#20 Clemson Tigers @ Pittsburgh Panthers
Just a few weeks ago, Pittsburgh (7-2) was undefeated and had its eyes set on the ACC Championship Game. Now, the Panthers are looking to spoil Clemson’s (7-2) season. Pitt started the year with seven wins before being thumped by SMU two weeks ago. Last week, the Panthers held a 13-7 lead at halftime against Virginia but were outscored 17-6 en route to their second loss in a row. Clemson rebounded from its home loss to Louisville by taking down Virginia Tech in Blacksburg. Both teams need help to reach the ACC Championship, but Clemson has a more realistic path. As they fight to stay relevant in both the ACC and CFP, the Tigers score a late touchdown to keep their dreams alive for another week.
Prediction: 30-24, Clemson
#23 Missouri Tigers @ #21 South Carolina Gamecocks
These two teams may be close in the College Football Playoff rankings, but the Gamecocks (6-3) have looked like a far better team as of late. Two of their losses have come by three points or less — 36-33 vs. LSU and 27-25 @ Alabama — and they are currently riding a three-game winning streak in which they’ve outscored their opponents by 71 points. Meanwhile, Missouri (7-2) has been throttled by two of the three good teams it has played — losing Texas A&M (41-10) and Alabama (34-0). The Gamecocks are unlikely to make a run towards the CFP’s top 12, but they have an opportunity to add two ranked wins to their résumé. Dominant wins over Missouri and Clemson could make things interesting.
Prediction: 37-16, South Carolina
Arizona State Sun Devils @ #16 Kansas State Wildcats
Ah, a classic Big 12 showdown between Arizona State (7-2) and Kansas State (7-2). Of the four former Pac-12 teams that joined the Big 12 this season, ASU had the lowest expectations by a mile. Now, the Sun Devils enter this showdown with a chance to not only ruin K-State’s season but also vault into the CFP rankings. Both of ASU’s losses have come on the road and the Wildcats are undefeated at home. K-State suffered a surprising loss to Houston last week, but it enters this matchup as an 8.5-point favorite. We are taking the upset.
Prediction: 31-30, Arizona State
#7 Tennessee Volunteers @ #12 Georgia Bulldogs
For the first time in a while, the Bulldogs (7-2) will be playing with their backs up against the wall. Entering the week, Georgia finds itself on the outside looking in of the CFP bracket. Kirby Smart’s team was handled last week by Ole Miss and cannot afford to lose again. A win over Tennessee (8-1) would put the team in position to reach the CFP. For the Volunteers, a win over Georgia would likely cement a spot in the field as they also have a victory over Alabama. The Vols are one of three teams in the SEC with one loss but they would secure a spot in the SEC Championship by going 3-0 to end the year. However, Georgia will not lose two in a row.
Prediction: 21-17, Georgia
Utah Utes @ #17 Colorado Buffaloes
Can the Buffaloes (7-2) reach the College Football Playoff? Before the season, most pundits thought Colorado would be a middle-of-the-road team in the Big 12. Meanwhile, Utah (4-5) was dubbed the favorite to win the conference and appear in the CFP. Through nine games, Colorado is the team threatening to win the Big 12, and the Utes are mired in a season from hell. Following their 18-point loss to Nebraska in Week 2, the Buffs have improved tremendously and have gone 6-1 — their second loss came against Kansas State, 31-28. Utah is coming off a heartbreaking loss to No. 6 BYU. These teams are closer than their records suggest, but Colorado should be able to continue its roll.
Prediction: 24-13, Colorado
