Week 8 Predictions – 2022
Last Week: Going into this weekend of games, we all expected there to be some sort of shake up and separation from the contenders and the pretenders, and boy did this weekend deliver. The number of unbeaten teams has now dropped to 9, as Alabama, USC, Penn State, Oklahoma State, James Madison and Coastal Carolina all lost. The Buckeyes, who were on an idle week, got to sit back and watch these teams beat each other up. We had six people go 4-1 in their picks last week, with Vaughn, Andy, Coach Rick, John, Josh, and Trout, and Josh for the 4th time this year correctly predicted the upset special of Utah over USC.
This Week’s Games: The Buckeyes are back in play to host an Iowa team that has been great defensively, but one of the worst teams in the country on offense. The marquee game this week will be a battle between the two remaining undefeated ACC teams as Syracuse heads to Clemson for the top spot in the ACC Atlantic division, and controls their destiny to the ACC Championship game. Oregon will host undefeated UCLA, as Chip Kelly returns to Eugene but on the away team sidelines. The Bruins are now the lone undefeated PAC-12 team, and carry the weight of getting them into the College Football Playoff for the first time since Washington made it in 2016. Coming off of the winds of defeat, Alabama returns home to host Mississippi State who might be looking to get any type of momentum to get a hold of the SEC West with the Egg Bowl looming at the end of the season, but will most likely face an angry Saban team who are still trying to wash off the smell of cigar smoke left by the Volunteers. The last matchup is a key game for the Big 12, and their conference championship path, as Texas who has won two straight with Quinn Ewers back are looking to retake the top spot in the Big 12, while Oklahoma State fresh off their first loss are trying to keep their chances of making it to their second straight Big 12 championship game alive.
Buckeye Greats: As in 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 eighth straight year.
Here we go with our Week 8 Picks – Good Luck to All – Josh
Iowa @ (2)Ohio State
Vaughn Broadnax (OSU 1980-83): Ohio State over Iowa 52-7
Coach Rick: Ohio State
Cory: Sometimes the Iowa game can be a scary one on the schedule for Ohio State. That is not the case this year. The Hawkeyes have one of the nation’s worst offenses. The highest point total in a single game was 27 – which they did twice – and they’ve scored single digits three times. The Hawkeyes have two passing touchdowns this season. Total. Even if the Ohio State defense reverts back to its 2020-2021 form, the offense is enough to carry the Buckeyes in this game. Ohio State 35, Iowa 13
Dave: Ohio State 42 Iowa 21
Gregg: Ohio State had a week to recover and take a close look at what has been working and where they can improve. It is no doubt that both the offense and the defense has been performing better than the 2021 squad. With Michigan State defeating Wisconsin last week (in two overtimes), that is the first time one of OSU’s opponents has won the week after playing OSU. So the Bucks not only beat you when they play you, but they beat you the net week too. And this week will be no different. I expect the Buckeyes will be clicking with a nice cadence right from the start. Would not expect the punter to get too much work this week. And the defense will look great as Iowa has yet to find their identity on offense. It is finally time for not one but two Coach Ferntez’s to go. I don’t expect the university to pull the plug but it is time. Ohio State wins big once again. Bucks 52 Hawks 9
Jason: For Ohio State, it seems nothing can stop their offense and now a fully healthy WR room with the return of Jaxon Smith-Njigba and a healthy RB room with the return of Miyan Williams to go with TreVeon Henderson. Opposing defenses beware. Iowa’s strength is their defense, holding Michigan to just over 300 yards, but the Wolverine offense doesn’t compare to what the Hawkeyes are about to face. On the other side of the ball the Iowa offense is…well…offensive. The Hawks possess the worst offense in all of college football, averaging just 239 yards per game and the Buckeyes are fifth nationally in total defense. Iowa is going to have to create turnovers, shorten the field and keep Ohio State to three and outs to even keep this game close. It won’t happen. Ohio State’s offense may be historically good and after a couple early touchdown drives, the rout will be on. Ohio State will bury Iowa early and coast through yet another weak Big Ten foe. Ohio State 45 Iowa 3
Joe-S-U: OSU over Iowa – This should be the healthiest version of their team the Bucks have fielded yet this season, so hopefully chemistry begins to really click for the stretch run. Iowa will probably keep this competitive for a while until OSU’s depth wears them down. Here’s to C.J. balling out against a legit D to answer Hooker’s stellar day in Knoxville a week ago.
