Week 9 College Football Preview
By Matt Hetzler 10/26/16
Below are 15 games that are on my slate of games to watch. Tyler (Mr. Arena Fanatic) and I will give our predictions for each game. Here we go!
Tyler’s totals after week 8: 75/120 (63%)
Matt’s totals after week 8: 75/120 (63%)
Quick Hits:
25 Virginia Tech (5-2) (-3.5) @ Pitt (5-2)
Jerod Evans is playing lights out this season for the Hokies. Evans should be able to exploit the Pitt D with his dual threat talent. McMillan will benefit from Evans being able to use his feet. Pitt has a solid run defense, allowing only 97 yards a game. On the flip side, the VT defense is nasty! VT will have it’s hands full with James Connor in the run game. Nathan Peterman will be the key for a Pitt win. VT shut down Kaaya last week so I will go with the Hokies yet again.
Tyler’s pick: Pitt 30-27
Matt’s pick: Virginia Tech 28-21
22 Navy (5-1) @ South Florida (6-2) (-8)
This will be a high scoring affair in Tampa. USF will look to bounce back from a loss at Temple. Quinton Flowers was shaken up at the end of the game so his status is important. If USF has Flowers and Mack I don’t see Navy keeping up with this Bulls offense on the road. Navy should be able to put up plenty of points and rushing yards on a weak USF defense. WIll Worth could easily have his best game of the season. If the game were played at Navy I would roll with them, but it’s not, Bulls win.
Tyler’s pick: Navy 34-30
Matt’s pick: South Florida 41-38
Cincinnati (4-3) @ Temple (5-3) (-8)
Cincinnati won its first conference game last weekend over ECU. Temple lifted itself to the top of the AAC and controls its destiny. Temple’s offense exploded on USF, something we haven’t really seen this season. The duo of Armstead and Thomas will be too much for the Bearcats D. Gunner Kiel and Kahlil Lewis need to have a similar performance this week if the Bearcats want to win.
Tyler’s pick: Temple 35-18
Matt’s pick: Temple 28-26
Tulsa (5-2) @ Memphis (5-2) (-7)
I would strongly suggest taking the over on these game on Saturday. Tulsa and Memphis have two of the best offenses in the AAC. Tulsa has QB Dane Evans and a ton of skill players. RB’s Flanders and Brewer are having big seasons for Tulsa. Keevan Lucas is one of the best receivers in the country. Riley Ferguson continues to put up big numbers for the Tigers. Doroland Dorceus may have a huge game against this Tulsa run defense. If home-field were switched I would take Tulsa but I’ll go with the home team here.
Tyler’s pick: Tulsa 42-32
Matt’s pick: Memphis 45-38
Ohio (5-3) @ Toledo (6-1) (-16.5)
Toledo QB Logan Woodside is putting up huge numbers for the Rockets. Woodside has 28 passing TD and 2,217 passing yards. Ohio struggles defending the pass at 239 yards per game. Toledo’s defense is also beatable through the air, so expect WR Sebastian Smith to have a solid game. Ohio simply does not have enough playmakers to go toe-to-toe with the Rockets offense.
Tyler’s pick: Toledo 32-30
Matt’s pick: Toledo 38-17
13 Boise State (7-0) (-14) @ Wyoming (5-2)
Boise State survived a scare from the BYU Cougars last Thursday night. Boise was still dominate on the offensive side. Thomas Sperbeck set the record for most receiving yards in Boise State history. Jeremy McNichols continues to put up big numbers. I have some issues with Brett Rypien and his decision making lately. He made some poor throws against BYU and nearly cost his team the victory. Wyoming has been a surprise in the MW. Wyoming has won 3 straight behind the running of Brian Hill. Hill ran for nearly 300 yards leading the Cowboys to a win at Nevada. Wyoming’s defense does give up a lot of points and that scares me against Boise. But I am taking the big upset here, Boise has been flirting with disaster and I think it catches up to them this weekend.
Tyler’s pick: Boise State 38-20
Matt’s pick: Wyoming 38-35
Appalachian State (5-2) (-4.5) @ Georgia Southern (4-3)
Sun Belt title contenders clash in this key conference game. Appalachian State is led by Taylor Lamb and Jalin Moore. Moore has been huge starting for the injured Marcus Cox. Cox may be able to go in this game so that is something worth noting. One thing is for sure, Ga Southern is going to run the ball. Ga Southern has to be able to run the ball to get a win in this matchup. App State has done a solid job stopping the run previous to this game. I like the Mountaineers to get a huge win on the road.
