College Football Picks: Week 8 Predictions for Every Game
Just as you shouldn't judge a book by its cover, it's best not to evaluate the Week 8 college football schedule by the quality of the matchups at the top of board, because they aren't pretty.
After numerous major clashes a week ago, this weekend we have only one game featuring ranked teams, and both happen to be coming off double-digit losses. Several ranked teams are playing on the road, but most are facing opponents with .500 records or worse, so there don't appear to be many great games to check out.
Then again, quite often the worst-looking weeks on paper end up bringing about some of the greatest craziness, so there's always hope. And we have predictions for each and every contest.
There are only 55 games on the docket this week, as many schools are on a bye, including four ranked teams. Check out our picks and give us your thoughts in the comments section.
Rankings are from the Associated Press Top 25.
Last week: 42-15 (.737)
Season: 355-108 (.767)
No. 21 Houston at UCF
1 of 55
When: Saturday, Oct. 24; noon ET
Last meeting: Justin Holman threw two touchdown passes in UCF's 17-12 win at Houston last October.
What to watch for
Houston (6-0, 3-0 American) has the No. 5 offense in the country, averaging 554.7 yards per game, with nearly a 50-50 balance of rushing and passing yardage. That's because the Cougars' main offensive weapon is quarterback Greg Ward, who has 14 of their 25 rushing TDs along with all nine passing scores.
As impressive as Houston has looked, though, it's played against very suspect competition. Winning at Louisville was good, but that team is 2-4, and the combined record of Houston's opponents is 11-25.
UCF (0-7, 0-3) won't help Houston's strength of schedule, now officially in a lost season as the only team in FBS that cannot win enough to become bowl-eligible. The Knights are last in the nation in total offense at 254.4 yards per game and average an abysmal 53.4 rushing yards per game.
All the Knights have left to play for is to impact others' seasons. Last week they led at unbeaten Temple in the fourth quarter, though they probably don't have the weapons to be in a similar situation this time.
Prediction: Houston 41, UCF 19
FINAL: Houston 59, UCF 10
Southern Mississippi at Charlotte
2 of 55
When: Saturday, Oct. 24; noon ET
Last meeting: None
What to watch for
Southern Mississippi (4-3, 2-1 Conference USA) has as many wins this season as in the previous three years combined, continuing the progress that Todd Monken has made since inheriting a winless team in 2013. Nowhere is this more prevalent than in his development of quarterback Nick Mullens, who is seventh in FBS in passing at 335.4 yards per game.
Charlotte (2-4, 0-3) has lost four straight but last time out had a lead late before falling 37-34 at Old Dominion. The 49ers continue to have trouble taking care of the ball, as they have 24 giveaways and a minus-10 turnover ratio.
Southern Miss has had nine turnovers in its past two games, so expect some sloppy play. It will still be good enough to beat Charlotte, though.
Prediction: Southern Mississippi 33, Charlotte 20
FINAL: Southern Mississippi 44, Charlotte 10
Kansas State at Texas
3 of 55
When: Saturday, Oct. 24; noon ET
Last meeting: Kansas State held Texas to 196 yards in a 23-0 home win last October.
What to watch for
Kansas State (3-3, 0-3 Big 12) suffered its worst shutout loss at home, losing 55-0 to Oklahoma. The Wildcats appeared to be deflated after losing halftime leads in consecutive games to Oklahoma State and TCU and could do nothing right. After using smoke and mirrors on offense to overcome injuries and a lack of experience, this past game exposed K-State in a major way.
Texas (2-4, 1-2) hasn't played since its huge win over Oklahoma in the Cotton Bowl, and that came after its own share of heartbreak in close losses to California and Oklahoma State that turned on late special teams mistakes. When the Longhorns aren't shooting themselves in the foot, they've shown some flashes of great progress, though quarterback Jerrod Heard has thrown for only 220 combined yards over the past three games.
The Longhorns defense had its best effort of the year against Oklahoma, and their ability to prevent Sooners quarterback Baker Mayfield from running the ball in that game bodes well for a K-State offense that is very reliant on its QB's mobility.
Prediction: Texas 27, Kansas State 19
FINAL: Texas 23, Kansas State 9
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North Carolina State at Wake Forest
4 of 55
When: Saturday, Oct. 24; noon ET
Last meeting: North Carolina State ran for 362 yards in a 42-13 home win over Wake Forest last November.
What to watch for
North Carolina State (4-2, 0-2 ACC) comes off an extended break following a Friday loss in Week 6 at Virginia Tech, its second straight defeat. The Wolfpack are third nationally in total defense at 247.8 yards per game, but in losses to Louisville and Virginia Tech, they were beaten up by their opponents' run games.
Jacoby Brissett is completing 68.9 percent of his passes, and the run game averages more than 206 yards per contest, but those positives have also disappeared since ACC play began.
Wake Forest (3-4, 1-3) lost by 36 at North Carolina last week, a contrast to the last four games that were each decided by eight or fewer points. The Demon Deacons have scored just 33 points over the past three weeks combined, yet that includes a win, as they managed a 3-0 victory at Boston College.
The Deacons haven't been the same since quarterback John Wolford was hurt early in the season. He's returned, but the split of him and Kendall Hinton at the position hasn't produced the same results.
Prediction: North Carolina State 27, Wake Forest 17
FINAL: North Carolina State 35, Wake Forest 17
No. 25 Pittsburgh at Syracuse
5 of 55
When: Saturday, Oct. 24; noon ET
Last meeting: Chad Voytik threw two touchdown passes in a 30-7 home win over Syracuse last November.
What to watch for
Pittsburgh (5-1, 3-0 ACC) won on a long field goal last week at Georgia Tech to continue its hot start, with its only loss coming by three points at unbeaten Iowa. A defense that already has first-year coach Pat Narduzzi's stamp on it is tied for eighth in FBS when it comes to allowing plays of 10 or more yards.
The Panthers have three wins on the road, and a victory here would be the earliest they've reached bowl eligibility since 2009.
Syracuse (3-3, 1-1) has lost three in a row, the last two on the road to opponents with losing records. The Orange fell in triple overtime at Virginia last week. Freshman quarterback Eric Dungey is the most efficient quarterback in the ACC and also the team's second-leading rusher.
The Orange's defense has allowed 123 points during the losing streak and has yet to face the meat of the ACC schedule, which doesn't exactly bode well.
Prediction: Pittsburgh 27, Syracuse 16
FINAL: Pittsburgh 23, Syracuse 20
Northwestern at Nebraska
6 of 55
When: Saturday, Oct. 24; noon ET
Last meeting: Ameer Abdullah ran for 146 yards and four touchdowns in Nebraska's 38-17 win at Northwestern last October.
What to watch for
Northwestern (5-2, 1-2 Big Ten) has been outscored 78-10 in the past two weeks, including a 40-10 home loss to Iowa last Saturday. The Wildcats defense, such a strength during the first month (and which somehow held Stanford to six points), has become very leaky against the run.
The Wildcats allowed 495 rushing yards in their two losses after yielding 587 over the first five games, and their run offense has averaged 1.75 yards per carry during the skid.
Nebraska (3-4, 1-2) had its best offensive effort of 2015 in a 48-25 win at Minnesota. De'Mornay Pierson-El had missed the first four games with a foot injury, but as he's become more involved in the game plan, the Cornhuskers are seeing how valuable he is.
Terrell Newby also broke through with 116 rushing yards, keeping quarterback Tommy Armstrong Jr. from having to do it all.
The Cornhuskers are still struggling to defend the pass, ranking last in FBS at 341.7 yards per game, but Northwestern has only topped 200 passing yards once this season.
Prediction: Nebraska 30, Northwestern 21
FINAL: Northwestern 30, Nebraska 28
Army at Rice
7 of 55
When: Saturday, Oct. 24; noon ET
Last meeting: Driphus Jackson threw three touchdown passes in a 41-21 win at Army last October.
What to watch for
Army (2-5) pulled out a 21-14 home win over Bucknell last week to avoid dropping two games to FCS teams in the same season. The Black Knights' option run game got back on track with 263 yards and two TDs, but its per-game average of 259.3 is down almost 15 percent from last season.
Rice (3-3) is playing only its third home game of the year, but last time out it rallied for a 27-26 win at Florida Atlantic. Four ball-carriers have worked to help the Owls average a solid 200 rushing yards per game.
