Season: 22-11; last week: 5-2
This is a huge weekend for college football. On Thursday, undefeated but unranked Arizona got it started by taking down Oregon on the road, 31-24. Needless to say, the Wildcats will be ranked Sunday. On Saturday, there are six games between ranked teams. Last Saturday, there were zero. So let's dive in.
No. 6 Texas A&M at No. 12 Mississippi State, Noon ESPN
The SEC West is ridiculous this year. Every team in it might be better than every team in the ACC Coastal Division. Arkansas is probably the worst team and it is looking much improved in its second year under coach Bret Bielema and took Texas A&M into overtime last week before falling. Normally mediocre teams Mississippi State and Ole Miss are undefeated. So this is a huge game for the Bulldogs as they continue to try to arrive on the national scene. Two weeks ago, MSU went into Baton Rouge and beat down LSU, 34-29 (the game was not as close as the score). The Aggies, who were in a dogfight with Arkansas last week, are powered by the passing of sophomore QB Kenny Hill. Meanwhile, MSU is all about the running QB with Dak Prescott. Just a feeling, but at home, I like MSU to take another step forward and pick up a big win.
Mississippi State 35, Texas A&M 31
Virginia Tech at North Carolina, 12:30 p.m. ACC Network
The Tar Heels have one of the worst statistical defenses in the country and have given up 120 points the past two weeks to East Carolina and Clemson. Luckily for them, Virginia Tech does not have a great offense. But I don't think it will matter. I still like the Hokies in a close game.
Virginia Tech 34, North Carolina 30
No. 4 Oklahoma at No. 25 TCU, 3:30 p.m. FOX
Tough games for the Sooners back-to-back weeks on the road. Last week, they won at West Virginia, 45-33. We are going to find out if TCU is as good as its record. The Horned Frogs are 3-0 but have only beaten SMU, Samford, and Minnesota. They have yet to give up more than 14 points in a game. I like Oklahoma because it has been more tested but would not be surprised at all to see TCU trip up the Sooners, who often have at least one questionable loss during the season.
Oklahoma 31, TCU 27
No. 14 Stanford at No. 9 Notre Dame, 3:30 p.m. NBC
Notre Dame has gotten off to a fantastic start behind QB Everett Golson, who has seven TDs and zero INTs, a year after being ruled academically ineligible for the 2013 season. I thought the Irish had picked up a great win over Michigan, 31-0, Sept. 6. The Wolverines have had all sorts of problems since then, though, so that victory is not as impressive. Notre Dame's other wins are over Rice, Purdue, and Syracuse. Stanford, meanwhile, has a close loss to USC and a close win over Washington so far. The Cardinal's schedule has been just better than Notre Dame's. I don't trust the Irish yet to win a game against a tough opponent.
Stanford 20, Notre Dame 17
Game of the week: No. 3 Alabama at No. 11 Ole Miss, 3:30 p.m. CBS
Ole Miss QB Bo Wallace's completion percentage is up 71 percent. The Rebels defense gives up just 8.5 points per game. All that's missing so far this season is a marquee win. Can they get it vs. the Crimson Tide? Alabama has had two weeks to get ready for this game and I think that will be enough for Nick Saban. I just don't trust the Rebels enough yet for them to spring the upset.
Alabama 24, Ole Miss 20
No. 15 LSU at No. 5 Auburn, 7 p.m. ESPN
LSU switched QBs last week and now Brandon Harris is going to be the starter. Anthony Jennings threw two INTs vs. New Mexico State and was benched. A new starting quarterback for a game against a big rival and one as good as Auburn is not a recipe for success for LSU. LSU could have issues on 'D' as well. If it could not stop the Mississippi State offense, that can't bode well for stopping the Gus Malzahn-led Auburn offense.
Auburn 31, LSU 21
Miami at Georgia Tech, 7:30 p.m. ESPN2
The Yellow Jackets are in the drivers' seat for a Coastal Division title after their road win two weeks ago at Virginia Tech and because Duke lost to Miami last week. Miami has improved a lot since losing to Louisville, 31-13, way back in August. Still, I don't think the Hurricanes defense is good enough to slow down the Jackets offense enough to pull out a win.
