I know we're already halfway through the season with many teams in college football, but does it really count until the Huskers kickoff? Not quite for me 😜, so here we are at the "real" start of the 2020 football season... in week 8ish! There have been some crazy upsets and big blowouts so far this season, now throwing the BIG 10 (and soon the PAC-12) back into the mix should make for a lot more excitement. This post has all my predictions for the games to watch this week and of course my Husker prediction! I'll have a reflection post on the Huskers next week. I hope y'all are ready for some football, enjoy!
#23 NC State at #14 North Carolina
This in-state rivalry looks to be a bit more competitive than the 41-10 beatdown by the TarHeels. Both the Wolfpack and the TarHeels are led on offense by standout sophomore QBs, but one name rings a bit louder. That would be Sam Howell of UNC, who's thrown for over 1,100 yards in their 4 games, completing nearly 65% of his passes with 9 TDs and 4 picks. The opposing QB, Devin Leary, has just 890 yards on the season, but 8 TDs compared to just 2 interceptions, and a 12% increase in his completion percentage. I doubt there will be much defense in this one, especially after UNC allowed 31 points to FSU last week in the upset loss. The Wolfpack are giving up nearly 270 through the air this season, and as I've said previously, Sam Howell is a baller. TarHeels bounce back for a 37-21 win.
Georgia Southern at #25 Coastal Carolina
This game may not be very high on most lists this weekend, but if you're flipping through the channels, pause and watch this Sun Belt showdown for a bit. Georgia Southern lost by one to a very good Louisiana team a couple weeks ago, giving their only blemish of the season. Despite that, they are once again one of the most feared rushing attacks in the nation averaging over 280 per game on the ground. Senior RB J.D. King leads the way with 423 yards, averaging nearly 6 yards per carry. He'll look to hold the rock as long as possible in order to keep it away from the red hot Chanticleer offense. Coastal Carolina is averaging 40.8 points per game and are extremely balanced on offense with 11 TDs both through the air and on the ground so far in 2020. Freshman QB Grayson McCall has been cooking with 930 yards and just 1 interception to compare with his 11 TDs. His favorite target is 6'2 Javon Heiligh, who should have a big day against the Eagles secondary. I've got Coastal Carolina winning this one 31-21.
#3 Notre Dame at Pitt
The Panthers host the Irish in an ACC showdown featuring two stout defenses. The Irish give up just an average of 11.5 points per game with Pitt giving up 20.3. The Panthers have been on the wrong side of some close losses in the last few weeks, and will look to pull another major upset on a top ranked team. They've upset a ranked team as an unranked opponent each of the last 4 seasons. Notre Dame comes in with a powerful rushing attack led by Sophomore RB, Kyren Williams. Williams has rushed for 486 yards and 4 TDs so far this season, averaging 6.7 yards per carry. He'll have a thick wall to break through as Pitt ranks first in rush defense giving up just 61 yards per game on average. This turns the focus to the two QBs, Ian Book of the Irish and Kenny Pickett of the Panthers. The two seniors aren't separated by much statistically, and certainly won't wow anyone with their numbers. However, I believe this game will come down to which QB makes fewer mistakes. Pickett did not make the trip to Miami, so if he's still injured it will be up to Freshman QB Joey Yellen. I like the Irish in this one, especially if Pickett can't go. Notre Dame 27, Pitt 14.
#17 Iowa State at #6 Oklahoma State
They Cyclones and the Pokes square off in Stillwater with a game that weighs heavy in determining the Big XII Championship later this season. Both teams are unbeaten in conference along with Kansas State, but the Cowboys have yet to face much competition in 2020. That doesn't mean their games haven't been close. They were practically outplayed in their opener against Tulsa, but still came away with a 16-7 win. Iowa State looks to be a bit tougher than the Golden Hurricanes, ranking 25th in total defense. Oklahoma State ranks 6th in that category and both teams will be looking to cause pressure in the backfield as the Cyclones have 13 sacks on the season thus far and the Pokes have 12. Veteran QB Brock Purdy leads the ISU offense, but the real motor is Sophomore RB, Breece Hall. Hall has 8 TDs on the ground this season with 531 and a 5.7 yard per carry average to go with it. He'll try to keep pace with 2019 Rushing Champion, Chuba Hubbard. Hubbard will look to find his stride after a bit of a slow start to the season. This game looks to be a tight one, but I'm going with the road team! I think Matt Campbell has something special cooking with the 2020 Cyclones. Hard fought game and a 34-30 upset for Iowa State.