John: For the first time this season, OSU and Michigan will have a common opponent. It will be really interesting to see how Iowa D handles Ohio States Offense. It will also be interesting to see if OSU’s defense can keep the Hawkeyes to fewer than the 14 they put up on U of M. While I don’t expect OSU to match their season average in points, I think they win easily. Ohio State 31 Iowa 6
Josh: Both teams are coming off a bye week to prepare for their first game against each other since 2017. Anyone who was on the Buckeye Squad has already graduated so the sense of revenge might be gone, but if nothing else, Ohio State should see what happened this past weekend as motivation enough to perform to their level. The questions will be which version of this squad will show up, and are some of the key players healthy now after having an additional week of rest. Iowa is one of the worst offense in the country, but they are going to rely on their top level defense to keep them in this game. These next few weeks will be a eye test for Ohio State as they will meet with common opponents that Michigan has, and Michigan pulled away late to beat this Hawkeye team. I wouldnt be surprised for Kirk Ferentz to call up some trick plays to keep them in it as well, but I dont see this game going well for Iowa at all. Ohio State 49 – Iowa 3
Steven: Someone posted online recently that OSU hasn’t played anyone with a winning record. As of now, I can tell you, that statement is categorically false. Toledo is 5-2. Now I knock opponents’ schedules pretty hard, and so I guess I need to turn that critical eye to the Buckeyes. Truth be told, we have had 5 opponents with a .500 or worse record. That being said, of those 5 opponents, only Arkansas State is more than one game under .500, (AKST is 2-5). Of our remaining games, only Indiana and Northwestern have losing records, so hopefully we’ll be a bit better tested. Iowa does have a top 10 defense, keeping each opponent at or under 10 points a game, including a shutout of Nevada. The one game where they gave up more than 10 points was a 27-14 loss to Michigan. Knowing how powerful the Wolverine offense is, this week will be a wonderful measuring stick between us and the Team Up North. We all know Iowa’s offense is pretty much non-existent, ranking DEAD last in the nation. If they score on our defense we should all be disappointed. I’ll give them a token field goal, but I really think this could be a shutout. OSU rolls 55-3.
Trout: Ohio State should win this game easily. The Hawkeye defense might be able to slow the high powered Buckeye offense for a few drives, but not enough to stop them from scoring above 40 points. CJ Stroud and the Ohio State offense is just too good to be stopped by this team. Also, the Iowa offense is just plain awful. Their offensive production, or lack thereof is a clear example of why nepotism can be bad. Brian Ferentz is way over his head as OC of the Iowa Hawkeyes. The Iowa offense just looks lost. It may be close to start with because Iowa has a decent defense. They were able to slow down Michigan for a while. But that won’t last long. Ohio State’s vastly better offense will take over the game, and will be able to basically score at will. The Buckeyes win this game big. (Ohio State, 45-6)
Final Score: Ohio State 54 Iowa 10
(14)Syracuse @ (5)Clemson
Vaughn Broadnax (OSU 1980-83): Clemson beats Syracuse 31-21
Coach Rick: Clemson
Cory: Let’s not get too hyped up about Syracuse’s 6-0 start. The Orange have played a cake schedule so far, including games with UConn and Wagner. Their best wins were over Purdue and a narrow win over an NC State team that was missing multiple starters, including their quarterback. Clemson has played a tougher schedule so far, and though the Tigers got tested by Wake Forest and Florida State they ultimately ended up winning those games. Additionally, quarterback DJ Uiagaleilei looks to be past whatever funk he was in last year, as he’s got 17 passing touchdowns to just two picks so far. Clemson 42, Syracuse 28
Dave: Clemson 32 vs Syracuse 14
Gregg: Clemson has struggled in almost every game but they have found a way to win. Syracuse has had some success over Clemson of late but the Tigers are ready for them. I expect this year to be different, as Dabo will have this team properly motivated for Dino. We will probably see a low scoring match in the first half but Clemson will take over in the second half for the win. Clemson 27 Syracuse 13
