There are lots of really good matchups in college football Saturday. Some are ACC games, some are top-25 games, some are a crossover, like Clemson hosting Notre Dame. Some will just be fun to watch. Some will be played in rain and wind caused by Hurricane Joaquin. I would like nothing more than to veg out in front of the TV, eating nachos and chips and salsa all day watching these games. Alas, I live a copy editor's life and will be getting some of these in the paper while the games are on, two at a time. So I'll sort of get to watch. Let's get to the picks.
Last week: 4-4 Overall: 23-13
Pittsburgh at Virginia Tech, Noon CSN
Virginia Tech still had its offense going last week in the rain at East Carolina, but the defense let it down in a 35-28 loss. This week, the 2-2 Hokies return to Blacksburg for a game against longtime rival Pittsburgh, which was off last week after losing to Iowa by three. Pitt features All-ACC wideout Tyler Boyd and he is very good. I am worried about the Tech defense covering him without cornerback Kendall Fuller, who had surgery this week on a knee and is out for the season. However, the Panthers are without last year's ACC player of the year, running back James Conner, who is also out for the season with a torn MCL. That should make Pitt easier to defend, though it has been making due with a committee at the position led by Qadree Ollison, whose production has dropped each week after the Panthers' first game. Pitt hasn't been too impressive so far, barely beating Youngstown State before also struggling somewhat against Akron in a victory. Its loss at Iowa was probably the best it's played. Pitt has gone to more of a passing attack with Nate Petersen at QB, though Chad Voytik, who has some athleticism and ran for 118 yards against the Hokies last year in a 21-16 win, is expected to see some time as well. The Tech 'D' was ripped up last week by ECU's running QB, James Summers, who gained 169 yards. Pitt has won five of the past six in the series, but is only 1-5 in Blacksburg. I like Tech to rebound, barely.
Virginia Tech 24, Pittsburgh 21
No. 23 West Virginia at No. 15 Oklahoma, Noon Fox Sports 1
Oklahoma has been a little more challenged, having to come back at Tennessee for a win. The other wins for the Sooners came against Tulsa and Akron. WVU is undefeated, too, having blown out Maryland, Georgia Southern, and Liberty. I like the Sooners over the Mountaineers in a high-scoring affair. Last year WVU lost, 45-33, in Morgantown.
Oklahoma 38, West Virginia 34
Minnesota at No. 16 Northwestern, Noon Big Ten Network
Always gotta get a pick out for the Gophers' game for my Lynchburg friend Ryan Pronk, who is a big fan. They are 3-1 and the Wildcats are 4-0. Both opened the season with impressive showings, Minnesota almost knocking off TCU and Northwestern stifling Stanford, briefly showing the Cardinal the top-25 exit. However, since, Minnesota has just three three-point wins, over Colorado State, Kent State, and Ohio. Northwestern has a solid win over Duke, but struggled against Ball State. I think it'll be a defensive battle as the offenses haven't done much yet. I'll give Northwestern the edge at home.
Northwestern 23, Minnesota 17
Iowa at No. 19 Wisconsin, Noon ESPN
Iowa is undefeated but unranked, with a list of victories that includes Illinois State, Iowa State, Pittsburgh, and North Texas. In the last game in that list, the Hawkeyes scored 62 points. The Badgers have barely had to break a sweat after a 35-17 loss to Alabama, beating Miami (Ohio), Troy, and Hawaii by a combined score of 114-3. Both teams want to run the ball and both have top-12 rushing defenses. I like Wisconsin at home.
Wisconsin 27, Iowa 20
Louisville at N.C. State, 12:30 p.m. ESPN3.com
It's hard for me to believe Louisville is 1-3 bad, with only a win over Samford to show for its effort. The Cardinals almost came back on Auburn to start the year, and yes, Auburn has proven to be not very good since then. But Louisvlle should have beaten Houston as well and also lost at home against Clemson by three. The Wolfpack might be good, and were expected to be pretty good, but hasn't played anyone of note yet, but I'll note them anyway because that's what I do in this space: Troy, Eastern Kentucky, ODU, South Alabama. Ew. I like Louisville in a mild upset.