Penn State at Indiana
The first BIG 10 game on my slate lands us out in Bloomington, IN for a showdown between the Nittany Lions and the Hoosiers. Tom Allen and the Hoosiers turned some heads last season going 8-5 with some narrow losses, included a 7 point loss to the 9th ranked Nittany Lions in Happy Valley. Indiana returns 17 starters from last season, including 9 from their defense that ranked 36th in total defense in 2019. On offense star QB Michael Penix Jr. is healthy and returns top wideout Whop Philyor to throw to downfield. The Nittany Lions return 8 starters on offense and 13 overall from last season. Penn State struggled on offense at times in 2019, eventually finishing the season ranked at 56th. Indiana has a chance to make a big statement to start the BIG 10 season, especially playing at home. This is my bold upset pick of the week, and I think Indiana pulls one over on Penn State. Hoosiers surprise everyone and win 36-31.
Iowa at Purdue
Another BIG 10 game taking place in the state of Indiana will feature the Hawkeyes and the Boilermakers. It's been recently announced that Purdue will be without All-American wideout Rondale Moore yet again as he's battled injuries since his dynamic freshman season. This sets Iowa up well for a victory, but they still have to hold down the Purdue air attack which ranked second in the BIG 10 last year. The Hawkeyes return a lot of firepower on offense, but lose a three year starter at QB in Nate Stanley as well as OT Tristian Wirfs. Sophomore RB Tyler Goodsen will be a focal point of the offense, supported by senior wideouts Brandon Smith and Ihmir Smith-Marsette. Iowa has been a steady and consistent team under Kirk Ferentz, which means they should make few mistakes and handle Purdue in the opener. Hawkeyes win this one fairly easily 31-21.
#9 Cincinnati at #16 SMU
A top ranked battle in the American Conference will take place in Dallas as the Bearcats face off against the Mustangs. Both Cincy and SMU have been on the rise the last few seasons, and now they're both looking to take over the top spot in the American Conference. Ex-Longhorn QB Shane Buchelle has been torching opposing secondaries this season, throwing for more than 1,700 yards and 12 TDs with just 2 picks. The Mustang offense has been nearly impossible to stop this year, averaging 42.6 points per game. They'll be up against the 12th ranked defense when the Bearcats coming to town though. Cincy gives up just an average 12.3 points per game and barely over 300 total yards. On offense, the Bearcats have struggled a bit to start the season, but still have start talent with Desmond Ridder at QB. Either one of these teams could be the dark horse to make a push for the playoffs this year, but I picked Cincy to be that team and I'm sticking with it. Bearcats win 34-31.
#18 Michigan at #21 Minnesota (Battle for the Little Brown Jug)
College Gameday awaits the Wolverines and Gophers as they battle for the Little Brown Jug up in Minneapolis. Minnesota had one of their best years since the early 20th century last year, and will look to finish the job and win the West Division in 2020. The Gophers did lose some fire-power in Rodney Smith and Tyler Johnson from last year, but return most of their offense including all five starting linemen, Junior QB Tanner Morgan and All-American wideout Rashod Batemen. Their defense has to replace 6 starters, but have good depth. Michigan will be breaking in a new QB as well as multiple other positions on both sides of the ball. There's always talent up in Ann Arbor, but Harbaugh has struggled to meet expectations as of late. This is a game where he could make a statement for the Wolverines, but I think it will be the Golden Gophers making the statement. Minnesota wins the BIG prime time opener and the Little Brown Jug by defeating Michigan 38-24.