Tyler’s pick: Appalachian State 38-20
Matt’s pick: Appalachian State 27-20
14 Florida (5-1) (-6) vs. Georgia (4-3)
Georgia is having a disappointing season under first year coach Kirby Smart. After a loss to Vandy in the previous game, Georgia could really use a win over Florida. The issue for Georgia is Nick Chubb’s health. Chubb hasn’t appeared to be the same in recent weeks. Jacob Eason is making freshman mistakes and the OL hasn’t been able to protect. Florida’s defense continues to be impressive. Florida is allowing 252 total yards and the defense/special teams are starting to score tons of points. I simply cannot bring myself to pick Georgia this week.
Tyler’s pick: Florida 27-20
Matt’s pick: Florida 24-13
10 West Virginia (6-0) (-3) @ Oklahoma State (5-2)
West Virginia has been one of the biggest surprises of the season. The Mountaineers defense has been surprisingly good at not allowing points. WVU held a very good TCU offense to only 10 points. Skyler Howard has been moving the offense efficiently and the rushing game is dangerous behind Shell. If WVU can run the ball as well as they have been it will be a long day for the Cowboys. Oklahoma State will be the biggest test for the Mountaineers this season. Mason Rudolph is having a monster season behind center. Nearly 2,300 yards and 14 TD to only 2 INT is impressive after 7 games. I expect Oklahoma State to air it out and WR James Washington is going to have a monster game. I like OK State to end WVU’s undefeated season.
Tyler’s pick: Oklahoma State 36-33
Matt’s pick: Oklahoma State 45-31
8 Baylor (6-0) (-2.5) @ Texas (3-4)
Texas returns home where the Longhorns are 3-0 this season. Texas has struggled mightily on the road and need a win against Baylor to turn this season around. Baylor has yet to be tested this season but struggled with Iowa State on the road a couple of weeks ago. Iowa State put up 42 points on a suspect Baylor D. Texas has been horrendous on D and Baylor brings in a well oiled machine. Seth Russell is having another very good season and the rushing game has been potent at 282 yards per game. I worry about Texas and their ability to tackle the athletes of Baylor in space. On the flip side, I think Texas will be able to put up a ton of points against Baylor. Charlie Strong will have his guys ready to go and I expect a win out of Texas this week.
Tyler’s pick: Baylor 45-20
Matt’s pick: Texas 51-45
7 Nebraska (7-0) @ 11 Wisconsin (5-2) (-8)
Tommy Armstrong has Nebraska sitting at 7-0 and has a big chance to potentially clinch a spot in the B1G Championship game. Nebraska will have an almost insurmountable cushion in the B1G West if they can beat Wisconsin. Wisconsin has to be able to key in on Armstrong and not allow him to beat them with his feet. Terrell Newby is another key Husker that the Badgers have to zero in on. Corey Clement has regained his form as an elite runner in the B1G play. I expect this to be another low-scoring affair for a really good Badgers defense. However, I am going to take the Huskers to win this game and roll into Indianapolis.
Tyler’s pick: Nebraska 22-17
Matt’s pick: Nebraska 16-14
Northwestern (4-3) @ 6 Ohio State (6-1) (-21)
The worst thing for NW happened when the Buckeyes went down against Penn State on Saturday. The good news for NW is that Clayton Thorson and Justin Jackson have been playing very good of late. Jackson got off to a slow start but now is clearly going to reach 1,000 yards for the season. J.T. Barrett’s Heisman chances are on life support as of now. Barrett has really struggled the past 3 weeks, a big performance this week can put him back on track. Curtis Samuel needs to touch the ball more for this stagnant Buckeyes offense. Ohio State will come out and play angry, leading to a blowout win.
