to win this game, but you never really know with these teams. Arizona let me down last week, so I'm believing in the Trojans at home. USC 37, Arizona 21. Fight On!

North Carolina at Virginia Tech- As I've said multiple times this season, the ACC is absolutely crazy. Virginia Tech and North Carolina are two teams no one in should put bets on, but if you are for this one, I'd go with Mac Brown. The Hokies have struggled against good QB play and Sam Howell has been solid this season. Heels win in Blacksburg 38-33.

Thank you for reading all of my Week 8 Predictions and be sure to kick back and relax on Saturday. Nebraska can't lose this week and there's always potential for chaos! GO BIG RED!

#CFBKnowItAll
Alex Fernando