Week 4 Predictions – 2026
Last Week: Ohio State was able to rebound from their last minute loss to Texas by handling Kent State to the tune of 59-3. Buckeye faithful will take the win but there are still plenty of areas the coaching staff can work on to improve. In our staff predictions, Josh Watson and Steven Smith both went 5-0, while Vaughn Broadnax finished at 4-1. That kept Josh on the top of our leaderboard for the second straight week. Who will go 5-0 this week?
This Week’s Games: Keeping it all in the SEC and B1G this week as good match-ups are finally happening. Ohio State opens the Big Ten slate against Illinois. Not expecting another 2007 Juice Williams upset this year but can the Illini keep it close? …. #1 Texas travels to Tennessee in a big orange showdown. Can the Volunteers unseed the Longhorns and even if they don’t will they go ‘up’ in the polls? … Oklahoma will face off with the Bulldogs in Athens. Not expecting them to do as well as the did on the road against Michigan. …. Speaking of the Wolverines, they will take on Iowa in the Big House. First one to 20 wins? …. Oregon and USC will face off this week on the west coast. Still feels like a Pac-12 game to me, but that would just not be college football in it’s current form.
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 12th straight year.
Let’s have some fun! Here we go with our Week 4 Picks – Good Luck to All– Gregg
Illinois @ (7)Ohio State
Vaughn Broadnax (OSU-FB 1980-83): OSU 41 ILLINOIS 10
Andy Steger: Even though this game is at home and Ohio State has a better roster, this is one of those don’t underestimate your opponent’s game type of game. Illinois runs their offense through their run game, they are averaging over 5.3 yards per carry as a team and have 5 different ball carriers with a rushing touchdown. Their quarterback has been incredibly efficient completing 74 percent of his passes and throwing 8 touchdowns. Typically, under coach Bret Beilema the Illini have had a really tough defense, but this season through 3 games they’re allowing an average of nearly 400 total yards per game and allowing 6 total touchdowns on the season. Ohio State can use this game as another game to figure out their identity and which players need to be playing more and less based on their performances. I think Ohio State wins comfortably this week. Ohio State 42 Illinois 13
Cory Steger: With Philip Daniels out, we saw the new-look offensive line last week, featuring Gabe VanSickle at right guard, and Austin Siereveld moving to right tackle. There are no major complaints there, but Kent State’s defensive line is not the biggest challenge. On the defensive side of the ball, Payton Pierce and Christian Alliegro started at linebacker, but Riley Pettijohn and T.J. Alford both got more snaps than the starters and I would not be surprised to see that continue. Illinois will be more of a challenge than Kent State was but still expect the Buckeyes to roll. The Illini have an inconsistent offense, and are going on the road for the first time this season. Ohio State 45, Illinois 17
Dave Culver: Ohio State 32 Illinois 14
Gregg Watson: I expect more of the same from the Buckeyes this week. Have a dominating first half and then sputter in the second half. One of these days, this is going to cost them a game. Oh, wait, it already has! I am hoping we get big games out of Jeremiah Smith and Bo Jackson, as perhaps both the running and passing game get on track, or at least where it needs to be in order to compete for the National Championship. Ohio State 48 Illinois 10
Jason Harris: Illinois enters Columbus at 2-1 for the Big Ten opener, while # 7 Ohio State also sits at 2-1 following a dominant 59-3 win over Kent State. The Buckeyes will look to build off that performance behind quarterback Julian Sayin and an explosive passing attack led by Jeremiah Smith, while Illinois counters with quarterback Katin Houser, who has completed 74.1% of his passes with eight TDs through three games. The Illini also have an interior defensive threat in Will Holmes, who ranks among the national leaders in pressure rate, so the Ohio State offensive line will have it’s hands full keeping a clean pocket for Sayin.
