Week 7 Predictions – 2018
Last Week: Ohio State was able to take care of business and dispatched the Hoosiers 49-26 and managed to put up massive offensive numbers in the process. But this team needs to be focused on improvements each week. I am not sure we saw that but we can’t discount the fact that Indiana is a very solid program. With only 11 teams remaining unbeaten nationally, the Buckeyes need to keep the eyes on the prize and keep progressing forward. For our weekly staff predictions, another very solid week and we find ourselves with a 4-way tie for first place but again only 6 games separate the top 14 so this is still very wide open. Be sure to check out our predictions every week and provide your feedback.
This Week’s Games: The Buckeyes have another growth opportunity this week as the Gophers come to town. The game should be will in hand in the first half but there needs to be some marked improvement on the defensive side of the ball, particularly in the secondary. Can Ohio State pitch a shutout against Minnesota this weekend? …. The big game in the SEC this week is #2 Georgia versus #13 LSU. Had the Tigers not lost to Florida last week, this may have been a top five match-up. It is still a huge game with playoff implications, and perhaps a must win of sorts for LSU. Joe Borrow threw his first two career INT’s on their last two offensive drives. Can he get past that, put the team on his back and deliver the upset win? …. In what will certainly be an elimination game for the Pac-12, Washington heads to Autzen Stadium to face the Ducks. The winner will have the inside track on the North title and a quality win. But will that be enough to keep the conference in the conversion for a playoff spot? …. The big game in the Big Ten is in the Big House. The Badgers invade Ann Arbor and need a conference win to stay on top the West division. The Wolverines are starting to get their offense working but can they score enough to outlast Wisconsin and stay on track to challenge the Buckeyes for the ticket to Indy?
Buckeye Greats: As with the past, we will continue to include former Buckeye players in our prediction fun and we are thrilled to have Vaughn Broadnax back with us as a regular participant for the fourth straight year.
Here we go once again … our Week 7 Picks – Good Luck to All – Gregg
Minnesota @ (3)Ohio State
Bbaver: Pick: Ohio State – I think the OSU D-line and corners are having a tough week this week of practice, as I think Urban’s pretty unhappy. I think you will see a better effort out of those groups, but the injuries in the front seven are concerning. Still, this is a mediocre Minnesota team, and the Gophers have lost some of two of their top guys for the year, in TB Rodney Smith, and safety/return man Antoine Winfield Jr. I’ve got Ohio State 52-17.
Dave: Ohio State 42 Minnesota 14
Gregg: You will never be a member of Bushwood! The fans in the ‘Shoe this week will finally get some mid-west fall weather as the Gophers come to town. Even though the temp will be cooler, I expect the Buckeye offense will continue to stay hot. Dwayne Haskins was on fire last week against Indiana falling just three yards short of the single game passing record. He did have a couple of passes dropped that would have put him over, but he had two passes that he slightly overthrew that had they been on the money he would have had over 500 yards and TD’s #7 and #8 for the game. The Heisman race may come down to him and Tua and I hear that Tua has a leg injury. Hopefully he will get that cleared and we have a great battle between the two the rest of the way. I would like to see a bit more from the running game, we will need it to win a game this year I am sure. I am still concerned about the Buckeye defense but the October schedule will allow for time to improve. Minnesota has been a mild disappointment this year, and currently find themselves winless in the conference. They do not pick up win number one this week. “In the immortal words of Jean Paul Sartre, ‘Au revoir, gopher’.” Ohio State 56 Minnesota 6
Jason: P.J. Fleck rows his boat into Ohio Stadium for a match-up with the 3rd ranked Buckeyes. The Buckeyes weren’t exactly sharp a week ago against a talented but over-matched Indiana squad, but they still were able to put 49 points on the board and 455 yards and 6 TD’s from one of the Heisman front-runners Dwayne Haskins. Defensively they had a wake-up call at the half and held the Hoosiers to 100 yards of offense in the second half. The Gophers struggled defending the pass a week ago in a loss to Iowa and has been struggling to stop the run in nearly every game they have played. They are about to get a real test in the ‘Shoe. For Minnesota to compete, they will need to play ball control offense and try to dictate tempo on offense and keep it close into the 4th quarter. Defensively, if they can lock down the running game of the Buckeyes and limit the quick strike from Haskins to the talented receiving corps, they have a chance to at least make it interesting. Two words: They won’t. Minnesota hasn’t been able to run the ball since losing Rodney Smith to a season ending injury and freshman, walk on QB Zack Annexstad has had a difficult time not turning it over, six times in the last two ballgames alone. He is about to find out what ‘big boy’ college football is all about in front of 105,000 fans. This one will get ugly early and I would not be surprised to see Buckeyes score in all 3 phases, including a special teams score. This one will be about getting out healthy for both squads as the Buckeyes continue their march to a potential berth in the College Football Playoff. Ohio State 55 Minnesota 10
Joe-S-U: OSU over Minnesota – At what point of the season does a coach’s talking point of “We’ve got to get that corrected” ring hollow? Whether it’s the players or the scheme, is the back 7 gonna get “fixed” before we get to games that really matter?
