Expert Predictions for Week 9 in College Football
No. 2 Penn State vs. No. 6 Ohio State is the headliner of Week 9 of the 2017 college football season, but it is just one part of a midafternoon slate that is going to make your head spin.
One prediction we're prepared to make with 100 percent certainty: The 3:30 p.m. ET kickoff window is going to be one of the greatest of the past decade. In addition to three ranked-versus-ranked showdowns (Penn State at Ohio State; TCU at Iowa State; North Carolina State at Notre Dame), there will be No. 4 Georgia at Florida, No. 16 Michigan State at Northwestern and UCLA at No. 12 Washington. There's also Houston at No. 17 South Florida kicking off at 3:45, so there could be as many as seven losses by ranked teams in the span of about 30 minutes.
Buckle up!
This will be a welcome change of pace from last week. There were only two can't-miss games, and both Michigan at Penn State and USC at Notre Dame were blowouts that were practically finished by halftime. So many ranked teams won by margins of four or more possessions that it almost felt like we were watching a completely different sport from the one that incited unadulterated chaos in Weeks 6 and 7.
Will madness reclaim its seat on the throne this weekend?
College football experts—Matt Hayes, David Kenyon, Adam Kramer, Kerry Miller, Brad Shepard and Greg Wallace—offered up predictions on nine of the hottest burning questions of the week, including:
- Will Ohio State get revenge for Penn State's blocked field goal in 2016?
- Can Notre Dame continue down its treacherous path to the College Football Playoff?
- What will be the biggest upset of the week?
- How many SEC teams will become bowl-eligible?
Our experts are on the case to let you know.
No. 2 Penn State vs. No. 6 Ohio State: Who You Got?
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Matt Hayes (Follow @MattHayesCFB)
There's plenty of motivational juice on both sides. Ohio State for last year's loss in Happy Valley (and the ugly way it went down), and Penn State for the way the Buckeyes jumped the Big Ten champions into the College Football Playoff. These big games are always about elite players. Penn State has the two best offensive players in the Big Ten (Saquon Barkley and Trace McSorley), and the Ohio State defensive line is the best in college football. Here's my issue: Just how good is the Ohio State passing game? We've seen the Buckeyes put up big numbers against a whole lot of nothing. Penn State will be their first significant defensive test since Oklahoma. I'm going with Penn State.
David Kenyon (Follow @Kenyon19_BR)
Since the loss to Oklahoma, Ohio State has destroyed everything it its path. Between the hot streak, motivation to atone for last year's loss at Penn State and home-field advantage, the Buckeyes hold several key advantages. I expect we're going to see Nittany Lions offensive coordinator Joe Moorhead bust open the playbook, but I'm going with Ohio State.
Adam Kramer (Follow @KegsnEggs)
First, I have us. We all are glorious winners here, and I'm not sure I've been more excited for a football game all season. With that out of the way, give me Ohio State. I think the Buckeyes are a completely different team that has settled into the year—it's amazing what happens when we allow a program to actually grow over a few months. And as much as I like Penn State this year, the Ohio State defense will present enough problems for the Nittany Lions offense. Saquon Barkley will do his part and remain at the front of the Heisman discussion, but the Buckeyes get the W.
Kerry Miller (Follow @kerrancejames)
Since the Week 2 loss to Oklahoma, Ohio State has won five consecutive games by at least 31 points. However, not one of those opponents was anything close to Penn State in terms of offensive ability and versatility. This one is going to be much closer than either of last week's marquee games (PSU vs. Michigan; Notre Dame vs. USC), but the Buckeyes do enough to hold Penn State a TD or two below its season scoring average. Before the year even began, my prediction for this game was Ohio State winning 31-28. That still sounds good to me.
Brad Shepard (Follow @Brad_Shepard)
This has the potential to be the best marquee college football game of the season. I love the way both of these offenses are playing. Both defenses are super-talented, too. This will come down to a battle of quarterbacks, and it's hard to bet against the way J.T. Barrett is playing. It seems he has fully embraced Kevin Wilson's system, and the Buckeyes are rolling recently. But the last time they played a high-octane offense, OSU lost to Oklahoma. Until the Buckeyes prove they can stop top teams, give me the Nittany Lions.
Greg Wallace (Follow @gc_wallace)
The past few weeks have felt devoid of truly big, season-shaping games, but that changes Saturday. OSU survived Penn State's blocked field goal upset last fall to make the College Football Playoff, but with a loss to Oklahoma on its record, the Buckeyes would be out this year with a loss. Penn State picked up right where it left off from 2016's Big Ten title, but a trip to the 'Shoe will give us a real idea about how tough the Nittany Lions really are. Barkley is a strong Heisman Trophy contender, and while Barrett appears improved from 2016 with 21 touchdowns against one interception, OSU has lost its last two games against Top 5 opponents by a combined score of 62-16. Until the Buckeyes prove they can hang with the nation's elite toe-to-toe, I'm taking the Lions, 31-21.
Will Notre Dame Survive Its Second Consecutive CFP Elimination Game?
