Week 8 College Football Preview
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 6: 67/105 (64%)
Matt’s totals after week 6: 66/105 (63%)
Quick Hits:
Miami @ Virginia Tech (-6.5)
Virginia Tech hosts Miami in a key ACC Coastal game. Miami enters the game losers of 2 straight (UNC, FSU) and VT was stunned by Syracuse last Saturday. These teams are virtually identical on paper, with a slight advantage to VT on defense. Jerod Evans will be key for the Hokies. Brad Kaaya has been struggling with his accuracy of late and I wouldn’t be surprised if the Hokies forced him into a couple mistakes, leading to a VT win.
Tyler’s pick: Virginia Tech 27-24
Matt’s pick: Virginia Tech 28-19
NC State @ 7 Louisville (-20)
NC State choked away the game at Clemson last week. The kicking game crumbled with the game on the line and ended 1-4 on FG’s. Louisville was tested by Duke last Friday. Lamar Jackson will have something to prove after his “worst” performance of the season. After such an emotional loss at Clemson, I’m not sure the Wolfpack will come prepared to handle this Louisville offense. NC State will need to lean on Matthew Dayes but I’m not sure it will be enough. I like Louisville to roll the Pack.
Tyler’s pick: Louisville 36-20
Matt’s pick: Louisville 45-17
South Florida (-7) @ Temple
Temple will look to stay in the hunt for an AAC title game. Temple pulled out a thrilling win at UCF to stay in the chase. South Florida has been mowing down teams of late. Quinton Flowers is putting up massive numbers. If he were playing for a title contender he would be on Heisman lists. Temple’s D is one of the best in the conference but will be challenged by the balance of the Bulls. USF’s offense is averaging over 500 yards per game. Temple needs Walker to play in this one to give the Owls a chance. I’m taking the upset here.
Tyler’s pick: South Florida 27-26
Matt’s pick: Temple 26-23
Memphis (-2.5) @ 24 Navy
Memphis is quietly one of the better teams in the AAC and this will be a major test for the Tigers. Memphis is strong in the passing game behind Riley Ferguson. Ferguson is completing 66% of his passes and Navy’s D is susceptible to strong passing offenses. Navy’s plan will be to run and grind out the game. Memphis is allowing 140 rushing yards per game but it’s the first time the Tigers will see the option offense this season. I am going with Vegas on this one and taking the Tigers, I really like the balance offensively and the defense is solid.
Tyler’s pick: Navy 30-28
Matt’s pick: Memphis 31-28
Troy (-8.5) @ South Alabama
This could be a potential trap game for the Trojans. South Alabama is 0-3 in Sun Belt play but have wins over Mississippi State and San Diego State. Brandon Silvers has been playing solid for Troy’s offense which is one of the best in Fun Belt play. South Alabama struggles running the ball at only 100 yards per game and Troy’s run D is stout. I don’t expect another South Alabama upset this Thursday night. Troy heads towards 4-0 in the conference play.
Tyler’s pick: Troy 35-24
Matt’s pick: Troy 30-13
BYU @ 14 Boise State (-7.5)
BYU are now winners of 3 straight and have found a rhythm offensively over the past 4 games. Boise has been consistent all year long and find themselves sitting 6-0 with a shot at a NY6 bowl. Boise has a three-headed monster in Rypien, McNichols, Sperbeck. BYU has a chance in this ball game if Hill can move the offense. Jamaal Williams could crack the 1,000 yard mark in this game. Interesting stat: BYU is 6-1 ATS, 4-0 on the road and 5-0 as an underdog. I think BYU keeps that streak going and wins this game.
Tyler’s pick: Boise State 32-30
Matt’s pick: BYU 35-33
Eastern Michigan @ 20 Western Michigan (-23.5)
Eastern Michigan has possibly been the biggest surprise in college football this season. The Eagles are sitting at 5-2 and poised to make a bowl game. WMU continues to dominate and is off to a 7-0 start. The Broncos are starting to look like a team that will end the season undefeated. WMU has Corey Davis with 10 receiving TD. Jarvion Franklin rushed for a record 281 yards last week against Akron. This game will not be close, WMU rolls.
