Week 14 Predictions – 2025
Last Week: Ohio State looked flat to start the game against Rutgers, but it is a great thing when you can look flat and still win your game 42-9. Preseason is over now and every game from here on out will be for a prize. Speaking of prize, we have two weeks left in our 2025 season predictions. Andy, Dave and Josh were 5-0 this past week and that moves Andy into a first-place lead, one game over Rick in our season standings. Realistically, maybe 6 people might have a shot at the title but the way Andy has been going lately, he will be tough to catch. Should be fun to follow.
This Week’s Games: Once again, we reached ‘The’ Game. Ohio State fans have been looking forward to this since that cold day in Columbus last November. Technically, both teams are still playing for a shot in the B1G title game. Is this the year that Coach Day gets that ‘Wolverine’ monkey of his back? …. Georgia plays its annual game against Georgia Tech. Do the Yellow Jackets have any magic left to pull off the upset? …. Our next ‘old rivalry’ is Texas-Texas A&M. The Longhorns are out of the playoff hunt, but can they spoil the unbeaten season for the Aggies? …. The next rivalry game is the Iron Bowl which has Alabama and Auburn going at it. Auburn has had a rough year, can they wipe it all out with an upset victory over the Tide? In our final game of the week, Oregon will take on Washington trying to play for seeding in the playoffs. Can the Huskies sneak in one last home victory?
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 11th straight year.
Let’s have some fun! Here we go with our Week 14 Picks – Good Luck to All – Gregg
(1)Ohio State @ (15)Michigan(-11.5)
Vaughn Broadnax (OSU-FB 1980-83): Ohio State 28 Wolverweasels 9
Andy Steger: Honestly I want to break down this game, but this is one of those games where it is kind of irrelevant. Look at last year, OSU had the best roster in college football and the game was at home and they lost even though they entered the game as nearly a four score favorite. I can say this, Michigan is a run first team on offense. Everything I have seen from Michigan is they’re great at running the football and their defense is great at defending the run. I don’t know what is going on with Carnell Tate and JJ Smith. If they’re not healthy Brandon Iniss and Bryson Rodgers will need to have big games. I think Matt Patricia and our defense will be able to bottle up their run game, but the big thing they will need to worry about is quarterback runs and scrambles. Bryce Underwood is a very capable runner. The key to victory for Ohio State will be to shut down their game and find a way to be balanced on offense against a tough front seven. They’re also going to need to protect Julian Sayin. I think this game will be close because oftentimes it is, but I see Ohio State winning. Ohio State 24 Michigan 10
Cory Steger: There was a lot of consternation about Ohio State running the ball too much in last year’s game against the Team Up North, but look at the stats: The Buckeyes called more pass plays than run plays. The problem with the game was that Will Howard had his worst game, by far, as a Buckeye, and there were two missed field goals. The Team Up North lost a lot of good players from last year’s team, but they still play very similar: Run the ball, play good defense, and hope Bryce Underwood can make some plays. To win, the Buckeyes need a good game from Julian Sayin. Running the ball will be difficult so Sayin needs to be at the same level he has been the rest of the season. Running back Justice Haynes has been their best weapon, but he is likely out for the season, which will put more pressure on Underwood. I think Ohio State wins this, but it’s going to be close. Ohio State 31, Michigan 28
Dave Culver: Ohio State 32 Michigan 14
Gregg Watson: Buckeye fans don’t need any hype or analysis for this one. On paper they are the better team and as followers of the team, we feel they have been holding back their full playbook for just this game. I am concerned that it is going to be a colder game and this team is built for a fast finesse game. But then I remembered how cold it was for the Tennessee game last year and it did not slow them down in that. Please Buckeyes, help ust Buckeye faithful’s and take care of business this time. Ohio State 24 Michigan 20
Joe Hylton: Ohio State over Michigan – This will be the 6th time OSU has gone into the scUM game ranked #1 in the AP. Thus far, they are 3-1-1 in those games. Wins in ’54, ’75 and ’06, the loss in ’69 and the infamous ’73 tie. A fitting 50th anniversary “gift” to the lone win in Ann Arbor would be a win this Saturday. Forecast calls for low 30’s and 50% chance of afternoon snow, don’t let that bother you, Bucks. That being said, given Day’s issues in this rivalry, I’ll take the 10 1/2 points
John Seibert: Once again we come down to the greatest rivalry game in all of sports. Once again, Ohio State is the better team on paper. However, as we saw last year (and quite frankly a few times during the Tressel and Meyer era) the better team on paper doesn’t always win this game. Both teams come into the game somewhat banged up, but Ohio States injury report, especially at WR is more concerning to me. In the end, this one comes down to Ryan Day and if he learned his lesson last year. If the offense comes out and plays to OSU’s strengths, they win the game. If Day once again wants to get into a “Johnson” measuring contest with Shannon Moore and insists on pounding the ball between the tackles, they don’t. My dad is from Missouri, and enough ‘Show Me” has rubbed off that I’m not convinced this new Ryan Day is any different from the old. As the old Scottish saying goes, “fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me”. Ryan day has to show me can ignore the helmet and win this game. Michigan 21 Ohio State 20
