Week 8 Predictions

      Hello Football fans and welcome to Week 8 Predictions! I was so frustrated after watching the Huskers last week so I didn't write a post reflecting on the terribleness of the game. I'll give my quick GOOD, EXPECTED and BAD thoughts on the game below before my predictions, but we're all just going to move on and be happy they can't lose this week. Week 8 is a bit slow, but that's when some of the best upsets take place. Read on and enjoy!

GOOD - Austin Allen. THROW THE BALL TO YOUR 6'8 TIGHT END MORE!

EXPECTED - Defensive drop off. The Blackshirts have been carrying the team and keeping them in games all season long, it's going to fade at some point. Minnesota got a good push up front and kept it going.

BAD - Adrian Martinez and the offense. He's had a very good season thus far, but Minnesota was by far Adrian's worse performance of 2021. Completing just over 50% of his passes, Martinez missed a number of open targets. His protection wasn't great as the Gophers racked up a couple of sacks and five tackles for loss. The entire Husker offense just looked out of sorts and out of juice. They were stopped on the 1 inch line and had no rhythm all game. Also, Connor Culp should never attempt a kick again. He doesn't have it any more and there has to be another kicker on this team. HIRE A SPECIAL TEAMS COACH!

Week 7 Record: 11 - 7

Overall Record: 73 - 46

#16 Wake Forest at Army

     The Demon Deacons are looking to go to 7-0 as they travel to West Point to take on the Black Knights. Army hasn't been able to win in October yet this season, losing their last two games to Ball State and a close one to Wisconsin las week. They love to slow the game down and keep the ball away from opposing offenses with the triple option attack. They average more than 38 minutes per game for time of possession, so Wake Forest will need to make sure they score when they do have the ball, because it could only be a few times. With that being said, their offense is quite efficient, led by Sophomore QB Sam Hartman. He's thrown for 1,615 yards this season with 14 TDs and just 3 picks. Wake Forest has given up a lot of yards in recent weeks though, and struggle against the run. That's what Army does best and they've been so close to upsetting ranked teams. This should be a really fun one to watch. Wake edges it out 24-21.

Wisconsin at #25 Purdue

     The Boilermakers toppled Iowa out in Kinnick last week, but now return home with a shiny new number in front of their own name. Wisconsin is typically operating with those fancy numbers, but a rough season has taken theirs away, which means they're more than happy to take away those of other teams. This is a big test for Purdue as they need to backup their performance against Iowa. Wisconsin has the defense to slow things down, but their offense is terrible. The Boilermakers have a solid defense as well, so this could be a low scoring affair. The 3-QB system air raid worked very well last week and I think it will somehow work again. Boiler Up as Purdue fends off the Badgers 24-21.

#8 Oklahoma State at Iowa State

     The Pokes continue to be one of the worst teams for me to make predictions on. Year after year I can never seem to figure them out, but this year they just keep winning. They've been highly ranked before, and traveling to Ames, Iowa typically doesn't help them, especially during spooky season in late October. The Cyclones have not had the stellar season predicted at the beginning of the year, but are easily still in the Big XII mix with a win here today. Spooky season is never the time to travel as a top 10 team, especially to a place like Ames where the Cyclones are in need of a statement win. Upset alert in this one as Iowa State knocks off Oklahoma State 26-23.

#10 Oregon at UCLA

     The Ducks travel to UCLA to face off against former Oregon and current Bruin Head Coach, Chip Kelly. This should be a very fun game to watch as Oregon is looking to fight back toward the College Football Playoffs and UCLA is trying to get over the hump and back to the tops of the PAC-12 world. Both teams have a lot of offense, so I would expect some points in this one. However, I think the Ducks defense has more athletes and a bigger fish to fry with a run at the playoffs on the line. Ducks win it with some big plays on defense 38-34.

Clemson at #23 Pitt

     The Tigers have essentially fallen off the face of the earth with their 4-2 record, but Clemson still has a path to the ACC Championship, and they can knock off Pitt on the way. Clemson has a tough defense still, it's their offense that struggles. The Panthers rarely struggle on offense, as QB Kenny Pickett has thrown for nearly 2,000 yards with 21 TDs and just 1 pick. This would be a big step for Pitt to show they are a contender. Their defense will be able to come after the Clemson offense, and this could be the game that breaks Pickett out to the front of the Hesiman race. Panthers win a stunner 30-24.

Nevada at Fresno State

     The Wolfpack set up for a battle in the WAC that could decide who wins the West Division. Statistically this is one of the best matchups of the week and should feature an impressive QB battle. My guy Carson Strong has nearly 2,000 yards and 16TDs for the Wolfpack while Jake Haener has thrown for 2,326 yards and 20 TDs for the Bulldogs. Close games like this usually come down to turnovers and the Wolfpack rank 5th in the nation for turnover margin with +9 while the Bulldogs rank 83rd with -2. Nevada wins a big one on the road 34-24.

USC at #13 Notre Dame (Battle for the Jeweled Shillelagh)

     The classic rivalry between the Trojans and Irish is renewed as USC travels to take on Notre Dame in South Bend. USC has been up and down this year with the firing of Clay Helton, but this would be a big statement win for the program. Notre Dame has struggled with their youth this year, and the bad loss to Cincy will likely keep them out of the playoffs. This is a rivalry though, and crazy things are always bound to happen. I think USC will try to come out hot, but Touchdown Jesus and the Irish should handle business at home. Notre Dame 35, USC 21.

Utah at Oregon State

     The Utes are on top of the PAC-12 South after a comeback win against Arizona State last week, but travel to Corvallis to take on the pesky Beavers of Oregon State. Those Beavers are actually tied atop the PAC-12 North division with the rival Ducks and will look to keep pace with a big win at home tonight. Neither team is gushing with talent in this one, but the coaching has been terrific and puts these teams in position to win games. One unique stat to watch in this game will be 3rd downs. The Beavers' defense doesn't stop many teams on third down, but Utah doesn't convert many. On the flip side, Oregon State ranks 5th in the nation with a 52% third down conversion rate while the Utes are in the middle of the pack when stopping teams. Whoever can win third down will win this game and I'm running with the Beavers. Something special is cooking in Corvallis! Oregon State 33, Utah 27.

Quick Hit Predictions:

Maryland at Minnesota - The Terps and Gophers meet in Minneapolis and this is an important game to watch as Minnesota is right in the mix to win the BIG 10 West Division. They should be able to run the ball well and handle the Terps. Minnesota wins 30-21.

BYU at Washington State - We have the battle of the Cougars in Pullman, but one team is without a head coach as Wazzu head coach Nick Rolovich was fired earlier this week for not getting his vaccine. BYU wins this on on the road 37-23.

LSU at #12 Ole Miss - The writing is written on the wall for Ed Orgeron at LSU. He will not be returning next season, and it could be very difficult to rally his players for the rest of the year. They'll put up a fight in the first couple weeks, but they will lose this week and fall off. A good battle for the Golden Boot Trophy, but Ole Miss takes this one 44-35.

#22 SDSU at Air Force - The defense of SDSU will win this game, but Air Force is no slouch. Aztecs 26, Falcons 17.

South Carolina at #17 Texas A&M - The Gamecocks are still looking to crack into the upper level of the SEC, but A&M has their fire back. This one gets ugly as the Aggies win 41-20.

I hope you enjoy my Week 8 Predictions, and enjoy the games!

#CFBKnowItAll

Alex Fernando