Cory Steger:  What a fall for Penn State. The Nittany Lions were on the doorstep of a national championship appearance last season. Now, they’ve lost four straight, their head coach, James Franklin, got fired, and their starting quarterback, Drew Allar, is out for the season with an injury. In place of Allar at quarterback is Ethan Grunkemeyer, who is a local product having played high school ball at Olentangy. No doubt he wants to show Ohio State what they might have missed. The problem is that Penn State’s offense has been way too inconsistent, and Ohio State’s defense is playing terrific ball right. I am expecting more fight from Penn State than others, but not enough for an upset.  Ohio State 35, Penn State 24 

Dave Culver:  Ohio State 42  Penn State 7 

Gregg Watson:  Who would have thought that at the beginning of the year, if we knew these fives games would be the ones we were predicting, that Vandy would be ranked 9th Texas would be 20th and Penn State would be unranked?  Or that Navy would be 7-0 and North Texas was 7-1 and neither would be in the top 25?  Hopefully, the polls start to look more realistic once the playoff standings comes out. Ohio State has been waiting for this game since the Texas victory.  I expect more rushing than the Wisconsin game, but will still be a game where Sayin puts up big numbers in a big win.   Ohio State 42  Penn State 6

Jason Harris:  In what was thought to be potentially the game of the year in college football prior to the season, has been relegated to this, a Buckeye 20.5 favorite and rolling while Penn State enters this week desperate coming off four straight one-score games and an interim head coach. The Lions, although having their struggles, are still talented enough to challenge No. 1 Ohio State in Columbus. They are rested and athletic, with a strong secondary and as much talent as the Buckeyes have seen sinceTexas in Week 1. However, they have major issues defending the run, generating pass rush, and sustaining drives putting a lot of pressure on backup QB Ethan Grunkemeyer, a Columbus native, getting an opportunity to pull a major upset over his hometown team. Ohio State, meanwhile, has been a machine, efficient on both sides of the ball season, sustaining drives by converting on third downs and leaning on the best defense in America. QB Julian Sayin has thrust himself among the Heisman conversation, utilizing his myriad of NFL-caliber weapons and seemingly doing whatever they want on offense. Penn State’s best hope is to control the ground game and win at the line of scrimmage early, but if Ohio State starts fast, it could get ugly. Behind its defense and explosive passing game the Buckeyes get off to a quick start and coast to an easy victory.   Ohio State 34 Penn State 3

Joe Hylton:  OSU over State Pen – I don’t feel for the fans THAT much there in Happy Valley since they get off on throwing urine on TBDBITL outside their erector set stadium.  But this rivals LSU for the years’ biggest implosion and uncertain future.  Heard today the line has dropped a touch to 19.5…the same as it was at kickoff last November 30th.  We’ll see if Day starts punching away like he did in Madison and buries these guys early.

John Seibert:  Let’s be honest, Penn State has been an enigma all year.  Given the talent they had coming back, this team should be no worse than 6-1 at this point in the season.  The Ducks broke Penn State, plain and simple.  Now, you have an interim coach and quarterback starting his second college football game going up against what appears to be the best defense in college football this year.  Both teams are coming off a bye, and I have to think that the Lions have some pride left in them so I don’t expect this to be a runaway, but I will be surprised if OSU doesn’t cover the 20.5 points that Vegas is laying.   Ohio State 38  Penn State 13

Josh Watson: Penn State’s season hit a major inflection point when Drew Allar was ruled out for the year following a leg injury sustained in the loss to Northwestern Wildcats. With Allar gone, the Nittany Lions turn to a young, unproven signal-caller in a program that’s already reeling. Their offense loses its veteran tidiness, and while they still have the RB duo of Kaytron Allen (98 carries, 9 TD) and a veteran line, the uncertainty under center means their margin for error shrinks. Ohio State, meanwhile, is firing on all cylinders. Quarterback Julian Sayin leads the nation in completion percentage and has put up 1,872 yards with 19 TDs and 3 INTs. Their defense allows under 7 points per game. This is where depth, execution and mental edge separate elite from good. Penn State may hang around early, but the Buckeyes win the trenches, win the turnover battle and open things up in the second half. Ohio State 41, Penn State 7