Tyler’s pick: Western Michigan 42-19
Matt’s pick: Western Michigan 49-17
Washington State (-7.5) @ Arizona State
Washington State has started getting into a groove in the past month. The Cougars look like the only challenger for Washington in the PAC-12. Luke Falk didn’t throw a TD pass last Saturday but still won against UCLA. The Cougars D has been playing very well for Coach Leech. Arizona State has allowed 40 or more points in 3 of its last 4 contests. Arizona State will need a huge offensive performance to hang with Wazzou.
Tyler’s pick: Washington State 42-24
Matt’s pick: Washington State 48-30
19 Utah @ UCLA (-7)
Josh Rosen is a game-time decision for Saturday’s showdown. I’m thinking Vegas knows he will play after making the Bruins a 7 pt favorite. Both teams are playing good defense so it will come down to the offense. If Rosen plays it will give the Bruins a boost they lacked against Washington State. QB Troy Williams is playing well for the Utes, but will need to make big plays to lead his team to victory. Utah’s secondary will be the key, if they shut down a talented group of Bruin receivers they will win.
Tyler’s pick: UCLA 28-26
Matt’s pick: UCLA 20-17
TCU @ 12 West Virginia (-5.5)
Defense will be optional in this showdown on Saturday. West Virginia has tons of firepower with QB Skyler Howard. Howard has been lighting up scoreboards and Shelton Gibson is a home-run threat. WVU’s defense has held conference opponents to only 17 pts/game. TCU will be the best offense the Mountaineers have seen thus far. Kenny Hill is having a monster year with 2,142 passing yards. Where Hill has struggled is with turning the ball over. Kyle Hicks could play a big role for the Horned Frogs if they plan on beating WVU. I like what WVU has done, but they haven’t been tested yet. I’m going with TCU to get a big road win.
Tyler’s pick: TCU 42-40
Matt’s pick: TCU 45-43
10 Wisconsin (-3.5) @ Iowa
I’d expect a low scoring slugfest between these two teams this weekend. The winner of this game will be the favorite to win the B1G West. Wisconsin took the mighty Buckeyes to OT on Saturday and Iowa poured it on a helpless Purdue team. There’s been 3 conference games between these two teams with a 14-7 final. Corey Clement had his best game of the season against Ohio State. If Wisconsin wants to win this game they need Clement. Beathard has been playing better of late and it’s because of the rushing attack for Iowa. Wadley and Daniels will need to be huge in this one against a Wisconsin defense that's allowed only 106 rushing yards per game. Tyler and I are on the same page, we like the Hawkeyes at home.
Tyler’s pick: Iowa 22-20
Matt’s pick: Iowa 15-14
2 Ohio State (-20) @ Penn State
Ohio State survived a scare from the Badgers in Madison last Saturday. Back-to-back home wins for Penn State have the Nittany Lions poised for a big upset. QB play will be an issue for Penn State. McSorley will need to play his best game for Penn State to win. J.T. Barrett is looking to continue his push for a Heisman trophy. Ohio State needs a WR to step up and play at a consistent level. This is going to be a “get better” game for the Buckeyes, I like OSU to win big.
Tyler’s pick: Ohio State 40-20
Matt’s pick: Ohio State 41-17
17 Arkansas @ 21 Auburn (-10)
Arkansas pulled off an upset of Ole Miss last weekend and heads to Auburn looking to win another. Auburn is coming off a bye week, which was crucial as Auburn had some guys banged up. Sean White has been a surprise after a slow start to the season. White leads SEC QB’s in completion percentage. (70%) Auburn has a pair of running backs off to a fast start. Kerryon Johnson has been solid all season and Kamryn Pettway is coming off a monster performance against Miss State. Arkansas will have to slow the Tigers run game if they want to win. Austin Allen may be the best QB in the SEC at this point. Allen has 18 TD’s and 1,861 yards passing. Rawleigh Williams is nearing 800 yards rushing for the season. The key in this game is going to be defense. Auburn’s defense has been very good and Carl Lawson is having his best season on the Plains. I give the edge to Auburn defensively and I feel that carries the Tigers to victory.
