Not a good week picking games last week, so I expect a big bounce-back week. College football can be crazy and November is the time for it to go bonkers. Five of the 11 undefeated teams fell last week. It's another big week with several ranked matchups and other intriguing battles which should provide some clarity for the Playoff picture.
Last week's record: 6-7
Last week's record: 6-7
Overall: 35-14
*Rankings below are CFB Playoff Committee rankings
No. 3 Ohio State at Illinois (Line: Ohio State -16.5)
After a game suspension, JT Barrett is back to start at quarterback for the Buckeyes. This is the last tuneup for Ohio State before closing the season with the Michigan schools. Early kickoff, on the road, trying to get back in rhythm ... all factors that could lead to a slow start in Champaign. Ohio State 34, Illinois 17
No. 11 Florida at South Carolina (Line: Florida -7.5)
The Gators clinched the SEC East last week despite their offense managing very little against the Commodores. This game would be of much more interest if Steve Spurrier was still coaching the Gamecocks. Florida should be able to score on South Carolina, but the feeling here is the Gamecocks, which beat the Gators in Gainesville last year, won't be a pushover. Florida 23, South Carolina 20
Georgia at Auburn (Line: Auburn -1.5)
Not the game everyone expected back in August, is it? Georgia and Auburn were to contend for the SEC, but neither is ranked and the Deep South's Oldest Rivalry has no meaning in the conference race. Auburn got a big win at Texas A&M last week and should carry that momentum back home. Georgia also scored a much-needed win over Kentucky to fan the flames on the "Fire Mark Richt" crowd. Which team needs it more? Tough to call... Auburn 27, Georgia 23
No. 1 Clemson at Syracuse (Line: Clemson -28)
Clemson looks to have a clear path to the College Football Playoff. At the very least, last week's win over Florida State should give the Tigers some breathing room until a potential matchup with North Carolina in the ACC title game. This is a game Clemson needs to open up the offense, clamp down on defense, and do whatever it wants in the Carrier Dome. If the Tigers are for real, they should roll over the 'Cuse, which has lost six straight games. Anything less than a sixth straight 500-yard performance would be a disappointment. Clemson 55, Syracuse 10
No. 2 Alabama at No. 17 Mississippi State (Line: Alabama -8)
The Crimson Tide had two weeks to think about LSU and Leonard Fournette. They heard about the running back 'til it made them sick. And they completely manhandled the Tigers last Saturday. This is the classic hangover game - on the road against a team starting to get on a roll and is doing so behind the best quarterback in the conference in Dak Prescott. Oh yeah, those cowbells will be ringing louder than ever. Upset of the week in Starkvegas. Mississippi State 31, Alabama 18
Wake Forest at No. 4 Notre Dame (Line: Notre Dame -27)
To be honest, I pick all the Top 10 teams games, which is why this one makes the cut. But it won't be close. Notre Dame might need to find a waterboy to play at some point, as the Irish keep losing starters to injury. The most recent, running back CJ Prosise, who cleared concussion protocol and is expected to be on the sidelines Saturday ready to go. He should stay there, though. This one shouldn't be close. Notre Dame 49, Wake Forest 7
No. 8 Oklahoma State at Iowa State (Line: Oklahoma State -14)
Remember 2011, when undefeated Oklahoma State made a trip to Ames? The Cowboys left with a loss, and ultimately helped lead the demise of the BCS. That was four years ago. This is now. And now, the Cowboys are coming off their biggest win of the season in which they forced four turnovers and scored four touchdowns of 48 yards or longer. The quarterback duo of JW Walsh and Mason Rudolph is enough to keep teams honest. Despite the Cyclones knocking off Texas two weeks ago at home, 24-0, Oklahoma State has much more to play for and has a chip on its shoulder thanks to a lower-than-expected ranking by the Playoff Committee. Oklahoma State 59, Iowa State 17
No. 14 Michigan at Indiana (Line: Michigan -13)