Already 2-1 in Conference USA, Rice is in good position to get to a fourth straight bowl game. Army is on the brink of missing out on a postseason bid for the fifth straight year.
Prediction: Rice 40, Army 21
FINAL: Rice 38, Army 31
Iowa State at No. 2 Baylor
8 of 55
When: Saturday, Oct. 24; noon ET
Last meeting: Bryce Petty threw for 336 yards and a touchdown and added two rushing scores in Baylor's 49-28 win at Iowa State in September 2014.
What to watch for
Iowa State (2-4, 1-2 Big 12) led 21-14 at home against TCU last week after one quarter and didn't score again, but the opponent kept on doing so. The Cyclones allowed 621 yards in that game, a week after allowing 776 at Texas Tech, and now have to visit the top-rated offense in the country.
Not great, Bob.
Baylor (6-0, 3-0) averages a nation-high 63.8 points and 719.7 yards per game, and its five-game streak of topping 60 points is the best in FBS since 2008. There's been only one game in which the Bears haven't run and passed for at least 300 yards apiece, so there's really no area to attack in hopes of slowing them down.
Quarterback Seth Russell throws a TD once every 6.04 passes, Shock Linwood gains 8.54 yards per carry and Corey Coleman's 16 TD catches are more than 111 FBS teams have accumulated from their entire receiving corps.
Prediction: Baylor 71, Iowa State 13
FINAL: Baylor 45, Iowa State 27
Auburn at Arkansas
9 of 55
When: Saturday, Oct. 24; noon ET
Last meeting: Jeremy Johnson threw for 243 yards and two touchdowns in Auburn's 45-21 home win over Arkansas in August 2014.
What to watch for
Auburn (4-2, 1-2 SEC) bounced back last Thursday with a close win at Kentucky, with quarterback Sean White establishing himself as the best option to run the offense over Johnson. The Tigers looked more creative and confident with the ball than they had in weeks and thus avoided a second 0-3 conference start in four years.
But Auburn's defense remains an issue, seemingly regressing as the year has gone on. It allowed a season-high 497 yards, including 359 through the air. The Tigers are last in the SEC in total defense.
Arkansas (2-4, 1-2) has lost four of five, most recently at Alabama, and very little has gone well for the Razorbacks. The run game has produced only eight TDs after scoring 31 times on the ground a year ago, but if freshman Rawleigh Williams can continue to develop, he will give them a two-headed attack like that of 2014 with Alex Collins and Jonathan Williams.
The most successful area for Arkansas this year has been through the air, with Brandon Allen averaging 256 yards per game with 10 TDs. In the last two games, however, Allen has completed only 46.4 percent of his passes.
Auburn showed some great poise last week at Kentucky, but Arkansas is in a desperate position where another loss could make reaching bowl eligibility almost impossible.
Prediction: Arkansas 28, Auburn 24
FINAL: Arkansas 54, Auburn 46 (4 OT)
No. 6 Clemson at Miami (Florida)
10 of 55
When: Saturday, Oct. 24; noon ET
Last meeting: Jacory Harris threw four touchdown passes in Miami's 30-21 win at Clemson in October 2010.
What to watch for
Clemson (6-0, 3-0 ACC) is playing as well as any team in the country, and now that the kid gloves have been taken off its oft-injured quarterback, Deshaun Watson, its offense has been unstoppable. The Tigers didn't throw much in the rain-soaked win over Notre Dame, but Watson has 685 passing yards and six total TDs in the past two games.
For the year, Watson has completed 68.2 percent of his throws with 14 TDs, though he does have seven interceptions, including at least one in each of the past five games.
Clemson's defense ranks 10th nationally, holding all but one opponent under 300 yards.
Miami (4-2, 1-1) ended a two-game skid with a 10-point home victory against Virginia Tech last week, though it was a shaky one throughout. The Hurricanes have been hot-and-cold since blowing a huge lead to Nebraska before winning in overtime, and that inconsistency is keeping their best players from standing out on a regular basis.
Quarterback Brad Kaaya has only one interception in 219 pass attempts, but he's facing a Clemson secondary that has seven picks and holds opponents to a 43.8 percent completion rate.
Much like its loss at Florida State two weeks ago, Miami will look good at times, but not frequently enough to knock off a quality opponent.
Prediction: Clemson 30, Miami 23
FINAL: Clemson 58, Miami 0
Boston College at Louisville
11 of 55
When: Saturday, Oct. 24; 12:30 p.m. ET
Last meeting: Reggie Bonnafon threw two touchdown passes and ran for another in Louisville's 38-19 win at Boston College in November.
What to watch for
Boston College (3-4, 0-4 ACC) has scored only 41 points over its last five games, with 24 in the four league contests that included two shutouts. The Eagles have very little to work with on offense, with three quarterbacks combining for 105.9 passing yards per game.
Thankfully, BC has the nation's top-rated defense, or else it would have lost the four ACC games by more than 36 points.
Louisville (2-4, 1-2) lost 41-21 at Florida State last week, the third time it's allowed 30 or more points this season. The Cardinals were sixth nationally in defense last year, but opponents are converting more than 40 percent of their third downs in 2015.
Quarterback Lamar Jackson is the key to Louisville's offense, though usually only when he's unable to run. Both of its wins have come when he's topped 100 yards on the ground, while FSU held him to 32 yards on 19 carries.
BC gives up 1.72 yards per carry and 51.7 per game, so Louisville will need the passing game to push the issue.
Prediction: Louisville 26, Boston College 14
FINAL: Louisville 17, Boston College 14
Tulane at Navy
12 of 55
When: Saturday, Oct. 24; 1 p.m. ET
Last meeting: Navy ran for 418 yards and six touchdowns in its 49-21 home win over Tulane in November 2005.
What to watch for
Tulane (2-4, 1-2 American) has been outscored 91-17 the past two weeks in losses to unbeaten teams Temple and Houston. The Green Wave are 124th nationally on offense, gaining 297.2 yards per game, and the pass game has fizzled out since Tanner Lee suffered a concussion early at Temple.
Navy (4-1, 2-0) has already had two byes, the result of its spread-out schedule thanks to the annual mid-December game with Army. The Midshipmen last played on Oct. 10, when they lost 41-24 at Notre Dame, a game in which they ran for 300-plus yards for the fourth time this year but didn't get a TD run from quarterback Keenan Reynolds.
Reynolds has 73 career rushing scores, tied for second all-time in FBS and four behind the all-time leader. He's gone two games without reaching the end zone, the first time that's happened since 2012, but Tulane has allowed 15 rushing TDs on 253 attempts, so he could tie or break the record in this one.
Prediction: Navy 40, Tulane 16
FINAL: Navy 31, Tulane 14
Bowling Green at Kent State
13 of 55
When: Saturday, Oct. 24; 1 p.m. ET
Last meeting: James Knapke threw for 315 yards and a touchdown in Bowling Green's 30-20 home win over Kent State in November.
What to watch for
Bowling Green (5-2, 3-0 Mid-American) is one of only two teams in the East Division with a winning record and the only one yet to lose in conference play. The Falcons have averaged 46 points per game during a four-game winning streak, with FBS passing leader Matt Johnson leading the way.
Johnson averages 413 yards passing per game. He has 24 passing TDs and only three interceptions in 305 attempts.
Kent State (3-4, 2-1) has scored only 42 points the last three weeks but has two wins in that span, most recently a 15-10 victory at Massachusetts. The Golden Flashes held UMass to 171 passing yards, and for the year they rank 22nd against the pass and have 11 interceptions.
Johnson is a much better passer than most of Kent State's opponents have had, however.
Prediction: Bowling Green 30, Kent State 19
FINAL: Bowling Green 48, Kent State 0
Fresno State at Air Force
14 of 55
When: Saturday, Oct. 24; 2 p.m. ET
Last meeting: Derek Carr threw for 452 yards and four touchdowns in Fresno State's 48-15 home win over Air Force in November 2012.
What to watch for
Fresno State (2-5, 1-3 Mountain West) snapped a five-game losing streak last Friday, rallying late to win 31-28 at home against UNLV. The Bulldogs are 0-3 on the road this season, though, losing by an average of 30.7 points.
Air Force (3-3, 2-1) fell at in-state rival Colorado State last week, dropping the Falcons to 0-3 on the road. When playing in Colorado Springs, it's a very different story, as they've won nine straight games at Falcon Stadium.
The Falcons rank fifth in the FBS in rushing at 312.2 yards per game, with their three best performances coming at home. Fresno has allowed 20 rushing TDs.
