Well football fans, week 9 did not disappoint! Two teams in the top 4 fell as conference chaos begins to take over and we even had the first mid-season firing with Jim McElwain headed out of Gainesville after just 2.5 seasons. There were a lot of great games, so be sure to listen to the podcast of, The 2nd String, down below as Nate Muhlbach and I discuss anything and everything with College Football! As for the Husker game, I'll give my reflection here, but for a more in depth analysis, be sure to listen to the podcast for that too! Here's my reflection on the Huskers' win at Purdue, enjoy!
Well, they got the win. That's about all I want to say about this game because for the first 58 minutes and 30 seconds of this game, I was almost sick watching that performance. Purdue honestly looked like they wanted this game more than the Huskers and they just about took it. Nebraska has talked all season about the necessity of establishing a ground game early and often in all of their games. That plan failed yet again as the Huskers mustered up only 40 rushing yards throughout the game being led by Freshman RB Jaylin Bradley with 42. Ozigbo only had 8 yards on just 10 carries and Wilbon squeaked out 3 on his lone carry of the game. Yes, they were playing from behind most of the game, but there was no effort to establish a rushing attack if you ask me. When Ozigbo only gets 10 touches on the ground, it's clear Langsdorf and Riley have no confidence in our ground game from the get go. Much like against Ohio State, Nebraska gave up the run game before even trying. Bradley did provide a bit of a spark in the second half, but regardless, when you face a middle of the road rush defense like Purdue (53rd nationally, 9th in BIG 10), your top running back should get more carries than just 10 and more yards than just 8. The offensive line has been one of the worst I've witnessed in my existence, and the injuries have not helped. Apart from the injuries though, self-inflicted wounds, missed assignments and getting flat out beat on the line has been the recurring theme of the year up front for Nebraska. If they have any hope of making a bowl game, they need to fix the issues up front NOW. I've been saying it all season, but all of the issues for Nebraska start up front. The offense will continue to struggle if we can't get a push up front. Pass protection is still an issue as well. Lee was sacked 3 times and the Boilermakers racked up 8 Tackles for Loss. Despite all of the issues in front of him, Lee passed for a career best 431 yards with 2 TDs and 0 picks for the second straight game. He's shown great improvement over recent weeks and has kept the offense from bombing out completely with his play. He'll need help as the Huskers move into November looking for two more wins, but Lee looks like he's settled down within the offense now. His accuracy has improved and the receivers didn't drop as many passes against Purdue. Hoppes was especially impressive! He made me want to take away the Tyler "Droppes" nickname he's earned, but I've got to see one more solid game before that happens. Regardless, the passing game has improved drastically since the early part of the season. Point will still be hard to come by if Nebraska can't run though.
On the defensive side of the ball, there's still the same issues we've seen all season long. Poor tackling, poor pass rush, no push on the line of scrimmage and DBs not sure how to play the ball when it's in the air. The Blackshirts surrendered 363 total yards to the Boilermakers, including 199 on the ground. Diaco claims this will be one of the top defenses in the country, but they have a long way to go before they reach that point. Hopefully players like Ben Stille and Jake Weinmaster get some more playing time moving forward at Linebacker. From what I've seen, they're two of the best at wrapping up when tackling. That's still my biggest issue of them all on defense. You're not going to win many games when you let backs and receivers break 2-3 tackles every time they touch the ball. Nonetheless, there are a few bright spots on defense. The Blackshirts held Purdue to 3-13 on 3rd downs and held David Blough to just 57% completion rating and only 164 yards. I was surprised the Boilermakers didn't try to mix in Elijah Sindelar, especially because he's more of the rushing threat at QB. I'm not sure if that would've been better or worse for the Huskers, but it's probably best we didn't find out. Not a great game from the defense, by not their worst by any means. Still need some more improvement.
