College Football Weekly Picks – Now Updated for Week 14 – Conference Championship Week
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Welcome to the hub for your 2018 College Football Weekly Picks! This page will be updated as each new week comes with my predictions for every game that week. Any against the spread best bets (which hit almost 60% last year!) will also be listed here. Another fun feature that I like to incorporate is my tiered games. Many times I’ve heard somebody ask me what the “big games” are this week, and consider this your one-stop shop for that. I divide every FBS game each week into four tiers: the must-watch games, the maybe watch games, all other FBS vs FBS games, and the FBS vs FCS games.
Note: This is the average result of thousands of simulations for each game, so the scores will look a little wonky.
Year To Date Straight Up Record: 556-148 (79%)
Last Week’s Straight Up Record: 44-20 (69%)
Year To Date ATS Best Bets Record: 65-49-2 (16 games in the black!)
Last Week’s ATS Best Bets Record: 6-2
Week Fourteen Predictions
ATS Best Bets
Akron (+30) @ South Carolina – 12 PM ET
Marshall (+4.5) @ Virginia Tech – 12 PM ET
Ohio State (-14) vs* Northwestern – 8 PM ET
*Neutral site
Tier One Games (Must Watch)
Utah (9-3, 6-3 Pac-12) vs Washington (9-3, 7-2 Pac-12) in Santa Clara, CA – 8 PM ET on Friday, 11/30, FOX – Pac-12 Championship Game
The two best defenses in the Pac-12 will square off Friday night with the winner heading to the Rose Bowl Game to represent the conference against either Ohio State, Michigan, or Northwestern depending on how things play out elsewhere. Utah was my Pac-12 Champion pick for weeks, before they were even ranked in the AP, my model thought the Utes were top-15 level good. In fact, after week nine and four straight blowout wins against Pac-12 foes, Utah climbed as high as the #7 best team in the country in the future predictive model, but thanks to an injury to QB Tyler Huntley, they have faltered down the stretch, losing to Arizona State and most recently needing to come from behind to beat rival BYU. Washington, on the other hand, has surged down the stretch led by RB Myles Gaskin’s fourth straight 1,000+ yard season on the ground. This game might not be entertaining for those that like offense as their game earlier this year finished 21-7. I do think it will be closer than when the two teams played all the way back in mid-September, but I don’t think the victor will change. Give me Washington in a nail-biter.
Prediction: Washington 24, Utah 19
Texas (9-3, 7-2 Big 12) vs Oklahoma (11-1, 8-1 Big 12) in Arlington, TX – 12 PM ET, ABC – Big 12 Championship Game
These two teams had a game of the year contender earlier this season in the Cotton Bowl, and us lucky college football fans get a rematch in the second ever Big 12 Championship Game (since the conference moved back to ten teams). Hopefully, this one will be closer than the last, a 41-17 drubbing of TCU by Lincoln Riley’s Sooners. Style points will certainly matter for the Sooners, and while I *think* they’ll get in with a win and a Georgia loss, it’s not like Ohio State has never jumped the Big 12 Champion the final week of the rankings release despite that Big 12 team winning. Obviously the “Tom Herman as an underdog” storyline will be hot in this one after his famous run at Houston, but I just don’t know if Herman can make lightning strike twice against an Oklahoma team that is just flat out better than Texas. Neither of these teams have impressed me down the stretch, Oklahoma is 4-0 in November, but they’ve only won one game by more than five points… a 15 point home win over Kansas. Texas is just 3-2 in their past five, with two of the three wins coming by one possession as well. I’m not too confident in doing it, but I’m going to pick Oklahoma to win this one and eventually get blown out by Alabama in the semifinal, but if I’m honest, I think Georgia, Ohio State, and maybe even Michigan would beat this Oklahoma team more than 50% of the team were they to play on a neutral field.
Prediction: Oklahoma 37, Texas 33
Alabama (12-0, 8-0 SEC) vs Georgia (11-1, 7-1 SEC) in Atlanta, GA – 4 PM ET, CBS – SEC Championship Game
All eyes will be on Atlanta Saturday afternoon for the biggest game of the year so far, a rematch of last year’s National Championship, this year for the SEC crown. ‘Bama is obviously the #1 team in the country right now, but Georgia comes in at third in my current ratings of who the best teams in the country are right now, and as long as the Dawgs don’t get absolutely blown out here, I’d still feel pretty confident in saying that they are one of the four best teams in the country. Both teams smacked their rivals last week, treating them like a tune-up game. Alabama demolished Auburn 52-21 thanks to an incredible second half performance from Tua Tagovailoa, and Georgia controlled Georgia Tech practically from start to finish, coming away with a 45-21 victory. Even though this game will be played in Atlanta, I don’t expect Georgia to have a sizable home-crowd edge, Tide fans travel, but despite that, I’ve got Jake Fromm and Georgia getting out to an early lead before the Tide roll over them in the second half. I’d expect Georgia to keep this one tight for the first three quarters, but in the end I’d be surprised if Bama wins this one by less than double digits. It will be tough, but this Crimson Tide offense is just too good. Give me Saban.
Prediction: Alabama 41, Georgia 26
Clemson (12-0, 8-0 ACC) vs Pittsburgh (7-5, 6-2 ACC) in Charlotte, NC – 8 PM ET, ABC – ACC Championship Game
The best game of the nightime slate from a watchability perspective is probably Fresno State-Boise State, but if you are looking at this from a College Football Playoff lens, I see this game ahead of the Ohio State-Northwestern game. I think both Clemson and Ohio State will win by three or four touchdowns, its just Clemson might come into this one sleepwalking a bit as the #2 undefeated team while Ohio State will be playing desperate down at #6, needing to make an impression on the committee if they want to jump into that top four. Also, Clemson is playing Pitt, a team that has pulled some of the biggest upsets in college football over the past few years, beating #2 Miami in 2017 and #3 Clemson in 2016. I don’t see that happening again here, but the possibility is always there. I hate to rain on the Panther parade, but if I’m being honest, I see Trevor Lawrence and the Tigers to run all over a struggling Pitt defense, and I’d be shocked if Pitt keeps this within 20.
Prediction: Clemson 46, Pittsburgh 19
Tier Two Games (Maybe Watch)
Northern Illinois (7-5, 6-2 MAC) vs Buffalo (10-2, 7-1 MAC) in Detroit, MI – 7 PM ET on Friday, 11/30, ESPN2 – MAC Championship Game
Prediction: Buffalo 24, Northern Illinois 17
Marshall (8-3) @ Virginia Tech (5-6) – 12 PM ET, ESPN3
Prediction: Marshall 23, Virginia Tech 21 <- UPSET ALERT & BEST BET ALERT (Marshall +4.5)
UAB (9-3, 7-1 C-USA) @ Middle Tennessee (8-4, 7-1 C-USA) – 1:30 PM ET, CBSSN – Conference USA Championship Game
Prediction: Middle Tennessee 25, UAB 23
Stanford (7-4, 5-3 Pac-12) @ California (7-4, 4-4 Pac-12) – 3 PM ET, Pac-12 Network
Prediction: Stanford 26, California 23
Memphis (8-4, 5-3 American) @ UCF (11-0, 8-0 American) – 3:30 PM ET, ABC – American Championship Game
Prediction: UCF 40, Memphis 35
Fresno State (10-2, 7-1 MW) @ Boise State (10-2, 7-1 MW) – 7:45 PM ET, ESPN – Mountain West Championship Game
Prediction: Fresno State 30, Boise State 27 <- UPSET ALERT
Northwestern (8-4, 8-1 Big Ten) @ Ohio State (11-1, 8-1 Big Ten) – 8 PM ET, FOX – Big Ten Championship Game
Prediction: Ohio State 43, Northwestern 24 <- BEST BET ALERT (Ohio State -14)
Tier Three Games (FBS vs FBS)
Louisiana (7-5, 5-3 Sun Belt) @ Appalachian State (9-2, 7-1 Sun Belt) – 12 PM ET, ESPN – Sun Belt Championship Game
Prediction: Appalachian State 35, Louisiana 16
East Carolina (3-8) @ NC State (8-3) – 12 PM ET, ESPN3
Prediction: NC State 37, East Carolina 20
Akron (4-7) @ South Carolina (6-5) – 12 PM ET, SEC Network Alternate
Prediction: South Carolina 32, Akron 9 <- BEST BET ALERT (Akron +30)
Tier Four Games (FBS vs FCS)
Drake @ Iowa State (7-4) – 12 PM ET, Cyclones.TV
Prediction: Iowa State
Norfolk State @ Liberty (5-6) – 2 PM ET, ESPN3
Prediction: Liberty
Week Thirteen Predictions
ATS Best Bets
Western Michigan (+6.5) @ Northern Illinois – 7 PM ET on Tuesday
Wake Forest (+13) @ Duke – 12:30 PM ET
UAB (-2.5) @ Middle Tennessee – 3 PM ET
Alabama (-24) vs Auburn – 3:30 PM ET
SMU (-2) @ Tulsa – 3:30 PM ET
Illinois (+18) @ Northwestern – 3:30 PM ET
Rutgers (+27) @ Michigan State – 4 PM ET
Kansas State (+14) @ Iowa State – 7 PM ET
Tier One Games (Must Watch)
Mississippi State (7-4, 3-4 SEC) @ Ole Miss (5-6, 1-6 SEC) – 7:30 PM ET on Thursday, 11/22, ESPN
The Egg Bowl will kick off rivalry week 2018 as Mississippi State squares off with Ole Miss in an always chippy SEC showdown. If you’re wondering why the game is called the Egg Bowl, its pretty simple, students wanted a trophy for the game (thinking a trophy presentation would somehow stop the two fanbases from brawling) and decided on a Golden Football. The trophy, however, ended up looking a lot more like an egg. Both of these teams are better than their records indicate, and there is no doubt in my mind that if Mississippi State had a serviceable quarterback, the Bulldogs would be top five in the country right now. Even then, my computer still values them as the #10 team in the country thanks to a defense that is in contention for tops in the land. This game will be heated, and I wouldn’t be surprised if hands are thrown at some point. Even though I’m not a fan of the MSU offense, the Ole Miss defense is really bad. Ole Miss’ talented receiving core will put up some points on the stout Bulldog defense, but in the end, they’ll lose by double digits.
