I got back on the plus side with a double-digit win week. Four of the Top 10 teams fell last week, so upsets we aplenty. This week will provide a few more Top 10 teams falling with two Top 10 battles. Along the way, there very well could be more upsets and shakeups in the polls. As is customary, I'll pick each of the Top 10 teams' games along with the other top games of the weekend. On to the picks!
Last week's record: 10-5
Last week's record: 10-5
Overall: 45-19 (.703 win %)
*Rankings below are CFB Playoff Committee rankings
No. 21 Memphis at Temple (Line: Memphis -1.5)
Despite two straight losses, the Memphis Tigers remain in the Playoff Committee Top 25. Temple, which lost to South Florida can take a step closer to locking up a spot in the AAC title game. The Owls' loss is puzzling, given how well they played against Notre Dame. Now, they return home to host Paxton Lynch and a pretty good Tigers team. Could be another down-to-the-wire game for the AAC. Temple 34, Memphis 31
Florida Atlantic at No. 8 Florida (Line: Florida -31)
The first of many SEC cupcake games in November. FAU is bad and the Gators will use this week to prepare for a date with hated-rival Florida State. Florida 44, Florida Atlantic 6
No. 12 Michigan at Penn State (Line: Michigan -3.5)
White-out games at Penn State are a spectacle in the sport. But Michigan lucked out, as this game will be at noon and not at night. Happy Valley will still be hoppin'. It's a trap game for the Wolverines in the sense that they could have an opportunity to knock off Ohio State for a division title next week. To get there, though, they have to get past the Nittany Lions. Christian Hackenberg has never transformed into the QB we thought he'd be. PSU will rely on its defense to keep it within striking distance. Michigan 27, Penn State 17
No. 17 North Carolina at Virginia Tech (Line: North Carolina -5.5)
Hokie fans get to say goodbye to Frank Beamer. When Enter Sandman plays and Virginia Tech makes its way through the tunnel, Lane Stadium will jolt into a frenzy like never before. The emotions in this one, though, will only carry VT so far. North Carolina is playing at a different level and Marquise Williams isn't showing signs of slowing down. The Heels clinch a spot in the ACC title game with a win. North Carolina 45, Virginia Tech 21
Purdue at No. 5 Iowa (Line: Iowa -23)
Iowa is better than people are giving it credit for, but Purdue is no measuring stick. The Hawkeyes shouldn't have any trouble in this one. If they do, it's only because they get caught looking ahead to a showdown at Nebraska next week. Iowa 28, Purdue 10
No. 9 Michigan State at No. 3 Ohio State (Line: Ohio State -13.5)
This one has been circled on the calendar for a long time. It's finally here, but it's lost some luster due to the Spartans loss and an injury to quarterback Connor Cook. Even if Cook plays, it's going to be up to the defense to slow down Ohio State. Something tells me Urban Meyer has been holding back and is ready to unleash what we saw in the Buckeyes' final games a season ago. It also sets up a huge clash next week in the Big House. Ohio State 40, Michigan State 17
No. 15 LSU at No. 22 Ole Miss (Line: Ole Miss -6.5)
What happened to Leonard Fournette? Well, it's not all on him. He has been the victim of terrible offensive line play the past two games and it's a reason LSU has fallen from No. 2 to No. 15. This week doesn't get any easier with a trip to Ole Miss. In the last two weeks, the Rebels have lost in heart-breaking fashion and been idle, yet somehow fell out of the rankings, then climbed back to No. 22. I guess whatever's best for Alabama, right? Another topic, another day. For now, Les Miles has his back against the proverbial wall. How will he and his bunch respond? Ole Miss 27, LSU 21
No. 20 Northwestern at No. 25 Wisconsin (Line: Wisconsin -10)
Northwestern hasn't fallen off the map after the first half of the season, so there's some progress for Pat Fitzgerald and the Wildcats. A trip to Camp Randall Stadium to take on a Badger team whose only losses are to No. 2 Alabama and No. 5 Iowa is a tough task. The Wildcats have won their last three games by a combined 11 points after being destroyed by Michigan and Iowa by a combined 78-10. Bowl positioning is at stake and Wisconsin is looking for another 10-win season. Wisconsin 34, Northwestern 24
UCLA at No. 13 Utah (Line: Utah -1.5)
Utah received bad news this week when it was announced that running back Devontae Booker will undergo knee surgery and miss the rest of the season. The Utes still have plenty of weapons and haven't lost at home this season. UCLA, on the other hand, can swipe control of the Pac-12 South and have won 11 of 12 on the road. Because of Utah's loss at Arizona last week, the Bruins - and technically USC - can win the division by winning out. It all rests in freshman sensation Josh Rosen's hands, er, on his right arm. UCLA 35, Utah 23
No. 24 USC at No. 23 Oregon (Line: Oregon -4)
The Ducks shocked Stanford last week and are now a Cardinal loss to Cal away from causing Pac-12 North chaos. Of course, that requires Oregon getting past USC in what was billed in the preseason as a Pac-12 title game preview. Most likely not anymore, but still a good one nonetheless. The Trojans had a couple extra days to prepare coming off their Thursday night win at Colorado, but another long trip to a raucous environment gives Oregon the edge. The two quarterbacks, Cody Kessler for USC and Vernon Adams for Oregon, will be intriguing to watch. Oregon 41, USC 31