Ohio State has won 10 straight in the battle for the Illibuck, playing at home for the first time since 2017 against the Illini. The Buckeyes will have both the home-field advantage and a significant talent advantage and while Illinois could make things interesting early if they can slow Ohio State’s passing game and keep Houser efficient, but the Buckeyes’ overall offensive firepower and defensive depth should eventually take over as the Buckeyes pull away for a comfortable win. Prediction: Ohio State 38 Illinois 10
Joe Hylton: OSU over Illinois – The pursuit begins for that elusive B1G title. The pursuit continues for short yardage effectiveness, red zone success and a bonafide 2nd and 3rd receiving threat
John Seibert: Ohio State
Josh Watson: Ohio State handled the immediate portion of its recovery from the Texas loss by defeating Kent State 59-3. Julian Sayin completed 18 of 22 passes for 241 yards and two touchdowns, while the Buckeyes finally produced the type of complete performance expected against an overmatched opponent. The challenge now is carrying that execution into Big Ten play against an Illinois team capable of punishing careless mistakes. Illinois enters at 2-1 after defeating Southern Illinois 48-10. Katin Houser completed 23 of 29 passes for 305 yards and two touchdowns in that victory, giving the Fighting Illini an experienced quarterback who will not be overwhelmed simply because the game is being played in Ohio Stadium. Illinois’ loss came against Duke, but Bret Bielema’s teams are generally physical, patient and willing to shorten games when facing a more talented opponent. The Fighting Illini will likely attempt to establish Ca’Lil Valentine and the running game, limit Ohio State’s possessions and keep Jeremiah Smith standing on the sideline. That approach places pressure on Ohio State’s defensive front to win early downs. If the Buckeyes force Houser into predictable passing situations, Matt Patricia can become more aggressive with pressure and allow the secondary to attack routes rather than simply reacting. Offensively, Ohio State needs another productive performance from its running game. The Buckeyes cannot depend upon Sayin and Smith to solve every difficult situation once the schedule becomes more demanding. Illinois possesses experienced defensive backs in Xavier Scott and Matthew Bailey, but Smith remains the most difficult individual matchup on the field. If Illinois rolls coverage toward him, opportunities should open for Brandon Inniss, Devin McCuin, Chris Henry Jr. and the tight ends. The spread is substantial for a conference game, but Ohio State defeated Illinois 34-16 in Champaign last season and now gets the Fighting Illini at home. Illinois should make the opening quarter more competitive than Kent State did, but the Buckeyes’ depth will become increasingly noticeable after halftime. Ohio State pulls away with a pair of third-quarter touchdowns and covers by the narrowest of margins. Ohio State 41, Illinois 13
Steven Smith: I can understand being underwhelmed by the Buckeyes’ lack of pizzazz against Kent State. If you’re putting the announcers to sleep…there’s a problem. It is clear whatever game plan OC Arthur Smith is cooking up is about as palatable as plain oatmeal. If he’s got something up his sleeve for later in the season, then fine, but the fact remains Ohio State went 1‑for‑8 on third down and 0‑for‑2 on fourth down last week. Against any Ohio State opponent that’s unacceptable; against Kent State, it’s vomit-inducing. It’s not (OK, might not be) a scheme problem—it’s an execution problem, or lack thereof. Who wouldn’t sacrifice a co-ed or two to get Chip Kelly’s run game back? Watching Smith’s run game is like going to the dentist. With Julian Sayin, Jeremiah Smith, and the rest of the talent and experience the Bucks have on offense, there is no reason for this ineptitude. Illinois does not have quite the talent pipeline, but they are resilient with a tenacious coach. Ohio currently sits top 10 in both total offense and defense, while the Illini are in the 70s of each. Illinois has a new quarterback in Katin Houser (74.1 comp. %, 8 TDs, 2 INTs) who has done a decent job replacing Luke Altmyer, but he has yet to face as good a defense as he will Saturday. Expect a little bit more fight from Illinois than we got out of Kent State, but the results will be similar. OSU 45-10.