Prediction: Mississippi State 37, Ole Miss 27
Oklahoma (10-1, 7-1 Big 12) @ West Virginia (8-2, 6-2 Big 12) – 8 PM ET on Friday, 11/23, ESPN
The Friday before Rivalry Saturday has grown in recent years, and this year we’ve got a big game out of the Big 12 as the winner of this Oklahoma vs West Virginia clash will head to the conference title game. This game is the definition of a tossup, my model has the two win percentages at 50 and 50, but while the model technically favors Oklahoma by a fraction of a point, I’m using my discretion and taking West Virginia. Both of these teams have looked shaky in recent weeks, and while West Virginia was the one of the two that lost, were one extra point to go differently, Oklahoma also would’ve fallen to Oklahoma State. Don’t get it twisted, I agree with my model that Oklahoma is the better team by about a field goal, its just I feel it may be underestimating the home field edge with the home crowd rocking in Morgantown in primetime on a chilly Friday night. I think that Will Grier throws for like 500 yards and the Mountaineers win in a shootout that ends up being the most exciting game of the weekend but ends the Big 12’s playoff hopes.
Prediction: West Virginia 46, Oklahoma 45
Washington (8-3, 6-2 Pac-12) @ Washington State (10-1, 7-1 Pac-12) – 8:30 PM ET on Friday, 11/23, FOX
This year the Apple Cup will be for the Pac-12 North Championship, with the winner facing Utah next Friday for the conference crown. Washington State has exceeded all expectations this year and currently sit it 10-1, but a weak Pac-12 has dragged won the Cougs’ SOS numbers. Washington has had a disappointing year by all metrics, but they still sit in my top 20 best teams in the nation this year. Washington’s secondary has been lights out all year, but so has Gardner Minshew and the Coug offense. This is a tossup game but WSU has more to play for and is at home, so I’ll take the Cougs.
Prediction: Washington State 30, Washington 29
Michigan (10-1, 8-0 Big Ten) @ Ohio State (10-1, 7-1 Big Ten) – 12 PM ET, FOX
The winner of this one will likely be one win against Northwestern away from a College Football Playoff bid, making it the biggest game of the weekend, so of course, Fox makes it a nooner. I realize its tradition and all, but you couldn’t at least slide it to like 3:30 so we could get that beautiful primetime feel for the second half? I’ve been saying it all year, this Michigan defense is something special, and while I may have been a little low on them in the preseason, when Michigan took Ohio State’s spot in my top four best teams in the country after week four they haven’t looked back, and I have no second thoughts when I say that Alabama, Clemson, Michigan, and Georgia are the best four teams in the country, even though the latter two have losses to my #5 and #6 teams respectively. I feel that Michigan’s loss to Notre Dame is just one data point in Notre Dame’s direction while there are five or six others in Michigan’s, a win over Ohio State on the road would cement my belief that were the two to play again, the Wolverines should be modest favorites (and Vegas oddsmakers agree with me on that). Ohio State has not looked like a playoff contender all year, in fact, there have been just two weeks this entire season where the Buckeyes have risen in my predictive ratings (after the Rutgers win and the Michigan State win). Even in high profile wins against TCU and Penn State (which both looked better at the time than they do now), the Buckeyes were trailing for large portions of the game despite coming in as favorites. This team does not look well coached, and while I love Dwayne Haskins, I really don’t see this Ohio State team putting up 30 on a Michigan defense that in their worst game gave up 24. This will be hard fought, but I think the Wolverines take the win and cover.
Prediction: Michigan 35, Ohio State 28
Auburn (7-4, 3-4 SEC) @ Alabama (11-0, 7-0 SEC) – 3:30 PM ET, SEC
When I saw the line on this game… mama mia. Alabama just a 24 point favorite at home, that’s easy money. This is a rivalry game, I know that, and for all I know, Auburn will play the game of their lives and hang 30 on the ‘Bama defense, but Jarrett Stidham hasn’t done a single thing this year to tell me he can do what no other team could. I don’t see Auburn getting shut out like Mississippi State and LSU did, but they won’t score much more than ten and the Auburn secondary will get exposed by Tua Tagovailoa and the ‘Bama receiving core. The Iron Bowl has been my favorite rivalry in my college football fandom, but I just don’t see it being competitive this year, ‘Bama may hang 50 on the Tigers. The Tide will roll to a giant wave victory, and Nick Saban and company will avenge last year’s loss.
Prediction: Alabama 45, Auburn 15 <- BEST BET ALERT (Alabama -24)
Pittsburgh (7-4, 6-1 ACC) @ Miami (6-5, 3-4 ACC) – 3:30 PM ET, ESPN
We’ve got to have at least one ACC game on this list, so we’ll head out to the Coastal Division where I’m picking the already-clinched division champions who are 6-1 in conference to lose to a 3-4 in conference opponent. If I said that before the season, you’d think I was picking Pitt to beat Miami, but you’d be wrong. The ‘Canes have been massively disappointing this season, and through a series of somewhat lucky breaks and just flat out good coaching, Pitt cracked my model’s top 25 this week. Despite all that, this game is in Coral Gables, the ‘Canes have been on a bit of an upswing recently, and they are looking for revenge after the Panthers spoiled their playoff hopes back in 2017. This will be a defensive battle and will come down to the quarterback play from the ‘Canes. N’Kosi Perry threw for 5.0 YPA last week, two touchdowns, and no picks, by no means a Kyler Murray game, but solid enough to get the job done. I think he does the same against the Panthers and the ‘Canes get their revenge.
Prediction: Miami 29, Pittsburgh 23
LSU (9-2, 5-2 SEC) @ Texas A&M (7-4, 4-3 SEC) – 7:30 PM ET, SEC Network
The whole “SEC West is the greatest division of all time” thing has kind of worn off, but it is still very true. Six of the seven teams in the division rank in the top 35 of my model, and three of the nine tier one games for this week come right out of that division. Given that they play in this crowded division, these two teams are both better than their records indicate. Of the six combined losses between the two teams, four come to opponents currently ranked in the top ten of my model. Given the national profile of the Texas A&M team, I wouldn’t be surprised if the Aggies run into a tough opponent in the bowl game, and the difference between losing out and finishing 7-6 and winning out, finishing 9-4, is big for Jimbo Fisher’s first year. LSU has had a really solid season and they deserve to be in the top ten, but with the 12th man rocking at Kyle Field, I’m taking the Aggies to win a back and forth slugfest.
Prediction: Texas A&M 27, LSU 26
Notre Dame (11-0) @ USC (5-6) – 8 PM ET, ABC
Notre Dame dominated Syracuse last week, and while I thought Syracuse was the most overrated team in the country anyways coming in, the way that Ian Book and the Fighting Irish controlled that one from start to finish was the first time I’ve actually respect Notre Dame. The Irish are 11-0, but they have four wins by just one possession, and not exactly against juggernauts. Those four nail biters for the Irish include games against Vandy and Ball State, so I was excited to see ND control a game from start to finish. I think USC is a better team than Syracuse is despite what the records say, and this one is at home, but I just can’t see Notre Dame blowing their path to the playoff. Give me ND BIG.
Prediction: Notre Dame 36, USC 21
Oklahoma State (6-5, 3-5 Big 12) @ TCU (5-6, 3-5 Big 12) – 8 PM ET, FOX
Maybe the most underrated game of the weekend comes out of the Big 12 where two very good teams with just average records square off in what will be a near pick’em in Vegas. I’ve said it a lot this week, but both these teams are better than the records indicate. Oklahoma State has knocked off three Top 25 teams this year: Boise State, Texas, and West Virginia (and was an extra point away from beating Oklahoma). TCU hasn’t had quite the string of high quality wins (their only Top 25 victory is Iowa State) but they are just four points away from a 7-4 record but instead are fighting for a bowl right here. Oklahoma State’s offense is deadly, but Gary Patterson’s defense is stout as ever this year, the only teams to hang 30 on the Horned Frogs so far this year have been Ohio State, Texas, Oklahoma, and West Virginia, all very highly ranked teams. This is a coin flip game and I’m picking the team that has proved that they can win close games, Oklahoma State, but I would not be shocked if Patterson finds a way to make it to a bowl for the 13th time in 14 years.
