#4 Ohio State @ #3 Penn State
The biggest game of the weekend will have massive implications for the Big Ten and the College Football Playoff. Due to its loss to Oregon earlier this season, Ohio State’s margin for error is much smaller than Penn State’s. A second loss — albeit to another Top 5 team — would likely leave the Buckeyes needing to win out to reach the 12-team CFP. For the Nittany Lions, a win would solidify their case for reaching the CFP and also boost their odds of appearing in the Big Ten Championship. If QB Drew Allar can’t start for Penn State, the Buckeyes should have a slight advantage. Ohio State has won seven in a row against the Nittany Lions, will the streak grow to eight?
Prediction: 27-16, Ohio State
#1 Oregon @ Michigan
For the first time since 2007, the Ducks and Wolverines will battle. Last year’s National Champion, Michigan, is set to host the No. 1 team in the land. Oregon enters the game on a roll. Following its massive win over Ohio State, Oregon has throttled its last two opponents — including a 38-9 win over No. 20 Illinois last week. Michigan snapped a two-game losing streak last week with an emotional win over Michigan State, but this team is not nearly as imposing as last year’s champs. The crowd should provide the Wolverines with a spark, but Oregon is too talented.
Prediction: 34-14, Oregon
#18 Pittsburgh @ #20 SMU
The ACC has a handful of big games this week, but only one pits two ranked opponents against each other. The undefeated Pittsburgh Panthers are traveling to Dallas to take on the one-loss SMU Mustangs, but it is the Panthers who enter as a relatively large underdog (+7.5). SMU has a dynamic offense led by dual-threat quarterback Kevin Jennings and running back Brashard Smith. SMU’s lone loss came against No. 9 BYU (18-15) and a win against Pitt could result in an 11-1 regular season. As for Pitt, the Panthers have won three games by four points or less. Pitt’s defense has held three of its last four opponents to 17 points or less while the offense has scored 28+ points in six-of-seven games. This game has the potential to be a shootout, but Pitt QB Eli Holstein will be the difference late.
Prediction: 41-38, Pittsburgh
Louisville @ # 11 Clemson
Is Clemson a serious contender? It remains to be seen. The Tigers began the year with an embarrassing 34-3 loss to Georgia but they have responded by winning six in a row. Following a clunker in the opener, Clemson’s offense has scored 40 or more points in five of its six wins. Louisville has three losses to its name, but all three losses have been seven-point defeats against ranked opponents — Notre Dame, SMU, and Miami. The Cardinals have won two in a row on the road and should be able to keep this game close, as well. However, Clemson is a team on a mission right now.
Prediction: 44-31, ClemsonÂ
Duke @ # 5 Miami
The two ACC battles we just discussed are justly receiving a lot of hype, but fans shouldn’t look past the noon kickoff between Duke and Miami. The Blue Devils enter the showdown coming off a brutal loss to SMU in which they battled back from a 14-point deficit in the second half only to lose in overtime on an unsuccessful two-point conversion. Maalik Murphy is a dynamic quarterback who could pose Miami problems and he will need to have a big day if Duke wants to pull off the upset. Miami is led by Cam Ward — a top contender for the Heisman Trophy — and has scored 36+ points in all eight of its wins. Ward and Miami’s two-headed monster at running back will be too much for the Blue Devils to handle.
Prediction: 34-23, Miami