Indiana has come oh so close to knocking off the big boys in the Big Ten. Losers of five straight, this is the last chance to take down a powerhouse. Michigan was given new life in the East division when Nebraska upset Michigan State. Big Blue needs another Spartan loss and to win out. Jake Rudock was sharp against Rutgers last week with over 300 yards and two TDs through the air. Another performance like that will lead to another big Wolverine win. Michigan 37, Indiana 24
Miami at No. 23 North Carolina (Line: North Carolina -13)
What exactly did Miami's eight-lateral win over Duke mean? For one, it sets up a chance for the Canes to take down the ACC Coastal's top dog and creep closer to a berth in the ACC Championship game. Marquise Williams and the Tar Heels are playing their best ball of the season, though. Knowing what Clemson did to Miami earlier, this one should scare Hurricanes fans. A win by the Heels and a Pitt win at Duke sends UNC to the title game in December. North Carolina 45, Miami 27
No. 21 Memphis at No. 24 Houston (Line: Houston -7)
This game lost a little luster when Memphis was blown out by Navy last week. Houston is still in line for a perfect season, but this is their toughest test to date, at least by record (the Cougars defeated Louisville on the road in the second game of the year). Memphis can remain in the hunt for the AAC West hunt, but still needs the Midshipmen to fall twice in their final three conference games. Houston, on the other hand, needs this win to improve its résumé for a potential New Year's Six Bowl. These two offensive teams could provide fireworks. Houston 47, Memphis 44
Arkansas at No. 9 LSU (Line: LSU -7.5)
How will LSU and Leonard Fournette bounce back from their disappointing performance at Alabama? Well, last year the Tigers followed up a tough loss to the Tide by getting shutout by Arkansas, 17-0. The good news this time around is LSU returns home for a night game. The bad news is Arkansas is has strung together three wins in a row and is riding momentum from the season's latest installment of "How did they win that game?!" Is that an upset brewing on the bayou? Nope, just whole roasted hog. LSU 24, Arkansas 17
Oregon at No. 7 Stanford (Line: Stanford -10)
Another matchup that in the preseason looked to have more at stake than it does now. The Ducks just don't have the same quack as in years past, although they can still light up the scoreboard. Stanford has looked like the best team in the Pac-12 behind Heisman contender Christian McCaffrey. The Cardinal's schedule sets up nicely with three straight at home against rivals Oregon, Cal, and Notre Dame. Oregon is still dangerous and still has playmakers on offense, but Stanford is the more complete team. Stanford 38, Oregon 30
Minnesota at No. 5 Iowa (Line: Iowa -11.5)
As mentioned in another post, Iowa keeps winning and proving doubters wrong. Clearly the Committee thinks highly of the Hawkeyes, placing Iowa just outside the Top 4 this week after ranking them ninth in the initial rankings. Minnesota pulled the interim tag and named Tracy Claeys its permanent head coach. The Gophers still don't have enough to keep up with an undefeated Hawkeyes team. The only game remaining that could be an upset is the trip to Lincoln at the end of the season. Leading up to it, Iowa continues to do Iowa things. Iowa 21, Minnesota 10
No. 12 Oklahoma at No. 6 Baylor (Line: Baylor -2.5)
The Sooner Schooner rolls down I-35 full steam ahead with hopes of ending a drought in Waco - the Sooners have lost their last two trips to Baylor and three of four overall. Bears QB Jarrett Stidham was impressive in his first collegiate start on the road against Kansas State. This is a whole different ballgame, though, as ESPN's College GameDay will be in town and McLane Stadium will provide as electric an atmosphere as ever. Baker Mayfield has the Sooners humming - OU is averaging 58 points per game in its last four outings. Defensively, Oklahoma is playing the best of any Big 12 team and will give Baylor its biggest test. The intriguing matchups all over the field should make this one fun to watch. And if one team goes up by 21, don't turn the channel. Waco is about to get wacky. Oklahoma 56, Baylor 51
No. 10 Utah at Arizona (Line: Utah -6)