Steven Smith:  OSU 

Stefan Armintrout:  It won’t be the blowout that some OSU fans hope, but I do see the Bucks win by a few scores.   (Ohio State, 35–17) 

Final Score:  Ohio State 38   Penn State 14 

Cory:  As of writing this on Wednesday, Arch Manning was still in the concussion protocol and Matthew Caldwell is taking all the practice snaps at quarterback for the Longhorns. Of course, Arch could find his way back onto the field but it seems unlikely for this weekend’s matchup with Vanderbilt. We shouldn’t have to say it any more but the Commodores are legit. Diego Pavia is tough as hell, but still somehow gets underestimated. That said, playing in Austin is not easy for anybody and I have this weird hunch the Longhorns will rally around Caldwell to pull out an impressive win and a resume builder.  Texas 31, Vanderbilt 28

Dave:  Texas 28  Vanderbilt 14

Gregg:  Ohio State really needs the Longhorns to keep winning. Vanderbilt is the darlings of the 2025 season, basically the same status that Indiana was last year.  Vandy is playing very well and from what I have heard, Manning may not even play.  However, I don’t think it matters because the Longhorns have the better defense.  I think if they can keep this low scoring, Texas will win.   Texas 17  Vanderbilt 13

Jason:  Vanderbilt enters its matchup with Texas riding major momentum, sitting at 8–1 with a realistic path to 10 wins and a likely Playoff berth if it handles business, thanks to elite third-down efficiency and ball control that allow it to win even when the offense struggles. Texas, however, is fighting to keep its SEC and postseason hopes alive despite major issues with its offensive line, run game, and overall consistency, leaning heavily on a strong defense that has carried them for much of the year. The Longhorns have the athleticism and speed at linebacker to contain QB Diego Pavia, and whether Arch Manning clears concussion protocol or Matthew Caldwell starts, the passing game must be good enough because Texas won’t run on Vanderbilt. Expect a tight, defense-driven contest in Austin, with Texas’ defense doing just enough at home to grind out another close win.   Texas 24 Vanderbilt 20

Joe-S-U:  Texas over Vandy – The mighty 1937 Commodores hold the honor of the school’s highest ever AP ranking.  A 5-0 start with only 12 points given up boosted Vandy to #7, until they ran into Georgia Tech.  A win over Tennessee 2 weeks later inspired “legendary” AP voter Bimbo Dinich to lead a charge to put Vandy back at #12 just so Alabama could face a ranked team.  The Tide eked out a 9-7 thriller and Vandy’s done pretty much nothing since.  All that said, “the boys” have Texas as a 3.5 point favorite even with the Manning uncertainty, so here’s saying the Longhorn “D” leads the way

John:  Vanderbilt has impressed this season. Only loss to date was a game at Alabama that, while they may not publicly admit it, the Tide had circled on the calendar since last fall. Otherwise, they just keep on winning.  Texas seems to have found their footing and even with two losses have managed to at least play their way back into the fringe of the playoff conversation.  The have a gauntlet of a schedule in November – #9 Vandy, #5 Georgia, #3 Texas A & M, then the SEC Championship – but there is a chance they can make the post season, but they must win Saturday.  We’’ll find out which team is for real on Saturday. Game is in Austin, which I think gives the ‘Horns the edge.   Texas  24  Vandy 21 

Josh: Vanderbilt continues to surprise with consistency: QB Diego Pavia has thrown 15 TDs vs 5 INTs, and their defense is quietly one of the best in the league. But Texas has the size, talent and home-field advantage to lean into late in the game. The Longhorns know they must make these games show they belong in the playoff conversation. Expect Texas to trail early as Vandy executes, but the Longhorns’ big-play ability shows late. Texas 33, Vanderbilt 27

Steven:  Vandy 

Trout:  Vandy is playing well while Texas is just surviving. Vanderbilt wins a close one.   (Vanderbilt, 21-17)

Final Score:  Texas 34  Vanderbilt 31 

Cory:  Miami rebounded from its upset loss to Louisville with a dominant win over Stanford last week. Now, they travel out of the state of Florida for the first time this season (yes, I am serious, go look it up) to struggling SMU. SMU entered the season ranked and many had them pegged as a dark horse to make the CFP again. Well, the Mustangs already have three losses, to Baylor, TCU, and Wake Forest. I don’t think SMU has the skill to keep up in this one.   Miami 35, SMU 17