Overall, this was a fairly pathetic game to watch. It seemed like Nebraska was confused on just about every play offensively and had no clue what to do once they got close to the endzone. Luckily Drew Brown is straight up $$$ at kicker, hitting all 4 of his field goals in the game with a long of 44. It's nice to have him in your back pocket, but Nebraska needs to be much more efficient when driving the ball into the 20. This again goes back to the lack of a rushing attack and poor blocking up front. We'll see what improvements are made heading into a tough game at home against a stingy Northwestern team. I'm content with the much needed win, but definitely not very optimistic about it. Thanks for reading and GO BIG RED! Be sure to watch for my predictions post this Saturday!
Hello Football fans! I hope you're all ready for another great week of College Football as we move into the last weekend of October. In my opinion, this is when some of the best games take place for football. We have a great slate of games to watch this weekend, so let's get right into my predictions for week 9, enjoy!
#11 Oklahoma State at #22 West Virginia
Both the Pokes and the Mountaineers are coming off nail-biters from a week ago where they edged out Texas and Baylor respectively. Oklahoma State's top ranked offense struggled mightily against the Longhorns last week, mustering just 13 points in the Overtime win. Mason Rudolph was held without a TD pass and their wideouts committed a number of costly drops. They will really need to re-vamp their offense as they head into Morgantown. For West Virginia, they may need to revamp their defense. Over their past two games against Texas Tech and Baylor, the Mountaineers have given up 82 points and 1,010 total yards combined. With OSU coming into town, this could turn into yet another shootout for WVU. Their offense has bailed out their defense over the past couple of games though because Will Grier has thrown for 350+ and 5 TDs in both games. The big issue lately for WVU has been establishing a ground game. Justin Crawford was the Big XII's lead running back just a few weeks ago, but has disappeared with just 77 yards over the past two games. Texas only mustered up 42 rushing yards on OSU's defense, so it could be another tough day for Crawford. West Virginia has been on both sides of close games this season, but with their defense right now, I think they could lose this one. It'll definitely be a shootout, and I wouldn't be surprised by a lot of crazy points, but I'll take the Pokes in a close one. Cowboys win it 53-47.
World's Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party
#3 Georgia vs. Florida
The Bulldogs are coming off a BYE as Florida heads into this rivalry match-up having lost their last two games by a combined 3 points... at home. This is the perfect upset in the making, and with a rivalry, it makes that chance even greater! However, I don't think the Dawgs will be sleeping on the Gators this year, they're looking to end their 3 year drought against the Blue & Orange. Freshman QB Jake Fromm has been sensational for Georgia this season, leading them to a 7-0 record and managing the offense very well. The biggest story in the SEC this year has been Georgia's defense. The Bulldogs are in the top 10 in all 4 of the main defensive categories (Scoring, Rushing, Passing & Total). Florida's offense ranks 102nd in total offense and that's good a good enough ranking for the worst offense in the state of Florida! I don't think the Gators will do much chomping in this one. Georgia wins 33-16.
#4 TCU at #25 Iowa State
The Cyclones are back in the top 25 for the first time since 2005! Their first task as a top 25 team? Host the #4 ranked Horned Frogs from TCU. This looks to be a good match-up, with two dynamic offenses and a lead in the Big XII race on the line. ISU has been on a tear this season, especially since walk-on Kyle Kempt has taken over at QB. The former 3rd-stringer has quite the back story of bouncing around at schools, including a redshirt stint at Oregon State under Mike Riley in 2014! After having numerous scholarships taken away because of coaching changes, Kempt went along with Campbell on his move to Ames. He's started the last three games and has thrown for 657 yards with 7 TDs and just 1 interception. He'll have to be stellar yet again to knock off TCU, as the Horned Frogs have the 11th ranked Total Defense in the nation. They only give up an average of 14.9 points per game, so ISU could have a tough time moving the ball. I think TCU has the edge in this one, even on the road, but I wouldn't be surprised with this game being close. Iowa State has played teams tough all season, and this one should be another battle. Horned Frogs keep their lead in the Big XII Conference and win a tough one on the road 37-24.