Prediction: Air Force 45, Fresno State 21
FINAL: Air Force 42, Fresno State 14
Miami (Ohio) at Western Michigan
15 of 55
When: Saturday, Oct. 24; 2 p.m. ET
Last meeting: Jarvion Franklin ran for 182 yards and three touchdowns in Western Michigan's 41-10 win at Miami in November.
What to watch for
Miami (1-6, 0-3 Mid-American) is on a six-game losing streak in which it has averaged 12.7 points while giving up at least 30 points five times. The RedHawks have lost 21 consecutive road games dating back to September 2012.
Western Michigan (3-3, 2-0) has won two straight since league play has begun, scoring 90 points in wins over Central Michigan and Ohio. The Broncos ran for 430 yards at Ohio, more than they had gained in any two games this season.
The Broncos played a very tough non-league slate that has steeled them for the bigger games in the MAC.
Prediction: Western Michigan 48, Miami 14
FINAL: Western Michigan 35, Miami 13
No. 19 Toledo at Massachusetts
16 of 55
When: Saturday, Oct. 24; 3 p.m. ET
Last meeting: Terry Swanson's 19-yard touchdown run with 34 seconds left gave Toledo a 42-35 home win over Massachusetts last October.
What to watch for
Toledo (6-0, 3-0 Mid-American) is off to its best start since 1997, when Gary Pinkel was building up the resume that would eventually land him the Missouri job. Last week, the Rockets didn't score in the first quarter yet still won 63-20 over Eastern Michigan, and they're averaging more than 200 rushing and passing yards per game.
Massachusetts (1-5, 0-2) lost 15-10 at home to Kent State, its lowest point total of the season. The Minutemen are now 6-36 in three-plus seasons at the FBS level, with a 5-21 mark in MAC play.
Prediction: Toledo 43, Massachusetts 23
FINAL: Toledo 51, Massachusetts 35
Wagner at BYU
17 of 55
When: Saturday, Oct. 24; 3 p.m. ET
Last meeting: None
What to watch for
Wagner (0-6) is coming off a 43-14 loss at St. Francis, and for the year the Seahawks have been outscored 200-79. That includes a 56-16 loss at Rice to open the season, their fourth loss in as many tries against FBS opponents.
BYU (5-2) is wrapping up a four-game homestand that began with wins against a trio of American Athletic Conference teams. The Cougars are averaging 29.1 points per game and have scored at least 30 in every victory, including 38 last week against Cincinnati.
The Cougars have made arrangements to play in either the Hawaii or Las Vegas Bowl if they reach six victories, which will almost certainly come against this overmatched opponent. Look for them to use this game to get plenty of players involved for a home stretch that includes trips to San Jose State and Utah State and a game against Missouri in Kansas City.
Prediction: BYU 58, Wagner 17
FINAL: BYU 70, Wagner 6
Central Michigan at Ball State
18 of 55
When: Saturday, Oct. 24; 3 p.m. ET
Last meeting: Scott Secor kicked a 55-yard field goal with 17 seconds left in Ball State's 32-29 win at Central Michigan last October.
What to watch for
Central Michigan (3-4, 2-1 Mid-American) scored a season-high 51 points in a home win over Buffalo last week, aided by Cooper Rush's fourth 300-yard passing game of the year. The junior averages 297.7 yards per game with 16 touchdowns, including eight in the past two weeks.
Ball State (2-5, 1-2) lost 31-19 at home to Georgia State in a nonconference game, its fourth consecutive loss. Since falling by five at then-unbeaten Northwestern, the Cardinals have been on a prolonged skid in which they've allowed 38 points and 508.3 yards per game over the past three.
Central Michigan is winless on the road, but those games were against Syracuse, Michigan State and rival Western Michigan.
Prediction: Central Michigan 28, Ball State 23
FINAL: Central Michigan 23, Ball State 21
Eastern Michigan at Northern Illinois
19 of 55
When: Saturday, Oct. 24; 3:30 p.m. ET
Last meeting: Drew Hare ran for 166 yards and a touchdown in Northern Illinois' 28-17 at Eastern Michigan last October.
What to watch for
Eastern Michigan (1-6, 0-3 Mid-American) has lost five straight, most recently a 63-20 setback at Toledo in which the Eagles held their opponents scoreless in the first quarter. They have lost by an average of 24.8 points during the skid.
Northern Illinois (4-3, 2-1) ended a three-game road losing streak with a 45-12 victory at Miami (Ohio). The Huskies have won two in a row and scored 104 points in those victories after netting only 46 points in their previous three games.
This is NIU's last game before sliding over to weeknight #MACtion in November, when the competition will be much tougher.
Prediction: Northern Illinois 55, Eastern Michigan 14
FINAL: Northern Illinois 49, Eastern Michigan 21
Virginia at North Carolina
20 of 55
When: Saturday, Oct. 24; 3:30 p.m. ET
Last meeting: Mitch Trubisky threw a 16-yard touchdown pass to T.J. Thorpe with 4:05 left to give North Carolina a 28-27 win at Virginia last October.
What to watch for
Virginia (2-4, 1-1 ACC) scored a triple-overtime win over Syracuse last week, the 44 points scored its most since September 2014. The Cavaliers have lost 12 straight road games, though, dating back to November 2012, and with each defeat it's looking more and more like Mike London won't be back after this season.
North Carolina (5-1, 2-0) has won five straight since losing to South Carolina to open the season, averaging 46 points during that streak. The Tar Heels have been far more balanced this season than in 2014, with quarterback Marquise Williams getting help on the ground from Elijah Hood, as that tandem has rushed for 11 TDs.
UNC will want to get this one wrapped up as swiftly as possible since it has a quick turnaround before visiting Pittsburgh on Oct. 29. That's the start of three straight tough games that will decide whether the Heels can contend for the ACC's Coastal Division title.
Prediction: North Carolina 41, Virginia 21
FINAL: North Carolina 26, Virginia 13
Ohio at Buffalo
21 of 55
When: Saturday, Oct. 24; 3:30 p.m. ET
Last meeting: A.J. Ouellette ran for 155 yards and two touchdowns in Ohio's 37-14 home win over Buffalo in November.
What to watch for
Ohio (5-2, 2-1 Mid-American) lost 49-14 at home to Western Michigan, its worst home loss since Frank Solich took over the program in 2005. The Bobcats allowed 430 rushing yards, more than triple their season average coming in.
Buffalo (2-4, 0-2) has lost three in a row, most recently a 51-14 loss at Central Michigan. The Bulls have averaged 17.8 points per game in their losses and 42 in their victories.
Ohio can't afford a loss here if it wants to keep pace with Bowling Green for the East Division, but Buffalo quarterback Joe Licata plays best at home.
Prediction: Buffalo 27, Ohio 20
FINAL: Buffalo 41, Ohio 17
Middle Tennessee at Louisiana Tech
22 of 55
When: Saturday, Oct. 24; 3:30 p.m. ET
Last meeting: Middle Tennessee scored a 49-21 win over Louisiana Tech in October 2000.
What to watch for
Middle Tennessee (3-4, 2-1 Conference USA) won 42-34 at home against Florida International last week to end a three-game skid, getting 261 passing yards from Brent Stockstill. The son of coach Rick Stockstill, his 294.9 yards per game are tops in FBS among freshmen.
Louisiana Tech (4-3, 2-1) led 14-0 early at Mississippi State but then fell apart and lost by 25. The Bulldogs felt the effect of not having senior running back Kenneth Dixon, who has 69 career touchdowns but has missed the past two weeks with an ankle injury.
Florida transfer Jeff Driskel has 13 TD passes, more than in any season with the Gators, and his experience compared to Stockstill will be the difference.
Prediction: Louisiana Tech 38, Middle Tennessee 24
FINAL: Louisiana Tech 45, Middle Tennessee 16
North Texas at Marshall
23 of 55
When: Saturday, Oct. 24; 3:30 p.m. ET
Last meeting: Marshall scored a 7-0 win over visiting North Texas in November 1988 in the FCS playoffs.
What to watch for
North Texas (0-6, 0-3 Conference USA) has lost seven in a row, the most recent under the guidance of interim coach Mike Canales after Dan McCarney was fired. This is Canales' second time stepping up for a canned Mean Green coach midseason. He's been dealt a rough debut, having just lost 55-28 at home to Western Kentucky, and now must visit the defending C-USA champs.