John: Assuming the Bucks can wake up for a noon start, they can basically name their score in this one. Ohio State 49 Minnesota 10
Josh: Ohio State knows what it needs to work on; defense and cleaning up the penalties. Indiana was able to get some big yardage in the first half. but were held to under 90 yards in the second. It is nice to know that Ohio State can have an off day, and still win by 23. Minnesota comes into this game after a tough loss to Iowa, and was playing behind that game. Offensively though, they ranking 100th in passing, and 94th in rushing. This will be a great game for our defense to work on cleaning up its assignments, and get some confidence. Dwayne should have another field day against the Gopher defense, who are still rebuilding under PJ Fleck. We did not see Martell like I had anticipated last week, but we should see the Bishop Gorman product run with the first team a few series into this one, and get him that valuable experience. The only reason I could see him not playing until the second half is if Urban wants to keep building Haskins’ Heisman push. Ohio State wins this noon game comfortably, and the fans can head home to watch Georgia-LSU with a late lunch. Ohio State 56 – Minnesota 14.
Dr. Mark: OSU 51-17, will be interesting to see if defense changes coverage schemes or just plays better
PJSBuck: I like PJ Fleck. Time will tell if he is a big-time coach or not. Meanwhile, Minnesota is slowly improving so I don’t expect a sloppy game. I think we get out mojo back in this game. I will be close for a while then blowout and second/third stringers show up. Ohio Sate by 35
Pia Pete: OSU over Gophers
Coach Rick: I think this game the coaches will try some new defensive changes. I would like to see penalties and long plays come down this weekend. I have OSU winning by 31 points.
Steven: HMMM, last week I was convinced the Buckeyes would concentrate on the run game, and they come within 3 passing yards of a passing record and tie the touchdown record. From here on the offense can do whatever they want (except run a reverse – never call that garbage again) and as long as the line gives Haskins enough time to throw, we’ll be fine. The defense, not so much… When you play your corners on an island in straight man coverage, there will be times when you’ll be burned, a la Marlon Kerner, (aka “Toast”). But just as Kerner improved enough to become an NFL player, this young defense will grow. Improvement was seen in the second half with a few highlight reel-worthy pass defenses. It will be feast or famine for a while. Minny should be a wash, rinse, repeat of this past weekend. They’ll be forced to pass to keep up with the Bucks, and by the second half, Haskins will be able to score at will. OSU 55-27
Trout: I do think the Golden Gophers have the potential to make some noise in the Big Ten, but they are not there yet. And they definitely won’t do much against the Buckeyes. They Buckeyes are clearly head and shoulders above Minnesota. Dwayne Haskins continues to show that he’s one of the best players in College football. Not to mention, the two-headed monster at running back with Dobbins and Weber. One thing that might keep the Gophers in the game early, is the Ohio State Defense. Besides the front line, the Buckeyes have been an average defense at best. I can see P.J. Fleck coming up with a game plan early the exploits the holes in the Buckeye Defense. But then, once the Bucks get rolling, it will be hard to stop them. Ohio State will remain undefeated with a somewhat easy win over Minnesota. (Ohio State, 49-10)
Vaughn Broadnax (1980-83): Minnesota will come to the Horseshoe with hopes of upsetting the Buckeyes, but the Gophers have neither the defense or offensive firepower to hang. So P.J. Fleck will have to “row the boat” next week. Buckeyes gouge the Gophers 54-21.