#14 NC State at #9 Notre Dame
The Fightin' Irish are coming off their biggest win of the season, beating USC 49-14 last weekend. The Wolfpack are back in the top 15 for the first time since 2003 and looking to cause some chaos in the ACC and even playoff picture in the weeks ahead. They march into South Bend with a 6-1 record and one of the best defensive players in the nation with DE Bradley Chubb. Chubb has 6.5 sacks and 13 Tackles for Loss on the season thus far, and opposing defenses have really struggled to slow him down. Notre Dame has the 6th best rushing attack in the nation, and QB Brandon Wimbush has 508 yards on the ground with 10 rushing TDs. NC State will have a tough time handling this ground game, but the Wolfpack do have the 6th ranked rush defense in the nation, giving up just 91.3 yards per game on the ground. I expect this to be a tough, grinding game, but I think Notre Dame has the talent to finish this one out. They have a tough schedule ahead, but this won't be the trip up for the Irish. If NC State does pull this upset though, they could really be a team to watch. They could still win the ACC with out this one, but I've got the Irish with a 27-20 win.
#21 USC at Arizona State
The Trojans are likely shell-shocked after the 49-14 thumping they received from the Irish last week. Arizona State is coming off back to back big wins against Washington and Utah, with impressive defensive performances. The Sun Devils have allowed just 17 points over the past two games compared to a minimum of 30 in their first 5. QB Manny Wilkins has helped their offense total 630 yards in the past two weeks combined, so we could be in for a good show with this Pac-12 after dark match-up. Sam Darnold looks to right the ship as the Trojans still lead the way in the Pac-12 South Division. They would have a two game lead on the Sun Devils with a head to head win tonight. Tempe can be a tough place to play, but it takes a lot to hold down Darnold. I'm still not entirely sold on Arizona State yet, so I'm going to stick with the Trojans. USC wins it in the desert 34-21, Fight On!
#2 Penn State at #6 Ohio State
The biggest game of the weekend takes place in the Horseshoe in Columbus, Ohio. The Nittany Lions take on the Buckeyes in a game that will not only likely decide the BIG 10 East Division winner, but will also likely decide which BIG 10 team will get into the Playoff! This game is going to be a good one, and to make matters even better, my friend Nate and I made a wager on this game during our radio show. Nate is crazy and thinks Ohio State is going to win this game, while I know the true victor will be Penn State. So with our opposing views, we put the intro rights for next week's show on the line. Winner gets to introduce the other person and I cannot wait to win this bet! Let me explain why Penn State will win this game (and the bet). First of all, Ohio State has demolished every team in their path since losing to Oklahoma, but that list of teams includes Army, UNLV, Rutgers, Maryland and a very lackluster Husker squad. Their offensive numbers have been off the charts, but only because they're inflated by major wins over bad teams. Penn State is coming off of a huge home victory over Michigan and has arguably the most well rounded team in the nation. Their defense ranks in the top 10 in 3/4 of the major categories, the only one that isn't is their 17th ranked pass defense. None of their opponents have been able to move the ball on the Nittany Lions and they give up an average of just 9.6 points per game (#1 in the nation). The front seven of Penn State's defense is one of the most underrated in all of College Football in my opinion. Hardly anyone mentions their dominance (mostly due to Saquon Barkely), but they have been reeking havoc on opponents all season long. The Nittany Lion defense is 6th in the nation for Tackles for Loss with 59 of them so far this season and 8th in the nation for sacks with 24. They like to bring constant pressure, and with players like Senior Linebacker Jason Cabinda leading the way, JT Barrett and the Buckeyes will have a difficult time moving the ball. Barrett isn't always the most accurate passer, and that's going to cost them against Penn State. The second reason Penn State will win this game is their offensive dominance. Yes, we all know about Saquon Barkely, but the rest of their offensive attack is no slouch, especially when they average 40 points per game. Saquon is the key play-maker, but WRs DaeSean Hamilton and Juan Johnson along with the 6'6 Kangaroo named Mike Gesicki at Tightend, Ohio State will have to deal with the most talented offense they've faced all season long. Again, the numbers are skewed because of their weaker schedule, but Ohio State is currently 36th in the nation for pass defense. I'm not buying that number because Tanner Lee put up over 300 on the Buckeys and after the Oklahoma game, Ohio State had the nation's WORST pass defense. Just because you play Army and UNLV doesn't mean your pass defense is fixed. I think Trace McSorley will reek havoc on this young secondary and knock the Buckeyes from Playoff possibilities. They already blew out the #1 ranked defense of Michigan! Ohio State is definitely capable of winning this game, I never want to assume anything with Urban Meyer, but I think Penn State wins a good one this afternoon 33-21.