Stefan Armintrout: Illinois isn’t the same team they were last year. They were a plucky team that could challenge the bigger teams in the Big Ten. They aren’t like that this Ohio State should be able to win this game comfortably. Like a lot of weeks, I can see the Bucks come out sluggish at first. But that should quickly go by the wayside. Ohio State pulls away early and wins by a big margin. (Ohio State, 38-10)
Final Score: Ohio State 42 Illinois 19
(1)Texas @ (14)Tennessee
Vaughn Broadnax (OSU-FB 1980-83): TEXAS 27 TENNESSEE 14
Andy: The battle of the burnt Oranges. Texas has a ton of momentum at this point in the season after winning their first three games including one versus Ohio State. Tennessee has the 12th best scoring offense in the country averaging over 50 points per game, which is interesting when you consider Texas has the 40th best scoring defense which is only allowing 15 points per game. Arch has played nearly three full seasons of football at this point at Texas, while the Volunteers ride the talents of freshman quarterback Fazion Brandon. Despite the game being at home, will the moment be too big for him? I think Texas is the cream that rises to top in this matchup despite the Volunteers being at home. Texas 31 Tennessee 23
Cory: Now that Texas are the top dogs in college football, it’s time to prove they belong on top of the hill. What better challenge than a trip to Knoxville to play in one of the toughest stadiums in college football? Not to take anything away from Texas and their win over Ohio State, but there is a question of consistency with this team. Can they do it all four quarters against Tennessee? Arch Manning wasn’t very good on the road last season – he only had one game away from Austin where he had a positive touchdown-to-interception ratio, and that was against Mississippi State. While most people’s eyes will be on Manning in this game, Tennessee has an interesting quarterback of their own in Faizon Brandon. The true freshman has accounted for nine total touchdowns and is yet to turn the ball over this season. But, facing Georgia Tech is much different than facing Texas and while I think this game will be close, I ultimately see Texas winning. Texas 31, Tennessee 28
Dave: Texas 28 Tennessee 12
Gregg: Texas 24 Tennessee 20
Jason: Texas heads to Knoxville for one of the biggest games of Week 4, with both teams entering the matchup at 3-0. The Longhorns have already passed their first major test, rallying to defeat No. 1 Ohio State 24-23, and Arch Manning will now face a Tennessee defense that has helped the Volunteers open the season 3-0 despite playing lesser talent. Tennessee has been impressive offensively, scoring at least 42 points in each of its first three games. This will be Texas’ first-ever regular-season trip to Neyland Stadium and the first meeting between the programs since 1969.
The biggest factor could be how Texas handles the environment in Knoxville and Tennessee’s tempo and rushing attack. The Longhorns have the talent to win a shootout, but the Volunteers should benefit from playing in front of a sellout Neyland Stadium and have the opportunity to pressure Manning into some difficult situations. Texas has already shown it can win a close game against an elite opponent, but Tennessee’s home-field advantage makes this a particularly difficult matchup. This should be a 4 quarter game, but Texas has the experience of playing in a high profile game and Manning will make enough plays down the stretch to pull out a tough road win. Prediction: Texas 31 Tennessee 24
Joe-S-U: Texas over Tennessee – Josh’s girlfriend Heather Dinich is ready to move the #14 Vols up into the top 12 after they lose by 4 touchdowns.
John: Tenneessee
Josh: Texas has reached the top of the rankings following its comeback against Ohio State, but the Longhorns have not consistently played like the nation’s best team. They trailed the Buckeyes by 20 points entering the fourth quarter and followed that victory with a relatively uneven 30-6 win over UTSA. The defense has kept Texas in control, but the offense has needed time to find its rhythm. That tendency creates danger at Neyland Stadium. Tennessee enters at 3-0, and the crowd should make communication difficult for Arch Manning during Texas’ first SEC road game of the season. The Volunteers are led by freshman quarterback Faizon Brandon, who helped Tennessee defeat Kennesaw State 42-9 last week. Both quarterbacks are immensely talented, but each will be playing in the most demanding conference environment he has encountered this season. Tennessee’s best opportunity is to make this a fast, emotional game. The Volunteers cannot allow Texas to settle into the same short-passing and rushing approach that fueled the comeback against Ohio State. Pressure on Manning, an early explosive play and a loud home crowd could place the Longhorns in another early deficit. Texas still owns the better defense and the more experienced quarterback. Manning demonstrated something important against Ohio State when he recovered from three difficult quarters and made the plays needed to win. The Longhorns also have enough speed at receiver to punish Tennessee if the Volunteers become too aggressive with their pressure packages. The environment keeps this close, and Tennessee may lead at some point during the second half. Texas responds with a late touchdown drive and gets one final defensive stop to remain undefeated. Texas 31, Tennessee 24
Steven: Wow, you think OSU’s offense looks out of sorts, Texas is sitting at 64th in the country in total offense. Take away the 4th quarter of the Ohio State game and they would fall even further. Arch Manning has yet put it all together, but there is still time. Knoxville’s Neyland is not the easiest place to play, so expect this one to remain close into the 4th quarter. Gut feeling is that there’s enough karma behind Manning that the universe will not let him lose this one, even if he should. Texas 28-21.
