Cory Steger:  UCLA went on a bit of a roll following the firing of DeShaun Foster, winning three straight games including the upset over Penn State. However, the Bruins lost their last two games to Indiana and Nebraska, and have an even tougher test this week with a visit to Columbus against No. 1 Ohio State. For UCLA, it all depends on how quarterback Nicol Iamaleava plays, and this is a guy the Buckeyes dominated last season in the first round of the playoffs. For Ohio State, the Buckeyes are still figuring out the running game, but Bo Jackson is starting to impress. In the last two weeks he’s combined for 27 carries for 180 yards. Expect the Buckeyes to cruise to an easy, boring win in this one.   Ohio State 35, UCLA 10

Dave Culver:  Ohio State 42  UCLA 7

Frank Berkopec:  Ohio State 31  UCLA 7

Gregg Watson:  UCLA has not been to Ohio Stadium this century, and they are going to leave it Saturday night wishing they did not have to ever come back.  Buckeye fans will make it a great experience, for the fans.  But the Bruins, by the 3rd quarter will realize what every other team has experienced against Ohio State and will be asking for a continuous clock.  Hopefully the rain holds off and a lot of bench players will get reps in the 4th quarter.  I expect them to air it out and give Sayin more reps while giving plenty of rushing opportunities for the backs.  Hopefully, “whatever” it was that kept Tate off the field last week will be addressed and he is back in the lineup.  The Buckeyes once again win big and once again, the narrative next week will be that they have not played anyone with a pulse this season.  Go Bucks!   Ohio State 48  UCLA 7   

Joe Hylton:  Ohio State

John Seibert:  Let’s be honest here.  UCLA is BAD,  as in the Huey Lewis “Sometimes Bad is Bad” meaning of the word.  This team is 3-6 for a reason, and it’s not because they are constantly getting shafted by the refs.  If the D contains Iamaleava in a similar fashion to what they did last December when he was at Tennessee, this one will get ugly early.  UCLA’s defensive is, well, offensive.  Looks for the Bucks to score early and often and maybe get the backup some decent work.   Ohio State 49  UCLA  6

Josh Watson:  The 3-6 Bruins arrive at Columbus having survived a fraught season of coaching turnover and inconsistent performance. They’ve shown flashes — notably a surprising upset of a top-10 foe on the road — but their offense ranks near the bottom nationally in explosiveness and consistency.  In contrast, Ohio State rolls into the battle with a defense built for championships and a quarterback, Julian Sayin, now operating with the composure of a seasoned veteran. The key for the Buckeyes: convert early and guard against trap-game nerve. With Carnell Tate unavailable, Ohio State’s passing game loses one of its elite threats, meaning Sayin must rely even more on Jeremiah Smith, Max Klare and the run game to keep the distribution balanced. The Bruins will attempt tempo and try to force quick drives to skirt Ohio State’s advantage in yards per play and third-down defense. But if the Buckeyes execute their usual script — sustain drives, dominate the clock, eliminate big plays — this one should tilt heavily in Ohio States favor.   Ohio State 45 – UCLA 6

Mike Vandevelde:  Ohio State

Steven Smith:  The only question in my mind is whether OSU can crack Nico Iamaleava’s helmet again. This being a night game, I expect the Bucks to be fired up. Once again, the Buckeyes will be coming after Nico from all angles, but may work more to contain him rather than physically punish him. UCLA brings in a middle of the pack defense. They aren’t too bad statistically against the pass, but they are especially porous against the run. If you can run on an opponent, why pass?  Maybe Bo Jackson has a breakout game Saturday. Bucks win. It’ll look good, but it won’t be enough for some people. That talk is just noise and poking the bear for clicks.   OSU 42-7.  

Stefan Armintrout:  UCLA was a feel good story for a few weeks. They are playing better than they did the first weeks of the season, but they are still a bad team.  I don’t think Ohio State will have any issues in this game. And I can Nico have nightmares about having to come back to the shoe. Ohio state wins big.   (Ohio State, 42-10)

Final Score:  Ohio State 48   UCLA 10 

Cory:  Notre Dame has continued to roll, winning its seventh consecutive game after an 0-2 start. The Irish have one last test on their way to the playoff, and it’s a trip to Pittsburgh to face the No. 24 Panthers. Pitt finds themselves back in the top 25 on the strength of a five-game winning streak, and this is a team that can give Notre Dame fits. The Panthers are starting true freshman Mason Heinschel at quarterback, and he’s been putting up some big numbers since taking over for Eli Holstein. The problem with Heintschel? He is prone to interceptions and sacks. So far, it’s not hurt Pitt but against a great defense like Notre Dame those mistakes can be killer. Even though Pitt has turned its season around, it’s hard to see the Panthers upsetting the Irish in this one.   Notre Dame 31, Pitt 24

