Week 9 Predictions

     Hello football fans and welcome to another week of college football predictions from yours truly! We've got a very interesting set of Week 9 matchups to watch, including my Huskers trying to get back on track against the Boilermakers at home. There are some key games across the BIG 10 and a number of other potential upsets, so let's dive right into my predictions. Enjoy!

Week 8 Record: 11 - 2

Overall Record: 84 - 48

#6 Michigan at #8 Michigan State (Battle for the Paul Bunyan Trophy)

     We'll kick these predictions off with the game of the week up in East Lansing as the Wolverines take on the Spartans. Both are looking to stay undefeated as they head into the November gauntlet that involves Ohio State and Penn State. Michigan is known for falling short in these games, so all eyes will be on Jim Harbaugh not to screw this up. You can expect a lot of ground and pound from both teams in this game, as the Spartans rank 32nd in rush offense while Michigan ranks 5th. Kenneth Walker III for Sparty averages 6.6 yards per carry and leads a very balanced offense. Michigan is especially run-heavy this year, but with Blake Corum and Hassan Haskins who wouldn't be? This should be a very entertaining game to watch, but I'm leaning toward the Wolverines. I think they will make a couple more plays on defense with their speed. Plus it will be really fun to watch them go undefeated only to lose to Ohio State and not go to the BIG 10 Championship. Wolverines 31, Spartans 26.

#9 Iowa at Wisconsin (Battle for the Heartland Trophy)

     The BIG 10 slate continues as we have a clash for a bronze cow in the West Division. Iowa travels to Wisconsin after their BYE week, looking to get back on track after the beat down by Purdue a couple of weeks ago. Wisconsin handled Purdue last weekend, holding them to just 206 yards and 13 points with 5 turnovers. It's unlikely to see Iowa have that many issues turning the ball over, but this is almost certainly going to be a defensive slug match. The Badgers allow just 53 yards per game on the ground while the Hawkeyes allow 89. The worst part is that neither offense is very good, so it's hard to say who has the edge. I'll give this one to Wisconsin at home. They win the Cow 21-17.

Texas at #16 Baylor

     They Bears have stayed quiet in the Big XII despite their close loss to Oklahoma State, but are right in the mix as they inch toward the conference championship birth. They host the Longhorns today with the 19th best scoring defense waiting for them. Texas averages 41.6 points per game, ranking 9th, so this should be a fun battle to watch. Despite the numbers, offense usually reigns supreme in the Big XII, so expect a fast-paced, potential barn-burner in this one. Texas is going to feed Bijan Robinson, so the Bears have their work cut out for them. However, I'm giving them the edge since they're at home, and the Longhorn secondary is easy to pick apart. Baylor QB, Gerry Bohanon has thrown for over 1,500 yards with 12 TDs and just 1 pick so far this season. I think he'll have a big day and show that Baylor is a true contender in the conference this year. Sic 'Em as the Bears win 38-33.

#1 Georgia vs. Florida (The World's Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party)

     Meeting up at their traditional neutral site in Jacksonville, the Dawgs and the Gators square off in an SEC East battle. Ultimately, this one doesn't mean much other than Florida could knock Georgia down a peg but still have a path to the CFB Playoffs. The Dawgs defense is unbelievable this year, giving up just 6.6 points per game. They've all but won the SEC East division and will be looking to give Florida some payback for last season's 44-28 smacking. Their offense is slowly improving, but the defense should handle things and force turnovers. Dawgs win 34-20.

Boston College at Syracuse

     A couple of middle-of-the-pack ACC teams square off as the Eagles and Orange meet in the dome. Statistically, these teams are fairly even, but the Eagles are on a three game skid. Syracuse has lost multiple close games, but finally beat Virginia Tech on the road last week. They're ground game with Sean Tucker will be the difference maker as he averages over 6 yards per carry and already has 10 TDs on the season. The Orange win this one 31-24.