Josh Watson: This isn’t just another rivalry game—it’s The Game. Ohio State rolls into Ann Arbor with an unblemished 11-0 record and the nation’s top-ranked defense, allowing just 206.6 total yards per game (1st in FBS), 126.6 passing yards (1st), and 80 rushing yards (2nd). Michigan counters with a potent offense, averaging 420.4 yards per game, but their passing attack has struggled (196.9 yds/game, 100th in FBS), and their run game (223.5 yds/game) faces its toughest test yet. For Ohio State, a win punches their ticket to the Big Ten Championship and offers a chance to reclaim the gold pants for the first time since 2019—resetting the clock on “days since Ohio State beat Michigan.” For Michigan, this is a last lifeline to stay in the title race. The Buckeyes must avoid a trap-game mentality, but with their elite defense and championship motivation, they look ready to assert control and end the losing streak. Ohio State 31 – Michigan 10
Mike Vandevelde: Ohio State (and we have not mentioned it before, but MIke is a life long Michigan fan
Steven Smith: I am not yet over my fear of the ability of Ohio State to psych themselves out of a win against Michigan. That being said, this is not last year’s Michigan team. The Wolverine defense is still good but have not faced an offense as potent as the Buckeyes. The Wolverine offense is solid as well, but they are missing top running back Justice Haynes. Without Haynes, expect more rushing from QB Bryce Underwood. If that is the case, that probably feeds into Ohio State’s hands as they have been able to contain dual threat QBs so far. Jordan Marshall is a solid backup as well. Underwood has talent, but has been inconsistent as a passer, and he doesn’t have exceptional receivers. Andrew Marsh is the top Wolverine wideout and he has accounted for 641 yards and 3 touchdowns. As long as Coach Day allows the offense to take what is given, Ohio State should win handily. Michigan should still score. They may even score more than anyone has on the OSU defense so far. Bucks get to Indy undefeated. OSU 34-17.
Stefan Armintrout: Ohio State is the better team. They should win. It won’t be easy. These past 4 years have proven that. I see the game being too close for comfort, but the Buckeyes and Ryan Day finally get the victory. (Ohio State, 17-10)
Final Score: Ohio State 27 Michigan 9
(4)Georgia @ (23)Georgia Tech(-13.5)
Vaughn Broadnax (OSU-FB 1980-83): Georgia 27 Georgia Tech 21
Andy: Georgia started the season shaky on both offense and defense. But that is why we have 12 games in the regular season. Georgia is playing much better as of late and especially their quarterback Gunner Stockton. Stockton started the season against Marshall completing just 58% of his passes, not only that but the Bulldogs offense struggled in the next game Austin Peay Gunner Stockton was still throwing the football late in the fourth quarter because they only won that game 28-6. His stats aren’t bad if I am being honest, but if you watched those two games it was ugly and part of that reason was Stockton. Since then he has had three games where he completed over 80% of his passes and 3 more games where has 70% or better. Stockton is playing his best football right now and the Bulldogs are riding the same wave as their quarterback. Georgia Tech is a run first team with their quarterback Haynes King, they run a lot of read option and power. I just don’t know how much success they will have against the Bulldog run defense as they’re top 5 in rush defense and I don’t know how much gas Haynes King has left in the tank. Georgia is a run heavy offense, they average close to 192 yards per game on the ground and have 28 rushing touchdowns on the season. Why is this relevant? Georgia Tech has the 95th worst rush defense in the country allowing an average of 168 yards on the ground per game and giving up an average of 4.65 yards per rush average. I think the Bulldogs will be able to run on this Yellowjackets defense. Georgia 31 Georgia Tech 17
Cory: Any thought Georgia Tech had of making it into the playoffs likely busted with their loss to Pitt last week. A win over Georgia would certainly beef up the resume, but is it likely the Yellow Jackets will pull the upset? No. Georgia has been in a lot of tight games this season and are battle-tested. The Bulldogs are likely going to be without star linebacker C.J. Allen due to injury, but even with that I’m not certain Georgia Tech can must enough offense to win. Haynes King is tough, gritty quarterback but he’s not a great passer and you can’t be one-dimensional and beat Georgia. Just being honest, but I’m not sure this game will even be close. Georgia 28, Georgia Tech 10
Dave: Georgia 32 Georgia Tech 14
Gregg: Georgia needs to win to keep in the running for a first round bye and Tech is losing steam fast. It may stay close during the first half, but I see the Dawgs pulling away in the 3rd quarter for the win. Georgia 27 Georgia Tech 10
Joe-S-U: Georgia over Tech – The Rambling Wreck is, well, wrecked. No shot at the ACC after the Pitt loss. Dawgs unfortunately won’t need 8 OT’s this time around.