Tyler’s pick: Arkansas 24-23
Matt’s pick: Auburn 35-24
23 Ole Miss @ 25 LSU (-6)
Tyler’s pick: Ole Miss 32-17
Matt’s pick: LSU 34-31
6 Texas A&M @ 1 Alabama (-18.5)
Tyler’s pick: Alabama 42-27
Matt’s pick: Alabama 38-17
Tyler’s totals after week 6: 67/105 (64%)
Matt’s totals after week 6: 66/105 (63%)
Quick Hits:
Miami @ Virginia Tech (-6.5)
Virginia Tech hosts Miami in a key ACC Coastal game. Miami enters the game losers of 2 straight (UNC, FSU) and VT was stunned by Syracuse last Saturday. These teams are virtually identical on paper, with a slight advantage to VT on defense. Jerod Evans will be key for the Hokies. Brad Kaaya has been struggling with his accuracy of late and I wouldn’t be surprised if the Hokies forced him into a couple mistakes, leading to a VT win.
Tyler’s pick: Virginia Tech 27-24
Matt’s pick: Virginia Tech 28-19
NC State @ 7 Louisville (-20)
NC State choked away the game at Clemson last week. The kicking game crumbled with the game on the line and ended 1-4 on FG’s. Louisville was tested by Duke last Friday. Lamar Jackson will have something to prove after his “worst” performance of the season. After such an emotional loss at Clemson, I’m not sure the Wolfpack will come prepared to handle this Louisville offense. NC State will need to lean on Matthew Dayes but I’m not sure it will be enough. I like Louisville to roll the Pack.
Tyler’s pick: Louisville 36-20
Matt’s pick: Louisville 45-17
South Florida (-7) @ Temple
Temple will look to stay in the hunt for an AAC title game. Temple pulled out a thrilling win at UCF to stay in the chase. South Florida has been mowing down teams of late. Quinton Flowers is putting up massive numbers. If he were playing for a title contender he would be on Heisman lists. Temple’s D is one of the best in the conference but will be challenged by the balance of the Bulls. USF’s offense is averaging over 500 yards per game. Temple needs Walker to play in this one to give the Owls a chance. I’m taking the upset here.
Tyler’s pick: South Florida 27-26
Matt’s pick: Temple 26-23
Memphis (-2.5) @ 24 Navy
Memphis is quietly one of the better teams in the AAC and this will be a major test for the Tigers. Memphis is strong in the passing game behind Riley Ferguson. Ferguson is completing 66% of his passes and Navy’s D is susceptible to strong passing offenses. Navy’s plan will be to run and grind out the game. Memphis is allowing 140 rushing yards per game but it’s the first time the Tigers will see the option offense this season. I am going with Vegas on this one and taking the Tigers, I really like the balance offensively and the defense is solid.
Tyler’s pick: Navy 30-28
Matt’s pick: Memphis 31-28
Troy (-8.5) @ South Alabama
This could be a potential trap game for the Trojans. South Alabama is 0-3 in Sun Belt play but have wins over Mississippi State and San Diego State. Brandon Silvers has been playing solid for Troy’s offense which is one of the best in Fun Belt play. South Alabama struggles running the ball at only 100 yards per game and Troy’s run D is stout. I don’t expect another South Alabama upset this Thursday night. Troy heads towards 4-0 in the conference play.
Tyler’s pick: Troy 35-24
Matt’s pick: Troy 30-13
BYU @ 14 Boise State (-7.5)
BYU are now winners of 3 straight and have found a rhythm offensively over the past 4 games. Boise has been consistent all year long and find themselves sitting 6-0 with a shot at a NY6 bowl. Boise has a three-headed monster in Rypien, McNichols, Sperbeck. BYU has a chance in this ball game if Hill can move the offense. Jamaal Williams could crack the 1,000 yard mark in this game. Interesting stat: BYU is 6-1 ATS, 4-0 on the road and 5-0 as an underdog. I think BYU keeps that streak going and wins this game.
Tyler’s pick: Boise State 32-30
Matt’s pick: BYU 35-33
Eastern Michigan @ 20 Western Michigan (-23.5)
Eastern Michigan has possibly been the biggest surprise in college football this season. The Eagles are sitting at 5-2 and poised to make a bowl game. WMU continues to dominate and is off to a 7-0 start. The Broncos are starting to look like a team that will end the season undefeated. WMU has Corey Davis with 10 receiving TD. Jarvion Franklin rushed for a record 281 yards last week against Akron. This game will not be close, WMU rolls.