Georgia Tech 30, Miami 24
No. 19 Nebraska at No. 10 Michigan State, 8 p.m. ABC
Nebraska usually has a few losses per year under Bo Pelini and so I can't trust the Cornhuskers to go into East Lansing and win this game on the road. Nebraska hasn't been as tested as MSU yet and the Spartans went to Oregon and held a lead for awhile on the Ducks.
Michigan State 38, Nebraska 28
Pittsburgh at Virginia, 7:30 p.m. Comcast SportsNet
The importance of this game for Mike London's career cannot be overstated. If Virginia wins to get to 4-2, it just needs to find two more ACC wins to get to 6-6, which I think would be enough to save London's job. A loss would drop the Cavaliers to 3-3 and I think it is harder to locate three wins after this game Virginia would need to get to six. Not to mention the confidence boost a win would provide and, conversely, the positive feelings that would be dashed with a loss.
UVa comes into this contest getting respect. The Cavaliers are around touchdown favorites. I have to think it has been awhile since Virginia was favored in an ACC game. Greyson Lambert is a game-time decision after hurting his ankle vs. BYU two weeks ago. Matt Johns filled in for him last week against Kent State and performed pretty well. The good news is that I feel pretty confident with either under center. They are both better than David Watford was last season.
Virginia finally got its running game going a little bit vs. the Flashes, accumulating 254 yards. The
going will be tougher against Pittsburgh, which is ranked 24th against the run in the country and 23rd in points allowed per game at 18. But, Virginia beat Louisville, which is ranked first against the run, and gained 114 yards on the ground. So, I think Virginia can get something going on the ground against Pitt.
The Panthers started out the season 3-0 with wins over Delaware, Boston College, and Florida International. The BC win looked especially impressive after the Eagles upset USC the next week. Pittsburgh started to look vulnerable, though, against FIU, getting down 16-0 before winning, 42-25. After that, Pitt traveled to Iowa and was up 17-7 at halftime but it unraveled after that and the Panthers lost to the Hawkeyes, 24-20. Last week, Pittsburgh played its worst game of the season in a 21-10 loss to Akron.
The Panthers have a very strong rushing attack, ranked 16th in the country, which is led by James Conner, a big 6-foot-2, 250-pound sophomore. He has the ability to gash the Cavaliers and hopefully UVa has shored up some of the holes that were present during the first half of the Kent State game. UVa will have to limit Connor on first and second downs and not let him move the sticks at will. Virginia needs to get Pittsburgh in 3rd and 4 and longer situations. In those cases, I'd expect the Panthers to pass, and that is where they are weaker, ranking just 114th in the nation in passing yards. Sophomore QB Chad Voytik has completed 60.2 percent of his passes for 754 yards, six touchdowns, and four picks. He's thrown one pick in each of his last four games. When Pittsburgh needs to pass, UVa needs to watch for sophomore WR Tyler Boyd, one of the ACC's best receivers. This week, it seemed like either Maurice Canady or Demetrious Nicholson was going to guard Boyd. I'd prefer for Canady to draw the assignment. He's been a really solid defender and Nicholson has been OK during his career, but is rusty as this is just his second game back from a turf toe injury.
This is a big opportunity for the Cavaliers to get to 2-0 in the ACC. The Louisville game seemed big because the Cardinals were ranked. But because the Wahoos won that one, this game is now the biggest of London's career. I could see a win sending the Cavaliers to a 2011-type season. A loss could send the season spiraling out of control. UVa needs to seize the opportunity and come out ready to play. I think the sense of urgency will be apparent for Virginia. Last week, the team came out slow and now the Cavs know what can happen when they aren't in the game mentally early. I think the players won't let that happen this week. Plus, they know this is a big game and motivation shouldn't be a problem. I think Virginia will slow Conner enough, get at least one turnover to change the tone of the game, and the offense won't reinvent the wheel but will be just good enough as it has been for much of the year.