#10 Ole Miss at #18 Auburn

     The Rebels and Tigers meet up in a game needed to keep pace with Alabama in the SEC West Division. This game will feature a talented QB battle between Matt Corral and Bo Nix. Auburn has a solid defense, but their offense lacks the weapons around Nix to make regular plays into big plays. Corral is practically the entire offense for Lane Kiffin. It should be a fun game to watch, but I'm going to give the nod to Auburn with their defense playing at home. Turnover are key in this game! Auburn 33, Ole Miss 31.

#12 Kentucky at Mississippi State

     The Cats are coming off their BYE week and having sit on their loss to Georgia for two weeks, I'm sure they're ready to play. They're taking on the Pirate and Mississippi State. The Bulldogs spoiled Texas A&M's season at the beginning of this month, but haven't done much otherwise this year. Kentucky should get back to their winning ways in this one, especially if they get the ball in the hands of Wan'dale Robinson. He's averaging 11.6 yards per catch and has 5 receiving TDs so far this season. Cats beat the Dogs 37-35.

#19 SMU at Houston

     Probably an under-the-radar game for most, but the Mustangs are 7-0 and the Cougars are 6-1. Both unbeaten in conference play so far this season and looking to keep pace with Cincy. Houston had to battle in an overtime win against ECU last week, but has a tough defense that gives up just 17.3 points per game. They'll be tested in this one though as SMU averages 42.7 points per game and loves to air it out with Junior QB Tanner Mordecai. He's thrown for 2,320 yards with a nation-leading 29 TDs and just 7 picks so far this season, torching teams for over 300 yards in 4 of their last 5 games. Houston's offense isn't quite as dynamic as it used to be, and Dana Holgorsen and crew could find it hard to keep pace later in this one. This is slated to be an even matchup, but I like SMU to pull away late. Mustangs win this one 38-28.

#20 Penn State at #5 Ohio State

     Up until their last couple games, the Nittany Lions looked like potential playoff contenders, let alone BIG 10 Championship contenders. However, falling short in Iowa City and a 9-overtime loss to Illinois following a BYE week is a good way to drop out of the conversation quickly. The buckeys have done nothing but win since losing at home to Oregon, but they're really only won against not-so-great (actually pretty bad) teams. They will finally be tested with a stout defense from Penn State. Luckily, they have practically a NFL roster for wide receivers and should be able to move the ball fairly well and put up points. Defensively, they will need to keep the pressure on Sean Clifford and Jahan Dotson. Keeping the ball away from Dotson will keep the Nittany Lions' offensive series short and sweet, so C.J. Stround can toss it up and let Chris Olave go up and get it. Buckeyes win this one 34-17.

UCLA at Utah

     In a battle for the PAC-12 South Division, the Bruins look to claw their way back in while Utah looks to bounce back from their stumble against the Beavers. Both squads lost close games last week to the state of Oregon, but now need to rebound as Arizona State is looking at a fairly manageable schedule on their way to the PAC-12 Championship. UCLA's offense has been consistent all season, but the defense has really struggled to slow opponents down. Utah has not shown the defensive prowess we've come to know them for, but any Kyle Whittingham team at home is tough to beat. This should be a good one to watch late in the night. Utes win it 33-24.

Virginia at #25 BYU

     Bronco Mendenhall returns to Provo as the Cavaliers take on the Cougars. BYU has had a rough October after a hot start to the season, losing to Boise State and Baylor before rebounding last week with a 2-point win over Wazzu. Virginia has ben mowing through the lower ranks of the ACC and Junior QB Brennan Armstrong is a big reason why. Armstrong has 3,220 yards with 23 TDs and just 6 picks on the season. The Cougars rank 85th in pass defense, giving up nearly 240 yards per game on average, so I don't see this game going well. Cavs win it as Bronco Mendenhall wins a game on the other sideline in Provo 35-21.