Dave:  SMU 32  Miami 14

Gregg:  Miami has been a favorite all season long since they opened with the win over Notre Dame.  They are still a great team and play well on both sides of the ball. SMU is playing well but they are not quite to the level of the Hurricanes. Miami is still playing for an ACC championship as well as a chance to have a first round bye.  Hurricanes will stay on track for a showdown with Georgia Tech.   Miami 34  SMU 20

Jason:  #10 Miami travels to Dallas for a pivotal Week 10 ACC matchup against SMU, with conference championship stakes on the line. The Canes offensive line will be challenged by a disruptive Mustangs front that has racked up 25 sacks and 12 interceptions, making quarterback Carson Beck’s ability to handle pressure and avoid turnovers critical. Miami may lean on running back Mark Fletcher, but SMU’s elite run defense allowing under 100 yards per game could limit his effectiveness. Offensively, SMU quarterback Kevin Jennings will look to attack a strong Miami defense and rely on former Hurricane Romello Brinson. With Miami playing its first road game outside Florida and SMU hosting homecoming at 2-0 in ACC play, the home crowd and ability to create turnovers margin could give SMU the edge. At the end of the day, expect Miami to lean on their defense and make just enough plays to escape with a highly contested game.   Miami 24 SMU 21 

Joe-S-U:  Miami over SMU – The ‘Canes apparently have caught the drastic “Spurrier” virus, which leads to an aversion to leaving Florida, let alone playing a game above the Mason-Dixon line.  After this trip to DFW, it’s 3 more weeks before a trip to Blacksburg.  Take your vitamins and avoid the “Spurrier” virus.  All that said, SMU’s magic has worn off some so the ‘Canes should hold serve

John: One of the nicer things of the 12 team playoff is the fact that one loss doesn’t knock a team out playoff consideration, but two leaves you at the mercy of the committee.  Even with this one in Dallas, look for the ‘Canes to take care of business.   Miami  31  SMU 17

Josh: Miami’s offense is built for momentum; SMU will try to disrupt it. QB Carson Beck (1,673 yds) and WR Malachi Toney (43 catches, 562 yards) have the skill advantages. SMU tempo and run game give them a shot, but their inability to finish drives remains the question. The Hurricanes pull away in the fourth quarter. Miami 36, SMU 24

Steven:  Miami 

Trout:  The Canes rebound and beat the Mustangs, but it’s another close call.   (Miami, 24-21)

Final Score:  SMU 26   Miami 20  

Cory:  The hiring of Scott Satterfield at Cincinnati was met with a lot of jeers from Bearcat fans, but he’s got the team in prime position to make an appearance in the CFP. First up, a big road trip out to Utah. I’m not really a believer in Utah right now. The Utes two toughest games so far – Texas Tech and BYU – were losses at home. It’s like the Utes are just not playing up to their potential because I think there is a good team there. With that, I am going with Cincy on the road.   Cincinnati 28, Utah 24

Dave:  Utah 32  Cincinnati 21

Gregg:  Cincinnati at Utah, doens’t that sound like a Big 12 contest?  But they are at the top of the standings and the conference needs for some people to be watching this one for the publicity.  I have no reason that the Bearcats will win, I just want them to.  Maybe if they make the playoffs, their coach will leave and Brian Kelly can come back.  Cincinnati 34  Utah 31

Jason:  Salt Lake City takes center stage for a crucial Big 12 clash between two ranked teams with major conference championship and CFP implications, as unbeaten-in-conference Cincinnati looks to stay perfect while Utah looks to get back into contention. The Bearcats are on a seven-game win streak behind QB Brendan Sorsby’s balanced offense and a elite red-zone efficiency, but the Cat D is vulnerable to dual-threat quarterbacks and costly penalties. Meanwhile, the Utes have figured some things out after a slow start behind an elite rushing offense led by freshman Byrd Ficklin and a solid defense that ranks among the nation’s best. With home-field advantage at Rice-Eccles Stadium and a dominant ground game, Utah’s physicality and defensive edge the Utes stop Cincinnati’s streak in a hard-fought victory.   Utah 27 Cincinnati 24

Joe-S-U:  Utah over Cincy – Ah yes, the late game where you doze off before the first TV timeout and wake up to an infomercial for an 8-speed blender.  Bearcats have run off 7 straight, but the boys in the desert have the Utes as a 10.5 point favorite, so after you order a blender, scroll to your favorite scores page to see a Utah victory.

