Cory Steger:  It feels weird to say this about a PJ Fleck-coached team, but the Minnesota Golden Gophers are a passing team. They’ve got twice as many yards through the air as they do on the ground. Redshirt freshman Drake Lindsey is slinging the ball all over the field, and with the Gophers off to a 3-1 start perhaps Fleck is on to something here. That said, Ohio State’s pass defense is arguably the best in the country. Lindsey is a pure pocket passer, as well, and it’s hard to imagine Minnesota will be able to stop Ohio State’s terrific defensive line. Expect another efficient performance from Julian Sayin and the Buckeye offense, though it would be nice to see them get more momentum in the first half.   Ohio State 35, Minnesota 14 

Dave Culver:  Ohio State 38  Minnesota 7 

Gregg Watson:  Buckeyes opponents are 12-2 outside of the games they played against Ohio State.  Not sure what they need to do to get some love from the media and pollsters.  Fortunately, us Buckeye fans don’t care about that and just want to keep on the winning side of things.  The Gophers come in with a 3-1 record so that 12-2 mark will look even better after this game.  And the number of unbeatens is getting smaller and smaller.  With that said though, I really think it is time for the Buckeyes to open up the offense a bit and put down an old fashion beating.  Back in the Woody days, a team like Minnesota would leave with a 49-7 loss, and the starters would be on the bench in the 4th quarter.  I look for a ‘Woody Win’ this week.   Ohio State 56  Minnesota 7  

Jason Harris:  Ohio State is quietly dominant, winning with defense and offensive efficiency rather than flash. The biggest threats remaining on the schedule other than themselves remain Michigan, Penn State, and Illinois. Minnesota, meanwhile, hasn’t beaten Ohio State since 2000, but PJ Fleck’s team is solid defensively, strong in time of possession, and avoids penalties and turnovers. To have any chance, the Gophers must play nearly perfect football and finish drives, but their red-zone struggles collide with Ohio State’s elite red-zone defense, which has allowed just two scores all season. Minnesota should score, but not enough.   Ohio State 38 Minnesota 10

Joe Hylton:  Ohio State

John Seibert:  We finally get a B1G night game in the ‘Shoe, just not the one we wanted (PSU).  Ohio State’s defense continues to impress, and as it continues to learn the new system and improve has a chance to be historically good.  The offense is still a work in progress, with Hartline and Day seeming to trust  Sayin only so far.  How much of that is trying to only show so much to the better teams OSU will play down the road and how much is not wanting to put a freshman QB into harms way, I don’t know.  Fortunately, they shouldn’t need to go too deep into the playbook to handle what appears to be an overmatched Gopher squad.   Ohio State 42  Minnesota 9

Josh Watson: The Buckeyes return home after their grind-it-out win in Seattle, where their defense once again proved to be the best unit in the country. Now, Ohio State looks to extend its unbeaten run against a Minnesota team that has been tough on defense but limited offensively. The Gophers will try to control tempo with their run game and shorten possessions, but Julian Sayin’s poise and the Buckeyes’ depth of playmakers on both sides of the ball should be too much over four quarters. Expect Ohio State’s defensive line to live in the backfield and force mistakes that open the game up in the second half. Ohio State 35, Minnesota 7

Steven Smith:  If Ohio State is going to repeat as college football champions this season, they need to get their running game going. It may be tough sledding for the Bucks to get it moving, as the Golden Gophers are allowing 65.5 yards per game on the ground. So, once again, look for a grind it out game with 2 top 10 defenses hitting each other. Unlike last week, Ohio State will not have to deal with a dual threat QB. Gopher signal-caller Drake Lindsey has negative rushing yards this year. The Gopher offensive line has already given up 5 sacks. Expect more Saturday. The game plan for the Bucks will be to establish the run as much as possible, and take safe, mid-range shots and hope they turn into touchdowns. Bucks should win this in the first half by making Lindsey’s life a nightmare a couple weeks before Halloween.   OSU 44-10.