Jason: The Orange defense has been their hallmark in a 6-0 start and while the offense is balanced, it won’t jump out at you. The D, however, leads the ACC and clamps down especially against the run. On offense, Syracuse can throw a little, but really relies on a stout running game to move the chains and sustain drives. Clemson has been playing good football, but they struggle at times against the run, case in point, a week ago, Florida State hit them for over 200 on the ground. However, this will be Syracuse’s first true road environment and there aren’t many tougher places to play in college football. Yes, Syracuse has been good on defense but can it contain a Tiger offense that is beginning to click behind QB DJ Uiagalelei, who is coming into his own, throwing for an average of 3 TD’s per game over the last four. Syracuse’s defense will keep them in it, but ultimately at home Clemson will break through and a couple of second half touchdown drives will create separation and the Tigers grab the win and continue their march to the CFP. Clemson 38 ‘Cuse 20
Joe-S-U: Clemson over Syracuse – 1st time the Orange have been 6-0 since Joe Morris was toting the rock…or Larry Csonka…or Floyd Little….or Ernie Davis….or Jim Brown….sorry, I just spent most of the last week being force-fed historical references from Bob Costas when he should be calling a baseball game. So I’ll try to focus on this pick. I’d love an Orange win, but not sure if they’ve got the goods. Much as I hate it, need Clemson to stay unbeaten so the chances are better that 2 SEC teams don’t get in the E-S(EC)-PN Invitational
John: A battle of unbeaten teams in the ACC, although to be fair Syracuse is only unbeaten because Purdue handed them the game. Clemson is a two TD favorite on the road. Not sure I’m seeing that – the Tigers have not looked anything like the dominant team they have been in past years. Syracuse winning won’t be a shocker, but I don’t think they can pull it off. Clemson 31 Syracuse 24
Josh: Everyone had undefeated Syracuse vs Clemson in week 8 for their 2022 College Football Bingo card right? The Orangeman have played sound football to be undefeated at this point of the season, and going against a Clemson team is finally starting to get their players back healthy, and living up to some of the expectations of what a current Clemson squad should look like. Florida State gave all they could against Clemson, but still fell short, and I think that with this game at Clemson, they have the advantage for this noon game to get a good win, and put themselves in the driver seat for the ACC Atlantic before the calendar turns to November. Clemson 35 – Syracuse 14
Steven: After the barn burner Clemson had against Wake Forest, I hadn’t been too hot on the Fighting Swinneys, but they have seemed to hit their stride, beating a number 10 NC State team and then solid wins against BC and FSU. While not a lock for the ACC Championship game, this should be a huge barometer for both them and the Orangemen. I still feel we’re dealing with a bit of fool’s gold with Syracuse, but their defense has been solid and the offense should be enough to keep this one close. I whiffed on last week’s NC State call, so what do you do when things go sideways? Of course, you double down. Tigers take the battle of the egregiously bright orange uniforms. Clemson 31-24.
Trout: I think the Tigers win this game, but it will be close. Although I’m still not sure about how good Clemson is, they are still the best team in the ACC. And as surprising as the Orange have been this year, they haven’t really played anyone of note and that doesn’t fill with much confidence in their abilities. Having said that, I do think they put up a fight against the Tigers. Too many times this year, Clemson has allowed teams to hang with them longer than they should. And to this point they have been able to escape the games with a victory. I feel like that’ll be the case in this game as well. The game should be neck and neck with both teams putting together a few drives. But in the fourth quarter Clemson is able to pull ahead and Syracuse will be unable to respond. The Clemson Tigers remain unbeaten with another close victory and the Orange lose, ending their surprising run. (Clemson, 31-27)
Final Score: Clemson 27 Syracuse 21
(9)UCLA @ (10)Oregon
Vaughn Broadnax (OSU 1980-83): UCLA edges Oregon 21-20
Coach Rick: Oregon
Cory: Picking the Pac 12 is not easy and that’s partially because just as soon as you start to believe in a team they fall on their faces. Or maybe I just suck at picking Pac 12. UCLA has played the tougher schedule and the eye test suggests the Bruins are legit. They’re well rounded and they play hard. Oregon has reeled off five consecutive wins after getting demolished by Georgia in the opener, but the toughest opponent during that stretch was BYU. I want to pick UCLA because I believe they’re the better team, but I think we’re in for some Pac 12 shenanigans this week. Oregon 31, UCLA 28