Nebraska at Purdue
The Huskers are coming off a BYE as they head into West Lafayette while the Boilermakers are trying to figure out what happened against Rutgers last week. This will be a great indicating game of what direction the Huskers are going in for the rest of the season and if a bowl game is still a possibility for this team. Purdue is going to continue using their two QB system with David Blough and Elijah Sindelar. Statistically, Blough looks to be the better of the two, but from when I've watched Purdue this season, Sindelar seems to help move the offense along more. Regardless of who takes the snaps, the key for Nebraska is to get pressure on them and shut down the run. Purdue has two RBs that split the load fairly equally with Tario Fuller and D.J. Knox. Both are averaging around 6 yards per carry, so the Blackshirts need to get a push up front. Switching back to the pressure aspect of the game... CAN SOMEONE PLEASE HIT THE QUARTERBACK?! Nebraska's pass rush has been atrocious lately, mustering just a total of 10 sacks over the entire season thus far. If the Huskers want to make a bowl, that stat needs to change, pronto.
On the offensive side of the ball, Nebraska needs to establish a rushing attack, stick with the rushing attack, and make sure Lee's throws are necessary and accurate. Devine needs to carry the ball at least 20 times and just let him plow through that Purdue defense like a runaway train (pun intended). If Nebraska can establish a ground game with Ozigbo, Tanner Lee will have much less congestion in the pocket, allowing for more accurate passes. Purdue's newly vamped up defense loves to fly to the ball and hit hard, so the Huskers will really need to be careful with passing the ball. Lee has improved quite a bit since the early part of the season, but without a ground game to lean on, he will not be nearly as effective. Overall, this is definitely a game Nebraska should win, but it's also one they could positively lose. Hopefully they were able to get their minds right as they come out of the BYE week. I've go the Huskers coming out with a solid 34-17 victory. GO BIG RED!
Here are some Quick Hits on games I didn't get a chance to analyze deeply:
Cal at Colorado- The Buffs have fallen back into the pit they once owned having lost 4 of their last 5 games. Cal is on the rise after a couple of tough losses and a major upset against #8 Wazzu, so I'm going to go with the Golden Bears! I like what Justin Wilcox has cooking up in Berkley. Cal beat Colorado on the road 35-24.
UCLA at #12 Washington- A battle between two of the best QBs in the nation is set to square off up in Seattle. The Huskies have a 17 point spread for this game, but Josh Rosen of UCLA can always keep them in the game. Sadly, he doesn't have much help around him, and he'll have a tough time doing anything against this Washington defense. UCLA is not good enough to compete in this game, Washington wins it 31-17.
#16 Michigan State at Northwestern- The Spartans are coming off a tough game against their rival Indiana and have a showdown in Happy Valley vs. the unstoppable Nittany Lions. This has trap game written all over it, and I'm sure Northwestern will cause some headaches. They have a tough defense, but not much to offer on offense, much like Michigan State. Northwestern hangs around, but I think Lewerke finishes this game strong. I always pray for the upset, but this is one that's unlikely in my book. Spartans stuff the Wildcats 23-10.