Louisville 30, N.C. State 27
No. 1 Ohio State at Indiana, 3:30 p.m. ABC/ESPN2
Why is this game here, you ask? OSU will kill Indiana, right? The Hoosiers are traditionally among the worst squads in FBS and even lost to Virginia twice over the past eight years, which, as we know, have not been very kind to the Hoos. Don't look now, but Indiana is actually 4-0 for the first time in 25 years. The wins are not that impressive, though: Southern Illinois, Florida International, Western Kentucky, and Wake Forest, with only the FIU victory coming by double digits. I do think the Buckeyes will welcome the Hoosiers to big-boy football. It might be interesting early. The Buckeyes' struggles have been well documented.
Ohio State 38, Indiana 17
Boston College at Duke, 3:30 p.m. ESPN3.com
BC survived last week, 17-14, over Northern Illinois but is limited on offense to mostly a ground attack after the season-ending injury to Darius Wade against FSU two weeks ago. Duke ranks 29th in rush defense in the nation. After stalling Georgia Tech's high-powered attack last week to just 20 points, I like the Blue Devils.
Duke 27, Boston College 17
North Carolina at Georgia Tech, 3:30 p.m. ESPNU
Georgia Tech must have used smoke and mirrors in its first two wins over Alabama A&M (69 points) and Tulane (65) because it tricked everyone. Since, the Jackets have fallen short against Notre Dame and Duke. UNC lost to a bad-looking South Carolina team to open the season and has since then run off victories over North Carolina A&T, Illinois, and Delaware, so it is difficult to assess the Tar Heels. Last year, UNC won at home, 48-43, when it had zero defense. Gene Chizik is working to turn around the Heels' 'D' this season. I think Georgia Tech will get back on track in Atlanta, though.
Georgia Tech 31, North Carolina 27
No. 13 Alabama at No. 8 Georgia, 3:30 p.m. CBS
Alabama is the underdog in a game for the first time since the 2009 SEC championship against Florida, which it won. Georgia is undefeated but has played Louisiana-Monroe, Vanderbilt, South Carolina, and Southern. The Tide lost at home to Ole Miss two weeks ago, 43-37. It has had trouble in recent seasons with teams that love to pass and spread the ball around. I don't think the Bulldogs are that. Their strength is on the ground with tailback Nick Chubb, even though Virginia transfer QB Greyson Lambert has been impressive. I will be very impressed if he does it against 'Bama, but for now, I like the Tide.
Alabama 35, Georgia 31
Texas Tech at No. 5 Baylor, 3:30 p.m. ABC/ESPN2
This will most undoubtedly be an entertaining game. The over-under is about 88-89 points, so we can expect tons of scoring. The weather in Waco is looking nice, too, so no rain or wind will be affecting the throws that will be hurtled by the offenses in crazy numbers. The Bears have yet to put up fewer than 56 points in beating SMU, Lamar, and Rice. The Red Raiders have one loss, last week to TCU, in a wild 55-52 game that was the highlight of the weekend. Tech has scored no fewer than 35 points in getting out to a 3-1 record. Baylor is the better team, but Texas Tech should put up some points.
Baylor 49, Texas Tech 34
No. 3 Ole Miss at No. 25 Florida, 7 p.m. ESPN
The Rebels of course picked up the huge road victory two weeks ago at Alabama, announcing themselves as a playoff contender. Florida is looking solid under first-year coach Jim McElwain, but has a long ways to go. The Gators are undefeated, but three of the wins have come by seven against ECU, five against Kentucky, and one vs. Tennessee. Starting QB Will Grier might be sidelined with an illness, too. I like Ole Miss.
Ole Miss 31, Florida 24
No. 21 Mississippi State at No. 14 Texas A&M, 7:30 p.m. SEC Network
The Bulldogs are looking strong again at 3-1, with just one loss, by two, to LSU. The Aggies are undefeated and have a very good offense. Last week, both teams struggled in games they should have won by more -- MSU vs. Auburn and Texas A&M vs. Arkansas. I like the Aggies at home in what should be a high-scoring game that might be close.
Texas A&M 38, Mississippi State 28
No. 6 Notre Dame at No. 12 Clemson, 8 p.m. ABC
Both teams come in undefeated, but like many other big games early in the season, it is hard to get a handle right now on just how good these teams are. The Fighting Irish's wins have come against Texas, Virginia, Georgia Tech, and UMass. Only the Tech win was looking good, but now, not so sure. Clemson has beaten Wofford, Appalachian State, and Louisville, barely, before a bye week. Notre Dame has a better rushing attack, which might come in handy if the weather is bad, which it is most likely to be, thanks to Joaquin. I like the Tigers, though, to pull out a big win at Death Valley. Notre Dame backuo QB DeShone Kizer has yet to experience the atmosphere he's walking into.
