Week 10 Prediction – 2024
Last Week: Buckeye fans are hungry for a playoff appearance and a national championship. After the loss to Oregon and a bye week, they wanted to see a hungry football team. They did not get that last week against Nebraska. The only good thing from last week is Ohio State was able sneak away with the win. But they will have to play better in order to get to the level they wanted to reach when the season started. Our staff predictions were on point though showing we are in mid-season form as six of us were 5-0 and the rest were 4-1. As the dust settled, nine people are within four games of each other so the quest for the 2024 prediction title is still wide open.
This Week’s Games: Ohio State will go to Happy Valley this week to face unbeaten Penn State in the fourth top 5 match-up nationally this season. Both head coaches have a poor record against top 5 teams so someone will be able to change that trend at least for one game. But will the loser of this game be out of the playoff hunt? …. Oregon will travel across the country to take on Michigan. The Ducks are certainly looking the part of a #1 team, but will they be able to change the trend of teams losing when they travel across multiple time zones? …. Louisville and Clemson will face off in a big ACC matchup that will certainly have playoff implications. Can the Cardinals pull off the upset? …. Pittsburgh and SMU are in a huge Big 12 game, not sure what sounds stranger. Mentioning the Panthers and Mustangs being in a huge game or being in a Big 12 game. Both teams are still thinking about winning the conference and advancing to post-season. …. The other big game in the Big 12 is Iowa State and Texas Tech. Is the Big 12 conference deserving of this much attention this late in the season?
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 tenth straight year.
Here we go with our Week 10 Picks – Good Luck to All – Gregg
(4)Ohio State(-3) @ (3)Penn State
Vaughn Broadnax (OSU-RB 1980-83): I was hoping the Buckeyes were going to show me something this past weekend. They showed me that Chip Kelley is not the offensive wizard college football thought he was. He may have some concepts up his sleeves, but play calling is not his forte. I have never seen a more talented team used as though they didn’t want to win. I am going against the grain this week because if Beau Pribula plays this defense is going to have fits. I believe he will at least get some crucial snap as Little Game James gets the win over the Buckeyes 27-24.
Andy: The psychology of a team is one of the most important pieces of the puzzle. This game is always tough, but with so much on the line for Ohio State this has become a must win game for Ryan Day if he wants to stay alive in the race for the Big Ten. Penn State is a really good team this year, the addition of Andy Koetelnicki as the new offensive coordinator has been fruitful for Penn State. Quarterback Drew Allar is playing up to potential, and the Penn State offense is both good at running the ball and throwing it. On defense the Nittany Lions have a lot of talent in their front seven. This defensive line will likely be the best in the Big Ten by the end of the season and defensive end Abdul Carter is easily one of the best pass rushers in the country. Ohio State has to have a solution on the offensive line, they need to find a way to run the ball and pass protect, Chip Kelly is going to have to call a brilliant game and the players are going to have to execute. I think this will be a close one, OSU comes away with a close win. Ohio State 26 Penn State 23
Coach Rick: OSU 31 PSU 24
Cory: There is no way around it – the offensive is a big concern right now. Zen Michalski took over at left tackle, played poorly, then got hurt. The Buckeyes are now faced with putting Donovan Jackson at tackle, making new starters at both guard positions in Luke Montgomery and Austin Sierveld. This is not the position you want to put those young players in heading into a road matchup with No. 3 Penn State. The running game struggled to get things going with all the movement along the line, and that is another concern for the Buckeyes. Will Howard has been great at quarterback, but to upset the Nittany Lions the Buckeyes will need all aspects of the offense humming. Penn State is coming off a nice road win over Wisconsin, but the big news from that game is the knee injury quarterback Drew Allar suffered. Allar left the game and is a game-time decision for this week. His backup is Beau Pribula, and Pribula was efficient throwing the ball and running it in relief of Allar last week. Though I am concerned about the offensive line and the running game, I think the Buckeyes will make enough plays to win a close one. Ohio State 24, Penn State 21
Dave: Ohio State 23 Penn State 20