Dave: Oregon 24 vs UCLA 21
Gregg: The Pac-12 have had a tough time getting into the college football playoff and and an even tougher time winning when they get there. Oregon has had the best chance at a title when they made it to the championship in 2014. Fortunately they did not have an answer for Zeke and the Buckeyes and ended up coming up short. The Ducks had a tough start losing 49-3 to Georgia in week 1, but have bounced back nicely. UCLA is the only unbeaten team left in the conference and obviously has the best chance to make the playoffs as of week 8. The Pac-12 will have a tough time getting a one lose champion to the final four (not like they are the SEC or anything). Chip Kelly obviously knows what it takes to win in Eugene but I see Oregon finding a way to take out the Bruins and become the new favorite out west. Oregon 38 UCLA 28
Jason: The Bruins may be the biggest surprise in all of college football and it starts with the offense. UCLA has the passing game going behind QB Dorian Thompson-Robinson in Chip Kelly’s dynamic offense and lead the league in defense. However, this will be only the second time away from home and by far the toughest environment in Autzen. Since the opening game blowout to the hands of Georgia, the Ducks have gotten it going. Behind a stable of RB’s and versatile QB Bo Nix, the Ducks lead the Pac 12 in rushing, so this will be a true test of that UCLA front. Look for this one to come down to the fourth quarter and whichever defense gets a big stop will be the one that comes away with the win. In the end, the Ducks, in front of their home crowd make a few more plays on both sides and squeak out a big win and take control of the Pac 12 with an eye on the conference title game. Oregon 31 UCLA 28
Joe-S-U: Oregon over UCLA – Speaking of the ESPN invitational, it would continue a cool rebound story for the Bruins to stay unbeaten and keep the PAC-12 in the hunt, but the Ducks have bounced back nicely after the Georgia buzz saw and I’ll give Phil Knight U. the edge in this one
John: 5-1 Oregon is a touchdown favorite on the road at unbeaten UCLA. The Ducks got absolutely trucked by Georgia in week 1, but have looked solid since. It really will depend on if good Bo Nix shows up or bad Bo. Oregon 38 UCLA 35
Josh: Oregon has bounced back after a huge loss to Georgia at the beginning of the year, and are starting to look like one of the best 4 teams in the PAC-12. UCLA now remains as the only undefeated team in the PAC-12, and Chip Kelly has found some of his offense mojo this year. The Bruins will have a big test on the road, and playing in a tough Autzen environment, but I think they will get the edge in a shoot out, and stay undefeated. UCLA 38 – Oregon 31.
Steven: Wow, who knew Chip Kelly could still coach? In a turn that few saw coming, me included, UCLA is undefeated and atop the Pac-12. Oregon is a game back, with their lone loss coming at defending Champs Georgia. Since then, The Ducks have gone Beast Mode and are scoring just under 50 a game. Oregon QB Bo Nix has had a career renaissance in Eugene, amassing nearly the same yardage and completing over 70% of his passes. Despite all the aerial heroics, this one could very well come down to the rushing game, where Oregon is 9th in the nation. Giving Nix a bit of cover should allow the Duck offense to be better balanced and provide some cover for Nix, who, while doing better this year, is still Bo Nix. UCLA QB Dorian Thompson-Robinson has been carving up defenses as well, averaging over 250 yards per game with a 74.8% completion rate. This one could be the best, and closest game of the week. While I like the Ducks ground game, it is tough to go against DTR and the Bruins. UCLA remains unbeaten 44-42.
Trout: I am picking the Ducks in this game, but I feel like this game will be extremely close. It will most likely come down to the last play of the game. That Georgia game withstanding, the Oregon Ducks have shown they can put up points. They have been able to pick themselves back up from that embarrassment, and put together a pretty good season in the PAC-12 so far. And the Bruins have also been surprisingly good this year. I don’t think either team is going to be a series playoff contender, but they have both played well. And they are pretty evenly matched. They both average a little over 500 yards a game on offense, and they both average nearly 42 points per game. Even their quarterbacks have similar yardage. Bo Nix has 1526, while Dorian Thompson-Robinson is just 16 yards behind him at 1510. It should be a good competition to watch. I see both teams taking the lead at various stages of the game, with both scoring in the 40s. But in the end, the Ducks are able to squeeze by UCLA with a last second score. The Oregon Ducks win, and keep their PAC-12 championship hopes alive. (Oregon, 44-42)