John: This one is in Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, instead of Bobby Dodd on campus, so any home field advantage for Tech is basically out the window. Expect a neutral crowd at best, and a pro Georgia crowd is a distinct possibility. That makes it tougher for Tech to pull off the upset. In the end, I don’t think that matters a whole lot, as I expect Georgia to roll in this one. Georgia 31 Georgia Tech 14
Josh: Georgia heads across town to face Georgia Tech in a rivalry that’s been one-sided for years. The Yellow Jackets will bring energy and home-field pride, but Georgia’s depth, consistency, and experience in big games give them a clear advantage. Expect the Bulldogs to lean on their power run game, dominate time of possession, and keep Tech off balance. The Jackets may hang around early, but Georgia should pull away—no repeat of last year’s overtime drama. Georgia 38 – Georgia Tech 14
Mike: Georgia
Steven: Tech QB Haynes King had a forgettable last game in a 2-turnover outing against Pitt. Unfortunately, it doesn’t get easier for the Yellow Jackets. Tech has been a little bit of a downward trajectory, especially from a defensive perspective. They have given up over an average of 40 points over the past 3 games, where Tech went 1-2. Unless there is a huge turnaround from the Tech defense, Georgia should have an easy time dispatching the Yellow Jackets. Georgia 44-38
Trout: The Yellow Jackets have been a good story, but Georgia is the better team even in this down year. I think Tech keeps close for a while, but then Georgia pulls away and wins comfortably. (Georgia, 35-13)
Final Score: Georgia 16 Georgia Tech 9
(3)Texas A&M @ (16)Texas
Vaughn Broadnax (OSU-FB 1980-83): Texas A&M 24 Texas 20
Andy: This is a hard matchup to predict because Texas is playing its best football lately and Arch Manning some weeks will look like the best quarterback in the country and then other weeks he looks very average. There is a big matchup issue here that favors A&M. The Longhorns pass defense is actually pretty bad, they’re allowing on average 243 yards per game and nearly 11 yards per completion to their opponents on average. A&M has three really good receivers. KC Concepcion who leads the team with 829 yards, Mario Craver and Ashton Bethel-Roman who is averaging 24.6 yards per reception. Conversely A&M likes to run the ball to set up the pass. The problem with that is Texas has one of the best defensive front sevens in the country, allowing just an average of 92.7 yards per game and only 2.85 yard per carry average. Advantage Texas. Texas has at least figured out they’re not good at running the football, because Arch Manning has averaged 328 yards passing the last four games and has thrown 11 touchdowns to just 1 interception in those 4 games. A&M has a pretty good pass defense, allowing just 183 yards per game. I think Texas’ offense will struggle against A&M as they likely won’t be able to run the football very well, they’re going to have to ask Arch to win the game. I think A&M holds too many advantages in this game. Texas A&M 27 Texas 20
Cory: The eyes of a state will be tuned to one game this weekend, and it’s Texas A&M-Texas. The Aggies enter unbeaten, and have a possible Heisman finalist in Marcel Reed at the helm. Reed engineered the team’s amazing comeback two weeks ago against South Carolina. He’s the definition of a dual threat quarterback, and is a nightmare to defend. Opposite of him is Arch Manning, and you just never know what you’ll get from him on a week-to-week basis. Manning did score five touchdowns in last week’s win but that was against a bad Arkansas team. The problem with Texas is that Arch is inconsistent, and the play calling is not good. Against Georgia two weeks ago, the Longhorns completely abandoned the run after their first drive. I think you can move the ball against Texas A&M, but if its a shootout I don’t see Arch being able to keep up. Texas A&M 42, Texas 35
Dave: Texas A&M 28 Texas 10
Gregg: Let me let you all in on a little secret, the Aggies season is all smoke and mirrors but the SEC and ESPN will NEVER let you see that. They are too busy telling you the strong schedule Georgia and Ole Miss and Alabama is playing. You never hear them say anything about the A&M schedule. That is because their opponents have a combined record that is 6 games below .500 and that is including their 1 point win over Notre Dame. Meanwhile, Arch is finally starting to play better, and the Longhorns are poised for a big win. I am hoping they getting to knock down the SEC a peg. Hook’em Horns Texas 31 Texas A&M 27
Joe-S-U: Texas over A&M – Chaos has got to come from somewhere, this weekend won’t play out like any of us think. A&M dodged ‘Bama, Georgia and Tennessee and their results pretty much reflect that. Here’s saying Texas makes the home folks proud.
