This is a “light” week when it comes to AP Top 25 teams playing. Schools like Alabama, Ohio State and Penn State are among those with byes. There are a trio of games that feature ranked teams and all are in conference play. This is when the tough get going because most of the teams have gotten through their non-conference schedules and now they know how much each conference game can impact the rest of the season.
No. 25. USC vs. Michigan State
Michigan State heads to the LA Coliseum for a Big Ten matchup with the Trojans. Both teams are 3-0. USC already has a conference win, toppling Purdue in Indiana last week. The Spartans played a soft schedule to get to this mark. It will come back to haunt as USC should roll as a huge favorite. Prediction: USC 45, Michigan State 20
No. 24. Notre Dame vs. Purdue
The Fighting Irish are 0-2 and ranked. That is what happens when you open with Miami and Texas A&M. Actually, the Miami loss is understandable. Losing to the Aggies in South Bend a bit tougher to digest. This one should be a complete wipeout. Prediction: Notre Dame 56, Purdue 10
No. 23. Missouri vs. South Carolina
The Gamecocks could be without Heisman candidate LaNorris Sellers, who was injured last week in the loss to Vanderbilt. That changes this game in Columbia from one that should be tight to a major challenge for South Carolina if it doesn’t have its quarterback. Missouri has outscored its opening three foes by more than 100 points. That won’t happen here but the Tigers will advance to 4-0. Prediction: Missouri 27, South Carolina 17
No. 22. Auburn at No. 11 Oklahoma
And here we go with SEC teams heading into the toughest of conference schedules. The Tigers head to Norman undefeated and playing beyond preseason expectations. Oklahoma is off a 3-0 start against two lackuster opponents and Michigan. The Sooners have outscored their its opponents 101-19. Prediction: Oklahoma 23, Auburn 16
No. 21. Michigan at Nebraska
Big Ten teams meet in Lincoln. The Wolverines have already lost to Oklahoma. They will be without coach Sheron Moore again due to a suspension. That won’t help as Matt Rhule has Nebraska moving in the right direction. It was tested by Cincinnati in its opener before blowing out overmatched foes. This will be a test. Prediction: Michigan 27, Nebraska 23
No. 20. Vanderbilt vs. Georgia State
The Commodores come off the big win against South Carolina and get a non-conference foe. This is Georgia State, not the Georgia Bulldogs. Prediction: Vanderbilt 33, Georgia State 6
No. 19 Indiana vs. No. 9 Illinois
Undefeated teams meet in a game between ranked Big Ten schools. Luke Altmyer and Illinois are a strong team as evidence by their ranking. This team will test the Hoosiers in every way and should return to Champaign with a victory. Prediction: Illinois 30, Indiana 27
Georgia Tech comes off the high of beating Clemson on a last-second 55-yard field goal. Temple was clobbered by Oklahoma in Philly. There should be some sort of letdown for the Yellow Jackets but nothing enough to jeopardize a victory. Prediction: Georgia Tech 37, Temple 13
No. 17 Texas Tech at No. 16 Utah
Big 12 teams battle in Utah as the Utes welcome the Red Raiders. Texas Tech has outscored its foes by 137 points; Utah has toppled teams to the tune of 112 points. The best team the Red Raiders have played is Oregon State, which is having a miserable season. Prediction: Utah 28, Texas Tech 20
No. 15 Tennessee vs. UAB
The Vols should be seething after losing to Georgia for the eighth straight time. Prediction: Tennessee 66, UAB 3
No. 13 Ole Miss vs. Tulane
This is a non-conference game for Lane Kiffin’s Rebels and it won’t be an easy one despite the double-digit betting line. Tulane quietly wins a bunch of games every year and finds itself in consideration for a big bowl. Look for the Green Wave not to be intimidated in Oxford. Prediction: Tulane 37, Ole Miss 30
No. 8 Texas vs. Sam Houston State
Arch Manning will be ridiculed and criticized no matter how he plays. Prediction: Texas 66, Sam Houston State 3
The Golden Flashes have one more win than they had last year. It came against Merrimack. Does that count? Florida State 70, Kent State 7
No. 6 Oregon vs. Oregon State
This once was a Pac-12 rivalry game. Now, Oregon State is winless as one of two teams currently in the Pac-12. Oregon is in the Big Ten and flexes here, there and everywhere. Prediction: Oregon 47, Oregon State 12
No. 4 Miami vs. Florida
Well, Florida played LSU tough in Death Valley … and lost. The Gators are 1-2 despite having outscored opponents by 43 points. The win came against Long Island University. The losses to USF and LSU. Miami is ferocious and will not let up on Billy Napier’s team. Prediction: Miami 34, Florida 13
No. 3 LSU vs. SE Louisiana
Brian Kelly and the Tigers will romp over a SE Louisiana team that already lost to Louisiana Tech 24-0. Prediction: LSU 49, SE Louisiana 0
#College #football #predictions #Week #Top #games