Stefan Armintrout:  The Buckeyes should win this game by a few scores. Minnesota can be a decent team, but they are not on the same level as the Buckeyes. They are a step down from their previous opponent, Washington. I can see it being kind of like the Ohio Game where Mineesota might get some licks early, and keep it close. But then Ohio State’s powerful offense will explode in the late first half/early second half. Ohio State gets out to a few scores and the Gophers won’t be able to keep up. The Buckeyes win comfortably, and remain the number online team in the country.   (Ohio State, 38-10)

Final Score:  Ohio State 42   Minnesota 3 

Cory:  Vanderbilt is off to a 5-0 start, the Commodores are ranked No. 16 in the country, and they did beat Alabama last season. But, let’s pump the brakes on the Commodores a bit. So far, the only tough team they’ve played is South Carolina, and being honest I am not sure how good the Gamecocks are. Vanderbilt relies too much on quarterback Diego Pavia, who is also the team’s leading rusher. Alabama looked great in its win at Georgia last week, and quarterback Ty Simpson looks to be coming into his own in his first season as a starter. The Crimson Tide still don’t run the ball like you would expect them to, and that lack of balance could come back to haunt them.   Alabama 35, Vanderbilt 24

Dave:  Alabama 28  Vandy 14

Gregg:  People that think this is a revenge game are just kidding themselves. I am sorry but if the Tide need to play the revenge card to get motivated, they are going to have a long season. Vanderbilt has not won in Alabama in 34 years and that will not change this season.  The Tide were a bit rough coming out the gate and Florida State took advantage, and I doubt they would want to see them again.  Alabama is starting to ask for more from their QB play and so far Ty Simpson is delivering the goods.  The Tide takes to momentum from the road win over Georgia and gets a statement win.  The Statement?  We are not losing to Vanderbilt for another 34 years.  Roll Tide   Alabama 38  Vanderbilt 20  

Jason:  Vanderbilt stunned Alabama last year behind Diego Pavia’s breakout performance, and now the Commodores enter this matchup 5–0 with dominant wins, including blowouts over South Carolina and Virginia Tech. Pavia has been sensational so far, completing 75% of his passes for over 1,200 yards, 13 touchdowns, and adding nearly 300 rushing yards. With a disruptive defensive front and an Alabama pass rush that hasn’t clicked, Vanderbilt looks like a real SEC contender with the weapons to push the Tide again.

Alabama, however, appears poised for payback. The defense has tightened up since the Florida State loss, holding opponents under 155 passing yards per game, while quarterback Ty Simpson has been sharp, averaging nearly 300 yards per game with no turnovers. With Kalen DeBoer’s offense clicking and a fired-up defense determined to contain Pavia, Alabama has the edge in explosiveness and depth. Expect a close, high-scoring battle, but the Tide’s balance and big-play ability should prove decisive.   Alabama 31 Vanderbilt 20

Joe-S-U:  Alabama

John:  ‘Bama surprised a lot of folks, including me, going into Athens last week and getting a win.  Vandy is a surprising 5-0, but won’t be sneaking up the Tide, especially since they pulled off the upset in Nashville last year.  I’m not quite ready to say that  ‘Bama has righted the ship and is back, but I think they play loose at home and avenge last year’s loss.   Alabama 27  Vanderbilt 13

Josh: Alabama continues its SEC slate with a home matchup against Vanderbilt, and this game should give the Crimson Tide another chance to flex their muscle in the trenches. Vanderbilt’s offense has shown flashes but lacks the consistency to handle Alabama’s pass rush and physical secondary. Expect the Commodores to hang around early with a few quick-hitting plays, but the Tide’s superior depth and athleticism will break it open after halftime. Alabama 38, Vanderbilt 14

Steven:  Could Vandy actually be real this year? I think we’ve all seen there’s been a shift in the SEC, and across college football in the NIL era. NIL has leveled the playing field quite a bit, and traditional powerhouses are not always going to have a stranglehold on talent. Vandy and Alabama are neck and neck defensively, and the Commodores actually are quite a bit better on the offensive side of the ball. That being said, those stats are built upon games against 2 teams in the bottom 25 of defense, and an FCS school. The best defense Vandy has faced is South Carolina. On the road, I think Vandy is in for a rude awakening. It should still be close into the second half, but Alabama pulls away in the second.   ‘Bama 37-24.