Marshall (6-1, 3-0) has won five straight, allowing only 34 points over the last three games. The Thundering Herd aren't the wide-open team that Rakeem Cato piloted at quarterback the last few seasons but have been very balanced between the run and the pass.
North Texas has the nation's fourth-worst defense, giving up 570 yards per game, so Marshall should have no trouble winning a sixth straight.
Prediction: Marshall 47, North Texas 17
FINAL: Marshall 30, North Texas 13
Wisconsin at Illinois
24 of 55
When: Saturday, Oct. 24; 3:30 p.m. ET
Last meeting: Melvin Gordon ran for 175 yards and four touchdowns in Wisconsin's 38-28 home win over Illinois last October.
What to watch for
This is not your older brother's Wisconsin (5-2, 2-1 Big Ten) offense, as the Badgers have gradually moved away from the run-heavy attack that was so prevalent under Gary Andersen and Bret Bielema before him. They're averaging 154.6 rushing yards per game, less than half the 2014 production (320.1), and it would be the first time since 2006 that they didn't gain 200 per game on the ground, according to Sports-Reference.com.
Instead, Wisconsin is getting heady play from quarterback Joel Stave, who has back-to-back games of 322 passing yards. His 244 yards per game are a career high.
"Wisconsin is averaging 35.0 passing attempts per game this season, easily the highest total over the last 20 seasons," Evan Flood of 247Sports wrote. "Since 1996, the Badgers have averaged just 23.7 passing attempts per contest."
Illinois (4-2, 1-1) is unbeaten at home but winless on the road, falling 29-20 at Iowa before its bye week. The Fighting Illini's last home game saw them score in the final minute to pull out a 14-13 victory over Nebraska.
Top receiver Geronimo Allison suffered a head injury last time out but should be ready to go. He's critical to Illinois' offense, as his 40 catches and 601 yards are much more than anyone else's on the team.
Interim coach Bill Cubit has gotten a lot out of his team despite taking over six days before the season began. He'll keep the Illini perfect at home.
Prediction: Illinois 24, Wisconsin 22
FINAL: Wisconsin 24, Illinois 13
Penn State at Maryland
25 of 55
When: Saturday, Oct. 24; 3:30 p.m. ET
Last meeting: Brad Craddock kicked a 43-yard field goal with 51 seconds left to give Maryland a 20-19 win at Penn State in November.
What to watch for
Penn State (5-2, 2-1 Big Ten) had its five-game winning streak snapped at Ohio State last week, and the result was similar to its first defeat at Temple, except that the Nittany Lions were able to run the ball a little bit. Saquon Barkley returned from injury to run for 194 yards, but Christian Hackenberg was sacked five times and has gone down 24 times in seven games.
The Lions defense couldn't do its job, giving up 315 rushing yards despite recording 10 tackles for loss. It ranks first nationally in sacks (27) and third in TFLs (63).
Maryland (2-4, 0-2) is hungry to have its series with Penn State become a rivalry, as last year's game saw the Terrapins refuse to shake hands during the pregame coin toss, and this year's matchup was shifted to M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore for a bigger crowd. But this season hasn't gone as planned, and Saturday marks the debut of Mike Locksley as interim coach after Randy Edsall was fired.
Locksley was 2-26 in two-plus seasons as New Mexico's coach from 2009-11 and takes over a team that is 109th in offense and 111th in defense.
Maryland plays its next three against Iowa, Wisconsin and Michigan State, so if there's a time for Locksley to get a win, it's this week.
Prediction: Maryland 27, Penn State 20
FINAL: Maryland 31, Penn State 30
Indiana at No. 7 Michigan State
26 of 55
When: Saturday, Oct. 24; 3:30 p.m. ET
Last meeting: Connor Cook threw for 332 yards and three touchdowns in Michigan State's 56-17 win at Indiana last October.
What to watch for
Indiana (4-3, 0-3 Big Ten) has dropped three in a row, and the most recent was probably the most painful, as the Hoosiers blew a 25-point lead to fall by three to Rutgers at home. The return of quarterback Nate Sudfeld helped boost an offense that had been sluggish in his absence, but even a career-high 464 passing yards and four TDs wasn't enough.
The Hoosiers allow 504.1 yards per game and have yielded 118 points in their three Big 12 matches.
Michigan State (7-0, 3-0) pulled out a miraculous 27-23 win at rival Michigan thanks to a botched punt that Jalen Watts-Jackson returned for a TD as time expired. Had the play not happened, even in defeat the Spartans would have had their best overall effort of 2015, since they managed to score three times on one of the nation's top defenses.
Connor Cook has thrown for 695 yards the past two games, while the run game has scored nine TDs in the past four weeks. MSU needs to be better at putting away lesser opponents and keeping them down, but it's starting to play with some momentum.
Prediction: Michigan State 43, Indiana 20
FINAL: Michigan State 52, Indiana 26
No. 23 Duke at Virginia Tech
27 of 55
When: Saturday, Oct. 24; 3:30 p.m. ET
Last meeting: Michael Brewer's 15-yard touchdown pass early in the fourth quarter gave Virginia Tech a 17-16 win at Duke in November.
What to watch for
Duke (5-1, 2-0 ACC) was off last week, but before the bye it was hitting its stride on offense by dominating against Army on the road. The Blue Devils have scored 81 points in their two road games, compared to 53 in three home games against FBS opponents, but regardless of the location their defense has fared well.
At 9.3 points per game, Duke is tied for the FBS lead in scoring defense with Michigan. It has only allowed six TDs.
Virginia Tech (3-4, 1-2) has lost three of four, falling last week at Miami. But with the return of Brewer from a broken collarbone, we might get to see the Hokies offense that was originally planned in the offseason—and which gave them the halftime lead against Ohio State on Labor Day—but had to be scrapped for Brenden Motley.
Brewer played late against Miami and threw a 33-yard TD pass in the fourth quarter. He was 11-of-16 for 158 yards with two TDs before getting hurt against OSU, and with him back at full strength, the Hokies will pull the upset.
Prediction: Virginia Tech 26, Duke 17
FINAL: Duke 45, Virginia Tech 43 (4 OT)
Tennessee at No. 8 Alabama
28 of 55
When: Saturday, Oct. 24; 3:30 p.m. ET
Last meeting: Blake Sims threw for 286 yards and two touchdowns and ran for another score in Alabama's 34-20 win at Tennessee last October.
What to watch for
Tennessee (3-3, 1-2 SEC) had this past week off, during which the Volunteers worked hard on trying to find a way to end an eight-game losing streak to Alabama. Last year's game was an abject disaster until Joshua Dobbs was inserted into the lineup partway through, which sparked their second-half push toward a bowl bid.
Dobbs remains the key for the Vols, and he's coming off his best game of 2015, with 430 yards of total offense in the comeback win over Georgia.
"This Alabama defense is better equipped to deal with mobile quarterbacks than those of past years...but the threat of a running quarterback has been [coach Nick] Saban's kryptonite over the last few years," Bleacher Report's Barrett Sallee wrote.
Alabama (6-1, 3-1) has also tended to struggle against wide-open teams, but last week it was masterful in the 41-23 win at Texas A&M. The defense intercepted four passes, returning three for TDs, while also negating any run game for the Aggies.
Since losing to Ole Miss at home last month, this has been a revitalized 'Bama team, allowing 231.8 yards per game while getting 479 rushing yards from Derrick Henry the past three weeks, as he's asserted himself as the main weapon on offense.
Prediction: Alabama 37, Tennessee 20
FINAL: Alabama 19, Tennessee 14
Texas Tech at No. 17 Oklahoma
29 of 55
When: Saturday, Oct. 24; 3:30 p.m. ET
Last meeting: Samaje Perine ran for 213 yards and three touchdowns in Oklahoma's 42-30 win at Texas Tech last November.
What to watch for
Texas Tech (5-2, 2-2 Big 12) has the No. 2 offense in the country, averaging 623.7 yards per game, though it's coming off an unimpressive performance in a 30-20 win at Kansas. The Red Raiders led 20-0 but were sweating out the finish against the winless Jayhawks, unable to rely on their defense when the offense stopped producing.
The Raiders allow 553.6 yards per game, and the 475 yards Kansas gained were its most this season against an FBS opponent.