Utah might be the forgotten one-loss team, just kind of sitting there while the talk revolves around other teams looking to remain in Playoff contention. A tricky trip to the desert for the Utes, who have impressed since an ugly loss at USC. Utah remains on top of the Pac-12 South and is eyeing a chance to win the conference crown. Arizona might have something to say about that. The Wildcats have lost three straight and need to beat either Utah or Arizona State on the road to reach bowl eligibility. The way the Utes are playing, that might be another week. Utah 37, Arizona 31
*Rankings below are CFB Playoff Committee rankings
No. 3 Ohio State at Illinois (Line: Ohio State -16.5)
After a game suspension, JT Barrett is back to start at quarterback for the Buckeyes. This is the last tuneup for Ohio State before closing the season with the Michigan schools. Early kickoff, on the road, trying to get back in rhythm ... all factors that could lead to a slow start in Champaign. Ohio State 34, Illinois 17
No. 11 Florida at South Carolina (Line: Florida -7.5)
The Gators clinched the SEC East last week despite their offense managing very little against the Commodores. This game would be of much more interest if Steve Spurrier was still coaching the Gamecocks. Florida should be able to score on South Carolina, but the feeling here is the Gamecocks, which beat the Gators in Gainesville last year, won't be a pushover. Florida 23, South Carolina 20
Georgia at Auburn (Line: Auburn -1.5)
Not the game everyone expected back in August, is it? Georgia and Auburn were to contend for the SEC, but neither is ranked and the Deep South's Oldest Rivalry has no meaning in the conference race. Auburn got a big win at Texas A&M last week and should carry that momentum back home. Georgia also scored a much-needed win over Kentucky to fan the flames on the "Fire Mark Richt" crowd. Which team needs it more? Tough to call... Auburn 27, Georgia 23
No. 1 Clemson at Syracuse (Line: Clemson -28)
Clemson looks to have a clear path to the College Football Playoff. At the very least, last week's win over Florida State should give the Tigers some breathing room until a potential matchup with North Carolina in the ACC title game. This is a game Clemson needs to open up the offense, clamp down on defense, and do whatever it wants in the Carrier Dome. If the Tigers are for real, they should roll over the 'Cuse, which has lost six straight games. Anything less than a sixth straight 500-yard performance would be a disappointment. Clemson 55, Syracuse 10
No. 2 Alabama at No. 17 Mississippi State (Line: Alabama -8)
The Crimson Tide had two weeks to think about LSU and Leonard Fournette. They heard about the running back 'til it made them sick. And they completely manhandled the Tigers last Saturday. This is the classic hangover game - on the road against a team starting to get on a roll and is doing so behind the best quarterback in the conference in Dak Prescott. Oh yeah, those cowbells will be ringing louder than ever. Upset of the week in Starkvegas. Mississippi State 31, Alabama 18
Wake Forest at No. 4 Notre Dame (Line: Notre Dame -27)
To be honest, I pick all the Top 10 teams games, which is why this one makes the cut. But it won't be close. Notre Dame might need to find a waterboy to play at some point, as the Irish keep losing starters to injury. The most recent, running back CJ Prosise, who cleared concussion protocol and is expected to be on the sidelines Saturday ready to go. He should stay there, though. This one shouldn't be close. Notre Dame 49, Wake Forest 7
No. 8 Oklahoma State at Iowa State (Line: Oklahoma State -14)
Remember 2011, when undefeated Oklahoma State made a trip to Ames? The Cowboys left with a loss, and ultimately helped lead the demise of the BCS. That was four years ago. This is now. And now, the Cowboys are coming off their biggest win of the season in which they forced four turnovers and scored four touchdowns of 48 yards or longer. The quarterback duo of JW Walsh and Mason Rudolph is enough to keep teams honest. Despite the Cyclones knocking off Texas two weeks ago at home, 24-0, Oklahoma State has much more to play for and has a chip on its shoulder thanks to a lower-than-expected ranking by the Playoff Committee. Oklahoma State 59, Iowa State 17