Tyler’s pick: Ohio State 32-27
Matt’s pick: Ohio State 45-20
15 Auburn (5-2) (-2.5) @ Ole Miss (3-4)
Auburn is red hot heading into this weekend’s game in Oxford. Auburn ran the ball all night long over Arkansas and the defense played one of its best games in a long time. Ole Miss is searching for an answer as to why they have 4 losses. The Rebels have struggled on both sides of the ball and LSU flat out whooped them last week. Ole Miss is going to be missing some key players on the DL and that is going to be important as Auburn is the 3rd ranked rushing team in the country. Ole Miss has to establish a run game if they want to be Auburn. Chad Kelly simply cannot do it all on his own. Auburn’s defense is allowing 14.1 points per game and 328 yards total. Auburn will also likely get Kerryon Johnson back from injury so that adds an extra explosive back to the running game. Auburn is playing its best ball of the season, I don’t think Ole Miss can matchup with Auburn on either side of the ball. I like Auburn to win by double digits yet again.
Tyler’s pick: Auburn 27-26
Matt’s pick: Auburn 38-24
4 Washington (7-0) (-10.5) @ 17 Utah (7-1)
The Huskies are a double digit favorite for Saturday’s showdown with the Utes. This will be the toughest and honestly only test they’ve had thus far. Washington is putting up ridiculous numbers on offense but I expect the Utes D will make some stops. Jake Browning is on some Heisman lists at the moment and needs to continue putting up huge numbers to catch Lamar Jackson. The key to this game will be the Utes run defense. Utah has to stop Myles Gaskin and really make the Huskies a one sided offense. Utah also needs Troy Williams to make good decisions and not put the defense in rough spots. I don’t think Washington is the 4th best team in the country, but they will continue to win this week. Washington gets out of Salt Lake City with a “big” win.
Tyler’s pick: Utah 26-24
Matt’s pick: Washington 35-24
3 Clemson (7-0) (-3) @ 12 Florida State (5-2)
Back in early September this game was expected to be a de facto CFP play in game. FSU has dropped two games since but the Noles could propel themselves back into the talk with a win. Sitting at #12 the Noles enter this game with a must win attitude. Dalvin Cook can also put his name back in the Heisman list with a big performance against the Tigers. FSU needs the OL to play at a high level to protect Francois. Clemson’s front four has been one of the better units in the conference.
Clemson survived a scare in their previous game against NC State. Deshaun Watson has improved his play over the past couple of games. FSU’s secondary will be tested early and often in this game. The Tigers are averaging over 300 yards a game in the air. Keep an eye on Wayne Gallman and how many touches he gets against the Noles. Gallman suffered a concussion in the NC State game. The story of this game will be can FSU stop Watson in the passing game and can the Noles OL hold up against the Tigers rush. An extra week to prepare and must-win status of this game makes me believe the Noles will come out ready to roll in Doak.
Tyler’s pick: Clemson 32-24
Matt’s pick: Florida State 41-38
Tyler’s totals after week 8: 75/120 (63%)
Matt’s totals after week 8: 75/120 (63%)
Quick Hits:
25 Virginia Tech (5-2) (-3.5) @ Pitt (5-2)
Jerod Evans is playing lights out this season for the Hokies. Evans should be able to exploit the Pitt D with his dual threat talent. McMillan will benefit from Evans being able to use his feet. Pitt has a solid run defense, allowing only 97 yards a game. On the flip side, the VT defense is nasty! VT will have it’s hands full with James Connor in the run game. Nathan Peterman will be the key for a Pitt win. VT shut down Kaaya last week so I will go with the Hokies yet again.
Tyler’s pick: Pitt 30-27
Matt’s pick: Virginia Tech 28-21
22 Navy (5-1) @ South Florida (6-2) (-8)
This will be a high scoring affair in Tampa. USF will look to bounce back from a loss at Temple. Quinton Flowers was shaken up at the end of the game so his status is important. If USF has Flowers and Mack I don’t see Navy keeping up with this Bulls offense on the road. Navy should be able to put up plenty of points and rushing yards on a weak USF defense. WIll Worth could easily have his best game of the season. If the game were played at Navy I would roll with them, but it’s not, Bulls win.
Tyler’s pick: Navy 34-30
Matt’s pick: South Florida 41-38
Cincinnati (4-3) @ Temple (5-3) (-8)
Cincinnati won its first conference game last weekend over ECU. Temple lifted itself to the top of the AAC and controls its destiny. Temple’s offense exploded on USF, something we haven’t really seen this season. The duo of Armstead and Thomas will be too much for the Bearcats D. Gunner Kiel and Kahlil Lewis need to have a similar performance this week if the Bearcats want to win.