Fresno State at #21 San Diego State

     A California rivalry ends our night as the Bulldogs travel to SDSU. The Aztecs are unbeaten and looking to keep Fresno State at bay with a victory and big step forward in position for the West division of the Mountain West Conference. The Bulldogs knocked off my dark horse team Nevada last week with a 2-point victory. This will be a very tough game and could easily go down to the wire, maybe even overtime. Both defenses give up fewer than 21 points per game, but offensively the Aztecs like to keep it on the ground while the Bulldogs air it out. Ex-Husker running back Greg Bell leads the charge for the Aztecs, averaging just under 5 yards per carry and has racked up 5 TDs on the season. Senior QB Jake Haener for Fresno State has thrown for more than 2,500 yards with 22 TDs and just 6 picks. This is a big game for SDSU if they want to keep their hopes of a potential New Year's Six bowl open (if Cincy happens to mess up). However, I like the upset here. Fresno State wins a close one on the road 26-24.

Purdue at Nebraska

     The Cornhuskers come out of their BYE week to host the 4-3 Boilermakers. Purdue is riding a roller coaster after knocking off #2 Iowa and then getting smashed by Wisconsin last week. Nebraska has been close in so many games, but completely fell apart against Minnesota, which was outright hideous. Neither team has a very consistent offense, but the defenses are stout. The blackshirts have been pushed around a bit since their hot start to the season, but this game provides a chance to right the ship. They will possibly face 3 different QBs and need to put multiple defenders around star wideout David Bell on every play. However, Scott Frost has only beaten Purdue once, and that was last season (they nearly came back). Martinez will need to play a complete game in this one, as Purdue give up just 16.3 points per game on average. Samori Toure needs to be involved early and often, as well as Austin Allen. I said after the last game that Nebraska would not win another game this season. I hope they prove me wrong, because I'm saying the Boilermakers will win this one 30-27. Probably because they have a kicker who can hit field goals.

Quick Hit Predictions:

North Carolina at #11 Notre Dame - The Tar Heels don't have enough weapons to help Sam Howell out. Notre Dame wins this, but it won't be very impressive on either side. 31-27 Irish.

#22 Iowa State at West Virginia - An easy trap game for the Cyclones to fall into, and they may for a bit. However, Matt Campbell wants to get them back in the Big XII Championship, so they're going to handle business on the road. Cyclones 33, Mountaineers 23.

Minnesota at Northwestern - Oddly enough, Minnesota sits alongside Iowa at the top of the BIG 10 West. With a very manageable schedule, they could win the division. The first step is not falling asleep at the wheel. Gophers beat Northwestern 31-17.

TCU at Kansas State - The Horned Frogs just cannot get things going this season, and Manhattan, Kansas is never a great place to play. Power-Cats win 28-24.

UTEP at Florida Atlantic - The Miners are 6-1 and looking to keep pace with UTSA in the C-USA West Division. However, N'Kosi Perry is putting up a lot of points with FAU and they win this one 44-23.

Thank you for reading my Week 9 Predictions and I hope you all have a fabulous football Saturday.

GO BIG RED!

#CFBKnowItAll

Alex Fernando

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

Week 7 Predictions

      Happy Gameday Football fans, and welcome to CHAIR WEEK! There is a fabulous slate of games today and the Huskers and Gophers get to kick it off at 11 AM in the Battle for the $5 Bits of Broken Chair Trophy. I've got all the breakdown and predictions for you, so read on and GO BIG RED!

Week 6 Record: 6 - 5

Overall Record: 62 - 39

UCF at #3 Cincinnati

     The Bearcats have a 23-game win streak at home on the line as they host the Golden Knights of UCF. Cincy nearly lost their undefeated season in this game a year ago down in Orlando. This one could be fairly lopsided at the end of the day, as I think Cincy is going to roll. This team is ready to compete at the top level and won't be stopped any time soon. Senior QB Desmond Ridder is having a Hesiman-caliber season with more than 1,300 passing yards and a 12:2 TD to INT ratio along with 3 more TDs on the ground. He is extremely efficient with the ball and has a lot of weapons to utilize. Running Back Jerome Ford is a very difficult to bring down, averaging 6.3 yards per carry. I think Cincy comes out an flexes their muscles today. Gus Malzahn will certainly have UCF's offense moving, but they won't be a match for that Bearcat defense. Cincy extends their streak to 24 games at home with a 35-20 victory.