Final Score: Oregon 45 UCLA 30
(24)Mississippi State @ (6)Alabama
Vaughn Broadnax (OSU 1980-83): Alabama bounces back to Mississippi State 31-20
Coach Rick: Alabama
Cory: Mississippi State picked the wrong week to play Alabama. The Crimson Tide are coming off being upset by Tennessee last week, and if the loss wasn’t enough then look at the penalties. Alabama was flagged 17 times in the loss to the Volunteers and that’s the kind of thing that will motivate coach Nick Saban for the rest of the season. The Bulldogs are coming off a disappointing loss to Kentucky last week, and though they can score points it won’t be enough to keep up with Alabama. Alabama 45, Mississippi State 31
Dave: Alabama 32 vs Mississippi State 28
Gregg: MSU looked solid in wins over teams like Bowling Green and Memphis but failed to even make it a game against LSU. And now they are getting Alabama at a really bad time. Tide puts the hammer down and gets a big win over the Rebels. Alabama 35 Mississippi State 17
Jason: Oh, that Alabama secondary. In three games, two of which were near losses, the secondary has been torched, struggling to contain Texas and Texas A&M before pulling out late wins and got lit up by Hendon Hooker and Tennessee in the loss a week ago. They are also playing undisciplined football, which is unusual for a Nick Saban coached football team as penalties have become an issue, to the tune of 17 vs the Vols. The good news for Alabama is the Mississippi State offense doesn’t pitch it at a high rate. QB Will Rogers is solid, but he won’t go downfield with any efficiency. They can nickel and dime you down the field but Alabama is decent up front and should be able to contain the short and mid range game. What got lost in the Tennessee loss though was the play of Bryce Young who was fantastic. Mississippi State is good enough to hang in there, but ultimately, Young and that offense will be too much and Alabama, at home, bounces back and pulls away in the second half to come away with the win. Bama 41 Miss St 24
Joe-S-U: Alabama over Miss St. – In the previous 5 seasons, the Tide has lost 3 regular season games. The next opponent on those 3 occasions went down by an average score of 37-7. In 2017, it was Clemson in the playoff. The other 2 times it was, yes, the Bulldogs of Mississippi State. So is 3 the charm? Won’t be a 30-pt. spread I don’t think, but we’ll have to see if someone else can put the dagger in ‘Bama
John: Look for Bama to bounce back after last week. MSU will score against what now looks like a suspect Alabama defense, but so will Bama. Tide rolls. Alabama 42 MSU 24
Josh: How unfortunate is it to be Mississippi State, who just happens to be the team Alabama faces after a defeat? The good news for the Bulldogs is that the Alabama team they are facing might not be as formidable in years past. The bad news is you know Saban is going to be grilling his team so hard this week that they will be ready to take our their frustration on somone else. Mike Leach might open up his passing game as opposed to last week after seeing Tennessee torch the Crimson Tide for 385 yards. I have a feeling though that the Tide bounce back after their loss and win big to keep their SEC Championship and Playoff hopes alive. Alabama 49 – Mississippi State 21
Steven: Alabama needs to run the ball. Without a run game last week, Tennessee was able to pin their ears back and made life miserable for Tide QB Bryce Young. The Tide gained only 114 on the ground against Young’s 455 passing yards. Their rush defense is still pretty good, only allowing 39 to the Vols. Of course, when you can gash the ‘Bama defense for 385 and 5 touchdowns in the air, who needs a ground game? Mississippi State does not have the firepower of UT’s Hendon Hooker, but their passing is still top 10 in the country, so this one will not be a rollover by any means. The Tide will be angry, and coach Saban is going to kick their tails all week. State is a 3 touchdown underdog going into Tuscaloosa. That seems high to me and this looks to be a lot closer, now the code has been cracked as to how to attack the Tide. ‘Bama Still wins, but it won’t be a blowout. Tide 37-28.