Final Score: Ohio State 30 Minnesota 14
(2)Georgia @ (13)LSU
Bbaver: Pick: Georgia – This one may get interesting and it’s Georgia’s toughest test to date. But this is a really good Georgia team, that I don’t think I’ll pick against anytime soon.
Dave: Georgia 48 LSU 21
Gregg: This week, we will find out if LSU can learn from their shortcomings against Florida or have they peaked and are about to start a string of defeats. A most win for both teams, playing in the same conference as Alabama, there is little margin for loss. I think there will be some Tiger magic but it will not be Joe’s arm but the LSU defense that steps up and makes the difference. LSU 24 Georgia 21
Jason: LSU hosts the 2nd ranked Bulldogs in a big time SEC tussle. LSU is coming off a tough loss in the Swamp to Florida but they get to come home to the friendly confines of Tiger Stadium for this one. The LSU defense has carried the Bayou Bengals thus far, and a legit NFL QB in Jake Fromm will test them this week. Fromm has completed 72% of his passes and in a league that boasts Heisman favorite, Tua Tagavailoa, he has gone under the radar. For LSU, Joe Burrow has been a nice game manager but last week he threw his first two picks of the year, including a late ill-advised through to the flat that was brought back to the house for a late game TD that all but sealed it for the Gators. Georgia hasn’t been overly consistent and haven’t really beaten anyone yet, so this will be their first true test of a team that can match them athlete for athlete. LSU, on the other hand, has been battle tested with road wins over Miami and Auburn and a tough road loss at Florida. The Dawgs will have to come to play and battle for four quarters as the Tigers have one of the best home fields in all of college football. Ultimately, though, the better QB is Fromm and he will maintain serve and lead a late score to take control of the football game and keep Georgia unbeaten. Georgia 27 LSU 17
Joe-S-U: Georgia over LSU – Agree with Pat- home field will help the Tigers keep it close for a while, but Georgia just seems to be deeper
John: Joe Burrow bounces back. Tigers has the CFP committee kicking their (Bull)dogs after yet another SEC team gets a black eye. LSU 24 Georgia 21
Josh: Has the magic run out for the Tigers? Joe Burrow throws his first two interceptions of the season in this game, with the last one being the most costly. Georgia has looked good so far, but they do not have the same running threat they had last season. Jake Fromm has been inconsistent, but Kirby Smart has built up the Bulldogs to be the Alabama of the SEC East. LSU does have some playmakers on defense and could keep them in this game. I know I gambled with the Tigers last week and got beat, but I am going with them one more time. I think they aren’t the better team, but I think with this one being at LSU, that can make all the difference. LSU 24 – Georgia 21
Dr. Mark: Georgia 31-24 – Bulldogs have a great deal at risk here if they lose, can’t see them getting into playoff by winning SEC title game
PJSBuck: I am still a believer in LSU but Georgia is just too strong. Close at first then bulldogs pull away. Georgia by 24
Pia Pete: Georgia over LSU
Coach Rick: LSU needs to win or they will be out of the playoffs. I would normally go with the home team, but in this case I think Georgia wins with a late touchdown.