Tyler’s pick: Western Michigan 42-19
Matt’s pick: Western Michigan 49-17
Washington State (-7.5) @ Arizona State
Washington State has started getting into a groove in the past month. The Cougars look like the only challenger for Washington in the PAC-12. Luke Falk didn’t throw a TD pass last Saturday but still won against UCLA. The Cougars D has been playing very well for Coach Leech. Arizona State has allowed 40 or more points in 3 of its last 4 contests. Arizona State will need a huge offensive performance to hang with Wazzou.
Tyler’s pick: Washington State 42-24
Matt’s pick: Washington State 48-30
19 Utah @ UCLA (-7)
Josh Rosen is a game-time decision for Saturday’s showdown. I’m thinking Vegas knows he will play after making the Bruins a 7 pt favorite. Both teams are playing good defense so it will come down to the offense. If Rosen plays it will give the Bruins a boost they lacked against Washington State. QB Troy Williams is playing well for the Utes, but will need to make big plays to lead his team to victory. Utah’s secondary will be the key, if they shut down a talented group of Bruin receivers they will win.
Tyler’s pick: UCLA 28-26
Matt’s pick: UCLA 20-17
TCU @ 12 West Virginia (-5.5)
Defense will be optional in this showdown on Saturday. West Virginia has tons of firepower with QB Skyler Howard. Howard has been lighting up scoreboards and Shelton Gibson is a home-run threat. WVU’s defense has held conference opponents to only 17 pts/game. TCU will be the best offense the Mountaineers have seen thus far. Kenny Hill is having a monster year with 2,142 passing yards. Where Hill has struggled is with turning the ball over. Kyle Hicks could play a big role for the Horned Frogs if they plan on beating WVU. I like what WVU has done, but they haven’t been tested yet. I’m going with TCU to get a big road win.
Tyler’s pick: TCU 42-40
Matt’s pick: TCU 45-43
10 Wisconsin (-3.5) @ Iowa
I’d expect a low scoring slugfest between these two teams this weekend. The winner of this game will be the favorite to win the B1G West. Wisconsin took the mighty Buckeyes to OT on Saturday and Iowa poured it on a helpless Purdue team. There’s been 3 conference games between these two teams with a 14-7 final. Corey Clement had his best game of the season against Ohio State. If Wisconsin wants to win this game they need Clement. Beathard has been playing better of late and it’s because of the rushing attack for Iowa. Wadley and Daniels will need to be huge in this one against a Wisconsin defense that's allowed only 106 rushing yards per game. Tyler and I are on the same page, we like the Hawkeyes at home.
Tyler’s pick: Iowa 22-20
Matt’s pick: Iowa 15-14
2 Ohio State (-20) @ Penn State
Ohio State survived a scare from the Badgers in Madison last Saturday. Back-to-back home wins for Penn State have the Nittany Lions poised for a big upset. QB play will be an issue for Penn State. McSorley will need to play his best game for Penn State to win. J.T. Barrett is looking to continue his push for a Heisman trophy. Ohio State needs a WR to step up and play at a consistent level. This is going to be a “get better” game for the Buckeyes, I like OSU to win big.
Tyler’s pick: Ohio State 40-20
Matt’s pick: Ohio State 41-17
17 Arkansas @ 21 Auburn (-10)
Arkansas pulled off an upset of Ole Miss last weekend and heads to Auburn looking to win another. Auburn is coming off a bye week, which was crucial as Auburn had some guys banged up. Sean White has been a surprise after a slow start to the season. White leads SEC QB’s in completion percentage. (70%) Auburn has a pair of running backs off to a fast start. Kerryon Johnson has been solid all season and Kamryn Pettway is coming off a monster performance against Miss State. Arkansas will have to slow the Tigers run game if they want to win. Austin Allen may be the best QB in the SEC at this point. Allen has 18 TD’s and 1,861 yards passing. Rawleigh Williams is nearing 800 yards rushing for the season. The key in this game is going to be defense. Auburn’s defense has been very good and Carl Lawson is having his best season on the Plains. I give the edge to Auburn defensively and I feel that carries the Tigers to victory.
Tyler’s pick: Arkansas 24-23
Matt’s pick: Auburn 35-24
23 Ole Miss @ 25 LSU (-6)
Tyler’s pick: Ole Miss 32-17
Matt’s pick: LSU 34-31
6 Texas A&M @ 1 Alabama (-18.5)
Tyler’s pick: Alabama 42-27
Matt’s pick: Alabama 38-17