Trout: Alabama is mad and they will take out all of their frustrations on Mississippi State. Although the Bulldogs are not a bad team, they are not a powerhouse either. Even in this down year for Alabama, they are still better than most teams in their conference, including this one. Also, Saban will not allow his team to lose two games in a row. The game might be close for a while since, it’s clear the Crimson Tide defense is not what it used to be. Tennessee had 567 total yards of offense on them. I think Mississippi State will be able to score a few points on the bad Tide defense. However, they won’t be able to keep up with the Alabama offence. Bryce Young should have another 300+ yard game through the air. Although close initially, Alabama will be able to pull away and win comfortably against the Bulldogs. (Alabama, 38-17)
Final Score: Alabama 30 Mississippi State 6
(20)Texas @ (11)Oklahoma State
Vaughn Broadnax (OSU 1980-83): Texas loses to Oklahoma State in a shootout 45-41
Coach Rick: Oklahoma State
Cory: Oklahoma State fell from the ranks of the unbeaten after seeing TCU come from behind to beat them last week. Now, the Cowboys play host to the Longhorns, who have been on a roll since getting quarterback Quinn Ewers back from his shoulder injury. Texas was lucky to escape last week’s Iowa State game with a loss. The Longhorns have a lot of potential but don’t always play up to it, and that won’t fly against a good Oklahoma State team. Oklahoma State 42, Texas 35
Dave: Texas 28 at Oklahoma State 21
Gregg: This could be the best game of the weekend, not sure how to call it. I wish I had more time to break this one down. Texas may be one of the best teams in the country (with Ewers) that will not make the playoffs and the Cowboys are having some the best success they have had in years. If not for a great comeback by TCU last week Oklahoma State would be unbeaten. But they still have everything in front of them. I am inclined to give the edge to OSU but I think Texas keeps playing stronger ahd finds a way in this one. Texas 41 Oklahoma State 40
Jason: The Cowboy defense has been struggling of late, but the offense has been good enough to win games with the only blemish coming to unbeaten TCU on the road in overtime. QB Spencer Sanders struggled at times a week ago but had them in position to win if not for the defense. Sanders is beat up and is questionable in this game and if he doesn’t play, the ‘Pokes could be in trouble. Texas has been solid up front so Oklahoma State will need to throw the ball effectively to win the game. The Longhorns have a pair of losses, but had Alabama on the ropes and were upset by Texas Tech without QB Quinn Ewers. Ewers is back and has been efficient and should be able to connect in the mid range game against the Cowboys. If Sanders does go, how healthy will he be? If he doesn’t, Texas could have their way from the opening kick. Without a 100% Sanders, Texas goes to Stillwater and comes away with a hard fought road win. Texas 31 Oklahoma State 24
Joe-S-U: Oklahoma State over Texas- Cowboys got some SEC-type love after the TCU loss, only dropping 3 spots. These two have played some nail biters recently. In fact, the last 3 margins of victory have been 6, 7 and 8. So hey, Cowboys by 9!
John: The other OSU is coming off a tough double overtime loss and gets a Longhorn team that could easily be undefeated. On top of this, OSU has a starting defensive tackle that this week opted to skip the rest of the season to get ready for the draft. Expect the Cowboys to be a little salty after the loss last week, but I think the ‘Horns go on the road and get a W in a shootout. Texas 45 Oklahoma State 42
Josh: Does Texas have a realistic chance to make the playoff? Not much, but they could be ending the year as one of the better playing teams in the country. Oklahoma State lost a nail bitter to TCU last week, and actually had the lead of 17 points before TCU fought back. Oklahoma State is probably one of the better teams in the country and are fighting for a chance to make the Big 12 Championship game, but with Spencer Sanders health still a concern, I like Texas to win this one in a shoot out. Texas 48 – Oklahoma State 45.
Steven: As I mentioned last week, the TCU-OSU game lived up to expectations, and for me didn’t definitively indicate who was the better of the two teams. OSU is a very good squad, and despite the second half collapse of the defense, they still have a lot to play for, and are still quite in the hunt for a Big 12 Championship game berth. Despite last week being a 2OT game, the 500 yards given up by the ‘Pokes is concerning. Now that Longhorn QB Quinn Ewers has returned from injury, Texas seems like the more talented team. I’ll go with the OT hangover being real and Texas beats the Cowpokes. Longhorns 33-29.
Trout: I am very surprised about Texas. I had zero faith in Sark as a head coach (and still have my doubts) and I felt like Quinn Ewers was going to be Tate Martell part 2. However, he has played surprisingly well and Texas has managed to have a decent year so far. It could be said that if Ewers didn’t get knocked out of that Alabama game, the Longhorns could have won it. Texas is clearly not going to be in playoff consideration this year, but they are definitely on the right track. Having said that, I think the Cowboys will win this game. It should be close. I think both teams are pretty decent, and have the ability to put up points. But I think Oklahoma State has a slightly better team at this point. Texas may be on the rise, but they are not fully back just yet. I see this game being a shootout with both teams scoring 40+ points. However, it will be the Cowboys pulling ahead towards the end of the game, and Ewers will be unable to mount a comeback despite his best efforts. OKlahoma State wins, and hands Texas their third loss of the season. (Oklahoma State, 49-42)
Final Score: Oklahoma State 41 Texas 34
Upset Alert
Josh: LSU over Ole Miss – I could be reading too much into some of the hype around LSU, but hosting Ole Miss at home before their bye week against Alabama, I get the feeling Brian Kelly wants to get the momentum after a bye week, and this would be a great time to do it. Both offenses are scoring relatively well, but the LSU defense is starting to step up. Ole Miss let a bad Auburn team hang around too long to make me thing they are a good team. LSU 35 – Ole Miss 28