Oklahoma (5-1, 2-1) had arguably the most impressive performance of any team in the country last week, winning 55-0 at Kansas State despite spending most of Friday at the airport waiting for its charter plane to be repaired. The Sooners allowed only 110 yards while gaining 568, with Baker Mayfield throwing five TD passes.
The Sooners run game still hasn't materialized as promised, and not just because of a greater emphasis on the pass. Perine has had only 37 carries the past three games but should be able to feast against Tech's shoddy run defense.
Mayfield, a Tech transfer, will also light up his old team's secondary, and Oklahoma will get its most lopsided win in the series since 2010.
Prediction: Oklahoma 54, Texas Tech 28
FINAL: Oklahoma 63, Texas Tech 27
Kansas at No. 14 Oklahoma State
30 of 55
When: Saturday, Oct. 24; 3:30 p.m. ET
Last meeting: Tyreek Hill scored on a 99-yard kick return touchdown in the fourth quarter to give Oklahoma State a 27-20 win at Kansas last October.
What to watch for
Kansas (0-6, 0-3 Big 12) flirted with its first win since November when it battled back from a 20-0 home deficit to Texas Tech to trail by three. But the Jayhawks still lost their ninth in a row and now play three of the next four on the road, taking with them a 32-game road losing streak that dates back to 2009.
The Jayhawks' last Big 12 road win came in October 2008.
Oklahoma State (6-0, 3-0) was off last week, a much-needed break after three consecutive tight wins to open Big 12 play. The Cowboys' league games have been decided by a combined 12 points, including one in overtime two weeks ago at West Virginia.
Thanks to a defense that leads the nation with 4.17 sacks per game and is second with 9.83 tackles for loss per week, OK State has been able to overcome quarterback Mason Rudolph's six interceptions over the past three games.
OK State should breeze here and get to relax in the fourth quarter for once.
Prediction: Oklahoma State 49, Kansas 13
FINAL: Oklahoma State 58, Kansas 10
Washington State at Arizona
31 of 55
When: Saturday, Oct. 24; 4 p.m. ET
Last meeting: Anu Solomon threw for 294 yards and five touchdowns in Arizona's 59-37 win at Washington State last October.
What to watch for
Washington State (4-2, 2-1 Pac-12) has massively improved since opening the season with a home loss to FCS Portland State. Coach Mike Leach said the Cougars "were a team of individuals at that point in time," per ESPN's Ted Miller.
Since then, Wazzu has won four of five, pulling out late victories at Rutgers and Oregon—the latter in double-overtime—and losing by just six at California. Success has come through the usual channels for a Leach-coached team, with an explosive pass offense that spreads the ball all over.
Luke Falk is second in FBS at 395.2 passing yards per game and is completing 72.3 percent of his passes with 21 TDs and only four picks in 325 attempts. Last year, he had seven interceptions in under four games of action.
Arizona (5-2, 2-2) has rebounded from a rough start to the Pac-12 slate (losses to UCLA and Stanford by a combined 64 points) with wins over Oregon State and Colorado. The latter saw the Wildcats trail in the fourth quarter but rally behind a change at quarterback, with Jerrard Randall bringing his run ability to the field and sparking another big game on the ground.
The Wildcats average 297.4 rushing yards per game, tied for sixth in FBS, and three different players (including Randall) have had 100-yard games.
Neither team has much of a defense to speak of, so expect this game to come down to which side makes the fewer mistakes.
Prediction: Arizona 41, Washington State 35
FINAL: Washington State 45, Arizona 42
Missouri at Vanderbilt
32 of 55
When: Saturday, Oct. 24; 4 p.m. ET
Last meeting: Maty Mauk threw two touchdown passes in Missouri's 24-14 home win over Vanderbilt last October.
What to watch for
Missouri (4-3, 1-3 SEC) is scoring 16.6 points per game, tied for third-worst in FBS, and if the 34 points scored in the opener against FCS Southeast Missouri State are taken away, that average dips to 13.7. The Tigers have played a pair of 9-6 games, losing last week by that score at Georgia when they managed only 164 yards.
Only a defense that ranks second nationally in tackles for loss with 65 has kept the Tigers from being blown out in most of their games.
Vanderbilt (2-4, 0-3) has lost 11 consecutive SEC games, most recently last week at South Carolina. The Commodores average 19.3 points per game and haven't topped 20 against an FBS opponent since putting up 42 last November against Old Dominion. A much-improved defense has kept them in many games, evidenced by holding Western Kentucky's monster offense to 14 points and slowing Ole Miss last month.
Missouri won the past two SEC East titles despite not having the most dynamic offense, because its defense was enough. But without any ability to generate points, it has completely hit a wall that Vandy will break through to end a long conference skid.
Prediction: Vanderbilt 20, Missouri 13
FINAL: Vanderbilt 10, Missouri 3
SMU at South Florida
33 of 55
When: Saturday, Oct. 24; 4 p.m. ET
Last meeting: Mike White threw a four-yard touchdown pass to Andre Davis with four seconds left to give South Florida at 14-13 win at SMU last November.
What to watch for
SMU (1-5, 0-2 American) has lost four in a row, giving up at least 48 points in every game. Major strides have been made on offense, where the Mustangs' 185 points in 2015 are 52 more than all of last season, but they have absolutely no defense to speak of.
The Mustangs give up more than 570 yards per game, and first-year coach Chad Morris has that noted his team lacks confidence despite having some impressive starts to games.
"It's as if we're looking for something to go negative, something to go wrong, and it tanks from there," Morris said, per Chris Vannini of CoachingSearch.com.
South Florida (3-3, 1-1) has seen its confidence get a huge boost over the past three games. The first was a loss to Memphis, but one in which it held the Tigers to 24 points, and then the last two weeks have seen wins over Syracuse and Connecticut.
The Bulls have scored 73 points the past two weeks, with Marlon Mack and quarterback Quinton Flowers pacing a run game that has moved up to 15th in the country. Expect that to continue with SMU allowing 273 rushing yards per game and 6.18 per carry.
Prediction: South Florida 37, SMU 27
FINAL: South Florida 38, SMU 14
Hawaii at Nevada
34 of 55
When: Saturday, Oct. 24; 4 p.m. ET
Last meeting: Cody Fajardo ran for two touchdowns and threw a TD pass in Nevada's 26-18 win at Hawaii last October.
What to watch for
Hawaii (2-5, 0-3 Mountain West) gave up a TD pass with 55 seconds left to lose 28-27 last week at New Mexico, but it was the first time this season it has scored on the road. The Rainbow Warriors were shut out at Ohio State, Wisconsin and Boise State and have won just once on the mainland since October 2011.
Nevada (3-4, 1-2) suffered an embarrassing 28-21 loss at previously winless Wyoming last week, tallying a season-low 118 rushing yards. James Butler and Don Jackson are the only teammates in FBS with 600-plus yards on the ground.
Hawaii made a change at quarterback which produced results, but the fatigue that comes with long road trips on consecutive weekends will impact this performance.
Prediction: Nevada 30, Hawaii 18
FINAL: Nevada 30, Hawaii 23
Connecticut at Cincinnati
35 of 55
When: Saturday, Oct. 24; 4:30 p.m. ET
Last meeting: Cincinnati held Connecticut to 129 yards in a 41-0 road win last November.
What to watch for
Connecticut (3-4, 1-2 American) has lost four of five, including last week's home setback to South Florida. Take away the 40 points the Huskies scored at winless UCF the week before, and they're averaging 16.5 per game.
Cincinnati (3-3, 0-2) lost 38-24 last week at BYU, giving up 21 points in the last 10:24. The Bearcats' schedule has been front-loaded, with their five FBS opponents holding a combined record of 22-10 (and six of those losses were from one opponent).
It gets easier from here, with three of the next four at home.
Prediction: Cincinnati 31, Connecticut 20
FINAL: Cincinnati 37, Connecticut 13
Louisiana-Monroe at Idaho
36 of 55
When: Saturday, Oct. 24; 5 p.m. ET
Last meeting: Pete Thomas threw for 384 yards and two touchdowns in Louisiana-Monroe's 38-31 home win over Idaho in September 2014.
What to watch for
Louisiana-Monroe (1-5, 0-2 Sun Belt) lost by 45 at home to Appalachian State last week, its fourth straight setback. During that skid, the Warhawks were outscored 178-69 and gave up more than 550 yards per game.