Steven: LSU is coming off a stinging loss to Florida in the Swamp, where a poor throw by Tiger QB Joe Burrow sealed the win for the Gators. You knew there were going to be bumps along the road for QB Joe Burrow and the Tigers so the loss is not a season-ender by any means and if Florida continues to win it will become a non-issue. This week the venue changes back to Baton Rouge. While Georgia has looked dominant, their schedule really has been garbage. Their best win is against a South Carolina team that while ranked at the time, probably won’t be a top 25 team by the end of the year. LSU has been much more tested until this point by better competition. It will be close either way, but LSU should be able to squeak out a win at home. LSU 24-21
Trout: I think the Bulldogs win this game, but I think its really close. LSU has shown to be a vastly improved team, but the still have yet to reach their full potential. While Georgia has spent the last six weeks beating up on lesser opponents. The best team they’ve played is a middle of the road Missouri team. I still think Georgia is the better team of the two, but I don’t know by how much. I see the game being a tough, hard fought, low scoring game. In the end, the Georgia Bulldogs do just enough to beat the LSU Tigers. (Georgia, 17-14)
Vaughn Broadnax (1980-83): Joe Burrow had the Bayou Tigers dreaming of an SEC Championship game appearance but those may have been dashed by last week’s loss to Florida. The good thing for LSU is Georgia has to play them on their turf. Georgia has been resting on their laurels from last year and a closer look shows a less than dominant performance. This will be the toughest defense Georgia has faced so far and it will be interesting to see how they fare, I think Joe Burrow redeems himself after last weekend’s subpar performance and shines. LSU throttles the Bulldogs 31-27.
Final Score: LSU 36 Georgia 16
(7)Washington @ (17)Oregon
Bbaver: Pick: Washington – Should be a good one. Oregon QB Justin Herbert now projecting as the #1 overall pick in 2019 NFL draft. Should be a good challenge for Washington’s D. But I think the Huskies win a close one.
Dave: Washington 38 Oregon 21
Gregg: Toga! Toga! Toga! This is not Chip Kelly’s Oregon, then again I don’t think UCLA looks much like a Chip team either. None the less, the Ducks have had ups and downs since he darted to the NFL, but this year they may be putting it together. Not withstanding a complete collapse against Stanford, this would be an unbeaten team. It is still a tall order for the guests to win in Autzen Stadium, and the fans will be in full force. In converse, Washington has been riding the fact that they came close to beating Auburn to start the year but the Tigers look worse each week. I am giving the edge to the home team, and I see D-Day circling the stadium in the Deathmobile. Peterson – Dead, Browning – Dead. Gaskin – Dead. Oregon 28 Washington 24
Jason: The Pac 12’s two best meet up in Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Oregon as the Ducks look to exact a little revenge after last year’s blowout loss to the Huskies in Washington, 38-3. The last time these two teams met at Autzen, the Huskies simply outclassed the Ducks behind QB Jake Browning’s school record six TD passes, 70-21. The Ducks certainly have revenge on their mind and you can bet this game has been circled on their calendar since last year. The Ducks, as been the norm in recent years, struggle on defense as evidence by their last challenge against Stanford a couple weeks ago. The Cardinal threw for 327 yards in defeating the Ducks in OT and they face another good one in Browning, who has thrown for 1500 yards and 9 TD’s thus far. The knock on Washington has been in pass protection, surrendering 10 sacks to this point in the season. Oregon will try to pressure Browning and make things uncomfortable for him in the pocket and force him into some mistakes and he has done that five times this year, matching his total all of last season. If Browning struggles to throw the ball, the Huskies have a go to running back in Miles Gaskin, who averages a little over 92 yards per contest so the Duck D will have to bring their A game. Offensively, Oregon is led by a potential top 10 pick in QB Justin Herbert. He has prototypical NFL size at 6’6” and currently stands 6th in the country in yards per attempt at 10.4. Herbert has a knack for the big play. He has a big and powerful arm and he will use it. The Huskie defense is the toughest he’s seen thus far, however, who has allowed only two passing plays longer than 30 yards to lead the country in that stat and rank 6th nationally in yards allowed per play. Washington has a chance to make this game ugly early if Oregon struggles to move the football and with the balance on offense, the Huskies could run away and hide. Oregon should make it interesting for awhile but I expect Washington to pull away in the 3rd quarter and get out of Eugene with a big conference win. Washington 42 Oregon 31
Joe-S-U: Washington over Oregon – There is enough traffic heading into Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg right now to stretch to Washington or Oregon. What that has to do with this pick is beyond me…
John: Washington keeps Pac-12 playoff hopes alive. Washington 31 Oregon 28
Josh: With Stanford losing its second game of the season, Oregon and Washington are in a prime spot to win the PAc-12 North, and this game could decide who is playing in Levi’s Stadium in December. Washington has found a groove again on offense, and climbing the polls due to some fortunate losses ahead of them, but their Auburn loss looks a little worse. Oregon hosts this game at a weird 3:30 EST time slot, so the game will be under the sun. I think Autzen stadium is a good stadium, but I think the sunlight will make this a neutral factor. You know both teams will be up for this rivalry game, but I think Oregon is really looking solid on offense again, and has a defense that could slow down the potent Huskies offense. Oregon wins this one at home to claim the PAC-12 North. Oregon 34 – Washington 24.