Prediction: Oklahoma State 26, TCU 25
Tier Two Games (Maybe Watch)
Texas (8-3, 6-2 Big 12) @ Kansas (3-8, 1-7 Big 12) – 12 PM ET on Friday, 11/23, FS1
Prediction: Texas 38, Kansas 22
Houston (8-3, 5-2 American) @ Memphis (7-4, 4-3 American) – 12 PM ET on Friday, 11/23, ABC
Prediction: Memphis 41, Houston 35
Nebraska (4-7, 3-5 Big Ten) @ Iowa (7-4, 4-4 Big Ten) – 12 PM ET on Friday, 11/23, FOX
Prediction: Iowa 36, Nebraska 26
Virginia (7-4, 4-3 ACC) @ Virginia Tech (4-6, 3-4 ACC) – 3:30 PM ET on Friday, 11/23, ABC
Prediction: Virginia 29, Virginia Tech 26
UCF (10-0, 7-0 American) @ South Florida (7-4, 3-4 American) – 4:15 PM ET on Friday, 11/23, ESPN
Prediction: UCF 41, South Florida 28
Georgia Tech (7-4) @ Georgia (10-1) – 12 PM ET, SEC Network
Prediction: Georgia 41, Georgia Tech 22
Florida (8-3) @ Florida State (5-6) – 12 PM ET, ABC
Prediction: Florida 32, Florida State 26
Syracuse (8-3, 5-2 ACC) @ Boston College (7-4, 4-3 ACC) – 12 PM ET, ESPN
Prediction: Boston College 31, Syracuse 27
Baylor (5-6, 3-5 Big 12) vs Texas Tech (5-6, 3-5 Big 12) in Arlington, TX – 12 PM ET, FS1
Prediction: Texas Tech 33, Baylor 23
Purdue (5-6, 4-4 Big Ten) @ Indiana (5-6, 2-6 Big Ten) – 12 PM ET, ESPN2
Prediction: Purdue 34, Indiana 30
Marshall (7-3, 5-2 C-USA) @ Florida Intl (8-3, 6-1 C-USA) – 12 PM ET, Stadium
Prediction: Marshall 28, Florida Intl 27
NC State (7-3, 4-3 ACC) @ North Carolina (2-8, 1-6 ACC) – 12:20 PM ET, ACC Network
Prediction: NC State 34, North Carolina 29
Wake Forest (5-6, 2-5 ACC) @ Duke (7-4, 3-4 ACC) – 12:30 PM ET, ACC RSN
Prediction: Duke 36, Wake Forest 32 <- BEST BET ALERT (Wake Forest +13)
Stanford (6-4, 4-3 Pac-12) @ UCLA (3-8, 3-5 Pac-12) – 3 PM ET, Pac-12 Network
Prediction: Stanford 35, UCLA 25
UAB (9-2, 7-0 C-USA) @ Middle Tennessee (7-4, 6-1 C-USA) – 3 PM ET, ESPN3
Prediction: UAB 28, Middle Tennessee 22 <- BEST BET ALERT (UAB -2.5)
Maryland (5-6, 3-5 Big Ten) @ Penn State (8-3, 5-3 Big Ten) – 3:30 PM ET, ABC
Prediction: Penn State 34, Maryland 21
Arizona State (6-5, 4-4 Pac-12) @ Arizona (5-6, 4-4 Pac-12) – 3:30 PM ET, FS1
Prediction: Arizona 34, Arizona State 32 <- UPSET ALERT
Minnesota (5-6, 2-6 Big Ten) @ Wisconsin (7-4, 5-3 Big Ten) – 3:30 PM ET, ESPN2
Prediction: Wisconsin 35, Minnesota 21
Tennessee (5-6, 2-5 SEC) @ Vanderbilt (5-6, 2-5 SEC) – 4 PM ET, SEC Network
Prediction: Tennessee 24, Vanderbilt 23 <- UPSET ALERT
South Carolina (6-4) @ Clemson (11-0) – 7 PM ET, ESPN
Prediction: Clemson 46, South Carolina 18
Kansas State (5-6, 3-5 Big 12) @ Iowa State (6-4, 5-3 Big 12) – 7 PM ET, FS1
Prediction: Iowa State 28, Kansas State 19 <- BEST BET ALERT (Kansas State +14)
Colorado (5-6, 2-6 Pac-12) @ California (6-4, 3-4 Pac-12) – 7 PM ET, Pac-12 Network
Prediction: California 28, Colorado 19
BYU (6-5) @ Utah (8-3) – 10 PM ET, FS1
Prediction: Utah 30, BYU 18
Utah State (10-1, 7-0 MW) @ Boise State (9-2, 6-1 MW) – 10:15 PM ET, ESPN
Prediction: Utah State 32, Boise State 31
Tier Three Games (FBS vs FBS)
Ball State (4-7, 3-4 MAC) @ Miami-OH (5-6, 5-2 MAC) – 7 PM ET on Tuesday, 11/20, ESPN+
Prediction: Miami-OH 35, Ball State 18
Northern Illinois (7-4, 6-1 MAC) @ Western Michigan (6-5, 4-3 MAC) – 7 PM ET on Tuesday, 11/20, ESPNU
Prediction: Northern Illinois 27, Western Michigan 26 <- BEST BET ALERT (Western Michigan +6.5)
Colorado State (3-8, 2-5 MW) @ Air Force (4-7, 2-5 MW) – 3:30 PM ET on Thursday, 11/22, CBSSN
Prediction: Air Force 37, Colorado State 22
Akron (4-6, 2-5 MAC) @ Ohio (7-4, 5-2 MAC) – 12 PM ET on Friday, 11/23, CBSSN
Prediction: Ohio 39, Akron 14
Buffalo (9-2, 6-1 MAC) @ Bowling Green (3-8, 2-5 MAC) – 12 PM ET on Friday, 11/23, ESPNU
Prediction: Buffalo 38, Bowling Green 20
Central Michigan (1-10, 0-7 MAC) @ Toledo (6-5, 4-3 MAC) – 12 PM ET on Friday, 11/23, ESPN3
Toledo 36, Central Michigan 15
Eastern Michigan (6-5, 4-3 MAC) @ Kent State (2-9, 1-6 MAC) – 12 PM ET on Friday, 11/23, ESPN3
Prediction: Eastern Michigan 30, Kent State 16
Arkansas (2-9, 0-7 SEC) @Missouri (7-4, 3-4 SEC) – 2:30 PM ET on Friday, 11/23, CBS
Prediction: Missouri 43, Arkansas 23
Coastal Carolina (5-6, 2-5 Sun Belt) @ South Alabama (2-9, 1-6 Sun Belt) – 3 PM ET on Friday, 11/23, ESPN+
Prediction: Coastal Carolina 23, South Alabama 21
East Carolina (3-7, 1-6 American) @ Cincinnati (9-2, 5-2 American) – 3:30 PM ET on Friday, 11/23, CBSSN
Prrediction: Cincinnati 39, East Carolina 21
Oregon (7-4, 4-4 Pac-12) @ Oregon State (2-9, 1-7 Pac-12) – 4 PM ET on Friday, 11/23, FS1
Prediction: Oregon 41, Oregon State 23
Western Kentucky (2-9, 1-6 C-USA) @ Louisiana Tech (7-4, 5-2 C-USA) – 12 PM ET, CBSSN
Prediction: Louisiana Tech 30, Western Kentucky 19
Navy (3-8, 2-5 American) @ Tulane (5-6, 4-3 American) – 12 PM ET, ESPNU
Prediction: Tulane 32, Navy 21
Old Dominion (4-7, 2-5 C-USA) @ Rice (1-11, 0-7 C-USA) – 1 PM ET, ESPN+
Prediction: Old Dominion 32, Rice 17
New Mexico State (3-8) @ Liberty (4-6) – 2 PM ET, ESPN3
Prediction: Liberty 40, New Mexico State 32
Georgia Southern (8-3, 5-2 Sun Belt) @ Georgia State (2-9, 1-6 Sun Belt) – 2 PM ET, ESPN+
Prediction: Georgia Southern 35, Georgia State 19
Wyoming (5-6, 3-4 MW) @ New Mexico (3-8, 1-6 MW) – 2:30 PM ET, AT&T Sports Network
Prediction: Wyoming 27, New Mexico 17
Troy (9-2, 7-0 Sun Belt) @ Appalachian State (8-2, 6-1 Sun Belt) – 2:30 PM ET, ESPN+
Prediction: Appalachian State 32, Troy 23
Southern Mississippi (5-5, 4-3 C-USA) @ UTEP (1-10, 1-6 C-USA) – 3 PM ET, ESPN+
Prediction: Southern Mississippi 28, UTEP 17
Louisiana (6-5, 4-3 Sun Belt) @ UL Monroe (6-5, 4-3 Sun Belt) – 3 PM ET, ESPN+
Prediction: Louisiana 31, UL Monroe 30 <- UPSET ALERT
Illinois (4-7, 2-6 Big Ten) @ Northwestern (7-4, 7-1 Big Ten) – 3:30 PM ET, BTN
Prediction: Northwestern 34, Illinois 22 <- BEST BET ALERT (Illinois +18)
SMU (5-6, 4-3 American) @ Tulsa (2-9, 1-6 American) – 3:30 PM ET, CBSSN
Prediction: SMU 36, Tulsa 28 <- BEST BET ALERT (SMU -2)
Temple (7-4, 6-1 American) @ UConn (1-10, 0-7 American) – 3:30 PM ET, ESPNU
Prediction: Temple 44, UConn 15
Arkansas State (7-4, 4-3 Sun Belt) @ Texas State (3-8, 1-6 Sun Belt) – 4 PM ET, ESPN3
Prediction: Arkansas State 33, Texas State 21
Rutgers (1-10, 0-8 Big Ten) @ Michigan State (6-5, 4-4 Big Ten) – 4 PM ET, FOX
Prediction: Michigan State 28, Rutgers 6 <- BEST BET ALERT (Rutgers +27)
Charlotte (4-7, 3-4 C-USA) @ Florida Atlantic (5-6, 3-4 C-USA) – 6 PM ET, Stadium TV
Prediction: Florida Atlantic 34, Charlotte 19
Kentucky (8-3) @ Louisville (2-9) – 7 PM ET, ESPN2
Prediction: Kentucky 35, Louisville 14
San Jose State (1-10, 1-6 MW) @ Fresno State (9-2, 6-1 MW) – 7 PM ET, ESPNU
Prediction: Fresno State 40, San Jose State 11
North Texas (8-3, 4-3 C-USA) @ UTSA (3-8, 2-5 C-USA) – 7 PM ET, ESPN+
Prediction: North Texas 38, UTSA 11
Nevada (7-4, 5-2 MW) @ UNLV (3-8, 1-6 MW) – 9:30 PM ET, CBSSN
Prediction: Nevada 36, UNLV 23
Hawai’i (7-5, 4-3 MW) @ San Diego State (7-4, 4-3 MW) – 10:30 PM ET, ESPNU
Prediction: San Diego State 33, Hawai’i 20
Week Twelve Predictions
ATS Best Bets
Middle Tennessee (+16) @ Kentucky – 12 PM ET
Minnesota (+3) vs Northwestern – 12 PM ET
Wisconsin (+6) @ Purdue – 3:30 PM ET
Liberty (+28.5) @ Auburn – 4 PM ET
UMass (+44) @ Georgia – 4 PM ET
UAB (+17) @ Texas A&M – 7 PM ET
UConn (+18) @ East Carolina – 7 PM ET
Rice (+44) @ LSU – 7:30 PM ET
Kansas (+36) @ Oklahoma – 7:30 PM ET
Tier One Games (Must Watch)
There are really no crazy high-level games this week, so I selected three games I expect to be tight over matchups like Syracuse-Notre Dame that will have bigger national implications but have double-digit point spreads.