Tyler’s pick: Temple 35-18
Matt’s pick: Temple 28-26
Tulsa (5-2) @ Memphis (5-2) (-7)
I would strongly suggest taking the over on these game on Saturday. Tulsa and Memphis have two of the best offenses in the AAC. Tulsa has QB Dane Evans and a ton of skill players. RB’s Flanders and Brewer are having big seasons for Tulsa. Keevan Lucas is one of the best receivers in the country. Riley Ferguson continues to put up big numbers for the Tigers. Doroland Dorceus may have a huge game against this Tulsa run defense. If home-field were switched I would take Tulsa but I’ll go with the home team here.
Tyler’s pick: Tulsa 42-32
Matt’s pick: Memphis 45-38
Ohio (5-3) @ Toledo (6-1) (-16.5)
Toledo QB Logan Woodside is putting up huge numbers for the Rockets. Woodside has 28 passing TD and 2,217 passing yards. Ohio struggles defending the pass at 239 yards per game. Toledo’s defense is also beatable through the air, so expect WR Sebastian Smith to have a solid game. Ohio simply does not have enough playmakers to go toe-to-toe with the Rockets offense.
Tyler’s pick: Toledo 32-30
Matt’s pick: Toledo 38-17
13 Boise State (7-0) (-14) @ Wyoming (5-2)
Boise State survived a scare from the BYU Cougars last Thursday night. Boise was still dominate on the offensive side. Thomas Sperbeck set the record for most receiving yards in Boise State history. Jeremy McNichols continues to put up big numbers. I have some issues with Brett Rypien and his decision making lately. He made some poor throws against BYU and nearly cost his team the victory. Wyoming has been a surprise in the MW. Wyoming has won 3 straight behind the running of Brian Hill. Hill ran for nearly 300 yards leading the Cowboys to a win at Nevada. Wyoming’s defense does give up a lot of points and that scares me against Boise. But I am taking the big upset here, Boise has been flirting with disaster and I think it catches up to them this weekend.
Tyler’s pick: Boise State 38-20
Matt’s pick: Wyoming 38-35
Appalachian State (5-2) (-4.5) @ Georgia Southern (4-3)
Sun Belt title contenders clash in this key conference game. Appalachian State is led by Taylor Lamb and Jalin Moore. Moore has been huge starting for the injured Marcus Cox. Cox may be able to go in this game so that is something worth noting. One thing is for sure, Ga Southern is going to run the ball. Ga Southern has to be able to run the ball to get a win in this matchup. App State has done a solid job stopping the run previous to this game. I like the Mountaineers to get a huge win on the road.
Tyler’s pick: Appalachian State 38-20
Matt’s pick: Appalachian State 27-20
14 Florida (5-1) (-6) vs. Georgia (4-3)
Georgia is having a disappointing season under first year coach Kirby Smart. After a loss to Vandy in the previous game, Georgia could really use a win over Florida. The issue for Georgia is Nick Chubb’s health. Chubb hasn’t appeared to be the same in recent weeks. Jacob Eason is making freshman mistakes and the OL hasn’t been able to protect. Florida’s defense continues to be impressive. Florida is allowing 252 total yards and the defense/special teams are starting to score tons of points. I simply cannot bring myself to pick Georgia this week.
Tyler’s pick: Florida 27-20
Matt’s pick: Florida 24-13
10 West Virginia (6-0) (-3) @ Oklahoma State (5-2)
West Virginia has been one of the biggest surprises of the season. The Mountaineers defense has been surprisingly good at not allowing points. WVU held a very good TCU offense to only 10 points. Skyler Howard has been moving the offense efficiently and the rushing game is dangerous behind Shell. If WVU can run the ball as well as they have been it will be a long day for the Cowboys. Oklahoma State will be the biggest test for the Mountaineers this season. Mason Rudolph is having a monster season behind center. Nearly 2,300 yards and 14 TD to only 2 INT is impressive after 7 games. I expect Oklahoma State to air it out and WR James Washington is going to have a monster game. I like OK State to end WVU’s undefeated season.