No. 14 Michigan at Indiana (Line: Michigan -13)
Indiana has come oh so close to knocking off the big boys in the Big Ten. Losers of five straight, this is the last chance to take down a powerhouse. Michigan was given new life in the East division when Nebraska upset Michigan State. Big Blue needs another Spartan loss and to win out. Jake Rudock was sharp against Rutgers last week with over 300 yards and two TDs through the air. Another performance like that will lead to another big Wolverine win. Michigan 37, Indiana 24
Miami at No. 23 North Carolina (Line: North Carolina -13)
What exactly did Miami's eight-lateral win over Duke mean? For one, it sets up a chance for the Canes to take down the ACC Coastal's top dog and creep closer to a berth in the ACC Championship game. Marquise Williams and the Tar Heels are playing their best ball of the season, though. Knowing what Clemson did to Miami earlier, this one should scare Hurricanes fans. A win by the Heels and a Pitt win at Duke sends UNC to the title game in December. North Carolina 45, Miami 27
No. 21 Memphis at No. 24 Houston (Line: Houston -7)
This game lost a little luster when Memphis was blown out by Navy last week. Houston is still in line for a perfect season, but this is their toughest test to date, at least by record (the Cougars defeated Louisville on the road in the second game of the year). Memphis can remain in the hunt for the AAC West hunt, but still needs the Midshipmen to fall twice in their final three conference games. Houston, on the other hand, needs this win to improve its résumé for a potential New Year's Six Bowl. These two offensive teams could provide fireworks. Houston 47, Memphis 44
Arkansas at No. 9 LSU (Line: LSU -7.5)
How will LSU and Leonard Fournette bounce back from their disappointing performance at Alabama? Well, last year the Tigers followed up a tough loss to the Tide by getting shutout by Arkansas, 17-0. The good news this time around is LSU returns home for a night game. The bad news is Arkansas is has strung together three wins in a row and is riding momentum from the season's latest installment of "How did they win that game?!" Is that an upset brewing on the bayou? Nope, just whole roasted hog. LSU 24, Arkansas 17
Oregon at No. 7 Stanford (Line: Stanford -10)
Another matchup that in the preseason looked to have more at stake than it does now. The Ducks just don't have the same quack as in years past, although they can still light up the scoreboard. Stanford has looked like the best team in the Pac-12 behind Heisman contender Christian McCaffrey. The Cardinal's schedule sets up nicely with three straight at home against rivals Oregon, Cal, and Notre Dame. Oregon is still dangerous and still has playmakers on offense, but Stanford is the more complete team. Stanford 38, Oregon 30
Minnesota at No. 5 Iowa (Line: Iowa -11.5)
As mentioned in another post, Iowa keeps winning and proving doubters wrong. Clearly the Committee thinks highly of the Hawkeyes, placing Iowa just outside the Top 4 this week after ranking them ninth in the initial rankings. Minnesota pulled the interim tag and named Tracy Claeys its permanent head coach. The Gophers still don't have enough to keep up with an undefeated Hawkeyes team. The only game remaining that could be an upset is the trip to Lincoln at the end of the season. Leading up to it, Iowa continues to do Iowa things. Iowa 21, Minnesota 10
No. 12 Oklahoma at No. 6 Baylor (Line: Baylor -2.5)
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| Can Baker Mayfield lead OU to an upset of Baylor? (Photo courtesy Getty Images) |
No. 10 Utah at Arizona (Line: Utah -6)
Utah might be the forgotten one-loss team, just kind of sitting there while the talk revolves around other teams looking to remain in Playoff contention. A tricky trip to the desert for the Utes, who have impressed since an ugly loss at USC. Utah remains on top of the Pac-12 South and is eyeing a chance to win the conference crown. Arizona might have something to say about that. The Wildcats have lost three straight and need to beat either Utah or Arizona State on the road to reach bowl eligibility. The way the Utes are playing, that might be another week. Utah 37, Arizona 31
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