Trout: I am going to pick Texas, but I see the game being close. Despite the Longhorns beating the Buckeyes and being the number 1 team, they do have flaws. I can see Tennessee exploiting those flaws. However, Texas is still more talented and talented usually wins out. The game will be close for a while, but then Texas begins to pull away towards the end of the game. (Texas, 24-14)
Final Score: Texas xx Tennessee xx
Oklahoma @ (2)Georgia
Vaughn Broadnax (OSU-FB 1980-83): GEORGIA 28 OKLAHOMA 14
Andy: I heard all offseason that Oklahoma was improving on offense and that Jon Mateer was finally healthy. Well we know those were lies now as Oklahoma has played three games they have scored just 82 points which is an average of 27 points per game. Georgia has looked like one of the best teams in the country so far, so much so that this past weekend vs. Arkansas during t.v. timeouts during the game Georgia players were doing practice snaps and drills on the field while their opponent was lined up waiting. Normally I’d call this disrespectful, but truth be told it is clever to get in as many practice reps as you can. Georgia has just looked so far above its competition so far, likely because the quarterback is playing at an elite level so far completing over 84% of his passes and throwing 3 passing touchdowns per average per game. With this game being at home, Oklahoma’s defense will only be able to hold back so much of Georgia. Georgia 27 Oklahoma 10
Cory: A healthy John Mateer was supposed to make all the difference for Oklahoma this season, yet he’s not been that good. Yes, the overall statistics look good but overall concerns are still there – two interceptions against New Mexico, 51% completion percentage against Michigan, overthrowing open receivers. Yes, he is a good runner and he’s incredibly tough, but I’m not confident he can get it done on the road against an elite Georgia defense. Gunnar Stockton may be flying under the radar right now, but if he has another game like he’s had so far this season he will be right in the middle of the Heisman conversation. He’s completing over 80 percent of his passes and has nine touchdowns with no interceptions. Georgia 28, Oklahoma 21
Dave: Georgia 28 Oklahoma 14
Gregg: Georgia 31 Oklahoma 21
Jason: Oklahoma heads to Athens for its SEC opener against #2 Georgia, with the Sooners entering at 2-1 and the Bulldogs at 3-0. Oklahoma has had an uneven start after a 24-17 loss at Michigan and a 14-6 win over New Mexico, but its defense has remained a major strength. John Mateer gives the Sooners an experienced quarterback capable of making plays outside the pocket, but he’ll face a Georgia defense that has yet to allow more than 17 points in a game this season. Georgia has been much more consistent offensively and rolled past Arkansas 45-17 in its SEC opener.
The challenge for Oklahoma will be finding enough offense to stay with Georgia for four quarters. The Sooners have the defensive talent to make this competitive, but playing on the road against a Georgia team that has looked comfortable early in the season presents a difficult matchup. If Oklahoma can force turnovers and keep the game low-scoring, it has a path to an upset, but Georgia’s balance and home-field advantage should ultimately be too much. Prediction: Georgia 31 Oklahoma 17
Joe-S-U: Georgia over Oklahoma – Speaking of losing by 4 TD’s, the Sooner Schooner’s about to blow another wheel.