Clemson 31, Notre Dame 28
Last week: 4-4 Overall: 23-13
Pittsburgh at Virginia Tech, Noon CSN
Virginia Tech still had its offense going last week in the rain at East Carolina, but the defense let it down in a 35-28 loss. This week, the 2-2 Hokies return to Blacksburg for a game against longtime rival Pittsburgh, which was off last week after losing to Iowa by three. Pitt features All-ACC wideout Tyler Boyd and he is very good. I am worried about the Tech defense covering him without cornerback Kendall Fuller, who had surgery this week on a knee and is out for the season. However, the Panthers are without last year's ACC player of the year, running back James Conner, who is also out for the season with a torn MCL. That should make Pitt easier to defend, though it has been making due with a committee at the position led by Qadree Ollison, whose production has dropped each week after the Panthers' first game. Pitt hasn't been too impressive so far, barely beating Youngstown State before also struggling somewhat against Akron in a victory. Its loss at Iowa was probably the best it's played. Pitt has gone to more of a passing attack with Nate Petersen at QB, though Chad Voytik, who has some athleticism and ran for 118 yards against the Hokies last year in a 21-16 win, is expected to see some time as well. The Tech 'D' was ripped up last week by ECU's running QB, James Summers, who gained 169 yards. Pitt has won five of the past six in the series, but is only 1-5 in Blacksburg. I like Tech to rebound, barely.
Virginia Tech 24, Pittsburgh 21
No. 23 West Virginia at No. 15 Oklahoma, Noon Fox Sports 1
Oklahoma has been a little more challenged, having to come back at Tennessee for a win. The other wins for the Sooners came against Tulsa and Akron. WVU is undefeated, too, having blown out Maryland, Georgia Southern, and Liberty. I like the Sooners over the Mountaineers in a high-scoring affair. Last year WVU lost, 45-33, in Morgantown.
Oklahoma 38, West Virginia 34
Minnesota at No. 16 Northwestern, Noon Big Ten Network
Always gotta get a pick out for the Gophers' game for my Lynchburg friend Ryan Pronk, who is a big fan. They are 3-1 and the Wildcats are 4-0. Both opened the season with impressive showings, Minnesota almost knocking off TCU and Northwestern stifling Stanford, briefly showing the Cardinal the top-25 exit. However, since, Minnesota has just three three-point wins, over Colorado State, Kent State, and Ohio. Northwestern has a solid win over Duke, but struggled against Ball State. I think it'll be a defensive battle as the offenses haven't done much yet. I'll give Northwestern the edge at home.
Northwestern 23, Minnesota 17
Iowa at No. 19 Wisconsin, Noon ESPN
Iowa is undefeated but unranked, with a list of victories that includes Illinois State, Iowa State, Pittsburgh, and North Texas. In the last game in that list, the Hawkeyes scored 62 points. The Badgers have barely had to break a sweat after a 35-17 loss to Alabama, beating Miami (Ohio), Troy, and Hawaii by a combined score of 114-3. Both teams want to run the ball and both have top-12 rushing defenses. I like Wisconsin at home.
Wisconsin 27, Iowa 20
Louisville at N.C. State, 12:30 p.m. ESPN3.com
It's hard for me to believe Louisville is 1-3 bad, with only a win over Samford to show for its effort. The Cardinals almost came back on Auburn to start the year, and yes, Auburn has proven to be not very good since then. But Louisvlle should have beaten Houston as well and also lost at home against Clemson by three. The Wolfpack might be good, and were expected to be pretty good, but hasn't played anyone of note yet, but I'll note them anyway because that's what I do in this space: Troy, Eastern Kentucky, ODU, South Alabama. Ew. I like Louisville in a mild upset.
Louisville 30, N.C. State 27
No. 1 Ohio State at Indiana, 3:30 p.m. ABC/ESPN2
Why is this game here, you ask? OSU will kill Indiana, right? The Hoosiers are traditionally among the worst squads in FBS and even lost to Virginia twice over the past eight years, which, as we know, have not been very kind to the Hoos. Don't look now, but Indiana is actually 4-0 for the first time in 25 years. The wins are not that impressive, though: Southern Illinois, Florida International, Western Kentucky, and Wake Forest, with only the FIU victory coming by double digits. I do think the Buckeyes will welcome the Hoosiers to big-boy football. It might be interesting early. The Buckeyes' struggles have been well documented.