Dave:  Notre Dame 32  Pittsburgh 21

Frank:  Notre Dame 24  Pitt 20

Gregg:  The Irish had a rough start going 0-2 but in reality, they lost to two teams that in mid-November are both playoff teams.  Coach Freeman just needs to keep them focused and keep winning as if they win out, they will be in the playoffs.  But more importantly, it will keep a spot away from one of the SEC schools that would back into brackets.  Jeremian Love has a big game and carries the Irish to yet another victory.  The loss will really be a blow to the ACC, a conference that if they are not careful might not get their champion in the dance.   Notre Dame 34  Pitt 20

Joe-S-U:  Notre Dame

John:  This is most likely the final speedbump the Irish will face this year on the road to the playoff.  Their next two opponents should be just a good workout for ND, so win this one and the Domers have a pretty good change of being in the playoff.   Notre Dame 31  Pitt 17

Josh:  Notre Dame travels to Pittsburgh in a matchup that pits Irish physicality and trench warfare against a Panthers squad at home looking to upset the rhythm. Notre Dame’s offense leans run-heavy, uses short passing to set up the ground game, and historically thrives when controlling possession. Pittsburgh will attempt to speed things up, use tempo and crowd noise to disrupt Notre Dame’s cadence, and hit big plays in space. For the Irish to win, they must establish their offensive line early and limit explosive possessions for the Panthers. If Pittsburgh can threaten vertically and force Notre Dame into third-and-longs, the momentum could swing. But if Notre Dame stays on schedule, holds the ball, and plays complimentary defense, the Irish should pull away late.   Notre Dame 34 – Pittsburgh 24

Mike:  Notre Dame

Steven:  Pitt is 3rd in FBS against the run, but they have yet to see a rushing attack as stout as Notre Dame. Irish running back Jeremiyah Love is 6th rushing at 108 yards per game. In their 2 losses, Pitt was torched through the air. SO if Love is contained, does Irish QB CJ Carr have enough juice to exploit a middling pass defense? Carr is averaging close to 253 yards per game, so he has the ability to exploit defenses. Pitt’s defense will have to come strong to shut down the Irish. I like the Irish due to their much tougher schedule. They seem like they have been tested, despite losing a couple of those early tougher games, I think the experience will be valuable as the season progresses. ND wins a close one 28-27. 

Trout:  Notre Dame is playing well right now and Pitt is just average at best. The game could be closer than it should be for a while, but I see the Irish winning by a couple scores.   (Notre Dame, 28-17)

Final Score:  Notre Dame 37   Pittsburgh 15 

Cory:  Iowa is the team of ‘almost’ this season. The Hawkeyes nearly upset Indiana, and nearly upset Oregon, but ultimately fell short in both games. The Hawkeyes have three losses this season by a combined 11 points. They’ve been so close to greatness, but aren’t quite there. Now, they have to travel all the way to the West Coast to face USC. The problem for Iowa is just not enough production through the air. Mark Gronowski is a gutsy, tough quarterback, but he’s not a great passer. USC has been overlooked this season, but the Trojans are a quality team and they run the ball really well. The one thing USC struggles with is physical teams, in particular physical defenses. Two of their losses came to teams like that – Michigan and Illinois – so I am calling for Iowa to get the upset here.   Iowa 24, USC 21

Dave:  USC 28  Iowa 21

Frank:  USC 28  Iowa 21

Gregg:  Both these teams are on the outside looking in and need to win out to even be considered for the playoffs.  I am sure the Trojans right now are truly regretting the lead they gave up against Illinois that gave them one of their two losses.  But they are the only team in the country that is averaging 300 yards passing and 200 yards rushing.  I think this will be low scoring and USC will not get 500 yards of offense this week but do just enough to overcome that stout Hawkeye offense.   USC 20  Iowa 17

Joe-S-U:  USC

John:  Iowa’s three losses are all by one score and all to ranked teams, so the Hawkeyes are a competitive football team.  If they could bring their 1980’s offense into the 21^st century they might will more big games.  USC’s two losses were to a salty Illinois team (a week after they got their door blown off by Indiana) and Notre Dame, so this one might be a good one to watch if one would rather watch a B1G game than OU/Bama in the 3:30 window.   USC 27  Iowa 21