West Virginia (8-1, 6-1 Big 12) @ Oklahoma State (5-5, 2-5 Big 12) – 3:30 PM ET, ABC
Oklahoma State always seems to play up to their opponent, see the Boise State game, the Texas game, and the Oklahoma game this past week. The Cowboys, however, haven’t been able to continue playing at that high level when it comes to games outside of the national spotlight like when they lost to Kansas State a few weeks back. OSU won’t run into that problem this week with the CFP #9 West Virginia Mountaineers coming to town. WVU still has an outside shot at a playoff bid, their only loss, Iowa State, continues to climb up the rankings like my computer predicted. As for the Cowboys, Oklahoma State hung 47 on in-state rival Oklahoma last week, a mark I in no way see them hitting this week against a WVU defense that is top three in the conference behind Iowa State and maybe Gary Patterson’s TCU Horned Frogs. Oklahoma State will keep this one tight from start to finish, and the offense will be able to hang with the WVU defense, I’m just a little worried about Oklahoma State’s D stopping Will Grier. Give me West Virginia to keep their playoff hopes alive, but it will be close, and a lot lower scoring than last week despite Taylor Cornelius’ wishes.
Prediction: West Virginia 30, Oklahoma State 26
Stanford (6-4, 4-3 Pac-12) @ California (6-4, 3-4 Pac-12) – 7:30 PM ET, Pac-12 Network
The “Big Game” has been far from competitive in recent years, as Stanford has won eight straight games, a record in the series. The Cardinal’s average margin of victory in those eight games? 20 points. Cal is hoping to end the streak of Stanford dominance, and this year is their best chance to do so in a while. Cal’s in an up year, Stanford’s in a down year, the game is at Cal… Everything seems to line up for a Golden Bear win, but I just can’t pick this streak to end. Stanford QB KJ Costello has been one of the most underrated quarterbacks in the country this year, and JJ Arcega-Whiteside has a chance to be the first receiver taken in the 2019 NFL Draft. The Cal pass defense is good enough that they will limit JJAW’s touches, but even if he has a slow game, I don’t have any faith in the Cal defense to move on this Stanford front. Give me Stanford in a tight one.
Prediction: Stanford 26, California 22
Iowa State (6-3, 5-2 Big 12) @ Texas (7-3, 5-2 Big 12) – 8 PM ET, LHN
This is the only game this week pitting two teams in my CSD Computer Rankings Top 25 against each other, and the sad thing is, a lot of folks won’t get to see it because it’s on the Longhorn Network. If you do get to see it, you’ll be in for a treat. Iowa State has been one team my computer has been saying is underrated since they beat West Virginia a month ago, and the College Football Playoff Committee is just starting to notice it. ISU was in my computer’s top 15 at times when they were unranked by the AP, but now as more and more people start to notice them, and they climb closer to that number my computer had them at weeks ago, they are starting to slip. Last week against Baylor, the Cyclones put in a poor performance, and while the final score was 28-14, it should have been a lot closer according to my computer. Even so, I’d still pick Brock Purdy and the ‘Clones on a neutral field. There’s just one problem with that. This game won’t be played on a neutral field. David Montgomery will be out for the first half, and with the home crowd behind him, I think Sam Ehlinger and the Longhorns get it done and keep their Big 12 Championship Game hopes alive.
Prediction: Texas 34, Iowa State 32
Tier Two Games (Maybe Watch)
Buffalo (9-1, 6-0 MAC) @ Ohio (6-4, 4-2 MAC) – 7 PM ET on Wednesday, 11/13, ESPN2
Prediction: Buffalo 36, Ohio 35
Miami-OH (4-6, 4-2 MAC) @ Northern Illinois (7-3, 6-0 MAC) – 8 PM ET on Wednesday, 11/13, ESPNU
Prediction: Northern Illinois 30, Miami-OH 26
Tulane (5-5, 4-2 American) @ Houston (7-3, 4-2 American) – 8 PM ET on Thursday, 11/15, ESPN
Prediction: Houston 39, Tulane 29
Florida Atlantic (5-5, 3-3 C-USA) @ North Texas (7-3, 3-3 C-USA) – 9:30 PM ET on Thursday, 11/15, CBSSN
Prediction: North Texas 37, Florida Atlantic 32
Memphis (6-4, 3-3 American) @ SMU (5-5, 4-2 American) – 9 PM ET on Friday, 11/16, ESPN2
Prediction: Memphis 48, SMU 34
Ohio State (9-1, 6-1 Big Ten) @ Maryland (5-5, 3-4 Big Ten) – 12 PM ET, ABC
Prediction: Ohio State 35, Maryland 20
Michigan State (6-4, 4-3 Big Ten) @ Nebraska (3-7, 2-5 Big Ten) – 12 PM ET, FOX
Prediction: Nebraska 28, Michigan State 27 <- UPSET ALERT
Northwestern (6-4, 6-1 Big Ten) @ Minnesota (5-5, 2-5 Big Ten) – 12 PM ET, BTN
Prediction: Minnesota 28, Northwestern 24 <- UPSET ALERT & BEST BET ALERT (Minnesota +3)
South Florida (7-3, 3-3 American) @ Temple (6-4, 5-1 American) – 12 PM ET, ESPNews
Prediction: Temple 41, South Florida 30
TCU (4-6, 2-5 Big 12) @ Baylor (5-5, 3-4 Big 12) – 12 PM ET, FS1
Prediction: Baylor 26, TCU 25
Pittsburgh (6-4, 5-1 ACC) @ Wake Forest (5-5, 2-4 ACC) – 12 PM ET, ACC RSN
Prediction: Pittsburgh 39, Wake Forest 33
Utah (7-3, 5-3 Pac-12) @ Colorado (5-5, 2-5 Pac-12) – 1:30 PM ET, Pac-12 Network
Prediction: Utah 34, Colorado 29
Syracuse (8-2) vs Notre Dame (10-0) in New York, NY – 2:30 PM ET, NBC
Prediction: Nortre Dame 42, Syracuse 35
Boston College (7-3, 4-2 ACC) @ Florida State (4-6, 2-5 ACC) – 3:30 PM ET, ESPN2
Prediction: Boston College 28, Florida State 23
Iowa (6-4, 3-4 Big Ten) @ Illinois (4-6, 2-5 Big Ten) – 3:30 PM ET, BTN
Prediction: Iowa 38, Illinois 22
Wisconsin (6-4, 4-3 Big Ten) @ Purdue (5-5, 4-3 Big Ten) – 3:30 PM ET, BTN
Prediction: Wisconsin 33, Purdue 26 <- UPSET ALERT & BEST BET ALERT (Wisconsin +6)
Virginia (7-3, 4-2 ACC) @ Georgia Tech (6-4, 4-3 ACC) – 3:30 PM ET, ACC RSN
Prediction: Virginia 31, Georgia Tech 27
Miami (5-5, 2-4 ACC) @ Virginia Tech (4-5, 3-3 ACC) – 3:30 PM ET, ESPN
Prediction: Miami 32, Virginia Tech 24
Texas Tech (5-5, 3-4 Big 12) @ Kansas State (4-5, 2-5 Big 12) – 3:30 PM ET, ESPNU
Prediction: Texas Tech 35, Kansas State 28
Missouri (6-4, 2-4 SEC) @ Tennessee (5-5, 2-4 SEC) – 3:30 PM ET, CBS
Prediction: Missouri 28, Tennessee 25
USC (5-5, 4-4 Pac-12) @ UCLA (2-8, 2-5 Pac-12) – 3:30 PM ET, FOX
Prediction: USC 28, UCLA 24
Indiana (5-5, 2-5 Big Ten) @ Michigan (9-1, 7-0 Big Ten) – 4 PM ET, FS1
Prediction: Michigan 43, Indiana 17
Air Force (4-6, 2-4 MW) @ Wyoming (4-6, 2-4 MW) – 4 PM ET, ESPNews
Prediction: Air Force 21, Wyoming 20 <- UPSET ALERT
Duke (7-3, 3-3 ACC) @ Clemson (10-0, 7-0 ACC) – 7 PM ET, ESPN
Prediction: Clemson 45, Duke 19
UAB (9-1) @ Texas A&M (6-4) – 7 PM ET, ESPN2
Prediction: Texas A&M 31, UAB 24 <- BEST BET ALERT (UAB +17)
Kansas (3-7, 1-6 Big 12) @ Oklahoma (9-1, 6-1 Big 12) – 7:30 PM ET, FOX
Prediction: Oklahoma 49, Kansas 20 <- BEST BET ALERT (Kansas +36)
Ole Miss (5-5, 1-5 SEC) @ Vanderbilt (4-6, 1-5 SEC) – 7:30 PM ET, SEC Network
Prediction: Vanderbilt 37, Ole Miss 36
Cincinnati (9-1, 5-1 American) @ UCF (9-0, 6-0 American) – 8 PM ET, ABC
Prediction: UCF 35, Cincinnati 32
Arizona (5-5, 4-3 Pac-12) @ Washington State (9-1, 6-1 Pac-12) – 10:30 PM ET, ESPN
Prediction: Washington State 38, Arizona 30
San Diego State (7-3, 4-2 MW) @ Fresno State (8-2, 5-1 MW) – 10:30 PM ET, CBSSN
Prediction: Fresno State 32, San Diego State 21
Arizona State (6-4, 4-3 Pac-12) @ Oregon (6-4, 3-4 Pac-12) – 10:30 PM ET, Pac-12 Network
Prediction: Oregon 34, Arizona State 32
Tier Three Games (FBS vs FBS)
Western Michigan (6-4, 4-2 MAC) @ Ball State (3-7, 2-4 MAC) – 6 PM ET on Tuesday, 11/13, ESPN2
Prediction: Western Michigan 33, Ball State 26
Toledo (5-5, 3-3 MAC) @ Kent State (2-8, 1-5 MAC) – 6 PM ET on Thursday, 11/15, CBSSN
Prediction: Toledo 39, Kent State 22
Boise State (8-2, 5-1 MW) @ New Mexico (3-7, 1-5 MW) – 9 PM ET on Friday, 11/16, CBSSN
Prediction: Boise State 41, New Mexico 23
Middle Tennessee (7-3) @ Kentucky (7-3) – 12 PM ET, SEC Network Alternate
Prediction: Kentucky 27, Middle Tennessee 19 <- BEST BET ALERT (Middle Tennessee +16)
Arkansas (2-8, 0-6 SEC) @ Mississippi State (6-4, 2-4 SEC) – 12 PM ET, ESPN
Prediction: Mississippi State 36, Arkansas 14
Penn State (7-3, 4-3 Big Ten) @ Rutgers (1-9, 0-7 Big Ten) – 12 PM ET, BTN
Prediction: Penn State 39, Rutgers 10
NC State (6-3, 3-3 ACC) @ Louisville (2-8, 0-7 ACC) – 12:20 PM ET, ACC Network
Prediction: NC State 44, Louisville 24