#12 Oklahoma State at #25 Texas

     The Longhorns are coming off a heartbreaking loss to the Sooners last week, and now they host the other Oklahoma team with the undefeated Pokes. Oklahoma State hasn't been flashy, but they've played very good defense to hold off their opponents. Texas has a much more dynamic offense though, especially when they give the ball to Bijan Robinson. The young stud at running back for the Horns has nearly 800 yards on the ground this season with 8 TDs. He's also a fantastic receiver out of the backfield and has been proven to be a useful outlet for Texas QB Casey Thompson, who by the way had 5 TDs against the Sooners. Oklahoma State has a lot of offense to slow down with Texas, and I'm not sure they have quite enough to keep up. They rank 8th in the Big XII in total offense, which means they probably can't keep up with Texas in this one. Hook 'Em as the Longhorns win in the battle of ugly orange teams. Texas 34, Oklahoma State 21.

Auburn at #17 Arkansas

     The Tigers travel to take on the Hogs after a beat down from Georgia at home last week. Arkansas couldn't quite complete a 2-point conversion for the victory over Ole Miss and lost 52-51. Auburn's defense will be challenged with Arkansas today, as the Hogs have been very dynamic on offense. Statistically these teams stack up fairly well, so I'm looking to the QB battle and who can take care of the ball. Bo Nix is a tremendous athlete, but does not have many weapons to spread the ball to. KJ Jefferson has quickly become one of college football's favorite players this season, and his rushing ability completely changes how you defend the Arkansas offense. Watch the QB battle in this one, they will make some plays. I'm going with the home team Hogs though. Arkansas wins 33-28.

#11 Kentucky at #1 Georgia

     The Wildcats are 6-0 for the first time in more than 70 years and the Dawgs are now ranked #1 in the nation. This game gives the winner a lead to the SEC Championship and the East Division Crown. Kentucky has a tremendous amount of weapons on offense, but the SEC's leading receiver is none other than ex-Husker Wan'dale Robinson. The Speedster has 527 yards and 4 TDs on the season and will be looking to find the crack in this unbelievable Georgia defense. The Dawgs give up just 5.5 points per game on average and barely over 200 yards. They have 22 sacks on the season, but the Wildcat pass rush is something to watch as well. If they can get pressure on the Georgia QB(s) then this game could get interesting. I still haven't been sold on Georgia's offense, but I think they make another statement today. Dawgs knock off the Wildcats 27-21.

Purdue at #2 Iowa

     The Boilermakers are on the hunt for an upset as they travel to Iowa City to take on the second ranked Hawkeyes. Iowa leads the nation in turnovers and their defense has been tremendous all season long. The offense is a different story however, but they still keep finding a way to win. Purdue comes in off of their BYE week, and has a stingy defense of their own. They've given up just an average of 15.4 points per game this season, but they don't get many turnovers. The Boilermakers have won 3 of the last 4 against the Hawkeyes, and while I don't feel like Iowa's offense warrants the #2 ranking, they make too few mistakes to lose this game. I'm always rooting against Iowa, but they'll win this game 28-20..

#19 BYU at Baylor

     The Cougars were upset at home by Boise State last week, but now have a chance to bounce back against a very good Baylor team. These future Big XII opponents could start an intriguing rivalry with the game today. The Bears offense is led by Gerry Bohanon at QB with more than 1,300 yards, 11 TDs and zero interceptions so far this season. He has a lot of weapons at his disposal, but the most underrated weapon of Baylor is their defense. They rank 16th in the nation for opponent third down conversion, allowing just 30.23% to be converted. The Cougars are in the middle of the pack in terms of converting third down, but the big question is on if they can protect Jaren Hall. The Sophomore has already missed a couple of games due to injury and his lack of rushing against Boise State quickly became an issue. Baylor is sneakily working toward that Big XII Championship and this is a game that helps boost their confidence for more conference games later this year. The Cougars will put up a fight, but I've got the Bears winning this battle. Sic 'Em 33-24.