Tyler’s pick: Oklahoma State 36-33
Matt’s pick: Oklahoma State 45-31
8 Baylor (6-0) (-2.5) @ Texas (3-4)
Texas returns home where the Longhorns are 3-0 this season. Texas has struggled mightily on the road and need a win against Baylor to turn this season around. Baylor has yet to be tested this season but struggled with Iowa State on the road a couple of weeks ago. Iowa State put up 42 points on a suspect Baylor D. Texas has been horrendous on D and Baylor brings in a well oiled machine. Seth Russell is having another very good season and the rushing game has been potent at 282 yards per game. I worry about Texas and their ability to tackle the athletes of Baylor in space. On the flip side, I think Texas will be able to put up a ton of points against Baylor. Charlie Strong will have his guys ready to go and I expect a win out of Texas this week.
Tyler’s pick: Baylor 45-20
Matt’s pick: Texas 51-45
7 Nebraska (7-0) @ 11 Wisconsin (5-2) (-8)
Tommy Armstrong has Nebraska sitting at 7-0 and has a big chance to potentially clinch a spot in the B1G Championship game. Nebraska will have an almost insurmountable cushion in the B1G West if they can beat Wisconsin. Wisconsin has to be able to key in on Armstrong and not allow him to beat them with his feet. Terrell Newby is another key Husker that the Badgers have to zero in on. Corey Clement has regained his form as an elite runner in the B1G play. I expect this to be another low-scoring affair for a really good Badgers defense. However, I am going to take the Huskers to win this game and roll into Indianapolis.
Tyler’s pick: Nebraska 22-17
Matt’s pick: Nebraska 16-14
Northwestern (4-3) @ 6 Ohio State (6-1) (-21)
The worst thing for NW happened when the Buckeyes went down against Penn State on Saturday. The good news for NW is that Clayton Thorson and Justin Jackson have been playing very good of late. Jackson got off to a slow start but now is clearly going to reach 1,000 yards for the season. J.T. Barrett’s Heisman chances are on life support as of now. Barrett has really struggled the past 3 weeks, a big performance this week can put him back on track. Curtis Samuel needs to touch the ball more for this stagnant Buckeyes offense. Ohio State will come out and play angry, leading to a blowout win.
Tyler’s pick: Ohio State 32-27
Matt’s pick: Ohio State 45-20
15 Auburn (5-2) (-2.5) @ Ole Miss (3-4)
Auburn is red hot heading into this weekend’s game in Oxford. Auburn ran the ball all night long over Arkansas and the defense played one of its best games in a long time. Ole Miss is searching for an answer as to why they have 4 losses. The Rebels have struggled on both sides of the ball and LSU flat out whooped them last week. Ole Miss is going to be missing some key players on the DL and that is going to be important as Auburn is the 3rd ranked rushing team in the country. Ole Miss has to establish a run game if they want to be Auburn. Chad Kelly simply cannot do it all on his own. Auburn’s defense is allowing 14.1 points per game and 328 yards total. Auburn will also likely get Kerryon Johnson back from injury so that adds an extra explosive back to the running game. Auburn is playing its best ball of the season, I don’t think Ole Miss can matchup with Auburn on either side of the ball. I like Auburn to win by double digits yet again.
Tyler’s pick: Auburn 27-26
Matt’s pick: Auburn 38-24
4 Washington (7-0) (-10.5) @ 17 Utah (7-1)
The Huskies are a double digit favorite for Saturday’s showdown with the Utes. This will be the toughest and honestly only test they’ve had thus far. Washington is putting up ridiculous numbers on offense but I expect the Utes D will make some stops. Jake Browning is on some Heisman lists at the moment and needs to continue putting up huge numbers to catch Lamar Jackson. The key to this game will be the Utes run defense. Utah has to stop Myles Gaskin and really make the Huskies a one sided offense. Utah also needs Troy Williams to make good decisions and not put the defense in rough spots. I don’t think Washington is the 4th best team in the country, but they will continue to win this week. Washington gets out of Salt Lake City with a “big” win.