Idaho (2-4, 1-2) ended a 24-game road losing streak last week at Troy, a last-second field goal by Austin Rehkow ending a wild trip that saw the Vandals not arrive in Alabama until Saturday morning. It was their first win outside the Kibbie Dome since 2011, and they've already matched their highest win total in the last four seasons.
Now Idaho will get to claim consecutive victories for the first time since 2010.
Prediction: Idaho 31, Louisiana-Monroe 26
FINAL: Idaho 27, Louisiana-Monroe 13
Old Dominion at Florida International
37 of 55
When: Saturday, Oct. 24; 6 p.m. ET
Last meeting: Taylor Heinicke threw for 315 yards and two touchdowns in Old Dominion's 38-35 win versus Florida International last November.
What to watch for
Old Dominion (3-3, 1-1 Conference USA) made a change at quarterback which paid off last week, as junior David Washington threw for 365 yards and four TDs in a 37-34 home win over Charlotte. The converted wide receiver had nearly twice as much yardage as previous starter Shuler Bentley's season high of 184.
Florida International (3-4, 1-2) has lost three of four, but none of its defeats have been by more than 14 points. Five of the first seven have been on the road, while at home the Golden Panthers have outscored their opponents 91-26.
The Panthers' next three foes are a combined 6-12, a stretch that makes getting bowl-eligible for the first time since 2011 look promising.
Prediction: Florida International 36, Old Dominion 28
FINAL: Florida International 41, Old Dominion 12
Florida Atlantic at UTEP
38 of 55
When: Saturday, Oct. 24; 7 p.m. ET
Last meeting: None
What to watch for
Florida Atlantic (1-5, 1-2 Conference USA) has lost two in a row, both at home, and is 0-4 on its own field. The Owls' lone win came at first-year FBS program Charlotte, but they only managed 17 points in that victory.
UTEP (2-4, 0-2) had a much-needed bye after scoring only 18 points in a pair of blowout losses to UTSA and Florida International. The Miners have the No. 118 defense in the country, allowing 495.3 yards per game.
If the Miners are going to get into a second straight bowl game, they have to win this one and get the defense in better shape.
Prediction: UTEP 31, Florida Atlantic 20
FINAL: UTEP 27, Florida Atlantic 17
No. 9 Florida State at Georgia Tech
39 of 55
When: Saturday, Oct. 24; 7 p.m. ET
Last meeting: Jameis Winston threw for 309 yards and three touchdowns as Florida State earned a 37-35 win over Georgia Tech in the 2014 ACC title game last December in Charlotte.
What to watch for
Florida State (6-0, 4-0 ACC) has won the last 28 games against conference opponents, and the results this season have improved by the week, particularly on offense. The 41-21 victory over Louisville last time out saw Everett Golson have his best game yet as a Seminole, while Dalvin Cook has moved to second in FBS in rushing yards per game at 159.2.
Golson was a turnover magnet at Notre Dame but has yet to give the ball away in 2015. With 11 touchdowns and no interceptions on 177 attempts along with a 67.2 percent completion rate, Golson isn't being asked to take risks and instead has become mostly a screen passer.
"The screen game has helped to minimize FSU's weaknesses, while playing to its strengths, including receivers who are willing to block for each other," Bud Elliott of SB Nation wrote.
Georgia Tech (2-5, 0-4) is off to its worst start in ACC play since 1994 and has lost five straight. Even with the return of its triple-option attack last week, which gained 376 yards and 9.4 yards per carry against Pittsburgh, the Yellow Jackets haven't been been able to rely on their defense.
Tech has yielded at least 30 points in all five losses and is likely to extend its streak to six straight defeats.
Prediction: Florida State 40, Georgia Tech 21
FINAL: Georgia Tech 22, Florida State 16
No. 15 Texas A&M at No. 24 Ole Miss
40 of 55
When: Saturday, Oct. 24; 7 p.m. ET
Last meeting: Ole Miss scored two defensive touchdowns in a 35-20 win at Texas A&M last October.
What to watch for
The only matchup of ranked teams on the Week 8 slate pits a pair that are coming off bad losses, both from a playoff-contention standpoint and also from a national perspective.
Texas A&M (5-1, 2-1 SEC) lost 41-23 at home to Alabama, with Kyle Allen throwing three pick-sixes and completing only 20 of 40 passes. The Aggies now play their first true road game after spending the first seven weeks of the season hanging out in Texas.
What got lost in the setback to Alabama was how explosive A&M's defensive line looked at times. It had 15 tackles for loss, the third time it's had at least 14 this season, and it seemed like Daylon Mack and Myles Garrett were in the backfield on almost every play, yet the Aggies still allowed a season-high 258 rushing yards.
Ole Miss (5-2, 2-1) lost 37-24 at Memphis, which shouldn't be that big of a deal since Memphis was unbeaten and playing at home, but it's not the kind of result the Rebels can have and be considered an elite team. It has no effect on their SEC West hopes, and with last month's win over Alabama, they still have a leg up on most of the competition. Still, they haven't looked the same since that victory.
Getting All-American tackle Laremy Tunsil back should provide a major boost, though. The junior hasn't played this season, held out while the NCAA investigated allegations that he received improper benefits, and ultimately he was given a seven-game suspension. Tunsil will be lined up across from Garrett all day, which will be a pro scout's dream.
Tunsil returns just as Ole Miss has lost center Robert Conyers to a torn ACL, so the line is still in flux. Look for A&M to capitalize on this and score the road win.
Prediction: Texas A&M 31, Ole Miss 27
FINAL: Ole Miss 23, Texas A&M 3
Western Kentucky at No. 5 LSU
41 of 55
When: Saturday, Oct. 24; 7 p.m. ET
Last meeting: Alfred Blue ran for 119 yards and two touchdowns in LSU's 42-9 home win over Western Kentucky in November 2011.
What to watch for
Western Kentucky (6-1) has the No. 3 passing offense and the No. 9 total offense, averaging 535.4 yards per game while scoring 44. The Hilltoppers have scored 218 points during a four-game win streak, but against power-conference teams they averaged 24.5 points in a win at Vanderbilt and a loss at Indiana.
Brandon Doughty, a sixth-year senior who led FBS in passing yards and TDs last season, has thrown for 2,709 yards with 24 TDs and only four interceptions in 266 attempts. He's completing 74.1 percent of his throws and has five receivers who have caught at least 24 passes, though 6'6" tight end Tyler Higbee injured his leg last week and might not be available.
LSU (6-0) won 35-28 at home last week against Florida, but its claim of being "DBU" took a hit by giving up 271 yards and two TDs to the Gators' backup quarterback. It was the shakiest the Tigers defense has looked this season.
Leonard Fournette is averaging 200.3 yards per game and 8.01 yards per carry with 14 TDs and should be able to feast on a Western Kentucky defense that allows 172.7 rushing yards per game.
LSU gets next week off to prepare for the Alabama game after the bye, and game-planning for the Crimson Tide has likely already begun. Western Kentucky can't be overlooked, though, and it should be in this game for a while before Fournette takes over.
Prediction: LSU 41, Western Kentucky 27
FINAL: LSU 48, Western Kentucky 20
South Alabama at Texas State
42 of 55
When: Saturday, Oct. 24; 7 p.m. ET
Last meeting: Terrance Timmons' eight-yard run early in the fourth quarter gave South Alabama a 24-20 home win over Texas State last November.
What to watch for
South Alabama (3-3, 1-1 Sun Belt) gave up 29 points in the fourth quarter of its last game, losing 49-31 at home to Arkansas State on Oct. 13. The Jaguars have won their past two road games, though, including a September visit to San Diego State.
Texas State (1-4, 0-1) has played just once in the past three weeks, and during that time frame it replaced its defensive coordinator. The Bobcats needed a change, as they are last in FBS in total defense at 573.2 yards allowed per game.
The 526 yards allowed last time out in a 49-27 loss at Louisiana-Lafayette was a slight improvement. With an extra week to get the new system in place, look for Texas State to end its three-game losing streak.
Prediction: Texas State 40, South Alabama 34
FINAL: Texas State 36, South Alabama 18
New Mexico at San Jose State
43 of 55
When: Saturday, Oct. 24; 7 p.m. ET
Last meeting: San Jose State scored a 20-12 win over New Mexico in the 2006 New Mexico Bowl.
What to watch for
New Mexico (4-3, 2-1 Mountain West) came from behind to beat Hawaii at home last week, doing so with only its fourth touchdown pass of the season. The Lobos rush for 254.6 yards per game, 12th-best in the country.