Gregg: I have been a Buckeye fan all my life. And there are a handful of times in my like where I walked away from a football or basketball game disappointed in the team. Last Saturday’s game against Nebraska was one of those times. No Buckeye fan enjoyed losing to Michigan again, and the bowl game was a joke from the opening kick. All we heard and read the entire off season was how focused this team was going to be, and nothing but a national championship was acceptable. After the loss to Oregon, their character was tested. Against Nebraska they failed that test, or maybe this team is not as good as we thought. This week we will find out. That team that had the mentality of title or bust needs to show up or they will lose. Neither of these head coaches have a positive record in games against highly ranked teams. PSU 1-12 with James Franklin versus top 5 teams. Ryan Day is 2-7, Penn State has not won this game since 2016. Ohio State lines will be the difference. The offensive line needs to give Howard time to throw and give the runners holes to hit. And it will be a makeshift line with all the injuries. The Defensive line needs to get sacks today and not let Allar have time to throw deep, like what happened in Oregon. But if the lines can step it up, Ohio State can win the game. Ohio State 27 Penn State 24
Joe-S-U: Ohio State
John: I’m willing to stipulate that Nebraska’s defense isn’t as bad as what we saw of them versus Indiana. That said, Ohio State has a problem with their offensive line, and a major concern at left tackle. It is amazing how one injury can so alter the perception of a football team, but other than quarterback, the left tackle position may be the most import on the offense. That Ohio State has no viable backup for this position speaks poorly on both the offensive line recruiting in recent years and offensive line coaching. The only silver lining here is that Penn State’s starting right defensive tackle is out, and their starting QB is a game time decision. While you can never underestimate James Franklin’s ability to chock in big games, given the apparent lack of both a viable running game and issues with pass protection, I just don’t see Ohio State sustaining many drives on Saturday. Penn State 24 Ohio State 10
Josh: This game is a must win game for Ohio State, not only for the season goals, but for Ryan Day who was given the keys and a budget to bring in the players and staff he needed to make a run for a national championship. To me, there are three factors that decide this game. The first will be who can win the line of scrimmage, and at the moment, Penn State has the advantage with health on offensive and defensive line. The second will be experience, and Ohio State is arguably one of the most experienced teams in the country, and Will Howard has seen more than both of the Penn State quarterback options. The last is who can make the plays when you need them, and with the desperation for Ohio State, this is where they need to prove it. Both teams did not play their best last week, but Penn State has had more close calls than the Buckeyes, but found ways to win in the end. I think Ohio State has a solid game plan with the passing game and can expose some holes in the Penn State secondary to control the ball, and Will Howard plays his best game as a Buckeye. Ohio State 28 – Penn State 24
Steven: With the lackluster effort the Buckeyes put in last week, my confidence has flown out the window. Penn State is always a tough game that the Bucks cannot take lightly. While Nittany Lion coach James Franklin has a long and storied history of folding in big games, odds say that he’s probably due for a big upset win. What was thought to be a strength in the beginning of the year, our secondary, and primarily Denzel Burke has been a bit exposed. Of course, that has been against some of the best competition in the country. Does Penn State have the speed to match or best Burke? Burke may not be needed as much as the Lion’s primary weapon this year has been Tyler Warren. Sonny Styles and Caleb Down may be in for a lot of work Saturday. The big question is whether or not Penn State QB Drew Allar will be ready to play. Best guess is that he will start, but how effective he can be evading the rush may be a question. Allar has been known to pull off a nice scramble or two. This week we may see him go down a little easier. If Coach Day can get this team’s head right, the game should be in hand. Penn State is undefeated, but they haven’t exactly been world beaters. They are 8th in the nation against the run, though, so it will definitely be a battle. Will Howard, this is your time to shine. OSU 32-31 in OT.
Trout: Last week wasn’t the showing that most Buckeye fans were hoping for. The offensive line was terrible to say the least. I know they lost their right tackle during the Oregon game, but there is no excuse for beginning dominated by Nebraska on the line of scrimmage. If it wasn’t for the Defense stepping up and Will Howard making key plays when they needed him to, the Buckeyes would have lost that game. I am hoping that was more of a flukey, weird game and not what we’re going to see in Happy Valley. It could have been that the Buckeyes were looking past the Cornhuskers and they weren’t fully focused on that game. Ohio State is the more talented team,they should beat Penn State. I think it’ll be close, because it usually is, but talent usually wins out. It may be a little too optimistic, but I can see the offense line playing better and getting the run game back on track. Ohio State will pull out a close victory of the Nittany Lions and keep their Big Ten Championship and playoff hopes alive. (Ohio State, 31-26)
Final Score: Ohio State 20 Penn State 13
(1)Oregon(-14.5) @ Michigan
Vaughn Broadnax (OSU-RB 1980-83): Oregon will blast The Wolverines 35-13.