John: Georgia
Josh: Oklahoma enters Athens at 2-1, but its record does not fully capture the concern surrounding the offense. The Sooners lost 17-10 at Michigan and then struggled to put away New Mexico in a 14-6 victory. John Mateer threw for 238 yards and two touchdowns against the Lobos, but Oklahoma failed to create enough consistent offense against a team it entered the game favored to beat comfortably. That does not inspire confidence before facing Georgia. The Bulldogs improved to 3-0 with a 45-17 victory over Arkansas and have shown very little vulnerability against the run. Georgia’s defensive discipline will make it difficult for Mateer to create outside the pocket, particularly if the Sooners cannot establish productive gains on first down. Oklahoma’s defense gives the Sooners a chance to remain competitive. Brent Venables will attempt to crowd the line of scrimmage, disrupt Georgia’s running game and force Gunner Stockton to make difficult throws from the pocket. Stockton has looked increasingly comfortable during his second season as the starter, however, and Georgia does not need to chase explosive plays if its defense continues generating favorable field position. The availability of Oklahoma defensive tackle David Stone is another important variable. Stone suffered a knee injury during Monday’s practice and will be evaluated throughout the week. Losing an impact interior defender would make an already difficult matchup with Georgia’s offensive line even more challenging. Oklahoma’s defense prevents this from becoming a blowout during the first half, but the Sooners’ offense will struggle to sustain drives. Georgia gradually wears down the Oklahoma front and turns a competitive game into a comfortable fourth-quarter victory. Georgia 27, Oklahoma 10
Steven: Oklahoma and Georgia should be neck and neck in the SEC, but to be truthful, what looked to be a solid team coming out of camp in Norman looks to be a bit underwhelming. Not like we (OSU fans) have much to talk about, but if you let Michigan beat you, even on the road, it does not bode well. OU QB John Mateer was a Heisman Trophy candidate last year until he was injured. Now it looks like much of last year’s magic went away with the injury. Georgia has a top 5 offense with QB Gunner Stockton running the show. Stockton doesn’t pass for a ton of yardage, but he’s efficient, (#1 in QBR) with a 9 to 0 TD to INT ratio. Dawgs dominate 31-14.
Trout: I think the Bulldogs dominate this game. I am not a believer in the Sooners after they failed to beat a bad Michigan team. I see this being a long year for Oklahoma. Georgia scores early and often and beat the Sooners handily. (Oklahoma, 56-17)
Final Score: Georgia 41 Tenneessee 13
(17)Iowa @ (18)Michigan
Vaughn Broadnax (OSU-FB 1980-83): IOWA 21 MICHIGAN 17
Andy: Michigan is looking better and better as each week rolls by. Last week it was probably quarterback Byrce Underwood’s best day throwing the football in a Wolverine uniform completing 76% of his passes and throwing 2 touchdowns. With this game being at home Michigan will need to throw the football to win, their run game has been pretty unimpressive and I’ve heard that running back Jordan Marshall has been playing through some injuries. Iowa’s defense is one of the best in the country, having surrendered just 13 points across 3 games. Let’s be honest here, this will not be a high scoring game and the likelihood that the team who wins this game will likely be the team that runs the ball the best. Iowa has been grinding their opponents down with their defense and their run game. They’re averaging over 7.4 yards per carry as a team which is elite. Defense and running games travel really well. I like Iowa in this game. Iowa 17 Michigan 9
Cory: If you’re one of those people that rants about old-school, smashmouth football, then we’ve got a game for you: Iowa at Michigan may be one of the least entertaining big-time matchups this season. Both teams play slow, neither team is creative, and both teams play good defense. Michigan so far this season has played to the level of their competition, so while I feel they are the better team in this matchup, a close game against a feisty Iowa squad is not what they want. It’s quite simple for Michigan – stop Kamari Moulton and then you win the game. The Iowa running back is averaging 9.2 yards per carry and is basically their entire offense. I expect the Wolverines to force Iowa quarterback Hank Brown to throw the ball to win the game, and I don’t expect he is good enough to do that. Michigan 17, Iowa 14
Dave: Michigan 16 Iowa 13
Gregg: Iowa 21 Michigan 17
Jason: Iowa and Michigan both enter Big Ten play unbeaten at 3-0, although Michigan has that big asterisk on the win over Western Michigan. The Hawkeyes have been one of the nation’s best defensive teams through three games, allowing just 13 total points while leading the country in both scoring defense and total defense. Iowa has also shown more offensive explosiveness than usual, averaging 477 yards per game behind quarterback Hank Brown and a rushing attack producing 268 yards per game. Michigan has been similarly strong defensively and is coming off a 52-17 win over UTEP, pulling away in the second half but the Wolverines’ offense has struggled in general.