TCU at #4 Oklahoma

     The Sooners have a new QB1 in Caleb Williams and it could quickly take this team to new heights. Spencer Rattler has struggled all season and after a horrendous start to the Texas game last week, Caleb Williams came in and led the comeback victory. He now faces a TCU squad that has really struggled to slow down opposing offenses. This is the perfect stage for a break out performance and to put the QB battle in the rear view. The Texas game was a good showing, but Oklahoma has the best shot to make the playoffs out of the Big XII other than their in-state rivals, the Pokes. To make matters worse for the Horned Frogs, QB Max Duggan and RB Zach Evans are both questionable with injuries. Oklahoma wins this one 40-24.

#22 NC State at Boston College

     The Wolfpack and BC square off to keep pace in the ACC Atlantic Division. NC State upset Clemson while the Eagles fell short, but this should be a great game to watch. Statistically, there are not many differences between these teams. The RB battle will be fun to watch as both teams get a big push on the line of scrimmage. This is certainly a tough prediction, but I like Boston College at home. Golden Eagles win a close one 26-24.

#18 Arizona State at Utah

     The Sun Devils could practically wrap up the PAC-12 South Division with a win in Salt Lake City tonight, but the Utes are never an easy team to beat. They lost a couple of tough ones to BYU and San Diego State, but still remain unbeaten in PAC-12 play. Cameron Rising has been playing very well at QB for the Utes, taking over the last couple games and racked up 4 total TDs against USC last week. The Sun Devils have a very tough defense though, and I like the style of football they're playing. I went against them once and won't be making that mistake again. Arizona State wins a big one on the road 31-30.

Nebraska at Minnesota (Battle for the $5 Bits of Broken Chair)

     IT'S CHAIR WEEK! The best trophy in sports is up for grabs as the Huskers travel to Minneapolis to take on the Golden Gophers. Nebraska is coming off yet another heartbreaker after losing to Michigan at home in the final minutes of the game last week. Minnesota is coming off their BYE week, but have lost their top two running backs for the season. Tanner Morgan has not been impressive and the Blackshirts should be able to handle the Gopher offense quite easily. On the other side of the ball, Nebraska needs to come out hot on offense. Minnesota has the 5th best rush defense in the nation, so it could be tricky for the Huskers to move between the tackles. Martinez needs to be a factor running out on the edges and the Huskers need to utilize their talent and speed on the sidelines with the passing attack. Road games are never great and the Huskers haven't won in Minneapolis since 2015, but I've got a good feeling today. Nebraska FINALLY takes back the chair and wins this one 38-21. GO BIG RED!

Quick Hit Predictions:

#21 Texas A&M at Missouri - Little bit of a hangover for the Aggies, but they win 33-21.

Pitt at Virginia Tech - The Hokies have a good defense, but not good enough to stop Kenny Pickett. Panthers win on the road 38-28.

#10 Michigan State at Indiana - Sparty needs more impressive BIG 10 wins and they can get one today if they get their ground game going. Indiana will put up a fight, but Sparty wins 24-17.

#5 Alabama at Mississippi State - You don't want to face Saban after a loss. The Pirate doesn't stand a chance and the Tide Roll 45-17.

#20 Florida at LSU - No shoe throw today, Gators chomp the Tigers 33-21.

#13 Ole Miss at Tennessee - A little Homecoming for Lane Kiffin won't slow him down, and the Rebels rack up the points in Rocky Top. Rebels 42-20.

Air Force at Boise State - The Broncos just had a big upset on BYU, but now they get a stingy defense with Air Force coming to the Smurf Turf. That won't matter, go Broncos as they win 34-17.

Hawai'i at Nevada - No upsets today for my Wolfpack, Carson Strong should have a big day. Nevada wins 44-28.

Thanks for reading my Gameday predictions and GO BIG RED! Time to get the Chair!

#CFBKnowItAll

Alex Fernando