Andy: This game was much more alluring in the preseason, so far this season Michigan has become a shell of their former self. Oregon also seems to be ascending as a program while Michigan is declining. On offense quarterback Dillon Gabriel is playing as well as anybody in the country and I think the receivers for Oregon are going to find ways to get open. Michigan has the 85th ranked pass defense in the country, Oregon will be able to throw on these guys. I don’t see any way Michigan can’t win this game, on offense they can’t throw the ball and they struggle quite a bit running the ball averaging about 172 yards on the ground per game. Michigan’s best gameplan would be to try and milk as much clock as possible. I think Oregon will win handedly on the road. Oregon 34 Michigan 6
Cory: Michigan is feeling pretty good about themselves following a one-touchdown win over rival Michigan State last week. That feeling won’t last long as they host No. 1 Oregon this week. The Ducks started the season slow, but having been rolling since upsetting Ohio State. Oregon dominated Purdue and Illinois, giving up just nine total points in those two games. Michigan has made yet another quarterback change, going back to original starter Davis Warren. Warren didn’t make many big plays, but he didn’t throw a pick either. Michigan still is trying to figure out its offense, whereas Oregon is firing on all cylinders. This game could be over at halftime. Oregon 38, Michigan 10
Dave: Oregon 28 Michigan 20
Gregg: Oregon started the season very slow, with narrow wins over Idaho and BSU. Granted the Boise State game looks a little better now, but since those first two weeks Dillon Gabrial and company been playing like a national contender. Since their victory over the Buckeyes three weeks ago, they have been pouring it on their opponents. They have won the last two weeks by a combined score of 73-9. Ohio State should take a lesson from the Ducks and unleash their offense. Oregon will have no problem with the hapless Wolverines and appear in 1st place on the initial playoff poll next Tuesday. Oregon 35 Michigan 10
Joe-S-U: Oregon
John: The Ducks have an explosive, big play offense, Michigan basically has a typical ‘20’s offence – that’s 1920’s. Oregon wins big. Oregon 35 Michigan 17
Josh: Oregon will have to travel across the country for the second time in 3 weeks as they head to Ann Arbor to play a Michigan team that is coming off a win against their rival, but still cant throw a forward pass. The Wolverines are also without Will Johnson who is their best defender. Oregon has shown they are the top team in the country after narrowly beating Ohio State, and handled Purdue and Illinois without issues, an Illinois team that beat the Wolverines. I think the best chance Michigan has is to disrupt Dillon Gabriel, but the offensive line for Oregon has been solid since the Boise State game. I think it will be close in the beginning, but Oregon pulls ahead in the second half. This is likely the Ducks toughest game before a likely bid to the Big Ten Championship game. Oregon 35 – Michigan 17.
Steven: Hey, did you see the Longhorns in the Big House? Wash, rinse, repeat. Michigan has no quarterback, but their run game is stout. Stack the box and dare whatever noodle-armed signal caller they trt out there try to complete a pass. This could get ugly early, but expect Duck coach Dan Lanning will keep things in check and not embarrass the Wolverines too much. Oregon calls off the Ducks early and wins easily 38-17.
Trout: The Wolverines are a bad team. They were able to escape Sparty with a win, but I don’t think that’s saying much. Oregon is now playing to their full potential. I kinda see this game going like how it went with Texas. Michigan may be able to hang early, but the Ducks will pull away and win comfortablely. I just think Michigan has the firepower to keep up with Oregon for all four quarters. Plus Warren is not a good quarterback. He may be the best choice for Michigan of all the guys in that locker room, but there is a reason why he was benched earlier in the season. Dillon Gabriel should be able to shred this team and have a 300+ passing day. Oregon wins comfortably and hands the Wolverines their fourth loss of the season. (Oregon, 38-14)
Final Score: Oregon 38 Michigan 17
Louisville @ (11)Clemson(-10)
Vaughn Broadnax (OSU-RB 1980-83): Louisville falls at Clemson 35-24.
