Expert CFB Locks, Predictions for Ohio State vs. Indiana and Week 7's Biggest Games
Behold one of the deepest, most compelling college football slates of the season.
From critical conference games to multiple matchups featuring top 10 teams, Week 7 has plenty to offer. And we shall embrace it in full.
We didn't capitalize on last week's opportunities. A strong Week 5 gave way to an extremely "meh" Week 6. There were some highs, although there were more lows. Rather than dwell on it, we're turning the page and trusting the process.
Thanks, Nick Saban.
We won't waste any time diving into the meat of this glorious lineup of games. Let's begin.
Last Week's Record: 4-6
Year to Date: 27-30-1
All point spreads courtesy of FanDuel.
Indiana (+3.5) vs. Ohio State
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What a matchup—and its outcome will carry enormous significance as we move through October. The winner will put itself in tremendous shape to win the Big Ten and go well beyond.
Well, yeah.
Indiana was able to keep its record clean last week with a tremendous come-from-behind win at Nebraska. The Cornhuskers dominated time of possession, controlling the ball for 39 minutes. Still, Indiana manufactured enough offense (and pressure) late in the game.
A bit of a lackluster showing against Nebraska could prompt plenty to back the Buckeyes. They still have Jeremiah Smith, Julian Sayin and plenty of talented players up and down the lineup; it makes sense.
But Indiana showcased incredible resolve—and adjustments—against a much-improved Nebraska group. In particular, quarterback Josh Hoover played an outstanding, clean game.
At home, Indiana will be a different beast entirely after spending the last few games away. Expect a heavy dose of rushes and enough passing, although this doesn't feel like a touchdown fest for either team.
This feels like a field goal game either way, and the hook could loom large.
The Pick: Indiana (+3.5)
Ole Miss (-6) vs. Missouri
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While the previous game might not be a touchdown fest, this one should produce fireworks.
Ole Miss currently owns the nation's No. 108 scoring defense. And if you watched the Rebels play, this checks out. Missouri is currently No. 29 in the same category, which isn't terrible but isn't dazzling either.
Playing on the road, however, could present some issues for the Tigers. In their last away game, at Mississippi State, things spiraled out of control late.
This, unquestionably, will be the Tigers' toughest road test this season. And while running back Jamal Roberts should find success against a defense that has struggled against the run, the environment coupled with the opposing QB won't be as easy to conquer.
Somehow, Trinidad Chambliss is flying under the radar these days. The loss to Florida took some wind out of his sails, but this could bring that momentum right back.
For as good as Missouri has been, Chambliss is still the best player on this football field—and on most football fields, for that matter.
Going up against Austin Simmons, the QB he once backed up (and replaced) a season ago, Chambliss will showcase just how dominant he can be yet again.
The Pick: Ole Miss (-6)
Virginia Tech (-9.5) vs. Georgia Tech
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A strong start, albeit against lesser opponents, was derailed over the past two games for James Franklin. If that sounds familiar, well, we get it.
Virginia Tech lost to Pitt and Cal, which has put a damper on his debut season. This week, however, the Hokies are positioned to rebound.
Georgia Tech deserves plenty of credit for beating Duke outright last week. It's been a disappointing season for the Yellow Jackets, which have losses against Colorado and Stanford thus far.
For at least one game, all was well. But having to play on the road in a challenging environment should be a different assignment entirely. The Hokies have better weapons on offense, even if the past few games have produced mixed results.
We're not overthinking this. We're also not overreacting to either team over the past few weeks. At home, Virginia Tech gets right in a major way.
The Pick: Virginia Tech (-9.5)
Washington (+3.5) at Purdue
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We had Washington last week. We could have ripped that ticket up after about 10 minutes; that's how long it took for Iowa to essentially take over.
Yes, it was bad.
On the flip side, we also bet Purdue against Minnesota. The Boilermakers cruised to a 41-13 victory over Minnesota, running for 305 yards along the way.
Complicating matters further is the fact that Washington will likely be starting its backup quarterback. With Demond Williams Jr. injured, Elijah Brown could get the call.
The good news? Brown actually played well when thrust into action against Iowa. In many ways, the offense looked much more functional with him running the show. It hasn't worked of late; something new is needed.
Indeed, the Huskies have lost three consecutive games. All is not well. But given the challenging schedule of late, it wouldn't be shocking to see Washington respond on the road.
The Pick: Washington (+3.5)
West Virginia (-1.5) vs. Cincinnati
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Like the game before, we backed this team a week ago. And just like Washington, things didn't go exactly great for West Virginia.
Arizona clobbered the Mountaineers 52-31. Needless to say, we didn't win that bet.
West Virginia ultimately gained more than 500 yards, including 303 rushing yards. If there is any consolation heading into this game, Cincinnati also lost decisively to Arizona, falling 34–7 two weeks earlier.
It's been an interesting year for the Mountaineers, winners of their first three games and losers of the last three. Offensively, things are solid. WVU is averaging more than 36 points per game. Defensively? Well, West Virginia is allowing more than 32 points per game, which is less than ideal.
As for the Bearcats, the 4-1 record feels a little misleading. Even the win over Kansas State doesn't exactly jump off the page these days, and the rest of the schedule doesn't ooze excellence.
With the total hovering around 63, a high-scoring game is expected. Expect West Virginia to score more.
The Pick: West Virginia (-1.5)
Other Games on the Card
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Boston College (+6.5) vs. Pittsburgh
The injury to starting quarterback Mason Heintschel is likely to really impact Pitt's season. An early game on the road at Boston College, which has played better of late, could spell trouble.
UTEP (+7.5) vs. San Jose State
Yes, UTEP's 1-5 record isn't much to look at. There's no denying that. But the majority of these losses have come against quality teams. Don't be shocked if the Miners push for win No. 2.
Rice (+4.5) vs. Tulsa
Speaking of 1-5 teams, enter Rice. The Owls' lone win this season came over Houston Christian. Not ideal. The same can be said for Tulsa's three-game losing streak, which might stretch to four games after this one.
Army (-2.5) vs. Florida Atlantic
Army's two losses this season have come by a combined six points. FAU, meanwhile, has won four straight, although the strength of schedule can certainly be questioned. Army, owner of the nation's No. 1 rushing offense, keeps rolling.
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