This has the makings of a classic low-scoring Big Ten battle, with both defenses capable of controlling the game. Michigan’s home-field advantage should matter, but Iowa’s ability to run the football, create turnovers and consistently win field position could make this a difficult matchup for the Wolverines. The key may be whether Michigan can generate enough offense against an Iowa defense that has allowed only one touchdown all season. It will come down to a late defensive stop and I have more trust in Iowa’s offense than Michigan’s although both will have their share of struggles in this one. Prediction: Iowa 20 Michigan 17
Joe-S-U: Iowa over Michigan – B1G Network said the over/under on this one is 37. Look up “overly generous” in the dictionary and you’ll see that betting line.
John: Michigan
Josh: Anyone searching for a wide-open offensive showcase may want to look elsewhere. Iowa and Michigan both rank among the nation’s strongest teams in scoring and total defense, while the posted total sits below 40 points. One turnover, special-teams mistake or explosive run could decide the entire game. Iowa completed its nonconference schedule with 422 rushing yards against Northern Iowa. Three Hawkeye running backs surpassed 100 yards, something the program had not accomplished in 40 years. Quarterback Hank Brown also completed all 12 of his passes for 153 yards and two touchdowns and has yet to turn the ball over this season. That is exactly the formula Iowa wants to take into Michigan Stadium. The Hawkeyes will attempt to remain patient with the run, avoid obvious passing situations and trust their defense to keep the score manageable. Brown does not need to throw for 300 yards, but he must convert enough third downs to prevent Michigan from controlling field position throughout the afternoon. Michigan’s offense remains difficult to evaluate. Bryce Underwood possesses considerable talent and is also the Wolverines’ leading rusher, but Michigan ranks outside the national leaders in both scoring and total offense. The Wolverines have survived because their defense continues to create opportunities and prevent opponents from producing explosive plays. Michigan has won four consecutive games in the series, and Iowa has not won at the Big House since 2010. That history does not determine Saturday’s result, but it reflects how difficult it is to win this style of game in Ann Arbor. Iowa stays within one possession for most of the afternoon before Underwood creates the decisive touchdown with his legs. Michigan 20, Iowa 13
Steven: Can this be the game where the Wolverines finally come back down to earth? Iowa has a tremendous defense, but their schedule so far has not been great, consisting of Northern Iowa, Iowa State and Northern Illinois. Michigan QB Brandon Underwood leads the team in both passing and rushing.You shut him down and you win. This will be a grind-fest, but somehow, I feel it will be fun to watch two excellent defenses go toe to toe. Iowa should win, but this being at Michigan, you never know what thumb-on-the-scale tricky might be had in the Big House. Herky pulls out a close one on the road 20-17
Trout: I can see the Hawkeyes pulling this off. Although their offense is pedestrian, Iowa has a great defense and they should keep Bryce Underwood in check. Iowa will score just enough to get ahead and the Wolverines won’t have the firepower to counter. Michigan gets their first official loss of the season. (Iowa, 21-14)
Final Score: Iowa 20 Michigan 19
(20)Oregon @ (12)USC
Vaughn Broadnax (OSU-FB 1980-83): USC 31 OREGON 28
Andy: An old Pac 12 rivalry of sorts from the days of college football past. I actually would have said Oregon would win this game automatically coming into the season, but Oregon has struggled greatly with two inferior teams this season. I know they say all the time whoever wins the line of scrimmage battle will win the game, well there is no game where that statement is more accurate than this game. USC’s offense is predicated on playing off schedule as all of Lincoln Riley’s offenses do, the Trojan offensive line will need to hold up in pass protection against the most talented and deepest defensive line in the country. Oregon’s offensive line will need to play well particularly at the guard spots which have struggled in both pass protection and run blocking. I think Oregon will have the edge in this game because their lines of scrimmage are better. Oregon 38 USC 27
Cory: There are serious concerns about the quality of both teams in this matchup. Oregon looked awful against Boise State and Oklahoma State. USC struggled to put away Rutgers last week and still shows lots of holes on the defensive side of the ball. Oregon is a more talented team on paper, but it seems like teams have figured the Ducks out. Dante Moore, statistically, has been good but he struggles to move the chains when it matters, and the Oregon running game is struggling at a similar level as Ohio State. USC’s offense has been good, as expected, and Jayden Maivia is off to an incredibly hot start. The concern in this game is if Oregon gets behind can they keep up with USC and right now I don’t have confidence in them to do so. USC 38, Oregon 31
Dave: Oregon 21 USC 19
Gregg: Oregon 27 USC 24
Jason: Oregon travels to Los Angeles for a major Big Ten matchup with #12 USC, with the Trojans entering 4-0 and the Ducks at 2-1. USC has been explosive offensively, averaging 43 points per game behind quarterback Jayden Maiava, while Oregon has scored at least 31 points in all three games and is averaging nearly 50 points. Dante Moore has completed 68.5% of his passes for 849 yards and nine touchdowns without an interception, giving the Ducks plenty of firepower in the passing game. The major concern for Oregon is its defense, which struggled in the 39-31 loss at Oklahoma State.