San Jose State (3-4, 2-2) was blown out at home by San Diego State last week and managed only 148 yards of total offense. Tyler Ervin, who three weeks earlier set the school record for rushing yards in a game at 300, was held to 22 yards on 17 carries.
For teams that have played in only four bowl games since 2006, every winnable game on the schedule is crucial. Third-year San Jose coach Ron Caragher's seat is getting hot, and he can ill afford to drop a second straight home game heading into a bye.
Prediction: San Jose State 29, New Mexico 23
FINAL: San Jose State 31, New Mexico 21
Kentucky at Mississippi State
44 of 55
When: Saturday, Oct. 24; 7:30 p.m. ET
Last meeting: Josh Robinson ran for 198 yards and two touchdowns in Mississippi State's 45-31 win at Kentucky last October.
What to watch for
Kentucky (4-2, 2-2 SEC) fell short of a key win last Thursday, losing at home to Auburn despite 359 passing yards from Patrick Towles and a strong ground effort from Boom Williams. Nearly 20 percent of the Wildcats' offensive plays this season have gone for 10 or more yards, but 40 tackles for loss allowed have put them repeatedly behind the chains and made the offense have to overwork.
Mississippi State (5-2, 1-2) has had a break from SEC play the last few weeks, winning at home against Troy and Louisiana Tech. It trailed 14-0 to Tech last week and then outscored its opponent 45-6, with Dak Prescott doing his usual damage via the run and pass. His 381 yards of total offense were a season high, and he's accounting for nearly 66 percent of the Bulldogs' production.
Prescott hasn't thrown an interception since the Orange Bowl, going 225 attempts this season without a pick. His improved passing is making up for the lack of a run game to help him, which will get MSU past Kentucky.
Prediction: Mississippi State 31, Kentucky 23
FINAL: Mississippi State 42, Kentucky 16
No. 3 Utah at USC
45 of 55
When: Saturday, Oct. 24; 7:30 p.m. ET
Last meeting: Kaelin Clay caught a one-yard touchdown pass from Travis Wilson with eight seconds left to give Utah a 24-21 home win over USC last October.
What to watch for
Utah (6-0, 3-0 Pac-12) is the only unbeaten team left in the league and has a two-game edge on the rest of the South Division, but the Utes still have a lot to do before they can start planning a trip to the Pac-12 title game. Figuring out a way to put away teams early and not have to sweat the final minutes could help, since their past two wins have required late defensive stands and clutch plays on offense.
The Utes intercepted California quarterback Jared Goff five times but only won by six points, and last week they inexplicably tried a trick play on a kickoff return with a one-point lead that resulted in a safety. The only constant for Utah has been the production of senior Devontae Booker, who averages 130.5 rushing yards per game.
Utah tried to win via the pass against ASU but couldn't put the game away until Booker took over down the stretch. That lack of a consistent pass attack could spell its doom at some point.
USC (3-3, 1-2) had one of its better performances last week despite losing 41-31 at Notre Dame. Considering it came just days after Steve Sarkisian was fired and Clay Helton became interim coach for the second time in three years, the fact the Trojans led on the road in the second half was an accomplishment.
But USC needs to use more of a methodical attack rather than one which can only generate offense mostly on big plays. The Trojans convert only 35.2 percent of their third downs, which ranks 99th and belies the talent they have on offense.
USC is too good to keep losing, turmoil or not, and it's going to jump up and bite someone sooner rather than later. That will happens here, making the Pac-12 the first of the power conferences to have all of its teams suffer a loss.
Prediction: USC 27, Utah 23
FINAL: USC 42, Utah 24
No. 1 Ohio State at Rutgers
46 of 55
When: Saturday, Oct. 24; 8 p.m. ET
Last meeting: J.T. Barrett threw three touchdowns passes and ran for two more in Ohio State's 56-17 home win over Rutgers last October.
What to watch for
Ohio State (7-0, 3-0 Big 12) appears to have turned a corner after a sluggish first half of the season, dominating in all areas last week in a 38-10 win over Penn State. And with the way Barrett played in relief of Cardale Jones, it seemed like a foregone conclusion that Urban Meyer would make the change official.
He did so Tuesday, naming Barrett the starter after Jones had handled that role for the first seven games.
"Red-zone production and third-down production were the two areas that made the difference," Meyer said, per Bleacher Report's Ben Axelrod.
Barrett accounted for four TDs with 102 rushing yards against Penn State, and the offense was much smoother with him getting the snaps.
Rutgers (3-3, 1-2) should have a big crowd on hand for this prime-time matchup, with some hoping the Scarlet Knights' massive comeback at Indiana last week is a sign of things to come. The Scarlet Knights scored 28 points in the final 17:06, winning 55-52 on a field goal at the buzzer just a week after being tied at home in the fourth quarter against unbeaten Michigan State.
Leonte Carroo had his third three-TD game of the season in that one but also hurt his ankle and missed the fourth quarter. He has nine of the Knights' 13 TD catches but is questionable for Saturday, according to Ryan Dunleavy of APP.com.
Rutgers' only hope of winning—which is slim at best—is to have Carroo available, but even that won't be enough.
Prediction: Ohio State 51, Rutgers 24
FINAL: Ohio State 49, Rutgers 7
Troy at New Mexico State
47 of 55
When: Saturday, Oct. 24; 8 p.m. ET
Last meeting: Brandon Silvers had 281 yards of total offense and two touchdowns in Troy's 41-24 home win over New Mexico State last October.
What to watch for
Troy (1-5, 0-2 Sun Belt) lost at home last time out against Idaho, which came in on a 24-game road losing streak and was ravaged by travel delays. The Trojans' first season under former Kentucky assistant Neal Brown has not gone well, and during their four-game losing streak they've averaged only 13.5 points.
New Mexico State (0-6, 0-2) is on a 16-game losing streak but is home for the first time since Sept. 19. The Aggies lost their two home games this season by a combined five points.
NMSU will get its first win since September 2014.
Prediction: New Mexico State 31, Troy 27
FINAL: Troy 52, New Mexico State 7
Wyoming at Boise State
48 of 55
When: Saturday, Oct. 24; 10:15 p.m. ET
Last meeting: Grant Hedrick threw for 246 yards and three touchdowns in Boise State's 63-14 win at Wyoming last November.
What to watch for
Wyoming (1-6, 1-2 Mountain West) ended a nine-game losing streak by holding off Nevada at home, with Brian Hill rushing for 188 yards and Cameron Coffman completing 18 of 20 passes with three TDs. The Cowboys now must play three of their next four on the road against the three best teams in the conference.
Boise State (5-2, 2-1) turned it over eight times—seven in the first half—in a 52-26 loss at Utah State last week. The Broncos will now need help from the rest of the league to get back into the conference title game, while their hopes of getting another major bowl bid took a serious hit.
The Broncos will get back Jeremy McNichols, who has 14 TDs this season, from injury, but defensive back Donte Deayon is out with a knee injury. Deayon has four of their 13 interceptions.
Prediction: Boise State 50, Wyoming 16
FINAL: Boise State 34, Wyoming 14
Colorado at Oregon State
49 of 55
When: Saturday, Oct. 24; 10:30 p.m. ET
Last meeting: Terron Ward scored two rushing touchdowns in Oregon State's 36-31 win at Colorado last October.
What to watch for
Colorado (3-4, 0-3 Pac-12) ran its conference losing streak to 14 games last week by allowing 21 fourth-quarter points at home to Arizona. Coach Mike MacIntyre had guaranteed a win the night before during a homecoming pep rally but now sits at 1-20 in Pac-12 play.
The Buffaloes are giving up 210.6 rushing yards per game, second-worst in the Pac-12, and their own run game has sputtered during league play.
Oregon State (2-4, 0-3) averages 332.7 yards per game, worst in the Pac-12, and their 145.5 passing yards per game are 119th in the nation. Freshman quarterback Seth Collins is the Beavers' top ball-carrier with five of their eight rushing TDs but has been unable to have much success throwing the ball.
OSU has lost three in a row by an average of 25.3 points but will pick up a victory in what might be its only remaining winnable game.
Prediction: Oregon State 30, Colorado 22
FINAL: Colorado 17, Oregon State 13
Washington at No. 10 Stanford
50 of 55
When: Saturday, Oct. 24; 10:30 p.m. ET
Last meeting: Kevin Hogan's five-yard touchdown run with 4:29 left gave Stanford a 20-13 win at Washington in September 2014.