Nebraska at #5 Ohio State
The two programs who fought the hardest for the BIG 10 to have a season in the first place get to square off in the opening weekend as my very own Huskers travel to the Horseshoe to take on the Buckeyes. Everyone around Husker nation is just excited to have football back, but an upset win over the Buckeyes would make it that much sweeter. There's a lot of hype around the 2020 Huskers, primarily with the offense. Adrian Martinez returns (healthy) for his Junior year campaign, and he brings along an experienced offensive line and talented playmakers with him. Sophomore WR Wandale Robinson is the focal point of those playmakers, but I would expect a heavy dose of Dedrick Mills for Nebraska who will try to establish a steady rushing attack. With a young group of receivers, the Huskers will look to spread the ball, but the two headed rushing monster of Martinez and Mills should be the focus of the Big Red offense in 2020. As for the Blackshirts, the strength lies in the secondary. After ranking 30th in pass defense a year ago, Nebraska will look to continue their strong performance against the air raid. The front seven however, that's a different story. The entire defensive line is being replaced, and while some have game experience, most will be hitting opponents for the first time. They'll be up against one of the best offensive lines in the nation with the Buckeye front five, which means pressure will be hard to come by. Nebraska has really struggled to pressure and contain opposing QBs in recent years, and I think that could be the primary issue in the game against the Buckeyes. Heisman favorite Justin Fields leads the Ohio State offense and is usually good for at least 5 TDs on his own each time he steps on the field. Last season he accounted for 51 TDs a year ago and with a shortened season the Buckeyes will be looking for a lot of style points to impress the playoff committee throughout the year. I think Nebraska takes a step forward and moves the ball well against the Ohio State defense, but ultimately the Buckeyes have a lot more talent than the Huskers can keep up with. Combined with the incredible coaching from Ryan Day, Ohio State should flex their muscles in the second half of this game. Husker offense looks much improved, but the Buckeyes roll to a 52-21 victory. I'm rooting for the upset though, GO BIG RED!
Quick Hit Predictions
Baylor at Texas - Things are a mess in the Big XII, but the Bears and Longhorns will try to straighten some things out in Austin. Baylor had a covid scare and haven't played since their overtime loss to West Virginia three weeks ago. Texas fell short in a wild 4OT thriller in the Red River Rivalry two weeks ago, but look set to bounce back against the Bears. Sam Ehlinger has a big day and the Horns Hook 'Em for a 45-31 victory.
Oklahoma at TCU - The Sooners are looking to fight back into the Big XII championship picture as they travel to Fort Worth to take on the Frogs. TCU QB Max Duggan is a do it all kind of guy for them, but I don't think he alone will be enough to keep up with the dynamic Sooner offense. Boomer Sooner as Spencer Rattler throws for 4 TDs in a 44-34 win.
#2 Alabama at Tennessee - I never really expect any upsets when it comes to the Vols against Bama, but it's always fun to throw this rivalry in the mix. Tennessee QB Jarrett Guarantano threw two pick-sixes last week against Kentucky and the Bama defense would love to do it again. This is more of a "can UT cover the spread" game, and I'm here to tell you no. Jaylen Waddle will catch 3 40+ yard TDs and the Tide will roll as usual 56-21.
Florida State at Louisville - The Seminoles are coming off a major upset over #5 UNC last week, but now travel to Louisville for a possible trap game against the Cardinals. U of L has not impressed this season, but RB Javian Hawkins is one to watch if you find yourself on this game. He's averaging 5.2 yards per carry and will look to run his way through an FSU defense that gives up nearly 200 yards on the ground each game. I think the Cardinals take this one on the back of Hawkins 38-31.
Hawai'i at Fresno State - One game that might fly under the radar is this rivalry out in the Mountain West. The Rainbow Warriors have to replace star QB Cole McDonald while the Bulldogs have to replace Head Coach Jeff Tedford who resigned at the end of last season due to health reasons. You can flip a coin on this one, but I'll give the nod to Fresno State. 36-31.
Thank you all for reading my predictions and let me know what your thoughts on some of the big games of the weekend are! I hope you're all ready for a full slate of football now that the BIG 10 is back and the PAC-12 is following. As always, GO BIG RED!
#CFBKnowItAll
Alex Fernando
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