Battle for the Floyd of Rosedale:
Minnesota at Iowa- A bronze Pig is on the line as Minnesota and Iowa clash for another classic BIG 10 Rivalry. The Hawks are coming off a puzzling loss to Northwestern as the Gophers just edged by Illinois. This will probably be fairly low scoring and honestly just an ugly game. Neither team plays a lot of "good looking football", but they get the job done most of the time. Iowa has 2 straight on the Gophers, and I think they'll take 1 more. Iowa 22, Minnesota 16.
Georgia Tech at #7 Clemson- The Tigers and the Ramblin' Wreck look to get back on track as the Yellow Jackets invade Death Valley. Clemson saw what very well was their repeat title hopes dashed by Syracuse, so they could be ready to fight after the BYE. Georgia Tech will likely jump out to an early lead and then wash it away as they normally do. I'll take the Tigers at home, Clemson wins it 33-17.
Thanks for reading my game predictions and I hope you have a fantastic Saturday! Don't forget to tune into The 2nd String, every Tuesday evening from 7-8 pm on KRNU2 online! Here's this week's episode of the 2nd String as well for you all to enjoy! GO BIG RED!
Good morning College Football fans! I hope you're all ready for a fantastic day of football! Even though the Huskers have a BYE week, there's still a great slate of College Football games to watch today. There's a couple of ranked match ups, couple of rivalries and most importantly, lots of potential for CHAOS! So let's get to my big games to watch this weekend and all my game picks, enjoy!
#10 Oklahoma State at Texas
The Pokes roll into Austin, TX looking to keep their CFP hopes alive and keep pace in the Big XII. Texas is coming off a close loss to their arch rival, the Sooners, in the Red River Rivalry last week. The Horns were down early, but came back and made it a close one later in the game. Texas QB Sam Ehlinger accounted for 388 total yards and 2 TDs, so OSU will have their hands full with him today. This looks to be a typical, high scoring, shootout Big XII game as both teams give up an average of 24 points per game while averaging 48.8 (Pokes) and 33.7 (Horns). The biggest factor to watch will be Mason Rudolph vs. the Texas Secondary. The Longhorns rank 109th in the country for pass defense, giving up 264.8 yards passing per game. That means Mason Rudolph and James Washington will have a field day. Rudolph already has more than 2,300 yards on the season with a 19:4 TD to INT ratio, and I expect those numbers to get a boost today. Texas has played teams tough though, taking USC and Oklahoma both to the wire. I think Sam Ehlinger could be one of the best QBs in the nation in a couple years based on his play so far this season, but I'm not quite sure if he can pull the upset over Rudolph yet. Texas will hang around, but Rudolph and the Pokes will start to pull away late. Cowboys win a tough one on the road 41-28.
Tennessee at #1 Alabama
I honestly don't think this game will go very well for you know who, but it's still technically a rivalry game, and beating the spread against Bama can be considered a win on some level, especially to Tennessee. The Vols are looking to keep it respectable as they stroll into Tuscaloosa, AL after losing their last two games by a combined 56-9. They fought tough last week, but gave up a few late scores to allow South Carolina to come away with the win. Looking at Alabama, they do the typical Bama thing and score 40+ per game while giving up about 10 and only 254 total yards on average. With Tennessee's struggling offense, they might be lucky to cross the 50 in this game. They did find a spark by changing QBs last week, but I'm not sure how well the Freshman, Jarrett Guarantano, can handle Bama on the road. They might cross the 50 with Guarantano, but after watching them last week, I doubt they'll score. This is more of a prediction to see how bad Tennessee will lose. I'm taking Bama big! The Tide Roll along over their "rival" 40-7.
