Week 10 Predictions

     Welcome to Week 10 football fans, and welcome to November! This is crunch time for teams looking to make the playoffs, and we've got a couple of matchups that could have playoff implications. My predictions have been a bit off the past couple of weeks, but with a new month of football, we've got a clean slate and I'll get back on track. Here are my games to watch in week 10!

Week 9 Prediction Results: 5-8
Overall Prediction Results: 73-38


Virginia Tech at #16 Notre Dame

     The Irish were dismantled by Michigan last week, and now come home to face off against the Hokies. Virginia Tech has not been the most impressive this season, but they've put up 119 points in their last three outings combined. They're also coming off of a BYE week and were able to watch what Michigan did in their win against Notre Dame. Fortunately for Brian Kelly, the Hokies defense isn't nearly as good as Michigan's. The Wolverines held the Irish to just 180 total yards, with only 43 of those on the ground. I would expect Ian Book to be more accurate against VT as well. He was just 8 of 25 last week. Notre Dame should bounce back, and I have them winning at home 37-17.


TCU at Oklahoma State

     Both the Horned Frogs and the Cowboys had important conference wins last week, but now deal with each other as November football hits the Big XII. I haven't had much success picking with either of these teams this season, so we'll see how it goes today. The Horned Frogs are led by Freshman QB Max Duggan, who's thrown 11 TDs and just 1 pick so far this season. His counterpart, Cowboys QB Spencer Sanders has struggled more, throwing 13 TDs and 10 interceptions. Luckily, he has Chuba Hubbard to hand off to in the backfield, and Hubbard oftentimes runs wild. The Sophomore leads the nation in rushing by more than 200 yards and averages 172 yards per game. He'll be a big challenge for TCU, who only gives up around 100 yards per game on the ground on average. The Frogs have been stingy on defense, and with OSU losing the Big XII's top wideout to injury this week, they have the edge. TCU wins two in a row 36-21.


Miami at Florida State

     The Canes and the Noles meet again as this in-state rivalry features two teams trying to get their historic programs back on track. They've both had some nice wins over the last couple of weeks, but are still not where we're used to seeing either of these teams. FSU will look to lean heavily on their rushing attack with Cam Akers, who has 917 yards and 12 TDs on the ground this year. Miami's defense gives up just 106 yards per game on the ground. The Canes are going to need a big game from their QB, Freshman Jarren Williams, if they want to win this one on the road, but I think they can do it. I know I just made my last prediction based on a home team with a rushing attack, but now I've got the road team with good defense. Hurricanes beat the Seminoles for the third straight year in a 25-21 dogfight. This one is going to be weird ladies and gentlemen.


#9 Utah at Washington

     Out West they're still battling for control of the PAC-12, and a possible playoff birth. Utah is the best shot out of the South division, but first they must travel North to take on the Huskies. Washington has been hot and cold throughout the season, but they're always tough at home. They've had a week to sit on the loss to Oregon, and you know Chris Petersen will come out firing. Utah has strong leadership on offense in QB Tyler Huntley and RB Zack Moss, but their true strength lies with the defense. The Utes give up just 10.3 points per game and a national best, 56.4 rushing yards per game on average. Opposing teams have really struggled to move the ball against the boys from Salt Lake City, so this one should be tight. Watch the ground attacks in this one, the running backs will be a big indicator on who will win this game. Washington is difficult to pick against, but I have Utah winning the South Division, and this is an important game for that. Utes win 27-23.


#8 Georgia vs. #6 Florida

     The World's Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party sets us up with a top 10 showdown as Georgia and Florida square off in Jacksonville. This game could also be named SEC East Division Championship, as the winner of this will likely go onto the SEC Championship. Both teams are pretty evenly matched on the stat sheet, so this is not an easy game to predict. Both defenses are tough, but in different ways. Florida loves to pressure the quarterback, recording 29 sacks so far this season. Georgia on the other hand locks down the run game, giving up just 85 yards per game on the ground on average. Each offense has playmakers who need the ball in their hands as much as possible, but the primary factor for victory in this one comes down to the QB play. Jake Fromm hasn't been stellar so far this season, throwing just 9 TDs compared to 3 picks. He's still completing 70% of his passes, and all 3 interceptions came in their loss to South Carolina. On the other side, Kyle Trask has taken over for Felipe Franks, and has been tremendous. Trask has thrown for nearly 1,400 yards thus far, with 14 TDs and just 4 picks. He's completing 67% of his passes so far this season and really commanding the offense well, helping them score 32.5 points per game. Originally I had Georgia winning the division, but Florida could take it with "one slip". Well here's the slip folks, Gators win it in Jacksonville 30-21. CHOMP CHOMP!