Virginia 24, Pittsburgh 21
This is a huge weekend for college football. On Thursday, undefeated but unranked Arizona got it started by taking down Oregon on the road, 31-24. Needless to say, the Wildcats will be ranked Sunday. On Saturday, there are six games between ranked teams. Last Saturday, there were zero. So let's dive in.
No. 6 Texas A&M at No. 12 Mississippi State, Noon ESPN
The SEC West is ridiculous this year. Every team in it might be better than every team in the ACC Coastal Division. Arkansas is probably the worst team and it is looking much improved in its second year under coach Bret Bielema and took Texas A&M into overtime last week before falling. Normally mediocre teams Mississippi State and Ole Miss are undefeated. So this is a huge game for the Bulldogs as they continue to try to arrive on the national scene. Two weeks ago, MSU went into Baton Rouge and beat down LSU, 34-29 (the game was not as close as the score). The Aggies, who were in a dogfight with Arkansas last week, are powered by the passing of sophomore QB Kenny Hill. Meanwhile, MSU is all about the running QB with Dak Prescott. Just a feeling, but at home, I like MSU to take another step forward and pick up a big win.
Mississippi State 35, Texas A&M 31
Virginia Tech at North Carolina, 12:30 p.m. ACC Network
The Tar Heels have one of the worst statistical defenses in the country and have given up 120 points the past two weeks to East Carolina and Clemson. Luckily for them, Virginia Tech does not have a great offense. But I don't think it will matter. I still like the Hokies in a close game.
Virginia Tech 34, North Carolina 30
No. 4 Oklahoma at No. 25 TCU, 3:30 p.m. FOX
Tough games for the Sooners back-to-back weeks on the road. Last week, they won at West Virginia, 45-33. We are going to find out if TCU is as good as its record. The Horned Frogs are 3-0 but have only beaten SMU, Samford, and Minnesota. They have yet to give up more than 14 points in a game. I like Oklahoma because it has been more tested but would not be surprised at all to see TCU trip up the Sooners, who often have at least one questionable loss during the season.
Oklahoma 31, TCU 27
No. 14 Stanford at No. 9 Notre Dame, 3:30 p.m. NBC
Notre Dame has gotten off to a fantastic start behind QB Everett Golson, who has seven TDs and zero INTs, a year after being ruled academically ineligible for the 2013 season. I thought the Irish had picked up a great win over Michigan, 31-0, Sept. 6. The Wolverines have had all sorts of problems since then, though, so that victory is not as impressive. Notre Dame's other wins are over Rice, Purdue, and Syracuse. Stanford, meanwhile, has a close loss to USC and a close win over Washington so far. The Cardinal's schedule has been just better than Notre Dame's. I don't trust the Irish yet to win a game against a tough opponent.
Stanford 20, Notre Dame 17
Game of the week: No. 3 Alabama at No. 11 Ole Miss, 3:30 p.m. CBS
Ole Miss QB Bo Wallace's completion percentage is up 71 percent. The Rebels defense gives up just 8.5 points per game. All that's missing so far this season is a marquee win. Can they get it vs. the Crimson Tide? Alabama has had two weeks to get ready for this game and I think that will be enough for Nick Saban. I just don't trust the Rebels enough yet for them to spring the upset.
Alabama 24, Ole Miss 20
No. 15 LSU at No. 5 Auburn, 7 p.m. ESPN
LSU switched QBs last week and now Brandon Harris is going to be the starter. Anthony Jennings threw two INTs vs. New Mexico State and was benched. A new starting quarterback for a game against a big rival and one as good as Auburn is not a recipe for success for LSU. LSU could have issues on 'D' as well. If it could not stop the Mississippi State offense, that can't bode well for stopping the Gus Malzahn-led Auburn offense.