Trout:  The game will be really close, but I think Alabama gets their revenge for last year. The Commodores are definitely better this year than they have been in the past. I believe they will match a lot of what Alabama throws out for a good portion of the game. Pavia can be dangerous for other teams and I think he will cause fits for the Tide’s defense. On the other side, the Crimson Tide are a good team, but they are not at the level of some of the Saban led teams of the past.  They are playing less disciplined football and it cost them during the Florida State game. Alabama is the better team, but the talent gap between these two is less than what it used to be. I see this game being tight up into the fourth quarter. Alabama finally gets a go ahead score and hangs on for dear life. Alabama wins and hands Vandy their first loss of the season.   (Alabama, 17-14)

Final Score:  Alabama 30   Vanderbilt 14 

Cory:  Miami is No. 3 in the country, and yet, I am still not sure just how good the Hurricanes are. Quarterback Carson Beck looked terrific in the first two games of the season, but he’s got three interceptions in his last two games. As for Florida State, the Seminoles are coming off a disappointing loss to Virginia. Quarterback Thomas Castellanos is what powers this team and he was not good in the loss – completing just 18 of 32 passes with one touchdown and two picks. Being honest, I think both teams are probably a little overrated right now, but I have a little more confidence in Miami in this one.   Miami 31, Florida State 28

Dave:  Miami 28  FSU 21

Gregg:  First time in 9 years they were both ranked when they faced off.  I will get on the train that says Miami is back, but not sure I see them as the best time in the country yet.  But I do think they are the best I have seen in the ACC.  If the ‘Canes win this, I think we are getting to see where the Seminoles are in their proper framing, and it may even say something about Alabama.  But this is a true rivalry game so it will be hard fought and well played.  Likely the best game to watch this weekend.  Too bad they will be competing with the Buckeyes for viewership.  Carson Beck getting better each week and will have another strong showing Saturday.   Miami 27  Florida State 24   

Jason:  Miami enters this rivalry game as the ACC’s hottest team, unbeaten and powered by a strong offensive line, a balanced attack, and Carson Beck leading an efficient passing game. With four of the next five at home, the Hurricanes’ path to the ACC Championship looks clear if they can beat Florida State. The Canes’ defense has been stout against the run, holding Notre Dame, USF, and Florida to under three yards per carry, and their physicality up front should challenge the Seminoles’ ability to control tempo.

Florida State, meanwhile, is in desperation mode after the loss to Virginia dropped it to 0–1 in the ACC. The Seminoles’ defense remains dangerous, generating interceptions and pressure, but inconsistent tackling has cost them. Quarterback Tommy Castellanos leads an offense capable of producing explosive plays, but against Miami’s size and balance, sustaining drives will be a challenge. Expect FSU to start fast with energy at home, but Miami to punch back creating a 4-quarter game. Behind Castellanos and the home crowd, a motivated Seminole bunch pulls the upset at home with a late score.   Florida State 35 Miami 31

Joe-S-U:  Miami

John:  Two teams I still don’t have a good read on.  FSU got caught in a bit of a trap game last week on the road at a decent Virgina.  Still, that was a game the FSU probably should have won.  Miami has looked good through the first four games, but (as can be said of a lot of teams) how good were the teams they beat, really?  Yes, the ‘Canes beat ND in week one – who promptly lost again the next week, taking some of the shine off of that one.  They beat a good S. Florida but let’s be honest – SFU is good but not top tier B1G or SEC good. Oh, and they beat an average Florida in a rivalry game.  This is also a rivalry game, so I expect it to be close.  I think the home field advantage of the game being at FSU makes the difference.   Florida State  27  Miami 24