Wake Forest at No. 1 Clemson (Line: Clemson -29)
Clemson's defense has taken a beating the past few weeks, perhaps a sign of the lack of depth the Tigers have. Offensively, not many teams are better. Clemson, led by Deshaun Watson, has posted over 500 yards in six straight games and won all six by double-digits since back-to-back wins by three and two over Louisville and Notre Dame, respectively. With Wake Forest coming to Tiger Town for Senior Day, it's a chance for Dabo Swinney's club to work out the kinks before the showdown with Palmetto State rival South Carolina. Although, every time this season I've thought Clemson would win big, it was closer than expected. Clemson 45, Wake Forest 17
Charleston Southern at No. 2 Alabama (Line: Alabama -20.5)
Why? Seriously, why is this game being played in the second to last week of the regular season? Alabama 52, Charleston Southern 14
No. 10 Baylor at No. 6 Oklahoma State (Line: Oklahoma State -1)
Baylor's quarterback situation is one to watch. With Seth Russell out, all the focus is on freshman Jarrett Stidham. It's been reported that Stidham is still banged up from taking a beating by the Sooners last week. That means Shock Linwood is likely to play a bigger role. Baylor's mettle will be tested because the Bears' hopes and dreams of a perfect season were dashed. Can they do the same to the Cowboys, who remain as the Big 12's lone unbeaten? JW Walsh and Mason Rudolph have responded to Mike Gundy's two-quarterback system brilliantly. The Pokes could use a big win to set up an epic Bedlam game next week. Oklahoma State 49, Baylor 35
No. 18 TCU at No. 7 Oklahoma (Line: None due to injuries)
OU celebrated beating Baylor as if it had won much more than just another game. I don't think that's a problem, but there's still two big ones to play. Baker Mayfield has been nothing short of spectacular. With TCU falling off a cliff, and the Horned Frogs' two stars injured - QB Trevone Boykin and WR Josh Doctson - this is right there for the taking for OU. Oklahoma 51, TCU 27
Boston College vs. No. 4 Notre Dame (Line: Notre Dame -15.5)
The coolness factor of this one being played at Boston's iconic Fenway Park is reason enough to check out some of this game. That and the rivalry between the only two Catholic schools in major college football. Notre Dame can't get caught looking toward the season finale at Stanford. Boston College lacks an offensive identity. The Eagles will do their best to protect their backyard, even as the "visiting" team. But the Irish are just too talented. Notre Dame 34, Boston College 20
-BtW
*Rankings below are CFB Playoff Committee rankings
No. 21 Memphis at Temple (Line: Memphis -1.5)
Despite two straight losses, the Memphis Tigers remain in the Playoff Committee Top 25. Temple, which lost to South Florida can take a step closer to locking up a spot in the AAC title game. The Owls' loss is puzzling, given how well they played against Notre Dame. Now, they return home to host Paxton Lynch and a pretty good Tigers team. Could be another down-to-the-wire game for the AAC. Temple 34, Memphis 31
Florida Atlantic at No. 8 Florida (Line: Florida -31)
The first of many SEC cupcake games in November. FAU is bad and the Gators will use this week to prepare for a date with hated-rival Florida State. Florida 44, Florida Atlantic 6
No. 12 Michigan at Penn State (Line: Michigan -3.5)
White-out games at Penn State are a spectacle in the sport. But Michigan lucked out, as this game will be at noon and not at night. Happy Valley will still be hoppin'. It's a trap game for the Wolverines in the sense that they could have an opportunity to knock off Ohio State for a division title next week. To get there, though, they have to get past the Nittany Lions. Christian Hackenberg has never transformed into the QB we thought he'd be. PSU will rely on its defense to keep it within striking distance. Michigan 27, Penn State 17
No. 17 North Carolina at Virginia Tech (Line: North Carolina -5.5)
Hokie fans get to say goodbye to Frank Beamer. When Enter Sandman plays and Virginia Tech makes its way through the tunnel, Lane Stadium will jolt into a frenzy like never before. The emotions in this one, though, will only carry VT so far. North Carolina is playing at a different level and Marquise Williams isn't showing signs of slowing down. The Heels clinch a spot in the ACC title game with a win. North Carolina 45, Virginia Tech 21
Purdue at No. 5 Iowa (Line: Iowa -23)
Iowa is better than people are giving it credit for, but Purdue is no measuring stick. The Hawkeyes shouldn't have any trouble in this one. If they do, it's only because they get caught looking ahead to a showdown at Nebraska next week. Iowa 28, Purdue 10
No. 9 Michigan State at No. 3 Ohio State (Line: Ohio State -13.5)
This one has been circled on the calendar for a long time. It's finally here, but it's lost some luster due to the Spartans loss and an injury to quarterback Connor Cook. Even if Cook plays, it's going to be up to the defense to slow down Ohio State. Something tells me Urban Meyer has been holding back and is ready to unleash what we saw in the Buckeyes' final games a season ago. It also sets up a huge clash next week in the Big House. Ohio State 40, Michigan State 17
