Welcome to Week 4 Football fans! Out of respect for myself and all other Husker fans, we're just going to move past the Oklahoma game last week and just say everything was BAD for my analysis. There's not much I can find in that game to talk about, so we will just move into Week 4 where we have a lot of great matchups and the Huskers can't hurt me because they're on BYE. I've got predictions on all the big games for this week, so read on and enjoy your College Football Saturday!
Week 3 Record: 9 - 6
Overall Record: 31 - 21
Maryland at #4 Michigan
Michigan hosts Maryland for their first BIG 10 game and arguably first challenge of the season. The Terps offense can put up points, but Michigan's defense is likely to stifle that pretty quickly. I wouldn't expect this one to stay close for long. Wolverines 42, Terps 21.
#5 Clemson at #21 Wake Forest
The Tigers have their first major test of the season as they go on the road to take on a very sneaky Wake Forest team. The Demon Deacons had a scare last week nearly losing to Liberty, but have a big chance to make a statement. Sam Hartman will likely impress, but I like Clemson to get themselves back in the top teams conversations. Tigers 35, Demon Deacons 30.
#17 Baylor at Iowa State
A tricky road test for the Bears as they travel to Ames to take on the undefeated Cyclones. Iowa State will be up against a tough defense with the Bears and will need to get a ground game established quick. Baylor needs QB Blake Shapen to be accurate as ISU will be looking to force turnovers. These Big XII shootouts are tough to pick but I'll take the Bears close on the road. Baylor wins 28-24.
Minnesota at Michigan State
Sparty was shellshocked out in Seattle last week and needs a big recovery game. However, the Gophers have very quietly dominated (very bad) opponents so far this season, but will have a big first test with BIG 10 foe Michigan State. Star WR Chris Autman-Bell is the X factor in this one, especially as Sparty gave up nearly 400 yards through the air last week. I'm anxious to see if Minnesota is just looking good on paper or in real life, so I'll take the upset here. Gophers 27-21.
#15 Oregon at Washington State
The Ducks take their high-powered offense on the road to Pullman as the 3-0 Cougars await. Wazzu's big statement so far this year was a road win against Wisconsin, but the Ducks are riding high after their big win over BYU. I think Bo Nix has a big day and Oregon wins this one 38-21.
#10 Arkansas vs #23 Texas A&M
A classic Southern rivalry takes place in AT&T Stadium as the Hogs take on the Aggies. Texas A&M had a good win against Miami to bounce back a bit after the loss to App State, but Arkansas' offense is a much bigger challenge. The Hogs' defense has struggled though and they've had to battle the last couple weeks, especially against Missouri State last week. The Aggies are still piecing together that offense, and I had Arkansas as my darkhorse, so I'll stick with the Hogs. Woo Pig Sooie as they win 31-28.
#20 Florida at #11 Tennessee
The Gators travel to Rocky Top to take on the rival Volunteers in a SEC showdown. Fun fact of the day, Gator QB Anthony Richardson has yet to throw a TD pass this season. The Vols have Hendon Hooker who has 15 straight games with a TD pass and leads one of the top offenses in the nation. They run fast and will keep defenses on their heels. This game will be decided by turnovers and right now the Vols are looking like the team to make it happen. Big day up on Rocky Top as the Vols win 36-31.
#7 USC at Oregon State
BIG upset watch for this game in Corvallis. The Trojans have looked great thus far, but strange things happen late at night when you play Oregon State. The Beavers love to keep games close and WR Tre'Shaun Harrison has caused a number of issues for opposing secondaries. This will be a big challenge for Lincoln Riley, but I think his offense will be up to the challenge. Good game late night in the PAC-12 as USC survives Corvallis with a 31-24 victory.
Quick Hit Predictions
TCU at SMU - Bounce back for the Mustangs, 38-28.
Duke at Kansas - Undefeated Basketball Blue Bloods do battle in football and I'm all in with the Jayhawks. Rock Chalk 35-28.
#22 Texas at Texas Tech - The Red Raiders are in desperate need of a bounce back win. Rival Texas comes to town for a classic Big XII shootout. Too many turnovers gives the victory to the Longhorns though. Hook 'Em as Texas wins 33-24.
Notre Dame at North Carolina - The Irish need to find some offense and need to find it quick. UNC is averaging over 50 points per game on offense but have a difficult time slowing down opposing teams. That's a lot of points to cut though, I've got UNC winning 35-28.
Indiana at Cincy - The Hoosiers have flirted with an L for far too long. Bearcats win 34-21.
Arizona at Cal - Golden Bears at home 36-24.
James Madison at App State - Be careful Mountaineers, James Madison with a surprise 33-21.
Iowa at Rutgers - If you don't like offense, this will be a great dumpster fire for you to watch. This feels like a dumb Iowa victory. Hawkeyes on the road because of a dumb play 17-13.
Wisconsin at #3 Ohio State - Buckeyes BIG 45-21.
K-State at #7 Oklahoma - Boomer Sooner 42-17.
Stanford at Washington - The Huskies are on the CFB map after last week's big win over Sparty. They continue their upward trend with a 38-21.
Thanks for reading my gameday predictions and enjoy all the college football today.
#CFBKnowItAll
Alex Fernando
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