Welcome to Week 9 College Football fans! This week has a variety of games that could impact the CFB Playoffs, but better yet the Huskers return to action in Memorial Stadium. This week's post will break down all the important games to watch this Saturday as well as the Huskers showdown with Illinois. Check out all my predictions down below.
Week 8 Record: 11 - 3
Overall Record: 84 - 35
#2 Ohio State at #13 Penn State
We kick off Saturday with a heavy hitter in the BIG 10 East as the Buckeyes travel to Happy Valley. This is likely to be the first real test for Ohio State this season, as they have been on cruise control with all other opponents. Sean Clifford was phenomenal last weekend against the Gophers, throwing for nearly 300 yards with 4 TDs and just 1 pick. Ohio State's defense will look to keep him uncomfortable in the pocket, but need to watch out for his ability to scramble and pick up key yards. This will be the most dynamic offense the Buckeyes have faced, so I would expect a few big plays to be given up early before they settle down. On the offensive side of the ball, there are too many weapons to count for Ohio State. The primary threat is Junior QB, C.J. Stroud as he's been unstoppable with over 2000 yards passing and 28 TDs to just 4 picks. He's complimented by a very talented group of young receivers, all who have extra experience due to the injuries Jaxson Smith-Njigba has been dealing with. However, the ground game with Miyan Williams is the x-factor. The Nittany Lions' defense is not one to over look, but in their lone loss to the Wolverines, they were GASHED for 418 yards on the ground. If they can't stop Williams (who is averaging 7 yards per carry), it's going to be a long day for the White & Blue. Buckeyes are challenged, but the ground game is too much and they win 42-24.
#7 TCU at West Virginia
The Horned Frogs survived a tough game against K-State last week, but were able to come back and hold onto their unblemished record. West Virginia seems like a bit of a trap game to me as it's on the road and they can put up points quickly. TCU will need to stay sharp because the Mountaineers have plenty of talent to deal with. Ex-USC QB JT Daniels has been throwing the ball fairly well this season, primarily to his favorite target, WR Bryce Ford-Wheaton. He averages 11.5 yards per catch and has 5 TDs on the season. The best QB-WR duo in this game though is Max Duggan and Quentin Johnston. Duggan has dark horse Heisman numbers so far this season with 19 TDs and just 1 pick through the air along with another 4 TDs on the ground. Throwing it deep to his 6'4, 215 lbs. wideout makes things easy. West Virginia might put up some points early, but Max Duggan is one of those guys who does not stop and if they can get Johnston running downfield this one can be put away quick. Horned Frogs 47, Mountaineers 28.
#9 Oklahoma State at #22 Kansas State
The Pokes host the Power Cats in an important Big XII battle in Stillwater. Oklahoma State will look to build a quick lead in this one, making K-State play from behind. Spencer Sanders is slinging it well once again this year, throwing for over 2000 yard thus far with 15 TDs and just 4 picks. K-State loves to run the ball and pound it down your throat. Keep that run game stifled and on the sidelines then they’ll have a chance to put up some point. K-State hangs in early, but the offense is too much. Oklahoma State 33, K-State 24.
Baylor at Texas Tech
The Bears travel to Lubbock to take on the Red Raiders this afternoon, looking to build off their win against Kansas from last week. They've been in the mix with every game they've played, but don't forget about Texas Tech. They've been in the mix with every game as well with a dynamic offense that averages 36.3 points per game. The Bears average 37.4, so we should see a classic Big XII shootout. I've been very high on TTU this year so I'm gonna ride with the home team. Guns UP! Red Raiders 41, Bears 38.
#15 Ole Miss at Texas A&M
Texas A&M is back home for the first time since they played Miami, and now they host #15 Ole Miss. The Rebels are trying to bounce back from their loss in Death Valley last week, but A&M has 3 straight losses in October. The Aggies' offense has been dismal this season and it doesn't seem like that's going to be fixed any time soon. Luckily, they have a good defense to keep them in games, but Jimbo needs to find a way to get more rhythm on offense. Ole Miss got out of rhythm last week with 10 penalties for over 100 yards against the Tigers. They'll need to play a clean game in order to win on the road. I'm not sold on A&M, so I'm saying Ole Miss bounces back with a win. Fighting Lane Kiffins win this one on the road 27-23.