#7 Oregon at USC

     If it's not one rivalry, it's the other. Oregon survived their last couple games against the dangerous teams from the Evergreen State (Washington & Washington State), but now have to travel down to Los Angeles to face the always dangerous Trojans. USC staged a late 4th quarter comeback to beat Colorado on the road last week, and Kedon Slovis is playing some good football for a freshman tossed out into the QB position. Slovis has thrown for 1,625 yards with 13 TDs and 5 picks. His opponent though, is an expert. Justin Herbert's stat line is tremendous this season, 2,104 yards, 21 TDs, 1 interception and 65% completion rating. He's likely to give the Trojan defense issues today, and the Ducks defense is looking to cause issues of their own. They're ranked 20th in total defense, giving up just over 300 yards on average and 14.8 points per game. The Coliseum is never an easy place to win, but I think the Ducks are pushing for that playoff bid, and there's not room for error now. Oregon 34, USC 26.


#15 SMU at #24 Memphis

     College Gameday is in Memphis for this game and I couldn't be happier! The Mustangs and the Tigers are fighting for more than just a simple victory in this one. Winner has the inside track to winning the American Athletic Conference West division, and possibly a New Year's Six Bowl Bid. The Tigers only blemish on the season is a two-point loss on the road at Temple, but have been stellar otherwise, averaging just under 40 points per game. They're led by a powerful ground attack from Redshirt Freshman RB, Kenneth Gainwell. The young buck has nearly 1,000 yards so far this season, with 11 TDs and a staggering 7.1 yards per carry. SMU can move the ball as well however, averaging 504 yards and 43 points per game. I would expect a barn burner in this one, and it's going to be fun to watch! Shane Buechele has been unstoppable this year, throwing for more than 2,300 yards with 20 TDs and 7 picks. I'm riding with the Mustangs this season, and this is a big game to prove they're the best G5 team around. SMU wins a wild one on the road 48-44.


Nebraska at Purdue

     The Huskers travel to West Lafayette today, and I had originally pegged this game as a loss for Nebraska. This was before seeing Purdue struggle with injuries all season, but it's still not a safe place to play, especially in November. The Boilermakers are led at QB by Freshman Jack Plummer, who has nearly 1,400 yards with 9 TDs and 6 interceptions. He's only completing 58.5% of his passes, but I'm sure the Husker defense will help boost that number after today. Ugh, I just don't know with these Huskers. Martinez should be back in the lineup, but the offense hasn't been stellar with him under center. There's no rushing threat from Nebraska, so I would expect a heavy dose of Wandale Robinson. I would like to see the Huskers attack downfield more, as Purdue is giving up nearly 250 yards per game through the air. JD Spielman and Wandale Robinson need the ball as much as possible, and Nebraska needs to start taking some shots. Opponents have been loading the box to counter the non-productive rushing attack, and there are big play opportunities against the secondary. I'm never sure what to expect, and Purdue is more than capable of winning this game. However, Nebraska needs this win to move closer toward bowl eligibility, so I'm picking the Huskers!
Nebraska 23, Purdue 21. BOILER DOWN!

Now for some quick hit predictions on other interesting games around the nation:

Virginia at North Carolina- The Fightin' Mack Browns are battling in the ACC and find themselves in a showdown against Virginia for the top spot in the Coastal division. There's still a ways to go for the chaos that is the ACC, but this is an important game in deciding the division. The Cavs have been struggling a bit lately and UNC QB Sam Howell is on fire! Tar Heels win it 34-28.

NC State at #23 Wake Forest- The Wolfpack travel to Wake Forest to take on the 23rd ranked Demon Deacons. I've been really impressed with Wake this year, and I want to see a breakout performance as they gear up to face the November part of their schedule, which includes road trips to VT, Clemson and Syracuse. Don't expect anything flashy, but Wake better not look ahead. Demon Deacons 33, Wolfpack 27.

Colorado at UCLA- Yes, I know both of these teams are bad, but this game still looks interesting. Both offenses have talent, but often times fall short of the potential. On the flip, both defenses are no where to be found when it matters most. UCLA is on a win streak though, and they will keep that rolling today. Bruins beat the Buffs 40-30.

BYU at Utah State- An old rivalry is renewed as the Cougars travel to Logan, UT to take on the Aggies. Neither team has been overly impressive this season, but there is a very talented QB to watch. Jordan Love of Utah State has not been as stellar as previous seasons, but the Junior should ball-out in this one. Aggies win 21-20.

Kansas State at Kansas- The in-state rivalry between the two teams in Kansas features two new head coaches with Les Miles (KU) and Chris Klieman (K-State). Both teams are coming off of big wins from a week ago, especially the Wildcats, who knocked off #5 Oklahoma at home in Manhattan. Now they travel to Lawrence and have to take on the Jayhawks and the Mad Hatter. Kansas as been playing well as of late, and their offense is clicking. Unfortunately, much like Oklahoma discovered, they won't have the ball much. Kansas State loves to hold onto the rock, and that will be the deciding factor. Wildcats beat the birds 28-21.

Thank you for reading my Week 10 Predictions and now it's time to kick back and watch some football. Enjoy your Saturday and GO BIG RED!

#CFBKnowItAll
Alex Fernando