Utah State (9-1, 6-0 MW) @ Colorado State (3-7, 2-4 MW) – 2 PM ET, AT&T Sports Network
Prediction: Utah State 50, Colorado State 21
Florida Intl (7-3, 5-1 C-USA) @ Charlotte (4-6, 3-3 C-USA) – 2 PM ET, ESPN3
Prediction: Florida Intl 25, Charlotte 17
UTSA (3-7, 2-4 C-USA) @ Marshall (6-3, 4-2 C-USA) – 2:30 PM ET, Facebook Live
Prediction: Marshall 33, UTSA 9
Georgia State (2-8, 1-5 Sun Belt) @ Appalachian State (7-2, 5-1 Sun Belt) – 2:30 PM ET, ESPN+
Prediction: Appalachian State 44, Georgia State 14
UL Monroe (6-4, 4-2 Sun Belt) @ Arkansas State (6-4, 3-3 Sun Belt) – 3 PM ET, ESPN+
Prediction: Arkansas State 39, UL Monroe 31
Tulsa (2-8, 1-5 American) @ Navy (2-8, 1-5 American) – 3:30 PM ET, CBSSN
Prediction: Navy 26, Tulsa 24
Texas State (3-7, 1-5 Sun Belt) @ Troy (8-2, 6-0 Sun Belt) – 3:30 PM ET, ESPN+
Prediction: Troy 37, Texas State 18
Louisiana Tech (7-3, 5-1 C-USA) @ Southern Mississippi (4-5, 3-3 C-USA) – 3:30 PM ET, Stadium TV
Prediction: Southern Mississippi 28, Louisiana Tech 27 <- UPSET ALERT
Bowling Green (2-8, 1-5 MAC) @ Akron (4-5, 2-4 MAC) – 3:30 PM ET, ESPN3
Prediction: Akron 25, Bowling Green 16
UMass (4-7) @ Georgia (9-1) – 4 PM ET, SEC Network
Prediction: Georgia 51, UMass 14 <- BEST BET ALERT (UMass +44)
Liberty (4-5) @ Auburn (6-4) – 4 PM ET, SEC Network Alternate
Prediction: Auburn 40, Liberty 19 <- BEST BET ALERT (Liberty +28.5)
Oregon State (2-8, 1-6 Pac-12) @ Washington (7-3, 5-2 Pac-12) – 4:30 PM ET, Pac-12 Network
Prediction: Washington 44, Oregon State 15
Georgia Southern (7-3, 4-2 Sun Belt) @ Coastal Carolina (5-5, 2-4 Sun Belt) – 5 PM ET, ESPN+
Prediction: Georgia Southern 33, Coastal Carolina 22
South Alabama (2-8, 1-5 Sun Belt) @ Louisiana (5-5, 3-3 Sun Belt) – 5 PM ET, ESPN3
Prediction: Louisiana 35, South Alabama 19
Nevada (6-4, 4-2 MW) @ San Jose State (1-9, 1-5 MW) – 5 PM ET, ESPN3
Prediction: Nevada 42, San Jose State 22
UConn (1-9, 0-6 American) @ East Carolina (2-7, 0-6 American) – 7 PM ET, CBSSN
Prediction: East Carolina 36, UConn 24 <- BEST BET ALERT (UConn +18)
Rice (1-10) @ LSU (8-2) – 7:30 PM ET, ESPNU
Prediction: LSU 41, Rice 4 <- BEST BET ALERT (Rice +44)
UTEP (1-9, 1-5 C-USA) @ Western Kentucky (1-9, 0-6 C-USA) – 7:30 PM ET, beIN
Prediction: Western Kentucky 24, UTEP 20
New Mexico State (3-7) @ BYU (5-5) – 10:15 PM ET, ESPN2
Prediction: BYU 37, New Mexico State 15
UNLV (3-7, 1-5 MW) @ Hawai’i (6-5, 3-3 MW) – 11 PM ET, Stadium App
Prediction: Hawai’i 31, UNLV 27
Tier Four Games (FBS vs FCS)
The Citadel @ Alabama (10-0) – 12 PM ET, SEC Network
Prediction: Alabama
Idaho @ Florida (7-3) – 12 PM ET, ESPNU
Prediction: Florida
Colgate @ Army (8-2) – 12 PM ET, CBSSN
Prediction: Army
VMI @ Old Dominion (3-7) – 2 PM ET, ESPN+
Prediction: Old Dominion
Western Carolina @ North Carolina (1-8) – 3 PM ET, ESPN3
Prediction: North Carolina
Chattanooga @ South Carolina (5-4) – 7:30 PM ET, SEC Network Alternate
Prediction: South Carolina
Week Eleven Predictions
ATS Best Bets
Kent State (+22.5) @ Buffalo – 7:30 PM ET on Tuesday
Toledo (+3) @ Northern Illinois – 8 PM ET on Wednesday
Fresno State (-2) @ Boise State – 10:15 PM ET on Friday
Vanderbilt (+17) @ Missouri – 12 PM ET
TCU (+14.5) @ West Virginia – 12 PM ET
Wisconsin (+9) @ Penn State – 12 PM ET
Illinois (+18) @ Nebraska – 12 PM ET
North Carolina (+10.5) @ Duke – 12:20 PM ET
Mississippi State (+26) @ Alabama – 3:30 PM ET
East Carolina (+14) @ Tulane – 4 PM ET
Georgia State (+14) @ Louisiana – 5 PM ET
Western Kentucky (+20) @ Florida Atlantic – 5 PM ET
Florida State (+18) @ Notre Dame – 7:30 PM ET
Tier One Games (Must Watch)
Ohio State (8-1, 5-1 Big Ten) @ Michigan State (6-3, 4-2 Big Ten) – 12 PM ET, FOX
Despite being a top 20 team in both my computer model and the College Football Playoff rankings, Michigan State’s season so far has just felt “meh.” Last week’s 24-3 win over Maryland was the first game all year the Spartans won by more than 14 points, and even that wasn’t an incredibly convincing performance. You could say the same thing about Ohio State too. The Buckeyes are a top-ten level team that just doesn’t play like it, they’ve struggled with Minnesota, Indiana, and Nebraska over the past month and the Buckeyes were blown out by Purdue. I really don’t have faith in either of these teams, but Brian Lewerke has been flat out bad recently for the Spartans, so despite the home field advantage, I’m picking Ohio State, not very confidently though.
Prediction: Ohio State 33, Michigan State 27
Wisconsin (6-3, 4-2 Big Ten) @ Penn State (6-3, 3-3 Big Ten) – 12 PM ET, ABC
Two teams with somewhat disappointing years so far square off in College Park as Wisconsin takes on a reeling Penn State team. Despite the blowout loss to Michigan last week, most computer models, including my own, still have the Nittany Lions in the top 15. With a loss here, however, my faith in PSU would go right down the drain. Because of the home field advantage, I think Penn State will win this one, but Wisconsin will keep it a lot closer than the experts think. Penn State QB Trace McSorley is banged up, and this Wisconsin defense is still excellent, so I think its easy money to say the Badgers will keep this one within nine points.
Prediction: Penn State 33, Wisconsin 29 <- BEST BET ALERT (Wisconsin +9)
Mississippi State (6-3, 2-3 SEC) @ Alabama (9-0, 6-0 SEC) – 3:30 PM ET, CBS
Mississippi State is good. If this team had a quarterback, I think they’d be 9-0 right now and we’d be looking at them as a potential playoff team even with a loss here. The defense is maybe the best in the country, allowing 20+ points once this year, and never allowing more than 28. Despite that, they’ve still somehow lost three games, so my point stands, if the Aggies had a serviceable quarterback that could reasonably put up 30 points a game, they’d be fine, but in their three losses, they’ve scored three, six, and seven. The defense is good enough that the model (and I) still sees this team at a borderline top ten level. That might seem like a stretch, but the Bulldogs are 8th in the TeamRankings predictive ratings, 11th in S&P+, and 11th in Sagarin. Now, Alabama went on the road and beat another top ten team by 29, but I am holding out hope that Mississippi State will change quarterbacks for this game and provide a spark to the offense, we all know how terrific of an offensive mind Joe Moorhead is. MSU will still lose, but it will be a lot closer than Vegas and the public think, in fact, I think it will be the first game all year that ‘Bama wins by less than 20.
Prediction: Alabama 41, Mississippi State 22 <- BEST BET ALERT (Mississippi State +26)
Auburn (6-3, 3-3 SEC) @ Georgia (8-1, 6-1 SEC) – 7 PM ET, ESPN
Jarrett Stidham and Auburn came through against Texas A&M, but they run into a much tougher test this week as they must travel on the road to face Jake Fromm and the Georgia Bulldogs. This game will have no effect on the SEC Title race, Georgia will play Alabama there even if they lose out, but it could have an impact on the College Football Playoff hunt. If Georgia loses to Auburn but then wins out and beats ‘Bama in the SEC Championship Game, we could be looking at a very complicated situation on Selection Sunday. Luckily for the committee, I don’t think that will happen. Georgia QB Jake Fromm has been lights out so far this year in the short and intermediate range, and I expect him to lead the Bulldogs to a double-digit point victory here.
Prediction: Georgia 36, Auburn 23
Clemson (9-0, 6-0 ACC) @ Boston College (7-2, 4-1 ACC) – 8 PM ET, ABC
Boston College is looking really good lately, and the home crowd was electric a couple weeks ago in the Red Bandana Game victory over Miami, but if I’m being honest, I don’t see this team beating Clemson, or really even keeping it close. There isn’t a single team in the nation bar Alabama that I would pick to defeat the Tigers right now. Unfortunately for BC, the Clemson run defense is the best in the country, allowing an extraordinary 2.2 yards per carry this year, a number only topped by Nick Saban’s Alabama teams in 2011 and 2016 (1.9 and 2.0 respectively) at any point in the past ten years. The Eagles’ biggest strength, AJ Dillon’s run game, happens to play right into the hands of Clemson. I really like Boston College this year, but this just isn’t a good matchup for them.