#19 Kentucky at #3 Tennessee
The big game tonight features Kentucky on the road in Rocky Top. The Vols have been sensational this season, and are geared up for a shot at the SEC East crown with a game against Georgia next week. They need to get by the Wildcats first though, and Mark Stoops' squad is not an easy one to take down. Wildcat QB Will Levis commands the offense well, but they've struggled to be consistent this year. Tennessee is all about the big play, primarily from Hendon Hooker to Jalin Hyatt. Those two have connected for for 12 TDs so far this season and will look to connect again against Kentucky's 14th ranked pass defense. Keeping Hendon Hooker's jersey clean is the most important key to this game. The Wildcats' pass rush has struggled this year, but you know they'll be bringing creative blitzes tonight. Regardless, Tennessee has too much firepower to slow down. This offense is fast, physical and puts a lot of big points on the board. Go Vols as they light up the scoreboard again with a big win over Kentucky. Tennessee wins 36-24.
#17 Illinois at Nebraska
The Huskers are back home to take on the 17th ranked fighting Illini in a crucial BIG 10 West divisional game. Nebraska is still in the mix with a 2-2 conference record, but Illinois commands the top spot in the West. Under year 2 with Bret Bielema, the Orange and Blue have been DOMINANT this season. Junior RB Chase Brown is the nation's leading rusher with 1059 yards and a 5.5 yard per carry average. Like old school Bielema teams, they are going to ground and pound and control the clock. Defensively, the Illini rank 1st in total defense, 2nd in pass defense, 2nd in rush defense and 1st in scoring defense. In my opinion they are a very overlooked team in College Football. The Huskers have their work cut out for them, so this will be an interesting game. Trey Palmer and Anthony Grant need to have the ball as much as possible. They are the best offensive playmakers for the Huskers and need space to work. Defensively: TACKLE, TACKLE TACKLE! The Husker defense has not done this well and Illinois will run wild if they don't tackle well today. I would love to see some points from Nebraska, show up this top ranked defense, but this was a scary game marked on my schedule at the beginning of the year. Hopefully Palmer and Grant can do some good, but the Illini win this one 31-21. GO BIG RED & prove me wrong!
Quick Hit Predictions:
#8 Oregon at Cal - The Ducks have a sneaky road game against the Golden Bears, but I think their offense is too high-powered to slow down. SCO Ducks as Oregon avoids a trap game on the road 40-21.
#20 Cincy at UCF - Cincy has quietly worked their way to 6-1 this season, but have a very dangerous game against UCF on the road. This has become a great rivalry over the last few years and the Bearcats have been able to prevail. Not going to happen this time though, UCF wins at home and knocks off the 20th ranked Bearcats 38-35.
Florida at #1 Georgia - The World's Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party takes place this week as the Gators look to knock off the top ranked Bulldogs. Florida had an extra week to prepare for this, but it won't help. Their defense will struggle today and as talented as Anthony Richardson is, he's not ready to beat Georgia yet. Bulldogs win 37-17.
Notre Dame at #16 Syracuse - The Orange come back home after a narrow loss to Clemson and giving up a two score lead in the second half. A tough one to swallow but now they host a Notre Dame team itching for a win. Look for both teams to come out aggressive, but I like the 'Cuse in this one. Orange bounce back at home 27-21.
Michigan State at #4 Michigan - The Battle for the Paul Bunyan Trophy takes place in Ann Arbor today as the Wolverines quietly look to dominate yet another opponent. Sparty is spiraling this season and despite the rivalry I expect it to continue. Wolverines with a statement 45-21.
Coastal Carolina at Marshall - The Chanticleers travel to take on the Thundering Herd, and despite their 6-1 record they're underdogs. Marshall has a stout defense and loves to keep games close. However, in modern college football you need to put up some points and I think Coastal Carolina will be able to do that. Chanticleers win a tough one on the road 27-21.
Pitt at #21 North Carolina - The Panthers have a rugged rushing attack and the Tar Heels have been skating by in their last couple victories. Pitt has been inconsistent this year, but I think they bring some big energy today and upset UNC on the road. Panthers 34, Tar Heels 28.
Thanks for reading my Gameday predictions and GO BIG RED! Enjoy your CFB Saturday!
#CFBKnowItAll
Alex Fernando
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