Ohio State 38, Indiana 17
Boston College at Duke, 3:30 p.m. ESPN3.com
BC survived last week, 17-14, over Northern Illinois but is limited on offense to mostly a ground attack after the season-ending injury to Darius Wade against FSU two weeks ago. Duke ranks 29th in rush defense in the nation. After stalling Georgia Tech's high-powered attack last week to just 20 points, I like the Blue Devils.
Duke 27, Boston College 17
North Carolina at Georgia Tech, 3:30 p.m. ESPNU
Georgia Tech must have used smoke and mirrors in its first two wins over Alabama A&M (69 points) and Tulane (65) because it tricked everyone. Since, the Jackets have fallen short against Notre Dame and Duke. UNC lost to a bad-looking South Carolina team to open the season and has since then run off victories over North Carolina A&T, Illinois, and Delaware, so it is difficult to assess the Tar Heels. Last year, UNC won at home, 48-43, when it had zero defense. Gene Chizik is working to turn around the Heels' 'D' this season. I think Georgia Tech will get back on track in Atlanta, though.
Georgia Tech 31, North Carolina 27
No. 13 Alabama at No. 8 Georgia, 3:30 p.m. CBS
Alabama is the underdog in a game for the first time since the 2009 SEC championship against Florida, which it won. Georgia is undefeated but has played Louisiana-Monroe, Vanderbilt, South Carolina, and Southern. The Tide lost at home to Ole Miss two weeks ago, 43-37. It has had trouble in recent seasons with teams that love to pass and spread the ball around. I don't think the Bulldogs are that. Their strength is on the ground with tailback Nick Chubb, even though Virginia transfer QB Greyson Lambert has been impressive. I will be very impressed if he does it against 'Bama, but for now, I like the Tide.
Alabama 35, Georgia 31
Texas Tech at No. 5 Baylor, 3:30 p.m. ABC/ESPN2
This will most undoubtedly be an entertaining game. The over-under is about 88-89 points, so we can expect tons of scoring. The weather in Waco is looking nice, too, so no rain or wind will be affecting the throws that will be hurtled by the offenses in crazy numbers. The Bears have yet to put up fewer than 56 points in beating SMU, Lamar, and Rice. The Red Raiders have one loss, last week to TCU, in a wild 55-52 game that was the highlight of the weekend. Tech has scored no fewer than 35 points in getting out to a 3-1 record. Baylor is the better team, but Texas Tech should put up some points.
Baylor 49, Texas Tech 34
No. 3 Ole Miss at No. 25 Florida, 7 p.m. ESPN
The Rebels of course picked up the huge road victory two weeks ago at Alabama, announcing themselves as a playoff contender. Florida is looking solid under first-year coach Jim McElwain, but has a long ways to go. The Gators are undefeated, but three of the wins have come by seven against ECU, five against Kentucky, and one vs. Tennessee. Starting QB Will Grier might be sidelined with an illness, too. I like Ole Miss.
Ole Miss 31, Florida 24
No. 21 Mississippi State at No. 14 Texas A&M, 7:30 p.m. SEC Network
The Bulldogs are looking strong again at 3-1, with just one loss, by two, to LSU. The Aggies are undefeated and have a very good offense. Last week, both teams struggled in games they should have won by more -- MSU vs. Auburn and Texas A&M vs. Arkansas. I like the Aggies at home in what should be a high-scoring game that might be close.
Texas A&M 38, Mississippi State 28
No. 6 Notre Dame at No. 12 Clemson, 8 p.m. ABC
Both teams come in undefeated, but like many other big games early in the season, it is hard to get a handle right now on just how good these teams are. The Fighting Irish's wins have come against Texas, Virginia, Georgia Tech, and UMass. Only the Tech win was looking good, but now, not so sure. Clemson has beaten Wofford, Appalachian State, and Louisville, barely, before a bye week. Notre Dame has a better rushing attack, which might come in handy if the weather is bad, which it is most likely to be, thanks to Joaquin. I like the Tigers, though, to pull out a big win at Death Valley. Notre Dame backuo QB DeShone Kizer has yet to experience the atmosphere he's walking into.
Clemson 31, Notre Dame 28
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