Tyler’s pick: Utah 26-24
Matt’s pick: Washington 35-24
3 Clemson (7-0) (-3) @ 12 Florida State (5-2)
Back in early September this game was expected to be a de facto CFP play in game. FSU has dropped two games since but the Noles could propel themselves back into the talk with a win. Sitting at #12 the Noles enter this game with a must win attitude. Dalvin Cook can also put his name back in the Heisman list with a big performance against the Tigers. FSU needs the OL to play at a high level to protect Francois. Clemson’s front four has been one of the better units in the conference.
Clemson survived a scare in their previous game against NC State. Deshaun Watson has improved his play over the past couple of games. FSU’s secondary will be tested early and often in this game. The Tigers are averaging over 300 yards a game in the air. Keep an eye on Wayne Gallman and how many touches he gets against the Noles. Gallman suffered a concussion in the NC State game. The story of this game will be can FSU stop Watson in the passing game and can the Noles OL hold up against the Tigers rush. An extra week to prepare and must-win status of this game makes me believe the Noles will come out ready to roll in Doak.
Tyler’s pick: Clemson 32-24
Matt’s pick: Florida State 41-38
Matt's Top 251. Alabama
2. Michigan 3. Clemson 4. Louisville 5. Washington 6. Nebraska 7. Ohio State 8. West Virginia 9. Texas A&M 10. Baylor 11. Florida State 12. Auburn 13. Wisconsin 14. Boise State 15. Western Michigan 16. LSU 17. Oklahoma 18. Utah 19. Tennessee 20. Colorado 21. Navy 22. Florida 23. Washington State 24. Penn State 25. UNC Matt's Non-Power 5 Top Ten1. Boise State (#14 nationally)
2. Western Michigan (#15 nationally) 3. Navy (#21 nationally) 4. Houston 5. Toledo 6. Temple 7. San Diego State 8. Troy 9. Memphis 10. Appalachian State Matt's Heisman Top Ten1. Lamar Jackson, QB, Louisville
2. Jake Browning, QB, Washington 3. Pat Mahomes, QB, Texas Tech 4. Baker Mayfield, QB, Oklahoma 5. Donnel Pumphrey, RB, San Diego State 6. J.T. Barrett, QB, Ohio State 7. Dalvin Cook, RB, Florida State 8. Deshaun Watson, QB, Clemson 9. Trent Taylor, WR, La Tech 10. Jalen Hurts, QB, Alabama Matt's Playoff and New Years SixPeach Bowl: 4 Louisville vs. 1 Alabama
Fiesta Bowl: 3 Clemson vs. 2 Michigan Orange Bowl: Florida State vs. Nebraska Sugar Bowl: Texas A&M vs. West Virginia Cotton Bowl: Boise State vs. Baylor Rose Bowl: Ohio State vs. Washington |
Tyler's Top 251. Alabama
2. Clemson 3. Michigan 4. Louisville 5. Washington 6. Boise State 7. Baylor 8. Ohio State 9. Nebraska 10. Utah 11. West Virginia 12. Texas A&M 13. Florida State 14. Wisconsin 15. Tennessee 16. Ole Miss 17. Western Michigan 18. Oklahoma 19. Virginia Tech 20. Oklahoma 21. Colorado 22. Auburn 23. Navy 24. Penn State 25. Houston Tyler's Non-Power 5 Top 101. Boise State (#6 Nationally)
2. Western Michigan (#17 Nationally 3. Navy (#23 Nationally) 4. Houston (#25 Nationally) 5. Toledo 6. South Florida 7. Troy 8. App State 9. WKU 10. MTSU Tyler's Heisman Top Ten1. Lamar Jackson, QB, Louisville
2. Donnel Pumphrey, San Deigo State 3. Deshaun Watson, QB, Clemson 4. J.T. Barrett, QB, Ohio State 5. Jeremy McNichols, Boise State 6. Patrick Mahomes, QB, TTU 7. Davis Webb, QB, Cal 8. Ryan Higgins, QB, La Tech 9. Amba Etta-Tawo, WR, Syracuse 10. Trent Taylor, WR, La Tech Tyler's Playoff and New Years SixPeach Bowl: 4 Louisville vs. 1 Alabama
Fiesta Bowl: 2 Clemson vs. 3 Michigan Orange Bowl: Florida State vs. Nebraska Sugar Bowl: Texas A&M vs. Baylor Cotton Bowl: Boise State vs. Utah Rose Bowl: Washington vs. Ohio State |