Dr. Mark: Washington 35-31, not sure about Huskie D but they seem to be the best of the Pac-12 pretenders
PJSBuck: This should be a fun game to watch. I think Washington is for real but remember how bad the crown of the field at Oregon is – just ask Lloyd Carr as he complained the crown cost TBGUN their game when they played out there (read: DUMB). I am going with Oregon in an upset by 3
Pia Pete: Washington over Oregon
Coach Rick: This game is a complete coin flip for me. I will have to go with the home eam due to lack of a rushing game of Washington. I have Oregon winning by 7 points.
Steven: Oregon has lost to the only team they have played that had a defensive pulse, (Stanford), and Washington fields a much better defense than the Cardinal. No matter what, this one will be fun to watch as both quarterbacks, Oregon’s Justin Herbert and Washington’s Jake Browning, have the potential to play on Sundays. Herbert is currently 17th and Browning is 38th in the nation in passing. This one comes down to the defense, but it is Oregon’s relative deficiency that will be the issue. Expect Browning to have a field day attacking the Duck defense. U-Dub wins on the road 41-29.
Trout: This should be another close game. I think both teams are good, but not great. Clearly both teams can score points, but they both have had struggles when playing with real competition. Washington lost to a decent Auburn team, while Oregon lost to Stanford The Huskies have the better defense, so that should give them the advantage. In the past, Oregon has struggled with teams that have above average talents at defense. With their slightly better skill at defense, I think the Huskies escape Eugene with the Victory. (Washington, 35-28)
Vaughn Broadnax (1980-83): The Huskies are starting to show signs that the offense they displayed last year has been removed from the moth balls. Oregon has the talent to compete, but do they have the wherewithal to finish a game strong? I think not. The Huskies edge the Ducks 38-35.
Final Score: Oregon 30 Washington 27 OT
(15)Wisconsin @ (12)Michigan
Bbaver: Pick: Michigan – Should be a good old fashion midwest low-scoring battle. Wisconsin’s offense has struggled so much more than I thought they would and face a very good Michigan D. I think this game will look similar to the last time these two-faced each other in Ann Arbor when Michigan won 14-7. There will be more than 21 total pts scored, but probably less than 40. I think Michigan gets it done at home.