Prediction: Clemson 40, Boston College 23
Tier Two Games (Maybe Watch)
Ohio (6-3, 4-1 MAC) @ Miami-OH (3-6, 3-2 MAC) – 7 PM ET on Wednesday, 11/7, ESPNU
Prediction: Ohio 32, Miami-OH 26
Toledo (5-4, 3-2 MAC) @ Northern Illinois (6-3, 5-0 MAC) – 8 PM ET on Wednesday, 11/7, ESPN2
Prediction: Toledo 22, Northern Illinois 19 <- BEST BET ALERT (Toledo +3) & UPSET ALERT
Wake Forest (4-5, 1-4 ACC) @ NC State (6-2, 3-2 ACC) – 7:30 PM ET on Thursday, 11/8, ESPN
Prediction: NC State 40, Wake Forest 25
Fresno State (8-1, 5-0 MW) @ Boise State (7-2, 4-1 MW) – 10:15 PM ET on Friday, 11/9, ESPN2
Prediction: Fresno State 29, Boise State 21 <- BEST BET ALERT (Fresno State -2)
South Carolina (5-3, 4-3 SEC) @ Florida (6-3, 4-3 SEC) – 12 PM ET, ESPN
Prediction: Florida 24, South Carolina 18
TCU (4-5, 2-4 Big 12) @ West Virginia (7-1, 5-1 Big 12) – 12 PM ET, FS1
Prediction: West Virginia 33, TCU 25 <- BEST BET ALERT (TCU +14.5)
Ole Miss (5-4, 1-4 SEC) @ Texas A&M (5-4, 3-3 SEC) – 12 PM ET, CBS
Prediction: Texas A&M 33, Ole Miss 24
Vanderbilt (4-5, 1-4 SEC) @ Missouri (5-4, 1-4 SEC) – 12 PM ET, SEC Network
Prediction: Missouri 28, Vanderbilt 21 <- BEST BET ALERT (Vanderbilt +17)
Illinois (4-5, 2-4 Big Ten) @ Nebraska (2-7, 1-5 Big Ten) – 12 PM ET, BTN
Prediction: Nebraska 41, Illinois 32 <- BEST BET ALERT (Illinois +18)
Maryland (5-4, 3-3 Big Ten) @ Indiana (4-5, 1-5 Big Ten) – 12 PM ET, BTN
Prediction: Indiana 29, Maryland 28
North Carolina (1-7, 1-5 ACC) @ Duke (6-3, 2-3 ACC) – 12:20 PM ET, ACC Network
Prediction: Duke 33, North Carolina 28 <- BEST BET ALERT (North Carolina +10.5)
UCLA (2-7, 2-4 Pac-12) @ Arizona State (5-4, 3-3 Pac-12) – 2 PM ET, Pac-12 Network
Prediction: Arizona State 36, UCLA 20
Oklahoma State (5-4, 2-4 Big 12) @ Oklahoma (8-1, 5-1 Big 12) – 3:30 PM ET, ABC
Prediction: Oklahoma 50, Oklahoma State 36
Washington State (8-1, 5-1 Pac-12) @ Colorado (5-4, 2-4 Pac-12) – 3:30 PM ET, ESPN
Prediction: Washington State 37, Colorado 29
Kentucky (7-2, 5-2 SEC) @ Tennessee (4-5, 1-4 SEC) – 3:30 PM ET, SEC Network
Prediction: Kentucky 26, Tennessee 17
Northwestern (5-4, 5-1 Big Ten) @ Iowa (6-3, 3-3 Big Ten) – 3:30 PM ET, FOX
Prediction: Iowa 30, Northwestern 19
Baylor (5-4, 3-3 Big 12) @ Iowa State (5-3, 4-2 Big 12) – 3:30 PM ET, FS1
Prediction: Iowa State 34, Baylor 19
Virginia Tech (4-4, 3-2 ACC) @ Pittsburgh (5-4, 4-1 ACC) – 3:30 PM ET, ESPNU
Prediction: Pittsburgh 28, Virginia Tech 25
Purdue (5-4, 4-2 Big Ten) @ Minnesota (4-5, 1-5 Big Ten) – 3:30 PM ET, ESPN2
Prediction: Purdue 40, Minnesota 30
Oregon (6-3, 3-3 Pac-12) @ Utah (6-3, 4-3 Pac-12) – 5:30 PM ET, Pac-12 Network
Prediction: Utah 32, Oregon 24
Miami (5-4, 2-3 ACC) @ Georgia Tech (5-4, 3-3 ACC) – 7 PM ET, ESPN2
Prediction: Miami 27, Georgia Tech 25 <- UPSET ALERT
Temple (5-4, 4-1 American) @ Houston (7-2, 4-1 American) – 7 PM ET, CBSSN
Prediction: Houston 39, Temple 35
LSU (7-2, 4-2 SEC) @ Arkansas (2-7, 0-5 SEC) – 7:30 PM ET, SEC Network
Prediction: LSU 36, Arkansas 20
Florida State (4-5) @ Notre Dame (9-0) – 7:30 PM ET, NBC
Prediction: Notre Dame 35, Florida State 24 <- BEST BET ALERT (Florida State +18)
Texas (6-3, 4-2 Big 12) @ Texas Tech (5-4, 3-3 Big 12) – 7:30 PM ET, FOX
Prediction: Texas 36, Texas Tech 35
Southern Mississippi (4-4, 3-2 C-USA) @ UAB (8-1, 6-0 C-USA) – 7:30 PM ET, beIN Sports
Prediction: UAB 29, Southern Mississippi 17
California (5-4, 2-4 Pac-12) @ USC (5-4, 4-3 Pac-12) – 10:30 PM ET, ESPN
Prediction: USC 25, California 22
Tier Three Games (FBS vs FBS)
Kent State (2-7, 1-4 MAC) @ Buffalo (8-1, 5-0 MAC) – 7:30 PM ET on Tuesday, 11/6, ESPNU
Prediction: Buffalo 33, Kent State 16 <- BEST BET ALERT (Kent State +22.5)
Louisville (2-7, 0-6 ACC) @ Syracuse (7-2, 4-2 ACC) – 7 PM ET on Friday, 11/9, ESPN2
Prediction: Syracuse 40, Louisville 20
Navy (2-7, 1-4 American) @ UCF (8-0, 5-0 American) – 12 PM ET, ESPN2
Prediction: UCF 47, Navy 24
Akron (4-4, 2-3 MAC) @ Eastern Michigan (5-5, 3-3 MAC) – 12 PM ET, ESPN3
Prediction: Eastern Michigan 27, Akron 15
Tulsa (2-7, 1-4 American) @ Memphis (5-4, 2-3 American) – 12 PM ET, ESPNU
Prediction: Memphis 37, Tulsa 22
SMU (4-5, 3-2 American) @ UConn (1-8, 0-5 American) – 12 PM ET, ESPN3
Prediction: SMU 28, UConn 11
Kansas (3-6, 1-5 Big 12) @ Kansas State (3-6, 1-5 Big 12) – 12 PM ET, FSN
Prediction: Kansas State 22, Kansas 13
BYU (4-5) @ UMass (4-6) – 12 PM ET, Eleven Sports
Prediction: BYU 29, UMass 19
Troy (7-2, 5-0 Sun Belt) @ Georgia Southern (7-2, 4-1 Sun Belt) – 1 PM ET, ESPN+
Prediction: Troy 31, Georgia Southern 28
North Texas (7-2, 3-2 C-USA) @ Old Dominion (2-7, 1-5 C-USA) – 2 PM ET, ESPN3
Prediction: North Texas 43, Old Dominion 22
Charlotte (4-5, 3-2 C-USA) @ Marshall (5-3, 3-2 C-USA) – 2:30 PM ET, ESPN+
Prediction: Marshall 27, Charlotte 16
Liberty (4-4) @ Virginia (6-3) – 3 PM ET, ACC RSN
Prediction: Virginia 37, Liberty 19
Middle Tennessee (6-3, 5-1 C-USA) @ UTEP (1-8, 1-4 C-USA) – 3 PM ET, ESPN+
Prediction: Middle Tennessee 27, UTEP 17
Bowling Green (1-8, 0-5 MAC) @ Central Michigan (1-9, 0-6 MAC) – 3 PM ET, ESPN+
Prediction: Central Michigan 25, Bowling Green 21
Michigan (8-1, 6-0 Big Ten) @ Rutgers (1-8, 0-6 Big Ten) – 3:30 PM ET, BTN
Prediction: Michigan 43, Rutgers 7
New Mexico (3-6, 1-4 MW) @ Air Force (3-6, 1-4 MW) – 3:30 PM ET, CBSSN
Prediction: Air Force 36, New Mexico 26
San Jose State (1-8, 1-4 MW) @ Utah State (8-1, 5-0 MW) – 4 PM ET, Facebook Watch
Prediction: Utah State 49, San Jose State 15
Appalachian State (6-2, 4-1 Sun Belt) @ Texas State (3-6, 1-4 Sun Belt) – 4 PM ET, ESPN3
Prediction: Appalachian State 36, Texas State 17
East Carolina (2-6, 0-5 American) @ Tulane (4-5, 3-2 American) – 4 PM ET, ESPNews
Prediction: Tulane 31, East Carolina 22 <- BEST BET ALERT (East Carolina +14)
Western Kentucky (1-8, 0-5 C-USA) @ Florida Atlantic (4-5, 2-3 C-USA) – 5 PM ET, Facebook Watch
Prediction: Florida Atlantic 33, Western Kentucky 18 <- BEST BET ALERT (Western Kentucky +20)
Arkansas State (5-4, 2-3 Sun Belt) @ Coastal Carolina (5-4, 2-3 Sun Belt) – 5 PM ET, ESPN+
Prediction: Arkansas State 33, Coastal Carolina 28
Georgia State (2-7, 1-4 Sun Belt) @ Louisiana (4-5, 2-3 Sun Belt) – 5 PM ET, ESPN+
Prediction: Louisiana 37, Georgia State 30 <- BEST BET ALERT (Georgia State +14)
UL Monroe (5-4, 3-2 Sun Belt) @ South Alabama (2-7, 1-4 Sun Belt) – 5 PM ET, ESPN+
Prediction: UL Monroe 30, South Alabama 19
Florida Intl (6-3, 4-1 C-USA) @ UTSA (3-6, 2-3 C-USA) – 7 PM ET, ESPN+
Prediction: Florida Intl 30, UTSA 17
Rice (1-9, 0-6 C-USA) @ Louisiana Tech (6-3, 4-1 C-USA) – 7 PM ET, ESPN+
Prediction: Louisiana Tech 36, Rice 14
South Florida (7-2, 3-2 American) @ Cincinnati (8-1, 4-1 American) – 7 PM ET, ESPNU
Prediction: Cincinnati 40, South Florida 28
Oregon State (2-7, 1-5 Pac-12) @ Stanford (5-4, 3-3 Pac-12) – 9 PM ET, Pac-12 Network
Prediction: Stanford 39, Oregon State 15
UNLV (2-7, 0-5 MW) @ San Diego State (7-2, 4-1 MW) – 10:30 PM ET, ESPN2
Prediction: San Diego State 35, UNLV 13
Colorado State (3-6, 2-3 MW) @ Nevada (5-4, 3-2 MW) – 10:30 PM ET, ESPNU
Prediction: Nevada 36, Colorado State 24
Tier Four Games (FBS vs FCS)
Lafayette @ Army (7-2) – 12 PM ET, CBSSN
Prediction: Army
Week Ten Predictions
ATS Best Bets
Ohio (+2) @ Western Michigan – 7 PM ET on Thursday
Temple (+11) @ UCF – 7:30 PM ET on Thursday
Oklahoma State (-6) @ Baylor – 12 PM ET
Georgia Southern (-7) @ UL Monroe – 3 PM ET
South Florida (-6) vs Tulane – 3:30 PM ET
Iowa (+3) @ Purdue – 3:30 PM ET
Northwestern (+10) vs Notre Dame – 7:15 PM ET
Louisiana Tech (+23.5) @ Mississippi State – 7:30 PM ET
Tier One Games (Must Watch)
Texas A&M (5-3, 3-2 SEC) @ Auburn (5-3, 2-3 SEC) – 12 PM ET, ESPN
The noon slate is highlighted by a matchup between two of the best defenses in the country, and while neither Texas A&M or Auburn will be competing for a conference title in the crowded SEC West, this should be a close, fun college football game to watch when you wake up. Last week I went out on a limb (for me) and picked Nick Fitzgerald, who you know I am not a fan of, to beat Texas A&M, and while I was not very confident in it, Fitzgerald and Mississippi State came through for me and knocked Jimbo and the Aggies, if Nick Fitzgerald can do it, Jarrett Stidham can. While Stidham has not lived up to the NFL hype he got before the season started, he will certainly be a tougher test than Fitzgerald, and with the Auburn pass rush at home, I expect A&M to drop their 2nd straight game.