Josh:  This one deserves an upset alert. USC has the home field and athletic profile, but Iowa brings tough defense, disciplined offense, and clock-control skills — a combination that can neutralize the flashier Trojans. USC will try to open the gates with pace and big plays, but Iowa’s strength lies in consistency, tackling, and game management. If Iowa can control the tempo early, win third-down conversions, and keep USC’s offense on the field too long, the road upset is very possible. The key factor: Iowa must win the turnover battle and avoid letting USC’s speed flip the field with one play.   Iowa 27 – USC 23

Mike:  USC

Steven:  Can a stout defense make up for a decades-old offense? Iowa is the second worst offense in the Big Ten, trailing only Wisconsin. They are second in the conference and 4th in the nation in total defense, and that has allowed them to limit some of the most explosive offenses in the country. The Hawkeye have losses to Iowa State, Oregon, and Indiana, all high flying offenses. Their 3 losses are by a combined 10 points. If the Hawkeyes had any semblance of an offense, they could be undefeated. It’s been said for years, but Kirk Ferentz wouldn’t know a decent OC if he was bitten by one. Conversely, on the other side of the field, USC coach Lincoln Riley has a long and storied history of bringing in defensive coordinators that had difficulty fighting their way out of paper bags. This season, the Trojan defense has at least muddled its way to the upper half of FBS in defense, so they are making progress. This one is strength against strength, weakness against weaknees which to me sounds like an ugly rock fight of a game. USC should outlast the anemic Hawkeyes.   Trojans 21-12. 

Trout:  If this game was in Iowa, I could see the Hawkeyes pulling off the victory in a low scoring game. But Midwest Big Ten teams don’t have a great track record going to the west coast. I think the Trojans pull off a close win.   (USC, 21-17)

Final Score:  USC 26   Iowa 21  

Cory:  Oklahoma has to finish its season out with games against Alabama, Missouri, and LSU. Even with the turmoil at LSU that’s a tough stretch of games for the Sooners, and the toughest one of those games will be this week at Alabama. The Crimson Tide may be a top-five team, but they are not perfect. Alabama has similar issues as the Ohio State offense where the passing game has been fantastic, but the running game is lacking. Alabama’s leading rusher has not even cracked 400 yards this season, and Oklahoma’s defense is incredibly tough to run against. But ultimately I don’t see the Sooners being able to muster enough offense to pull out an upset on the road this week.   Alabama 24, Oklahoma 20

Dave:  Alabama 24  Oklahoma 21

Frank:  Alabama 31  Oklahoma 20

Gregg:  This is one of those games that will show us if the Sooners deserve to be in the playoff consideration.  Unfortunately, the Tide will be tough strong for them and will prove that the SEC is not as deep as everyone wants to make you believe.  I want to see how Ty Simpson handles this game, will he be a leader in the victory or just a player.  For my prediction, Alabama wins and the media talk will be how great they are and let’s forget they have a loss to FSU.  Oklahoma will be out of the playoff race and it will be small ding to Michigan’s hopes as well.  Hopefully the Wolverines stay in the conversation long enough to keep that as part of the game hype against the Buckeyes.  Roll Tide.   Alabama 27  Oklahoma 17

Joe-S-U:  Alabama

John:  Somehow after getting embarrassed in week one at Florida State where the team appeared to quit, the ‘Tide has played their way back into the top 4.  OU needs the upset to keep their playoff hopes alive, but I look for Alabama to hold serve at home and get the W.   Alabama  30  Oklahoma 24

Josh:  Alabama continues its legacy of dominance in the SEC and national title contention. Oklahoma brings an explosive offense and a quarterback capable of big numbers, but the Sooners have shown vulnerability under pressure and in third-down defense. Alabama will use physicality up front, control the line of scrimmage, and force Oklahoma to win with tempo and big plays — a dangerous formula. If Oklahoma can strike early and stay ahead, they might keep it close. But Alabama’s depth, turnovers created, and late-game execution should override the risk.   Alabama 38 – Oklahoma 20

Mike:  Alabama

Steven:  Oklahoma QB John Mateer looked to be a sure Heisman candidate and possibly the second coming of Baker Mayfield early in the season. Unfortunately,a Mateer injury and a possibly rushed return from said injury put a big dent in the Sooners season with losses to Ole Miss and Texas. Turnovers have hurt the Sooners. They are currently 111th in turnover margin, whereas Alabama is 4th with 8 fumble recoveries and 8 interceptions. Oklahoma’s best bet is to sell out against Tide QB Ty Simpson who is having a tremendous season, but has been a bit of a one man show in Tuscaloosa. OU has the team to do it, as their pass defense is a very respectable 23rd in the nation, allowing under 200 yards passing per game. It will take a tremendous effort for them to beat the Tide. I expect a close game until the second half where ‘Bama just overpowers the Sooners.   ‘Bama 33-24.