Dave: Michigan 21 Wisconsin 20
Gregg: Wolverines! The Wolverines have been gradually improving each week, particularly on offense, of course that only had one way to go. The addition of transfer QB Shea Patterson is starting to pay dividends. And with the Irish continuing to win, that 7 point loss in South Bend does not look that bad now. But they are going to need to take care of their own business if they want to go to Indy and be considered as a legitimate playoff team. They still have to face MSU, PSU and OSU, but their playoff run starts this week against the Badgers. I expect this to be low scoring and very close. Wisconsin’s running back Jonathan Taylor came into the season as a Heisman hopeful but that dream is long gone. He still has a chance to have a big game and make the difference and keep some of the pressure off signal caller Alex Hornibrook. If they can keep a good balance of pass and run they will win, but I think the Michigan defense will key on the run and make the plays to shut down the Badger offense. Michigan gets a hard-fought win and lives to play another day. “Help! The “Wolverines” are attacking! Follow me, quickly! Hurry! Hurry!” Michigan 17 Wisconsin 14
Jason: The big one in the Big Ten takes place at the Big House where the Badgers invade Ann Arbor that could play a major role in who represents each division in Indianapolis for the Big Ten Championship. Michigan comes into this game with an underwhelming offense, who has got it going at times, though against much lesser competition. The Wolverine defense is the real deal, but they will surrender some yards and they are about to face the best running back in college football in Jonathan Taylor and QB Alex Hornibrook is beginning to signs of competence under center. He was able to hit on 17 of 22 throws for 205 yards and 3 scores against a very good Iowa team on the road a couple weeks ago and behind that big, traditional, nasty offensive line, he will have time to fling it. Michigan QB Shea Patterson is beginning to show signs of life and combined with the running of Karan Higdon, the Wolverines are beginning to become the offense that Michigan thought they might have when Patterson transferred from Ole Miss. The Wisconsin D has struggled at times this year, surrendering over 400 yards to Nebraska last week. Up front, they have been struggling to pressure the QB, last in the conference in sacks, so Patterson has a chance to carve them up. This Badger team is very experienced however and Michigan has struggled in big games under Jim Harbaugh, having dropped 6 of their last 8 and without a home win against a ranked opponent since a 14-7 win over Wisconsin in October of 2016. Can the Wolverine defense rule the day and come up with enough stops or will the veteran Wisconsin offense get it done on the road? Typically, I lean toward the home team in a pick ‘em type game but the Big House isn’t the most intimidating environment, but the top defense in college football is. With a Badger defense that’s struggling a bit, Michigan will make just enough plays on offense to survive and advance to look forward to a rivalry game next week in East Lansing. Michigan 24 Wisconsin 21
Joe-S-U: Michigan over Wisconsin – Hairball needs to keep his charges on the winning track. This game had more juice in the summer, even though they’re both ranked
John: Can any coach pull off the “lost little boy”/”what the H just happened here” face better than Jimmy H? Wisconsin 27 Michigan 21
Josh: Are the Wolverines back? This will be the slate of games that will determine how good Michigan really is. Wisconsin bounced back after a big win against Iowa 2 weeks ago to take down Nebraska at home. This week, they will face a bigger challenge offensively. I think the Michigan defense is good, and will be able to contain Taylor. I think Harbaugh will force Hornibrook to try to beat the Wolverines. Wisconsin is always known for good offensive lineman, and will be a good matchup to watch to see how they compete against Rashan Gary, who sat out last week. I expect this one to be a grueling close game, and I think Michigan has made steps in the right direction, and will win this one at home. Michigan 24 – Wisconsin 17.
Dr. Mark: Wisc 27-24 – Toughest game of the week to call, Michigan still hard to tell how steady they are.
PJSBuck: Easily the Big Ten game of the week if not national game of the week. This should be smash-mouth, old-time football at it’s best. TBGUN is staying low and out of sight of the media, like the snake in the grass they are waiting for us. Oh, back to the game. This game is near dead even but I am going with TBGUN by 3, which Harbaugh will then claim as the greatest victory they every had.
Pia Pete: Badgers over Weinies
Coach Rick: This should be a good game. I think the teams are pretty evenly matched. I will have to go with Michigan to win by 3.
Steven: Now that Michigan’s loss to Notre Dame is beginning to look better as the Irish have climbed into the top 5 we can start to think of them as a legitimate force in the Big Ten. The Wolverines lead the nation in total defense giving up 230 yards per game. They give up a little under a hundred yards per game on the ground, so a meeting with Wisconsin’s Jonathan Taylor Touchdown will be a formidable test. Wisconsin is giving up a lot of yards but they are good at keeping teams out of the end zone. This one is hard to call. The gut says go with Michigan at home as the Stinking Badgers have lost at home to BYU and the Big Ten West is bad, while Michigan seems to be improving week after week. UM 33-27
Trout: The Wolverines will win this game. Not that it will be easy. Wisconsin is a good team, and they will challenge the Wolverines on both sides of the ball. But, I see Michigan winning this game because, more often than not, Wisconsin loses in big games. They have a tendency to shoot themselves in the foot in key moments of the game. Although I think that Michigan’s offense isn’t that much better than what Wisconsin has, I think they will do just enough to get by. Although I don’t like it, that team up north pulls off the hard-fought victory against the Badgers. (Michigan, 24-21)
Vaughn Broadnax (1980-83): Michigan is playing defense well and appear to have found an offense, but Wisconsin is Wisconsin and will run that damn ball. When one of the top run defenses meet one of the top rushing offenses what gives? I believe Michigan gives and the Badgers ground and pound the Wolverines 31-24.