Syracuse at #8 Miami
The Cuse are coming off the major upset of Clemson last week, but now have to travel down to South Beach to take on the 8th ranked Canes. Can lightening strike twice? Syracuse proved they can move the ball against one of the toughest defenses in the nation last week, and Eric Dungey leads an offensive attack that averages 463 yards (318 passing) and 31.3 points per game. Miami has had a couple of nail-biters in their past two games, but Malik Rosier keeps this team humming along. He's been very impressive this season, especially late in the game during clutch time. He's lead back to back game winning drives against Florida State and Georgia Tech, so I don't think he's too nervous when trailing late in the game. No matter what, he'll have to watch out for the pressure form Syracuse, the Orange had 4 sacks and 5 TFL on the Tigers last week, so look for them to bring the heat early and often in this game. I think Miami will take this one, but Syracuse will definitely play them tough, they're not just a flash upset team. Dungey keeps them in it for a while, but Miami will finish off on the right foot. Canes beat the Cuse 33-24.
Battle for the Old Brass Spittoon
Indiana at #18 Michigan State
The Hoosiers and the Spartans are set to square off in East Lansing in another setting of this old rivalry. Indiana came away with a 24-21 Overtime victory last year, so you know this one is going to be a battle. Sparty has been playing well this season, especially on defense. They have the 5th ranked total defense in the nation and only give up 18.2 points per game. The issues lie primarily with their offense, which only scores 23.7 on average per game. Indiana's offense has been much more dynamic under the Freshman QB, Peyton Ramsey. Ramsey has 815 through the air with 7 TDs and 4 picks so far this season, but his scrambling ability has been the most painful for opposing defenses. Ramsey often keeps drives alive with his legs, and is one of the better QBs Sparty's defense has faced this season. The problem with Indiana is closing out the game. They struggle mightily when keeping games close, as evidence of their OT loss against Michigan last week. This game has a 6.5 point spread, but I think it could be closer yet again. Two tough defenses and two dual threat QBs make for an interesting one in the BIG 10 this afternoon! I'll take Sparty with a close win at home. I always like the upset opportunity, but Indiana has failed me more times than not when I pick them. Michigan State wins the game and the Old Brass Spittoon 27-23.
#20 UCF at Navy
Scott Frost played a little QB in practice earlier this week to make sure his team was ready for this option attack brought by Navy. The Midshipmen average nearly 400 yards per game on the ground, so UCF will need to be very disciplined when defending the option in this one. Navy can hurt you with so many different players in a number of directions, so defensively UCF must maintain their gaps all game long. On the offensive side of the ball, the Knights are lead by Sophomore QB, McKenzie Milton, and have the #1 scoring offense in the nation, averaging 50.6 points per game. Navy's defense has struggled, giving up nearly 400 yards on average and 28 points per game, so this seems like prime picking for Frost & Co. Wrong! Navy is a very tough team to beat, especially in Annapolis. They keep games close and run the clock all game long. They don't make many mistakes and are always a dangerous team when an underdog. I've picked them for upsets before, but I'm not sure they'll quite have it today. It'll be close early on, but I think UCF has a chance to be that Group of 5 team to break into one of the New Year's Day bowl games. Gold Knights win a tough one on the road 41-33.
Battle for the Jeweled Shillelagh
#11 USC at #13 Notre Dame
Another great chapter will be written for this rivalry as the Trojans march into South Bend to take on the Irish. Both teams have 1 loss, and have a shot at the playoff if they win out. However, when your arch rival stands in your way, that just makes for a great game! USC has not been the dominant team everyone expected to compete for the National Title, but they've battled a lot of injuries so far this season. They've also battled the turnover bug as Darnold has thrown 9 picks this season and has fumbled a handful of times as well. To beat Notre Dame, they need to hold onto the ball. The Irish have caused 14 turnovers so far this season, so they'll be looking to take it away under the lights tonight. Looking at the Irish offense, they're lead by a dynamic rushing attack that averages 308 yards per game. Josh Adams has nearly 800 yards rushing on the season, and Junior QB Brandon Wimbush will be back this week as well. Wimbush has been putting up solid numbers, throwing for 783 with a 6:2 TD to INT ratio so far this season while also rushing for 402 yards and 8 TDs on the ground. The last dual threat QB the Trojans faced was Texas' Sam Ehlinger, and he had over 300 total yards on them. Wimbush is a better runner than Ehlinger, so look for a lot of option attack to keep USC off their game. Under the lights, anything can happen in South Bend, and not many people have seen much from Notre Dame this season. The back half of their schedule is one of the toughest left in the nation, so this night marks the start of a "time to prove" for the Irish. I think they're a dangerous team and USC has too many turnovers to win this game. Irish take home the Shillelagh with a 34-30 thriller!