Trout:  I think Alabama is slightly overrated, but. I think they are better or at least more consistent than the Sooners. I think it’s a hard fought game, but the Crimson Tide pull off the victory.   (Alabama, 24-19)

Final Score:  Oklahoma 23   Alabama 21 

Cory:  Are things finally starting to come together for Arch? The Texas quarterback has completed 68.3 percent of his passes for 674 yards with six touchdowns and one interception in his last two games – wins over Mississippi State and Vanderbilt. But, like Ohio State and Alabama, the Longhorns do not run the ball well and if there was ever a week you need to have a balanced offense it’s this one as Texas travels to Athens to face Georgia. The Bulldogs have a habit of playing to their competition this season so the game will be close, but I love how battle-tested Georgia is this season. They just don’t blink when things get tough.   Georgia 28, Texas 21 

Dave:  Georgia 32  Texas 21 

Frank:  Texas 21  Georgia 17

Gregg:  I really want Texas to win this game so I hope I miss this pick. Unfortunately, I don’t believe the SEC league or the officials will allow the Longhorns to have a chance.  Yes, there I said it.  Georgia would likely have two more losses and be out of it if it had not been for suspect calls by the officials.  It may not be as obvious for this one but you can be sure that Georgia has to win this one for their league.  Maybe Manning can have a coming out game this week.  A loss and the Bulldogs are likely out AND it puts another ding in the Alabama resume.  Texas is already being discussed as the only team in the country that can get in with 3 losses and they still have a game with A&M in front of them.  Hook-em Horns!   Sadly, Georgia 24  Texas 20  

Joe-S-U:  Texas

John:  This is the ABC/ESPN game on opposite to OSU/UCLA, so if the Bucks game gets ugly here are viewing options here.  Both teams are currently on the outside looking it at the SEC title game with one loss in conference. However, while Texas can’t afford another loss to keep playoff hopes alive, one loss Georgia might still be in the hunt with a second loss. However, I don’t think that will matter.  With the game in Athens, look for the Dawgs to get ‘er done.   Georgia 31  Texas  24

Josh:  Texas has grown into its identity under sophomore quarterback Arch Manning (2,123 yards, 18 TDs, 6 INTs this season). Georgia, meanwhile, remains the SEC benchmark: physical, deep, consistent, and adept at taking away opponent strengths. Here’s the twist for Ohio State fans: if Texas pulls off a road win or keeps the game tight, it indirectly helps Ohio State’s playoff trajectory by splitting the SEC card and reducing Georgia’s blowout odds. For Texas to win, they’ll need clean execution from Manning, limit turnovers, and win the special teams/field-position battle. Georgia’s front will push tempo and use length to disrupt routes, so Texas must be sharper than ever. I believe Texas gets it done — not in a runaway, but via smarter execution and timely plays. And yes — a Texas win gives Ohio State a little playoff insurance by knocking off one of their toughest indirect competitors.   Texas 24 – Georgia 21

Mike:  Georgia

Steven:  Texas has had to grind out close wins in their past 3 contests, 2 of them in OT. Georgia, on the other hand, has been winning handily, except for a close game against Florida. Still, even with a 4 point win over the Gators, the Dawgs have averaged a 10 point margin of victory over the past 6 games. Texas has a solid defense, but this team just hasn’t come together like people predicted at the beginning of the season. Clearly expectations were above what the team and quarterback Arch Manning were capable of living up to. Saturday should be a final nail in the playoff hopes of the Longhorns. Dawgs dine on steak Saturday. UGA  27-17.

Trout:  Texas is playing better as of late, but I think Georgia will win the game. Although they have massive issues themselves, I think they are slightly more consistent than Arch and the Longhorns. The game will be neck and neck for a while, and then Georgia get the go ahead score.   (Georgia, 27-21)

Final Score:  Georgia 35   Texas 10