Josh: The rivalry between Miami and Florida State always comes with intensity, and this year’s edition feels especially unpredictable. Miami’s offense has explosive skill players capable of stretching the field, while FSU will look to pound the ball on the ground and rely on timely defensive stops. The key will be turnovers — whichever team takes better care of the football likely wins. In a back-and-forth game, Miami’s balance and late execution give them the edge. Miami 28, Florida State 21

Steven:  Despite Florida State’s double overtime loss to Virginia, the Seminoles may still be the best team in the ACC. Miami is coming off an off week, so may be ripe for an upset. I’m not convinced that Miami QB Carson Beck is really all that great. Liking the home teams this week for some reason. Of course, with my luck this year, Beck will throw for a zillion yards and 10 touchdowns Still rolling the dice with the ‘Noles. FSU 24-21. 

Trout:  I am picking the Hurricanes but I think Florida State puts up a good fight. Talentwise, I think Miami is better, but I am not discounting Florida State. They should be able to keep up. They are significantly better than last year, especially at quarterback. On paper, Miami’s  Beck may be a better quarterback than Castellanos. However, Castellanos is no slouch. He embarrassed Alabama in week one. He can make some defenses sweat game planning for him. I see this game being very close for a while. Towards the fourth quarter Miami chips away at the Seminoles’ defense, and is able to pull ahead. The Hurricanes hang on to the lead, and pull off the victory. Miami hands Florida State their second loss in two weeks.   (Miami, 24-21) 

Final Score:  Miami 28   Florida State 22  

Cory:  Mississippi State is off to a 4-1 start this season under second-year coach Jeff Lebby. Quarterback Blake Shapen has the offense rolling, as does running back Fluff Bothwell. The problem with Shapen is that with three interceptions and 11 sacks, he takes too many negative plays. Texas A&M is not an easy place to play, and the Aggies are coming off a pair of impressive wins over Notre Dame and Auburn. Texas A&M has this weird ability to play to the level of their opponent, so I do not expect a large margin of victory for the Aggies this week.   Texas A&M 38, Mississippi State 31

Dave:  Texas A&M 28  Mississippi 14

Gregg:  I have not got to see these teams much this year, but I do think the Aggies appear to me as the stronger team.  I will give the home team the edge.   Texas A&M  31  MSU  17 

Jason:  Mississippi State has emerged as an early-season surprise under Jeff Lebby, starting 4–0 behind improved balance on offense and a more physical defense. Quarterback Blake Shapen has provided steady play, the ground game has picked up steam, and the Bulldogs proved their toughness with an overtime win against Tennessee. To pull off the road upset, however, they’ll need to clean up their discipline—MSU has been plagued by penalties and turnovers—and protect Shapen against A&M’s disruptive defensive front.

Texas A&M, meanwhile, has its own momentum at 4–0, powered by a defensive line that consistently pressures quarterbacks and an offense led by Marcel Reed. While the Aggies struggled to put away Auburn and have been inconsistent on third downs, they’re better equipped to control the game with their running attack and ability to wear teams down. Expect more of a shootout than the last two meetings, but A&M’s balance, stronger lines, and ability to avoid mistakes should tilt this matchup in the Aggies’ favor.   A&M 42 MSU 31

Joe-S-U:  Texas A&M

John:  This game has a similar vibe to Minnesota/Ohio State, although I expect MSU to be a stiffer test for the Aggies than the Gophers will be for the Bucks.  Cream usually rises, and A & M is just a better team than the Bulldogs.   Texas A & M 31  Mississippi State  17

Josh: Texas A&M has surged up the polls thanks to its balanced attack, and Kyle Field should give the Aggies an added edge in this SEC clash. Mississippi State brings a bruising ground game and will look to grind down A&M’s defensive front, but the Aggies’ speed on defense and efficiency on offense should carry the day. Expect A&M’s quarterback play to make the difference, mixing in big passing plays to keep MSU off balance. This one may stay close into the third quarter before the Aggies pull away late. Texas A&M 31, Mississippi State 17

Steven:  A&M QB Marcel Reed is a pretty good under the radar Heisman pick. If the Aggies keep winning, you’ll see that name crawl up the leaderboard quickly. This looks to be a shootout, and could be a very entertaining game. MSU has the offense to keep up, but I’m not sure their defense is on par. Another home team wins.   Aggies 42-28.