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| Things could get chippy between the Buckeyes and Spartans. |
No. 15 LSU at No. 22 Ole Miss (Line: Ole Miss -6.5)
What happened to Leonard Fournette? Well, it's not all on him. He has been the victim of terrible offensive line play the past two games and it's a reason LSU has fallen from No. 2 to No. 15. This week doesn't get any easier with a trip to Ole Miss. In the last two weeks, the Rebels have lost in heart-breaking fashion and been idle, yet somehow fell out of the rankings, then climbed back to No. 22. I guess whatever's best for Alabama, right? Another topic, another day. For now, Les Miles has his back against the proverbial wall. How will he and his bunch respond? Ole Miss 27, LSU 21
No. 20 Northwestern at No. 25 Wisconsin (Line: Wisconsin -10)
Northwestern hasn't fallen off the map after the first half of the season, so there's some progress for Pat Fitzgerald and the Wildcats. A trip to Camp Randall Stadium to take on a Badger team whose only losses are to No. 2 Alabama and No. 5 Iowa is a tough task. The Wildcats have won their last three games by a combined 11 points after being destroyed by Michigan and Iowa by a combined 78-10. Bowl positioning is at stake and Wisconsin is looking for another 10-win season. Wisconsin 34, Northwestern 24
UCLA at No. 13 Utah (Line: Utah -1.5)
Utah received bad news this week when it was announced that running back Devontae Booker will undergo knee surgery and miss the rest of the season. The Utes still have plenty of weapons and haven't lost at home this season. UCLA, on the other hand, can swipe control of the Pac-12 South and have won 11 of 12 on the road. Because of Utah's loss at Arizona last week, the Bruins - and technically USC - can win the division by winning out. It all rests in freshman sensation Josh Rosen's hands, er, on his right arm. UCLA 35, Utah 23
No. 24 USC at No. 23 Oregon (Line: Oregon -4)
The Ducks shocked Stanford last week and are now a Cardinal loss to Cal away from causing Pac-12 North chaos. Of course, that requires Oregon getting past USC in what was billed in the preseason as a Pac-12 title game preview. Most likely not anymore, but still a good one nonetheless. The Trojans had a couple extra days to prepare coming off their Thursday night win at Colorado, but another long trip to a raucous environment gives Oregon the edge. The two quarterbacks, Cody Kessler for USC and Vernon Adams for Oregon, will be intriguing to watch. Oregon 41, USC 31
Wake Forest at No. 1 Clemson (Line: Clemson -29)
Clemson's defense has taken a beating the past few weeks, perhaps a sign of the lack of depth the Tigers have. Offensively, not many teams are better. Clemson, led by Deshaun Watson, has posted over 500 yards in six straight games and won all six by double-digits since back-to-back wins by three and two over Louisville and Notre Dame, respectively. With Wake Forest coming to Tiger Town for Senior Day, it's a chance for Dabo Swinney's club to work out the kinks before the showdown with Palmetto State rival South Carolina. Although, every time this season I've thought Clemson would win big, it was closer than expected. Clemson 45, Wake Forest 17
Charleston Southern at No. 2 Alabama (Line: Alabama -20.5)
Why? Seriously, why is this game being played in the second to last week of the regular season? Alabama 52, Charleston Southern 14
No. 10 Baylor at No. 6 Oklahoma State (Line: Oklahoma State -1)
Baylor's quarterback situation is one to watch. With Seth Russell out, all the focus is on freshman Jarrett Stidham. It's been reported that Stidham is still banged up from taking a beating by the Sooners last week. That means Shock Linwood is likely to play a bigger role. Baylor's mettle will be tested because the Bears' hopes and dreams of a perfect season were dashed. Can they do the same to the Cowboys, who remain as the Big 12's lone unbeaten? JW Walsh and Mason Rudolph have responded to Mike Gundy's two-quarterback system brilliantly. The Pokes could use a big win to set up an epic Bedlam game next week. Oklahoma State 49, Baylor 35
No. 18 TCU at No. 7 Oklahoma (Line: None due to injuries)
OU celebrated beating Baylor as if it had won much more than just another game. I don't think that's a problem, but there's still two big ones to play. Baker Mayfield has been nothing short of spectacular. With TCU falling off a cliff, and the Horned Frogs' two stars injured - QB Trevone Boykin and WR Josh Doctson - this is right there for the taking for OU. Oklahoma 51, TCU 27
Boston College vs. No. 4 Notre Dame (Line: Notre Dame -15.5)
The coolness factor of this one being played at Boston's iconic Fenway Park is reason enough to check out some of this game. That and the rivalry between the only two Catholic schools in major college football. Notre Dame can't get caught looking toward the season finale at Stanford. Boston College lacks an offensive identity. The Eagles will do their best to protect their backyard, even as the "visiting" team. But the Irish are just too talented. Notre Dame 34, Boston College 20
-BtW
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