John:  This has the feel of a playoff elimination game. Oh, the irony.  Cincinnati wins out and they are probably in the playoff.  Meanwhile former coach who bolted for “greener” pastures Luke Fickel is probably joining the ranks of the unemployed come December.  It’s a tough road trip to Salt Lake City, but if the Bearcat’s can avoid being jet lagged I think they can pull off the upset.   Cincinnati 24  Utah 21 

Josh:  Cincinnati enters with upward momentum: QB Brendan Sorsby (20 TDs, 1 INT) and a streamlined offense showing flashes of explosiveness. Utah’s defense is physical, but the Utes give up chunks when their rush defense breaks down. In a close battle, the Bearcats’ rhythm and efficiency win out.   Cincinnati 27, Utah 21  

Steven:  Cincinnati 

Trout:  Picking my alma mater. The Bearcats win a hard fought game against the Utes.   (Cincinnati, 28-24)

Final Score:  Utah 35   Cincinnati 14 

Cory:  Navy enters its first trip to North Texas since 2007 riding a ten-game winning streak behind the nation’s top rushing attack, averaging a touch over 318 yards per game on the ground. Utilizing a ball-control option system led by veteran QB Blake Horvath, elite red-zone efficiency and a disciplined defense, the Midshipmen have put themselves in the CFP discussion. North Texas counters with one of college football’s most explosive offenses, averaging over 46 points and 500 yards per game led by breakout freshman QB Drew Mestemaker, but its struggling defense, especially against the run creates a major matchup problem against Navy. If Navy dictates tempo and time of possession, it can keep the Mean Green’s offensive fireworks on the sideline, but if North Texas can force passing situations or early turnovers, we could be in for a shootout. Ultimately, Navy’s veteran leadership, consistency on defensive and ability to sustain long drives with their running game will be the difference as the Midshipmen remain unbeaten.   Navy 31 North Texas 21 

Dave:  North Texas 21  Navy 14 

Gregg:  Midshipmen have a big game and pull off the upset, remain unbeaten.   Navy 40  North Texas 35  

Jason:  Navy enters its first trip to North Texas since 2007 riding a ten-game winning streak behind the nation’s top rushing attack, averaging a touch over 318 yards per game on the ground. Utilizing a ball-control option system led by veteran QB Blake Horvath, elite red-zone efficiency and a disciplined defense, the Midshipmen have put themselves in the CFP discussion. North Texas counters with one of college football’s most explosive offenses, averaging over 46 points and 500 yards per game led by breakout freshman QB Drew Mestemaker, but its struggling defense, especially against the run creates a major matchup problem against Navy. If Navy dictates tempo and time of possession, it can keep the Mean Green’s offensive fireworks on the sideline, but if North Texas can force passing situations or early turnovers, we could be in for a shootout. Ultimately, Navy’s veteran leadership, consistency on defensive and ability to sustain long drives with their running game will be the difference as the Midshipmen remain unbeaten.   Navy 31 North Texas 21

Joe-S-U:  Navy over North Texas – The first time these two played in 2007, the Midshipmen and Mean Green did their SEC impression and left their defenses at home in a 74-62 Navy win, with the Middies rushing for a school record 572 yards.  This one probably won’t have the same fireworks but take Navy.  And for God’s sake, take the over.

John:  Haven’t seen much of either of these two this year, so just rolling the dice here.   N. Texas  30  Navy  24

Josh: This one is the archetypal at-large battle for a Group of Five: Navy’s possession-based, time-eating offense versus North Texas’s more open, explosive style. Navy forcing tempo into their comfort zone gives them the edge. UNT’s big plays matter, but not enough to overcome the clock and discipline differential.   Navy 23, North Texas 17

Steven:  North Texas 

Trout:  Navy wins and remains one of the only unbeaten teams.   (Navy, 18-14)

Final Score:  North Texas 31   Navy 17