Andy: This game wasn’t looking so hot early in the season because Clemson lost their first game of the season and Louisville while a decent team does not have the magic they had last year. Clemson has really come on strong since their season opening loss, quarterback Cade Klubnik is on a streak. He has thrown 12 touchdowns in the past 4 games to just 2 interceptions. Louisville currently has the 75th ranked pass defense in the country. With Klubnik on a roll and the game being at home, I expect Clemson to win. Clemson 38 Louisville 28
Cory: This game should be interesting because it’s one of the highest producing offenses in Louisville, against a terrific defense in Clemson. Louisville has three losses, but all three were by one score, and two of them were to top-10 teams (Miami and Notre Dame). Clemson’s offense has been much maligned the past few seasons, but quarterback Cade Klubnik is quietly putting together a great season. He’s completing 67 percent of his passes and has 20 touchdowns. The growth of Klubnik and the offense, combined with the defense, give the Tigers the edge in this one. Clemson 31, Louisville 24
Dave: Clemson 32 Louisville 21
Gregg: Clemson is the team everyone has forgot about. After that opening week loss, they are unbeaten and playing well, certainly well enough to win the ACC, and certianly good enough to beat the Cardinals. Clemson 35 Louisville 17
Joe-S-U: Clemson
John: I haven’t seen much of Clemson this year. Watched the ‘Ville against Miami, and while they can score they basically have no defense. Taking Clemson at home. Clemson 35 Louisville 28
Josh: Clemson has been a different team since getting blown out by Georgia, and has won every game since then, but have not yet faced one of the better teams in the ACC until this week with Louisville. I think Louisville can pressure the Tigers offensively, and will be able to score. They were close with Miami until the last few minutes of the 4th quarter. I think Louisville shocks the Tigers and leave with a win. Louisville 42 – Clemson 35.
Steven: Clemson QB Cade Klubnik has been on a tear the past couple of weeks. There is no indication this week will be any different. Louisville has won their last 3 games after going 2-3 in their first 5. Unfortunately, they have stacked up wins against lesser competition in Jacksonville State and Austin Peay. Their only “good” win is a 31-19 score over Georgia Tech. It does not bode well for the Cardinals. A night game in Death Valley, take the Tigers. Clemson 42-21.
Trout: The Tigers have seemed to have rebounded. After the embarrassing loss to Georgia, I thought they would be destined for another mediocre year. But, they have been able to rattle off six straight wins and they’ve scored 40+ in the majority of them. Granted, it’s the ACC, there aren’t a lot of heavy hitters in that conference. Plus I think Dabo’s unwillingness to adapt and use the portal/NIL will eventually come back to bite him. In regards to this game, I think the Tigers will win. Louisville is a decent team, but they already have three losses this year. I can see the game being close for a while, but Clemson eventually pulls away and wins by a couple scores. The Tigers win their seventh straight and remain as one of the top teams in the ACC. (Clemson, 28-14)
Final Score: Louisville 33 Clemson 21
(18)Pittsburgh @ (20)SMU(-7)
Vaughn Broadnax (OSU-RB 1980-83): Pittsburgh finds a way to stay undefeated by upsetting SMU 31-28.
Andy: Pittsburgh has really turned their program around after losing several games last year. Pat Narduzzi, the Pitt head coach, turned over a lot of the Pitt roster in hopes to make the team culture stronger, it appears to have paid off. Pitt will have an advantage on offense throwing the football with quarterback Eli Holstein who has thrown for 17 touchdowns on the season. Conversely, while SMU has an excellent offense, their defense and in particular their pass defense is really bad. I’m giving the edge to Pitt over SMU, but I expect this to be high scoring. Pitt 45 SMU 42
Cory: Nobody is paying attention to Pitt, and that needs to change. The Panthers are undefeated thanks in large part to their freshman quarterback, Eli Holstein. Holstein has 20 total touchdowns this season. Not to be outdone, the Pitt defense has been great, as well. In last week’s win over Syracuse the Panthers picked off Kyle McCord five times, three of which were returned for touchdowns. SMU has played the tougher schedule so far, including wins over Duke and Louisville. But right now, I love the way this Pitt team is playing. Pitt 28, SMU 23
Dave: Pittsburgh 21 SMU 20
Gregg: If I was betting, I would go for Pittsburgh for sure. I think it will be close, but I think either team could win. I don’t expect the Panthers to put up the interception clinic like they did last week but they will do just enough to keep this low scoring game in favor of the visitors and stay on a path for the playoffs. Pittsburgh 24 SMU 20
Joe-S-U: Pittsburgh
John: It’s been a long time since Pitt was unbeaten this late into the season. It’s been almost as long since SMU has been relevant in the national CFB scene. I might have to find the ACC network on Saturday and catch some of this one. It should be entertaining. SMU 31 Pitt 24
Josh: Pittsburgh has rebounded after last season and might have one of the better quarterback/running back duos in the country with Eli Holstein and Desmond Reid. SMU had a big win against Duke last week in overtime. I think the Pitt defense stepped up in a big way against Syracuse last week, and will be the difference in the game. Pittsburgh 38 – SMU 31
Steven: So, where the heck did this Pitt Panther team come from? Pitt ended last year 116/133 in total offense. This year, they have improved to 25th in the nation. The Panthers are a pass heavy team, throwing at a 2:1 ratio vs. their ground game. QB Eli Holstein, (He’s from Louisiana, but with a name like that he should be from Wisconsin) can sling it, passing for over 300 yards in 4 of the Panther’s 7 games. Some of the analytics point to SMU being a strong favorite, but it will probably be a close game. Strength of schedule would seem to favor the Mustangs. Pitt’s overall defense is OK, but they are susceptible to a strong passer. SMU’s Kevin Jennings could be the guy to burst the Panther’s playoff bubble, (a bit). Go with the better defense at home, SMU 31-28.