Trout:  I can see the Bulldogs keeping it close early, but the Aggies pull away in the second half. It’s hard to tell if Texas A&M are actually good. Their best win is against a questionable Notre Dame team. But they are more talented than Mississippi State. The game will go back and forth for a while. The Bulldogs can put up points, so they will match punch for punch for a while. But I think the Aggies’ talent begins to shine through, and they are able to pull away by a couple of scores. The Aggies win the game and remain in the race for the SEC Championship.   (Texas A&M, 38-24)

Final Score:  Texas A&M 31   Mississippi State 9 

Cory:  Texas Tech is a better football team than people realize. The Red Raiders dominated a good Utah team on the road, and now they are coming off a bye week. Additionally, they are expected to get starting quarterback Behren Morton back from injury this week. Houston is off to a good start but it’s come against a weak schedule. For the Cougars to pull the upset, Texas A&M transfer Connor Weigman would need to have the game of his life at quarterback.   Texas Tech 28, Houston 21 

Dave:  Texas Tech 32  Houston 14

Gregg:  Big 12 is wide open this season, it is time for somebody to step up and take control of the standings.  I doubt many experts looked at this game on the schedule and thought both teams would be unbeaten on October 3rd. The winner of this game might set the standard for the conference, but the loser will not be out of mix.  Last week it took overtime for Houston to beat a winless Oregon State team.  I don’t think home field will be enough to win and I will go with Texas Tech.  The Red Raiders had a huge victory over Oregon State and a solid road victory over the Utes last week.   Texas Tech  31  Houston 17      

Jason:  Texas Tech has looked like the Big 12’s early frontrunner after demolishing Utah and rolling to a 4–0 start, outscoring opponents 208–45. Whether it’s Behren Morton—expected back from injury—or Will Hammond at quarterback, the Red Raiders boast the nation’s top passing attack and a defense that has forced nine turnovers in four games. Their explosive offense and opportunistic defense will put Houston under pressure in ways it hasn’t faced yet.

Houston also comes in unbeaten, sitting at 4–0 with a win over Colorado and a dramatic overtime escape at Oregon State. The Cougars protect the ball well, stay disciplined, and feature a balanced offense led by Conner Weigman. They’ll need to start fast and finish drives, because settling for field goals won’t cut it against Tech’s firepower. Expect Houston to hang around early, but the Red Raiders’ depth and second-half surge should be the difference.   Tech 45 Houston 28

Joe-S-U:  Texas Tech

John:  I haven’t seen either team play this year, so have no feel for this one.  When in doubt, trust the money – Tech is a 10 ½ point favorite, with a 75% chance of winning according to E$PN.   Texas Tech  30  Houston  20

Josh: In one of the weekend’s most intriguing matchups, Texas Tech and Houston collide with contrasting strengths. Tech brings one of the most explosive passing attacks in the country, while Houston prides itself on a disciplined secondary and a defense that forces opponents to earn every yard. Houston will need turnovers to hang with the Red Raiders, but if Tech protects the ball, their depth of weapons should eventually overwhelm. Look for a tight first half before Texas Tech takes control in the final quarter. Texas Tech 34, Houston 21

Steven:  Tech is fundamentally better than Houston across the board and should win the Big 12 this year. My one road pick this week.   Red Raiders 33-24.

Trout:  This game is a bit of a toss up. I will give the edge to the Red Raiders. I think their offense is slightly better than what the Cougars offer. Plus they have already been battle tested. They beat what is thought to be a decent to good Utah team. While Houston’s best win is a 2-3 Colorado team that can’t figure out what to do now that Deion’s kid and Travis Hunter are gone. IThe game should be close for a while, with lead changes happening throughout. However, in the end the Red Raiders do just enough to get out of TDECU Stadium with a victory.   (Texas Tech 35-31)

Final Score:  Texas Tech 35   Houston 11