What to watch for
Washington (3-3, 1-2 Pac-12) couldn't end its long losing streak to Oregon last week, and a late shoulder injury to freshman quarterback Jake Browning could completely change how the Huskies operate on offense. He couldn't go on the final drive, down six points, and backup K.J. Carta-Samuels couldn't execute as effectively.
The Huskies might be wise to rely more on freshman running back Myles Gaskin, who ran for 155 yards and a TD on 18 carries against Oregon and has 289 yards in his past two games. Slowing down the game might be their only chance against the opponents' surging offense.
Stanford (5-1, 4-0) has gotten exponentially better on a weekly basis since losing 16-6 at Northwestern in the season opener. The Cardinal have scored 20 TDs on 28 trips to the red zone, a year after struggling mightily near the goal line, and a key difference has been the emergence of sophomore Christian McCaffrey.
McCaffrey set a school record with 243 rushing yards and four TDs last week against UCLA. He leads FBS with 253 all-purpose yards per game, thanks to his ability to catch passes out of the backfield and his work as a return man.
Washington's defense has been solid, allowing 16.8 points per game, but without an offense to keep up, it will have no shot.
Prediction: Stanford 36, Washington 17
FINAL: Stanford 31, Washington 14
No. 18 Memphis at Tulsa
51 of 55
When: Friday, Oct. 23; 8 p.m. ET
Last meeting: Brandon Hayes ran for 199 yards and three touchdowns in Memphis' 40-20 home win over Tulsa last October.
What to watch for
Memphis (6-0, 2-0 American) is coming off arguably the biggest win in school history, a 37-24 triumph over Ole Miss. The Tigers trailed 14-0 in the first quarter but saw their struggling defense come up huge over the final three quarters while quarterback Paxton Lynch did his thing for their 13th straight win.
That victory is a major resume-booster for Memphis' hopes of earning the Group of Five bid to a New Year's Six bowl game, but the work is far from over. All three of their remaining road games will be challenges, starting with one of the most explosive offenses in the country.
Tulsa (3-3, 0-2) averages 550.5 yards per game, second-most in the American Athletic Conference, but it lost 30-17 at East Carolina last week and has dropped three of its last four. Dane Evans averages 354.5 passing yards per game but was just 19-of-41 last time out, and the Golden Hurricane's run game has averaged only 3.51 yards per carry over the past three games.
Memphis' ability to make stops last week answered a big question, and while Tulsa will get its yards, the Tigers will come out with a 14th straight victory.
Prediction: Memphis 46, Tulsa 31
FINAL: Memphis 66, Tulsa 42
Utah State at San Diego State
52 of 55
When: Friday, Oct. 23; 10:30 p.m. ET
Last meeting: Ryan Lindley threw for 362 yards and three touchdowns in San Diego State's 41-7 home win over Utah State in September 2010.
What to watch for
Utah State (4-2, 3-0 Mountain West) claimed its first win over Boise State since 1997 last week, and the 52-26 win puts it in the driver's seat in the Mountain Division. The Aggies capitalized on eight turnovers, giving them a plus-nine turnover margin for the season.
Kent Myers' play at quarterback has triggered a three-game win streak in which Utah State has averaged 47 points. Myers has accounted for almost 64 percent of the team's offense since replacing the injured Chuckie Keeton.
San Diego State (4-3, 3-0) has allowed only 28 combined points in three straight wins to soar to the top of the West Division, the latest a 30-7 victory at San Jose State. The Aztecs are tied for 13th nationally in total defense, allowing 296 yards per game, and Donnel Pumphrey has run for 424 yards and five TDs during their three-game win streak.
This could be a preview of December's Mountain West title game. Utah State has the slight edge, despite being on the road, based on its dominance of Boise.
Prediction: Utah State 26, San Diego State 23
FINAL: San Diego State 48, Utah State 14
No. 22 Temple at East Carolina
53 of 55
When: Thursday, Oct. 22; 7 p.m. ET
Last meeting: Temple only gained 135 total yards, but two touchdown runs by Kenneth Harper were enough for a 20-10 home win over East Carolina last November.
What to watch for
Temple (6-0, 3-0 American) is ranked for the first time since 1979 and has already matched last year's win total, when the Owls weren't extended a bowl invite. They may be prime candidates to host ESPN's College GameDay next week with Notre Dame coming to town, but that will require them to win a tough road game on short rest after looking shaky their last time out.
The Owls trailed in the second half at home to winless UCF before waking up behind Jahad Thomas. He's run for 756 yards and 10 touchdowns and ranks fifth nationally with 189.3 all-purpose yards per game.
East Carolina (4-3, 2-1) had an impressive 30-17 home win over Tulsa last week, shutting down an offense that came in averaging 36.6 points per game. The Pirates have had four games decided by eight or fewer points, beating Virginia Tech at home but losing at Florida and BYU by one score apiece.
Quarterbacks Blake Kemp and James Summers have rotated the past few games, with Kemp the better passer and Summers in there to run more. This will create a tough scenario for Temple, but its 13th-ranked defense should be up to the challenge.
Prediction: Temple 27, East Carolina 24
FINAL: Temple 24, East Carolina 14
Georgia Southern at Appalachian State
54 of 55
When: Thursday, Oct. 22; 7:30 p.m. ET
Last meeting: Matt Breida and Kevin Ellison combined for 286 of Georgia Southern's 408 rushing yards in a 34-14 home win over Appalachian State in September 2014.
What to watch for
A pair of programs that are in their second years at the FBS level have quickly made their marks in the Sun Belt Conference, and now that each is eligible for the league title (and a bowl bid), this game has huge implications for both teams' futures. The former FCS rivals have plenty of history, too.
"This is a real rivalry game with enough hatred to make some of the old-timers blush," wrote Bryan Vance of SB Nation. "In 2003 after beating the Eagles for the first time in five seasons, Appalachian State fans charged the field, tore down a goal post and rammed it into the side of a GSU team bus."
Georgia Southern (5-1, 3-0) has the nation's top-rated rushing offense at 399 yards per game with 29 touchdowns. Since Sun Belt play has begun, the Eagles have averaged 467.7 yards with 18 TDs. They have a balanced attack that features four backs with 300-plus yards. Breida is the featured act, though, with 875 yards and 11 TDs on only 85 carries.
Appalachian State (5-1, 2-0) is ninth in rushing at 284.5 yards per game and 17th in total offense. The Mountaineers are adept at both the run and the pass, with Taylor Lamb's 15 TD passes complementing Marcus Cox's 687 rushing yards.
Both teams are also quite good at defending the run, since they get so much practice against it during the week.
Appalachian has won its last five home games and will be the first Sun Belt team to beat the Eagles in what should be one of the best games of the weekend.
Prediction: Appalachian State 31, Georgia Southern 27
FINAL: Appalachian State 31, Georgia Southern 13
No. 20 California at UCLA
55 of 55
When: Thursday, Oct. 22; 9 p.m. ET
Last meeting: Ka'imi Fairbairn kicked a 26-yard field goal with 3:40 left to give UCLA a 36-34 win at California last October.
What to watch for
California (5-1, 2-1 Pac-12) had last week off after losing for the first time this season at Utah, a game in which it committed six turnovers, with quarterback Jared Goff throwing five interceptions. The Golden Bears defense kept them in it, though, which is a major reason why this team has already matched its win total from 2014.
The Bears are allowing 117 fewer yards per game than a season ago, and their pass defense has massively improved. A year after yielding 42 TDs through the air, they've given up five while picking off 12 passes.
UCLA (4-2, 1-2) is on a two-game skid, the most recent an embarrassing 56-35 loss at Stanford in which its run defense took another step back. The Bruins are last in the conference against the run, giving up 215.7 yards per game, and in league play that average rises to 284.7 per game with eight TDs allowed.
Injuries have had a major impact on UCLA's defense, as it no longer has playmakers like linebacker Myles Jack or defensive lineman Eddie Vanderdoes. Yet the offense hasn't done itself any favors of late, with freshman quarterback Josh Rosen becoming more mistake-prone, while Paul Perkins has seen his touches decrease.
Cal can be run on, which will be the recipe for a streak-ending result for UCLA.
Prediction: UCLA 34, California 28
FINAL: UCLA 40, California 24
All statistics courtesy of CFBStats.com, unless otherwise noted.
Follow Brian J. Pedersen on Twitter at @realBJP.
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