Prediction: Auburn 25, Texas A&M 23
Georgia (7-1, 5-1 SEC) @ Kentucky (7-1, 5-1 SEC) – 3:30 PM ET, CBS
The SEC East will be on the line at 3:30 on Saturday when Georgia travels to Lexington to take on Kentucky. While Kentucky has been one of the best stories in all of college football so far this year (the ‘Cats all the way up at #11 in my computer’s resume rankings) they hadn’t been getting the same respect from my computer’s “best” rankings until the win over Missouri last week, after which the ‘Cats jumped up to right around where they were in the resume ratings (UK currently sits at 14th). However, despite Benny Snell’s tremendous production throughout the year though, the ‘Cats still are not on the level of Georgia. With their only loss coming to a top ten level LSU team on the road and little problems elsewhere, the ‘Dawgs have been one of the most impressive teams in the country to me so far this year. The Kentucky offense is just too one-dimensional, and the UGA defense is just too good. Give me Fromm and Georgia by ten.
Prediction: Georgia 30, Kentucky 20
West Virginia (6-1, 4-1 Big 12) @ Texas (6-2, 4-1 Big Ten) – 3:30 PM ET, FOX
I could use this preview to write about how I predicted Oklahoma State to beat Texas last week, but I wouldn’t do that, would I? Texas was always pretty overrated by the polls and sat in the 20s in my computer rankings. If you don’t remember, I also picked Iowa State to beat West Virginia under very similar circumstances a few weeks back, so both of these teams have fallen victim to the CSD curse, and now, the two face off with the winner receiving an inside track to the Big 12 Championship Game in December. This is essentially a tossup according to my computer model, as West Virginia is a slightly better team but Texas will have the home field edge. I’m going to lean towards the Longhorns here, but if you see this game turn into a shootout, I’d start to feel less confident about that. If Texas can follow the Iowa State formula of just grinding away into this defense, I think they can come out with a win, but it will be close.
Prediction: Texas 33, West Virginia 31
Iowa (6-2, 3-2 Big Ten) @ Purdue (4-4, 3-2 Big Ten) – 3:30 PM ET, ESPN2
With Wisconsin and Purdue losing on Saturday, and the model viewing Northwestern as quite overrated (53rd), Iowa is now the new favorite in the Big Ten West in my view, but with the Hawkeyes traveling to the same spot where Ohio State took a beating a couple weeks back, that inside track may be on thin ice, in fact, Vegas is favoring the Boilermakers at home here. Despite that, I’m going to take Nate Stanley on the road to throw all over a struggling Purdue secondary and defy Vegas’ expectations, leading Iowa to win. Stanley put in a poor performance last week against Penn State, but with the hopes that his injured thumb is improving, I think he will rebound and throw well enough to keep the Boilermakers honest. It will be close, but Iowa will keep their Big Ten West hopes alive.
Prediction: Iowa 31, Purdue 27 <- UPSET ALERT & BEST BET ALERT
Penn State (6-2, 3-2 Big Ten) @ Michigan (7-1, 5-0 Big Ten) – 3:45 PM ET, ESPN
Because of the disrespect that Penn State (who is top ten in both the normal CSD Computer Rankings and the CSD Computer Resume Rankings) is getting from national media, this game isn’t getting enough attention, but this really is a top-ten team traveling to take on a top-five team, so you better keep your eyes glued to ESPN for this one. As much as I think Penn State is underrated by the college football inteligencia, they aren’t winning this game. Michigan has been near perfect since that seven-point road loss to Notre Dame over two months ago, and I think its more than fair to say that if the two teams played tomorrow on a neutral field, Michigan would be favored in Vegas. Shea Patterson and company will put up points, and the Michigan defense, which has been the best in the country thus far, will shut down McSorley and the Nittany Lions. Give me Michigan by seven.
Prediction: Michigan 32, Penn State 25
Missouri (4-4, 0-4 SEC) @ Florida (6-2, 4-2 SEC) – 4 PM ET, SEC Network
Both of these teams are eliminated from the SEC East race, but Missouri is probably right up there with Purdue as the best .500 team in the nation right now. While you may not be interested in this game because of the lack of stakes, I still highly recommend you check it out, because you will get the chance to see Drew Lock go up against the feared Gator secondary and if you enjoy watching potential NFL QBs develop, this will be the game for you, as Lock will be tested like he rarely has been in his college career. In this duel, I’m picking the UF defense to come through and limit Lock’s extraordinary production. I have little to no confidence in the Missouri secondary to do the same after their performances so far this year, the Tigers allow an average of 8.6 yards per pass, tied for 109th in the country with Coastal Carolina and Charlotte. Feleipe Franks will put in a strong day, and Florida will come out with a win.
Prediction: Florida 32, Missouri 26
Utah (6-2, 4-2 Pac-12) @ Arizona State (4-4, 2-3 Pac-12) – 4 PM ET, Pac-12 Network
Let me mention for a second that this is the third straight week where the Pac-12 Network has had a legit must-watch game. That’s kind of crazy. Utah is all but guaranteed the Pac-12 South title with a win here because of the Utes’ victories over Arizona and USC, but that isn’t the only reason why you should watch this one. Utah has been legitimately awesome lately, and I think it is fair to say that the Utes had the best October of any team in the nation. Over the past month, Utah has beaten Stanford, Arizona, USC, and UCLA by a combined score of 164-69, and have made it all the way up to #6 in my CSD Computer Rankings (This judges who the best teams in college football are right now). Arizona State has the home field edge and is a top 25 team in those same rankings, but Utah is just playing too well right now to blow it at this point. Give me Utah by two possessions.
Prediction: Utah 33, Arizona State 24
Alabama (8-0, 5-0 SEC) @ LSU (7-1, 4-1 SEC) – 8 PM ET, CBS
#1 @ #3 in one of the toughest places to play in the country at night, and yet, Alabama is favored in this game by 15 points… and I’ll think they’ll cover that. Let it be known that I do think that LSU is a little overrated by the committee, my computer rates the Tigers as the #7 team in the nation right now (and just the #8 resume), but even if they were a true #3 level team, Alabama is just too good right now. With Tua Tagovailoa at the helm, I think the Crimson Tide could beat any team in the country by double digits at this point. This one will be much higher scoring than previous Bama-LSU games, but the Tide will control it from start to finish and walk away with a 17 point win.
Prediction: Alabama 39, LSU 22
Oklahoma (7-1, 4-1 Big 12) @ Texas Tech (5-3, 3-2 Big 12) – 8 PM ET, ABC
Texas Tech is better than a lot of people are giving them credit for. The Red Raiders rank in the top 25 of the CSD Computer Rankings, and they’ll host an awesome Oklahoma team in primetime. We all know how tough of a place Lubbock is to play and all the horror stories of top ten teams coming to die in the heart of Texas, but I think that this Oklahoma team is just too good to lose to the Red Raiders. Oklahoma and Texas Tech will get into a shootout, and I just don’t have faith in the TTU defense to get any stops against the high powered OU offense that may be the best in the country. The Sooners currently rank 4th in the country in the CSD Computer Rankings, and I expect them to live up to that billing and win by double digits.