Trout: This game is a bit of a toss up for me. I think both teams are good, but I’m less sure how they would fare in the playoffs. Both teams seem to be pretty even talentwise, but If I have to pick one team I would have to go with Pitt. They seem to be the more consistent team. I think it’ll be very close. Most likely the game will be won on a last second score. I can see it also being relatively low scoring as well.The game will go back and forth for a little while, with both teams taking the lead at different points in the game. Until Pitt gets the go-ahead score with seconds left on the clock. The Panthers will do just enough to get by the Mustangs and remain undefeated. (Pitt, 31-28)
Final Score: SMU 48 Pittsburgh 25
Texas Tech @ (11)Iowa State(-11.5)
Vaughn Broadnax (OSU-RB 1980-83): Iowa State stay undefeated and defeats Texas Tech 31-21
Andy: Every once in a while Iowa State will put together a really good season. Currently undefeated the Cyclones are 7-0 and get this game at home against a surprisingly tough Texas Tech. I try to look for a big matchup in games like this to watch. That matchup is Tech running back Tahj Brooks vs the Cyclones rush defense. Iowa State is currently ranked 99th in the country in rush defense, allowing nearly 170 yards on the ground per game, giving up over 5 yards per carry. Despite giving up a ton of yards, the Cyclones have only given up 7 rushing touchdowns this season. I do think Iowa State will find a way to win despite not having a favorable matchup. Iowa State 31 Texas Tech 27
Coach Rick: Iowa State 45 Texas Tech 21
Cory: Iowa State is undefeated but the Cyclones don’t really have a big win yet. Texas Tech won’t be that win. The Red Raiders already have three losses, but they do have an impressive running back in Tahj Brooks. Brooks isn’t flashy, but will play on Sundays. Despite that, I feel Iowa State is too well rounded of a team right now for Texas Tech to pull the upset. Iowa State 24, Texas Tech 17x
Dave: Iowa State 32 Texas Tech 28
Gregg: Iowa State is playing for a Big 12 title, Texas Tech is playing to finish the season, going with the Cyclones big. Iowa State 38 Texas Tech 24
Joe-S-U: Iowa State
John: Another surprising unbeaten is Iowa State. ISU is looking to go 9-0 for the first time in program history. I think they get it done against an overmatched Texas Tech. Iowa State 35 Texas Tech 10.
Josh: Iowa State is the only other undefeated team left in the Big 12, and will host a Texas Tech team coming of two losses in a row to Baylor and TCU. The Cyclones are a physical football team, and will try to keep everything in front of them, while the Red Raiders have a good balance on offense, and running back Tahj Brooks who is one of the top rushers in the country. I see this game begin close, but Iowa State wins at home. Iowa State 24 – Texas Tech 21.
Steven: Texas Tech can score, but their defense is eighth from the bottom in total defense. Iowa State boasts a balanced attack currently sitting 31st in the nation in overall offense. Cyclone QB Rocco Brecht is averaging over 250 yards in the air over the past 3 games. Unless Tech brings back Kliff Kingsbury immediately, don’t expect the Red Raiders to keep up. Iowa State swirls past the Raiders 35-20.
Trout: The Cyclones should win this game. Texas Tech may be able to hang with them for a little while, but Iowa State is the better team. They should be able to pull away in the second half. Granted, it’s hard to tell how good Iowa State is, but they are better than the Red Raiders. Texas Tech almost lost to a FCS school in week one, and they haven’t really had a stand out win in the other weeks of the season. I think both teams find the endzone afew times, and its close going into the half. But deep into the third, the Cyclones breakaway and win the game by a few scores. Iowa State remains undefeated. (Iowa State, 45-21)