John: The big question in this one is “is Texas A&M really as good as their record?” The SEC shills at the WWL can’t pimp the abomination of a game two weeks ago at home against a 3-7 South Carolina, but I watched a lot of that game, and USC East exposed flaws in A&M, especially in the first half. This one is in Austin, and the Longhorns still have an outside shot at a playoff spot, so I expect them to play with their hair on fire. Plus, I’m just ornery enough that I like anarchy in college football. Texas 24 Texas A&M 21.
Josh: The Lone Star Showdown returns with playoff implications. Texas A&M, one of three undefeated teams left, boasts a balanced offense near the top of the SEC. Texas counters with home-field advantage, rivalry energy, and a veteran squad. This matchup could hinge on the quarterback duel between Marcel Reed and Arch Manning, both eager to leave their mark. My heart says Texas, but my head says A&M—possibly with a little help from the officials and SEC commissioner Greg Sankey. Texas A&M 27 – Texas 24
Mike: Texas
Steven: Texas needs this game a lot more than the Aggies. A&M avoided a loss two weeks ago against South Carolina where they should have lost. After a cupcake win against Samford last week, the Aggies look to get to the SEC Championship game with a win. With a loss, A&M is still in the playoff. Texas, with a loss, is out. On pure motivation alone, going with the Longhorns. Texas wins a grind it out game. Texas 24-21.
Trout: I think the game is close. I’m not convinced on the Aggies. I think they’ve escaped a lot of close games with the bottom of the SEC. On the other side, Texas is not great. Arch seems to be finally coming along, but it’s too little too late. I see the Aggies winning in a sloppy low scoring game. (Texas A&M, 16-13)
Final Score: Texas 27 Texas A&M 17
(10)Alabama @ Auburn
Vaughn Broadnax (OSU-FB 1980-83): Alabama 31 Auburn 27
Andy: Auburn is a dreadful football team. If we’re being honest from a talent perspective, they’re one of the worst power 4 programs, they only have 1 SEC win this season and that was against Arkansas who is the other dreadful team in the SEC. Sitting at 5-6 Auburn will need to be super aggressive with play calling if they hope to even have a chance in this game. The strength of Alabama is their passing offense and their passing defense. Auburn’s pass defense is horrid. They’re allowing on average 240 pass yards per game and over 12 yards per completion. Advantage Alabama. Auburn does have an advantage in this game, their rushing offense is pretty good, averaging nearly 180 rush yards per game and racking up 22 rushing touchdowns. On the flipside Alabama’s rush defense is good but not great. Allowing an average of 122 yards per game on the ground and giving up 12 rushing touchdowns per game. I just think Alabama has too many advantages in this game and Auburn is not a good team. Alabama 27 Auburn 17
Cory: Alabama is likely in the playoff with two losses, but a third this week at Auburn would doom them for a second consecutive season. But will it even get to the point of a competitive game? Auburn’s lost six of its last eight games and fired Hugh Freeze in the middle of the season. Now, the Tigers are also dealing with a quarterback controversy. Jackson Arnold can’t pass and got benched. Freshman Ashton Daniels played against Vanderbilt, but he likely won’t play if they want to keep his redshirt intact. That means it could be up to true freshman Deuce Knight to lead an upset over Bama in the Iron Bowl. Knight is a dynamic playmaker who can pass and run, but that is asking too much of the guy who would be making just his second start. Alabama 24, Auburn 13
Dave: Alabama 24 Auburn 18
Gregg: Alabama has to win this game to stay alive, and no one (in the SEC or ESPN) wants to see the Tide miss the playoffs two years in a row. Even with a win they need some help to confirm a top 12 finish. They have already played themselves out a first round home game so they need style points. So I suspect they will be going after a lot of those style points this week to impress the committee. Big win for the Tide, no ‘Kick Six’ this year for the Tigers. Alabama 38 Auburn 17
Joe-S-U: ‘Bama over Auburn – E-SEC-PN thinks this is college football’s best rivalry. So Gameday is headed to Ann Arbor why exactly?