Prediction: Oklahoma 48, Texas Tech 36
Tier Two Games (Maybe Watch)
Miami-OH (3-5, 3-1 MAC) @ Buffalo (7-1, 4-0 MAC) – 8 PM ET on Tuesday, 10/30, ESPN2
Prediction: Buffalo 33, Miami-OH 26
Temple (5-3, 4-0 American) @ UCF (7-0, 4-0 American) – 7:30 PM ET on Thursday, 11/1, ESPN
Prediction: UCF 36, Temple 32 <- BEST BET ALERT
Pittsburgh (4-4, 3-1 ACC) @ Virginia (6-2, 4-1 ACC) – 7:30 PM ET on Friday, 11/1, ESPN2
Prediction: Virginia 29, Pittsburgh 22
Colorado (5-3, 2-3 Pac-12) @ Arizona (4-5, 3-3 Pac-12) – 10:30 PM ET on Friday, 11/2, FS1
Prediction: Arizona 33, Colorado 28
Nebraska (2-6, 1-4 Big Ten) @ Ohio State (7-1, 4-1 Big Ten) – 12 PM ET, FOX
Prediction: Ohio State 47, Nebraska 24
Syracuse (6-2, 3-2 ACC) @ Wake Forest (4-4, 1-3 ACC) – 12 PM ET, ACC RSN
Prediction: Syracuse 40, Wake Forest 36
South Carolina (4-3, 3-3 SEC) @ Ole Miss (5-3, 1-3 SEC) – 12 PM ET, SEC Network
Prediction: Ole Miss 36, South Carolina 33 <- UPSET ALERT
Michigan State (5-3, 3-2 Big Ten) @ Maryland (5-3, 3-2 Big Ten) – 12 PM ET, ESPN2
Prediction: Michigan State 26, Maryland 21
Oklahoma State (5-3, 2-3 Big 12) @ Baylor (4-4, 2-3 Big 12) – 12 PM ET, FS1
Prediction: Oklahoma State 39, Baylor 27 <- BEST BET ALERT
Iowa State (4-3, 3-2 Big 12) @ Kansas (3-5, 1-4 Big 12) – 12 PM ET, FSN
Prediction: Iowa State 35, Kansas 16
Memphis (4-4, 1-3 American) @ East Carolina (2-5, 0-4 American) – 12 PM ET, ESPNU
Prediction: Memphis 41, East Carolina 24
Georgia Tech (4-4, 2-3 ACC) @ North Carolina (1-6, 1-4 ACC) – 12:15 PM ET, ACC Network
Prediction: Georgia Tech 33, North Carolina 29
Marshall (5-2, 3-1 C-USA) @ Southern Mississippi (3-4, 2-2 C-USA) – 3 PM ET, Facebook
Prediction: Marshall 25, Southern Mississippi 24
Louisiana (4-4, 2-2 Sun Belt) @ Troy (6-2, 4-0 Sun Belt) – 3:30 PM ET, ESPN+
Prediction: Troy 34, Louisiana 23
Florida State (4-4, 2-4 ACC) @ NC State (5-2, 2-2 ACC) – 3:30 PM ET, ABC
Prediction: NC State 33, Florida State 27
Kansas State (3-5, 1-4 Big 12) @ TCU (3-5, 1-4 Big 12) – 3:30 PM ET, FS1
Prediction: TCU 30, Kansas State 19
Boston College (6-2, 3-1 ACC) @ Virginia Tech (4-3, 3-1 ACC) – 3:45 PM ET, ACC Network
Prediction: Boston College 33, Virginia Tech 29
Houston (7-1, 4-0 American) @ SMU (3-5, 2-2 American) – 7 PM ET, ESPNU
Prediction: Houston 47, SMU 28
Duke (5-3, 1-3 ACC) @ Miami (5-3, 2-2 ACC) – 7 PM ET, ESPN2
Prediction: Miami 28, Duke 22
Notre Dame (8-0) @ Northwestern (5-3) – 7:15 PM ET, ESPN
Prediction: Notre Dame 29, Northwestern 25 <- BEST BET ALERT
UCLA (2-6, 2-3 Pac-12) @ Oregon (5-3, 2-3 Pac-12) – 7:30 PM ET, FOX
Prediction: Oregon 36, UCLA 23
Stanford (5-3, 3-2 Pac-12) @ Washington (6-3, 4-2 Pac-12) – 9 PM ET, Pac-12 Network
Prediction: Washington 31, Stanford 20
BYU (4-4) @ Boise State (6-2) – 10:15 PM ET, ESPN2
Prediction: Boise State 37, BYU 23
California (5-3, 2-3 Pac-12) @ Washington State (7-1, 4-1 Pac-12) – 10:45 PM ET, ESPN
Prediction: Washington State 33, California 24
Tier Three Games (FBS vs FBS)
Kent State (1-7, 0-4 MAC) @ Bowling Green (1-7, 0-4 MAC) – 8 PM ET on Tuesday, 10/30, ESPNU
Prediction: Kent State 27, Bowling Green 26
Ball State (3-6, 2-3 MAC) @ Toledo (4-4, 2-2 MAC) – 7:30 PM ET on Wednesday, 10/31, ESPN2
Prediction: Toledo 38, Ball State 22
Northern Illinois (5-3, 4-0 MAC) @ Akron (4-3, 2-2 MAC) – 7 PM ET on Thursday, 11/1, CBSSN
Prediction: Northern Illinois 23, Akron 17
Ohio (5-3, 3-1 MAC) @ Western Michigan (6-3, 4-1 MAC) – 7 PM ET on Thursday, 11/1, ESPNU
Prediction: Ohio 36, Western Michigan 32 <- UPSET ALERT & BEST BET ALERT
Western Kentucky (1-7, 0-4 C-USA) @ Middle Tennessee (5-3, 4-1 C-USA) – 8 PM ET on Friday, 11/2, CBSSN
Prediction: Middle Tennessee 29, Western Kentucky 19
Louisville (2-6, 0-5 ACC) @ Clemson (8-0, 5-0 ACC) – 12 PM ET, ABC
Prediction: Clemson 50, Louisville 14
Rutgers (1-7, 0-5 Big Ten) @ Wisconsin (5-3, 3-2 Big Ten) – 12 PM ET, BTN
Prediction: Wisconsin 40, Rutgers 10
Air Force (3-5) @ Army (6-2) – 12 PM ET, CBSSN
Prediction: Army 32, Air Force 22
Central Michigan (1-8, 0-5 MAC) @ Eastern Michigan (4-5, 2-3 MAC) – 12 PM ET, ESPN3
Prediction: Eastern Michigan 28, Central Michigan 16
Texas State (2-6, 0-4 Sun Belt) @ Georgia State (2-6, 1-3 Sun Belt) – 2 PM ET, ESPN+
Prediction: Georgia State 29, Texas State 25
San Jose State (1-7, 1-3 MW) @ Wyoming (3-6, 1-4 MW) – 2 PM ET, AT&T Sports Network
Prediction: Wyoming 27, San Jose State 12
South Alabama (2-6, 1-3 Sun Belt) @ Arkansas State (4-4, 1-3 Sun Belt) – 3 PM ET, ESPN+
Prediction: Arkansas State 35, South Alabama 18
Georgia Southern (7-1, 4-0 Sun Belt) @ UL Monroe (4-4, 2-2 Sun Belt) – 3 PM ET, ESPN3
Prediction: Georgia Southern 37, UL Monroe 20 <- BEST BET ALERT
Liberty (4-3) @ UMass (3-6) – 3:30 PM ET, Eleven Sports Network
Prediction: Liberty 38, UMass 37 <- UPSET ALERT
UTEP (0-8, 0-4 C-USA) @ Rice (1-8, 0-5 C-USA) – 3:30 PM ET, ESPN3
Prediction: UTEP 22, Rice 19
Tulane (3-5, 2-2 American) @ South Florida (7-1, 3-1 American) – 3:30 PM ET, CBSSN
Prediction: South Florida 39, Tulane 28 <- BEST BET ALERT
Navy (2-6, 1-3 American) @ Cincinnati (7-1, 3-1 American) – 3:30 PM ET, ESPNU
Prediction: Cincinnati 37, Navy 22
Minnesota (4-4, 1-4 Big Ten) @ Illinois (3-5, 1-4 Big Ten) – 3:30 PM ET, BTN
Prediction: Minnesota 33, Illinois 24
Charlotte (4-4) @ Tennessee (3-5) – 4 PM ET, SEC Network Alternate
Prediction: Tennessee 31, Charlotte 19
Appalachian State (5-2, 3-1 Sun Belt) @ Coastal Carolina (5-3, 2-2 Sun Belt) – 5 PM ET, ESPN+
Prediction: Appalachian State 37, Coastal Carolina 22
UConn (1-7, 0-4 American) @ Tulsa (1-7, 0-4 American) – 7 PM ET, CBSSN
Prediction: Tulsa 34, UConn 16
Louisiana Tech (6-2) @ Mississippi State (5-3) – 7:30 PM ET, SEC Network
Prediction: Mississippi State 33, Louisiana Tech 19 <- BEST BET ALERT
Florida Atlantic (3-5, 1-3 C-USA) @ Florida Intl (6-2, 4-0 C-USA) – 7:30 PM ET, Stadium TV
Prediction: Florida Intl 31, Florida Atlantic 26
UTSA (3-5, 2-2 C-USA) @ UAB (7-1, 5-0 C-USA) – 7:30 PM ET, beIN Sports
Prediction: UAB 32, UTSA 8
USC (4-4, 3-3 Pac-12) @ Oregon State (2-6, 1-4 Pac-12) – 10 PM ET, FS1
Prediction: USC 40, Oregon State 21
San Diego State (6-2, 3-1 MW) @ New Mexico (3-5, 1-3 MW) – 10:15 PM ET, ESPNU
Prediction: San Diego State 33, New Mexico 18
Fresno State (7-1, 4-0 MW) @ UNLV (2-6, 0-4 MW) – 10:30 PM ET, CBSSN
Prediction: Fresno State 41, UNLV 16
Utah State (7-1, 4-0 MW) @ Hawai’i (6-4, 3-2 MW) – 11:59 PM ET, Stadium App
Prediction: Utah State 43, Hawai’i 28
Tier Four Games (FBS vs FCS)
Alcorn State @ New Mexico State (2-7) – 4 PM ET, Fox Sports Arizona
Prediction: New Mexico State