Final Score: Michigan 38 Wisconsin 13
UPSET SPECIAL PICKS!
Baylor @ #9 Texas (-14)
John: Baylor catches Texas with a Red River Shootout hangover. Baylor 38 Texas 28
#10 Central Florida (-4.5) @ Memphis
Josh: There are not a lot of games to choose from this week that I could see being an upset, but Memphis over UCF has the strongest possibility. Memphis is balanced on offense, and with this game being at home, you could see this game be a potential shootout with Brady White for the Tigers, and potential Heisman hopeful McKenzie Mitchell. I like this game to favor the home team, and win this one in double overtime (because why not?). Memphis 62 – UCF 59
Dr. Mark: Memphis to beat # 10 UCF
#14 Florida(-7) @ Vanderbilt
Trout: The Gators are clearly better than they have been in the past few years. But they clearly still a rebuilding team. The Commodores clearly are in not going to contend for the SEC this year, but they have shown that they can disrupt a team. They were able to keep Notre Dame to 22 points in their week 3 match up. I see Florida as a team that is susceptible to making mistakes and allowing a team like Vanderbilt to stay in the game. The Commodores will take full advantage of those mistakes, and score enough to pull off the upset. Vandy spoils Florida’s return to relevancy. (Vanderbilt, 24-23)
#19 Colorado @ USC (-7.5)
Bbaver: Gotta go with unranked USC taking care of business at home over undefeated, 19th-ranked Colorado team. Should be a good game, but I like the Trojans.
Gregg: I really did not like any of the games this week for possible upsets so I am just going to ride the coattails of the boys in the city of lights in the middle of the desert. USC is an unranked favourite so this week we find out who is correct, the media or the odds makers. Churros for everyone! USC 33 Colorado 27
Jason: The unbeaten and 19th ranked #19 Colorado Buffaloes invade the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum fresh off a 28-21 home win against Arizona State but this will be their toughest challenge to date. QB Steven Montez threw for 328 passing yards and two TD’s to increase his total to 1420 for the year to go along with 11 TD’s to just 2 picks. RB Travon McMillian has balanced the Buff offensive attack, rushing for over 100 yards in three consecutive games leading the Buffaloes to a nearly 500 yard per game average. Defensively, they are ranked 21st nationally, holding opponents to under 19 points per ball game so they will test USC on both sides of the football. Trojan Freshman QB JT Daniels continues to improve, throwing for just under 1300 yards for the year and Senior RB Aca’Cedric Ware is coming off his best game, running for 173 yards in a victory a week ago against Arizona. The Trojan running game has been struggling to get on track, and last week was a good sign. Defensively, the Men of Troy got things going last week as well, holding Arizona to under 100 yards on the ground after struggling for most of the season. The Trojans are trying to save their season after early season losses to Texas and Washington State and a home game against a ranked conference opponent is just the way to get things heading in the right direction. Though technically not an upset according to the Wise Guys in Vegas, the Trojans will make enough plays at home to improve to 4-2, ‘upsetting’ the visiting Buffaloes in a fierce Pac-12 battle at night in the Coliseum. USC 31 Colorado 24
Coach Rick: I have USC over Colorado this week.
#22 Texas A&M(-2.5) @ South Carolina
Steven: The best shot at a top 25 “upset” is USC over Colorado even though Vegas has USC as a touchdown favorite. So if you are talking odds, South Carolina is a slight underdog to Texas A&M. I’ll take the Gamecocks at home.