John: I get the “Iron Bowl” mindset, but at the end of the day Alabama is just better, and most of the time the better team wins. My pick in The Game not withstanding, hopefully we turn this one on Saturday night basking in the glow of an Ohio State win, scouting a potential playoff opponent in Alabama. Tide rolls. Alabama 31 Auburn 10
Josh: Alabama enters the Iron Bowl on the playoff bubble, with two losses—one in conference, and one to a Florida State team that’s since faded from relevance. Auburn, under an interim head coach, is playing for pride and rivalry bragging rights. Expect Auburn to keep it close early, but Alabama’s talent and urgency should take over in the second half as they look to secure a spot in the SEC Championship. Alabama 34 – Auburn 17
Mike: ‘Bama
Steven: Alabama should roll. Auburn has about as much of a chance as Purdue has against Indiana. ‘Bama 31-17
Trout: Auburn is terrible. Alabama should win comfortably. It may be close for a while because of the rivalry. But the Tigers won’t be able to hang with the Crimson Tide. Alabama wins by a few scores. (Alabama, 31-10)
Final Score: Alabama 27 Auburn 20
(6)Oregon @ Washington(-6.5)
Vaughn Broadnax (OSU-FB 1980-83): Oregon 30 Washington 20
Andy: This is one of my favorite rivalry games outside of THE GAME. This is a big game for Oregon not just because it is a rivalry, but also because if they lose this game they might not make the playoffs. Washington can play the spoiler here and potentially ruin Oregon’s season. Washington does a great job on offense both running and passing, they have a similar style of offense to Ohio State in terms of play style. They average 170 yards rushing per game and 257 yards passing. I think the problem here is that Oregon has an elite run game and an elite run defense. I don’t think Washington will be able to run the football at all. While the Huskies have a good run defense, their pass defense is giving up an average of 200 yards passing per game. I think Washington’s defense is underrated, but now they’re going against Oregon who is absolutely one of the best teams in the country on both sides of the football. I think Oregon’s line of scrimmage on both sides is excellent. I just think Oregon has a better built team right now with more depth and more overall talent. Despite being on the road I expect Oregon to win this game. Oregon 31 Washington 17
Cory: Oregon added another ranked win to its resume with a dominant win over USC at home. The Ducks offense could not be stopped in that game, and likely they could’ve hit 60 if they tried to. Next up is a road trip to Washington, and to face a Husky team that is incredibly difficult to get a good read on. The Huskies can absolutely keep up with Oregon and pile up the points – look at their last three wins and they score 42 or more in each of them, however, those games were against weaker teams and you still don’t know what kind of game you’re going to get out of Demond Williams. Oregon’s defense can be gashed, but will Washington do enough to slow down Oregon’s offense? At least in this game, I think not. Oregon 38, Washington 31
Dave: Oregon 28 Washington 21
Gregg: Oregon is on a collision course with the playoffs once again. A win and they are a lock, at a minimum, for a home game in the first round. They could also still get with a loss. There are a few other teams that are looking to get into the post season dance (football style) that participated in the first 12-team version. Washington is tough to beat at home but they are not so tough offensively when they play a top defense. Against two top 10 defenses, they have only averaged 6.5 points, against everyone else they are averaging 40 points a game. Fortunately for the Ducks, they have a top 10 defense, so I see them taking care of business. Look for a big game from Dante Moore. Oregon 34 Washington 17
Joe-S-U: Oregon over Washington – Maybe NBC will put this one on AFTER Saturday Night Live. The two bands could do a second National Anthem so that the East Coast can sign off for the night.
John: I love chaos in college football except when it applies to Ohio State (again, my pick this week notwithstanding). I would love for Washington knock off the Ducks to pull off the upset, but I just don’t see it. Oregon 35, Washington 24.
Josh: The newest Big Ten rivalry features Oregon and Washington in a high-stakes, volatile matchup. Oregon is riding high after an impressive win over USC, while Washington has home-field advantage, defensive grit, and a mobile young quarterback. However, Oregon’s tempo and athleticism may be too much for the Huskies to handle. Look for the Ducks to start fast, force mistakes, and control the clock down the stretch. Washington may rally, but Oregon’s rhythm prevails. Oregon 30 – Washington 21
Mike: Oregon
Steven: An Oregon loss would be the most impactful tip toward playoff chaos. While Washington is a tough out, and especially tough at home and tough on offense, they have been known to wilt against top tier defense. Oregon currently boasts the number 3 defense in the nation. Oregon wins a squeaker 28-24.
Trout: The Ducks should win. They are the better team. However, Washington is a tough place to play. I think the Huskies keep it a closer than what Oregon would like, but the Ducks are able to squeeze out the win. (Oregon, 34-27)