#19 Michigan at #2 Penn State
The WHITE OUT! Michigan heads to Happy Valley to take on the Mighty Nittany Lions of Penn State. Two BIG 10 East heavyweights are set for one of the biggest games of the year under the lights. Michigan has the best defense in the nation according to the numbers, but probably the worst offense according to the other numbers. Penn State has one of the best offenses in the nation, all lead by the duo of Trace McSorely and Saquon Barkely. Barkley continues to march on with his Heisman campaign, but faces a wall tonight. The Wolverine's defense gives up only 223 yards per game on average, and love to create pressure on opposing QBs. McSorely struggles mightily under pressure, so look for lots of quick throws, screens and roll outs to keep him safe from the Michigan pass rush. On the other side of the ball, Michigan needs to pray all game long just to move the ball. Everyone has been forgetting to mention the Nittany Lion defense. Penn State is #9 in total defense, and gives up just 9 points per game. No one has been able to move the ball against Penn State, and I highly doubt Michigan will be with all of their offensive struggles. This will be a tough, grinder-type game down in Happy Valley, but I think Penn State's defense makes the biggest play and brings this game home. I've been saying the Nittany Lions are Playoff material all season long, and I'm sticking by it! Penn State tops Michigan 24-10.
Here are some quick hits on other interesting games this week:
Iowa at Northwestern- A bit of a sleeper in the BIG 10, but these two teams always play tough games. Both have great defenses, but the Wildcats lack of offense could do them in, much like it has done in other games. They did hold Barkley to just 75 yards rushing though, so Wadley could have a tough day for the Hawks. Iowa will be without LB Josey Jewel though, giving NW a big advantage! We'll see what the Wildcats can do with it, but Northwestern needs to start feeding Justin Jackson if they want to start winning games. I really want to see the Wildcats win, but Iowa will probably win a dumb one, 28-23.
Louisville at Florida State- Last year, Lamar Jackson accounted for 5 TDs against the 'Noles, and he'll be looking for more this year. Both of these teams are looking to get their seasons back on track as we move into the second half of the year, but both teams have to face two play making QBs. I think Lamar has the edge though, Florida State is a mess right now. Cardinals 40, Seminoles 30.
Boston College at Virginia- The Cavaliers are a sneaky 5-1 this season, and are playing incredible defense. They'll have their hands full with Boston College and their rushing attack. I think Virginia plays well at home and takes care of business though. Cavs win it over the Eagles 35-21.
Arizona State at Utah- The Sun Devils are coming off of a major upset over Washington while the Utes are coming off a tough, 1 point loss to the Trojans. Both teams will be ready to prove that last week wasn't just a fluke in their own ways, but I'm taking the home team. I don't think Arizona State can repeat that defensive performance from last week. Utes win it 30-17.
#23 West Virginia at Baylor- This could be a trap game for the Mountaineers. Baylor has struggled, but they can always put up points. Plus, WVU is coming off a big comeback against Texas Tech last week and has to look forward to a visit from Oklahoma State next week. Baylor keeps it close and may even upset! I'll stick with the Mountaineers, but this one could go either way in my opinion! WVU 37, Baylor 35.
Thanks for reading all my predictions and enjoy your football Saturday! We'll see if we can get any more chaos today, GO BIG RED!