Auburn 31, LSU 21
Miami at Georgia Tech, 7:30 p.m. ESPN2
The Yellow Jackets are in the drivers' seat for a Coastal Division title after their road win two weeks ago at Virginia Tech and because Duke lost to Miami last week. Miami has improved a lot since losing to Louisville, 31-13, way back in August. Still, I don't think the Hurricanes defense is good enough to slow down the Jackets offense enough to pull out a win.
Georgia Tech 30, Miami 24
No. 19 Nebraska at No. 10 Michigan State, 8 p.m. ABC
Nebraska usually has a few losses per year under Bo Pelini and so I can't trust the Cornhuskers to go into East Lansing and win this game on the road. Nebraska hasn't been as tested as MSU yet and the Spartans went to Oregon and held a lead for awhile on the Ducks.
Michigan State 38, Nebraska 28
Pittsburgh at Virginia, 7:30 p.m. Comcast SportsNet
The importance of this game for Mike London's career cannot be overstated. If Virginia wins to get to 4-2, it just needs to find two more ACC wins to get to 6-6, which I think would be enough to save London's job. A loss would drop the Cavaliers to 3-3 and I think it is harder to locate three wins after this game Virginia would need to get to six. Not to mention the confidence boost a win would provide and, conversely, the positive feelings that would be dashed with a loss.
UVa comes into this contest getting respect. The Cavaliers are around touchdown favorites. I have to think it has been awhile since Virginia was favored in an ACC game. Greyson Lambert is a game-time decision after hurting his ankle vs. BYU two weeks ago. Matt Johns filled in for him last week against Kent State and performed pretty well. The good news is that I feel pretty confident with either under center. They are both better than David Watford was last season.
Virginia finally got its running game going a little bit vs. the Flashes, accumulating 254 yards. The
The Panthers started out the season 3-0 with wins over Delaware, Boston College, and Florida International. The BC win looked especially impressive after the Eagles upset USC the next week. Pittsburgh started to look vulnerable, though, against FIU, getting down 16-0 before winning, 42-25. After that, Pitt traveled to Iowa and was up 17-7 at halftime but it unraveled after that and the Panthers lost to the Hawkeyes, 24-20. Last week, Pittsburgh played its worst game of the season in a 21-10 loss to Akron.
The Panthers have a very strong rushing attack, ranked 16th in the country, which is led by James Conner, a big 6-foot-2, 250-pound sophomore. He has the ability to gash the Cavaliers and hopefully UVa has shored up some of the holes that were present during the first half of the Kent State game. UVa will have to limit Connor on first and second downs and not let him move the sticks at will. Virginia needs to get Pittsburgh in 3rd and 4 and longer situations. In those cases, I'd expect the Panthers to pass, and that is where they are weaker, ranking just 114th in the nation in passing yards. Sophomore QB Chad Voytik has completed 60.2 percent of his passes for 754 yards, six touchdowns, and four picks. He's thrown one pick in each of his last four games. When Pittsburgh needs to pass, UVa needs to watch for sophomore WR Tyler Boyd, one of the ACC's best receivers. This week, it seemed like either Maurice Canady or Demetrious Nicholson was going to guard Boyd. I'd prefer for Canady to draw the assignment. He's been a really solid defender and Nicholson has been OK during his career, but is rusty as this is just his second game back from a turf toe injury.
This is a big opportunity for the Cavaliers to get to 2-0 in the ACC. The Louisville game seemed big because the Cardinals were ranked. But because the Wahoos won that one, this game is now the biggest of London's career. I could see a win sending the Cavaliers to a 2011-type season. A loss could send the season spiraling out of control. UVa needs to seize the opportunity and come out ready to play. I think the sense of urgency will be apparent for Virginia. Last week, the team came out slow and now the Cavs know what can happen when they aren't in the game mentally early. I think the players won't let that happen this week. Plus, they know this is a big game and motivation shouldn't be a problem. I think Virginia will slow Conner enough, get at least one turnover to change the tone of the game, and the offense won't reinvent the wheel but will be just good enough as it has been for much of the year.
Virginia 24, Pittsburgh 21
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