This has the potential to be one of the highest-scoring games of the weekend. USC’s defense has shown vulnerability, but the Trojans have consistently found ways to generate points and will have the benefit of playing at home. Oregon has the offensive talent to keep pace, and Moore should have opportunities against a USC defense that gave up 35 points to Rutgers. This could come down to which team has the ball last, but look for Oregon to bounce back and get a big road win as a first step into turning their season around. Prediction: Oregon 41 USC 31
Joe-S-U: USC over Oregon – On the other hand, THIS game’s over/under is 258. Take the over. Saturday Night Live will be half over by the time this track meet’s done.
John: USC
Josh: Oregon enters its Big Ten opener in an unusual position. The Ducks remain the betting favorite despite already suffering a 39-31 loss at Oklahoma State. They responded by overwhelming Portland State, but beating an overmatched opponent did not answer the questions created by a road loss to a team that entered the season with limited expectations. USC is undefeated, although its recent win over Rutgers was closer than expected. The Trojans have been carried by an explosive offense led by Jayden Maiava, who has completed nearly 76 percent of his passes for 1,173 yards, 12 touchdowns and only one interception. Those numbers make this one of the weekend’s most compelling quarterback matchups. Dante Moore has been equally efficient for Oregon, passing for 849 yards with nine touchdowns and no interceptions. The question is whether Oregon’s reworked offensive line can protect him against a USC defensive front that should be more athletic than anything the Ducks faced against Portland State. Moore has enough weapons to attack USC’s secondary, but he may not have the comfortable pocket he enjoyed last week. USC’s offense has the ability to stress Oregon horizontally before attacking downfield. Maiava’s experience gives Lincoln Riley access to the entire playbook, and the Trojans have produced points without relying on one receiver or one type of play. Oregon must create pressure without sacrificing containment or leaving its secondary isolated for too long. Neither defense has earned enough trust to expect a low-scoring game. Oregon may possess the more complete roster, but USC has the hotter quarterback, home-field advantage and an opportunity to prove that its undefeated start belongs in the national conversation. The Trojans score the winning touchdown during the final five minutes and deliver the upset. USC 38, Oregon 34
Steven: I still don’t trust that Lincoln Riley has figured out how defenses actually work. As expected, USC touts a top 20 offense, gaining just over 500 yards per game, but their defense sits at 60th.Funny enough, Oregon is neck and neck with USC in both of those categories. Despite the loss to Oklahoma State, I like Oregon on the road. USC is 4-0, but that record is built upon a paper-thin schedule. While Oregon padded their resume with one cupcake, USC has basically gotten fat on 4. Ducks win on the road 33-28.
Trout: A few weeks ago, I’d say that the Ducks would dominate this game. But after a close one against Boise State and the loss to the lowly Oklahoma State, I am picking the Trojans to beat the Ducks. I don’t really have much faith in Lincoln Riley, so I don’t see this being a dominating performance by USC. But I do see them scoring just enough to get by. I see the game being close to the bitter end. But the Trojans have some last minute heroics and hand Oregon their second loss of the season. (USC, 24-23)