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Matt Hayes
Every week is an elimination game for the Irish. This team is much better than anyone thinks, quietly cruising under the radar until last week's demolition of USC. ND is elite again because it is elite on the interior lines and it has a quarterback who protects the ball. When you can run the ball like the Irish, the offense is not only easier to execute, the playbook expands. Not only do the Irish survive this elimination, but they make it through every other one, too, and finish 11-1.
David Kenyon
Yes, but barely. It mostly depends on whether Notre Dame can execute in short-yardage situations, since NC State has an outstanding defensive line. The key to an upset for the Wolfpack is making Brandon Wimbush beat them through the air, as he has averaged seven-plus yards per attempt just once this season. However, I believe the Irish will successfully lean on Wimbush's mobility and star runner Josh Adams to clip NC State.
Adam Kramer
Yet another super intriguing and incredibly important game. I do believe Notre Dame gets a win, and I love the fact this game will be played in lovely, tropical Indiana at home. I think the Irish are the more balanced of the two teams, and while I love the NC State defensive front, I think Notre Dame has enough weapons to overcome some really good players. Also, real quick: Can we please put Adams in the Heisman discussion? Please? If he has yet another big game here, there's no reason his name shouldn't be thrown around. All aboard that hype train.
Kerry Miller
After watching Notre Dame shred USC's defense, it's tempting to say the Fighting Irish cannot be stopped. After all, it was their fifth time rushing for at least 333 yards in a game. But North Carolina State's rush defense is drastically better than USC's, and it comes into this game well-rested, having only played one game in the last 23 days. Give me the Wolfpack in a 27-24 shocker that sets up one heck of a game against Clemson next Saturday.
Brad Shepard
I've spoken against the Fighting Irish all year, and they've continually made me look like I don't know what I'm talking about. Last weekend against USC, Adams, Wimbush and Co. made me believers. That 20-19 loss to Georgia is aging well, and Brian Kelly has his team playing as well as any one-loss team in the country. There's a lot to like about how NC State has responded after losing the season opener to South Carolina, but the Irish have enough offensive playmakers to win. I like ND in a close one.
Greg Wallace
Remember when Brian Kelly was on the hot seat in early September? Well, that seat has cooled considerably following a dominant five-game win streak capped by a 49-14 whipping of USC. But Notre Dame must run the table for any shot at the College Football Playoff. That starts with a visit from much-improved NC State. The Wolfpack are one of the ACC's best teams and have a nasty defensive line led by All-America candidate Bradley Chubb. That will be a big challenge for Heisman candidate Adams (967 rushing yards, eight TDs), but I like the Irish's balanced overall offense to get its points against the Wolfpack in a 27-17 win in South Bend.
Does Newly Ranked Iowa State Shock the World Again This Week?
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Matt Hayes
Yes. Since giving up 44 points in an overtime loss to Iowa (still don't know how the Cyclones lost that game), the Iowa State defense has given up 75 points in five games, including just 13 to Texas Tech's pass-happy offense. This is the most underrated game of the week. If the Cyclones can continue to play stingy defense, the Big 12's CFP hopes are going to take a huge hit this weekend. The move of QB Joel Lanning to middle linebacker was critical to completing the unit and giving it a personality. Watch how they control TCU and QB Kenny Hill Saturday.
David Kenyon
Although I'd love to fully jump onto the Cyclones bandwagon, TCU's defense should provide the difference in this matchup. No team has effectively run the ball on the Horned Frogs, and Iowa State is inefficient on the ground anyway. Kyle Kempt is a great story, but he'll fall a touchdown shy of stunning TCU.
Adam Kramer
I'm not sure there's a team with more positive program momentum right now than Iowa State, and I think this is a perfect situation at home, in Ames, which is a football town with magical upset powers. I love \the Cyclones' balance, which will be deeply important against another balanced group in TCU. As impressed as I have been with the Horned Frogs, I think this is a real threat to its undefeated year. In fact, Iowa State gets it done. I'm writing that down in soft pen.
Kerry Miller
Against competent, healthy teams, TCU has struggled on defense. Sure, the Horned Frogs just obliterated Kansas, but I said competent. SMU, Oklahoma State and West Virginia combined to average 32.3 points and 490.0 yards against the Horned Frogs. Iowa State is a whole heck of a lot better on defense than either SMU or West Virginia. And Kyle Kempt has been this year's Sam Darnold, taking over at QB about a third of the way through the season before posting a QB rating that would rank top 10 in the nation if he had played enough to qualify. Iowa State's magic ride continues for at least one more week, upsetting TCU, 34-27.
Brad Shepard
In a word, no. I love what Matt Campbell is doing in Ames, and he is making a run at National Coach of the Year honors. The Cyclones are having a major turnaround season, and it's going to be difficult for anybody to snag him away thanks to a massive buyout. But this won't be one of those weekends that advance ISU in the win column. This is going to be a difficult battle for the Horned Frogs, but they're battle-tested. The Cyclones will get another shocker—against either West Virginia, Oklahoma State or Kansas State. But TCU will take care of business.
Greg Wallace
Iowa State fans expected the Cyclones to be improved in Matt Campbell's second season, but few saw this coming this quickly. Following a 3-9 debut, ISU is 5-2 and in the Top 25 for the first time since 2005. Cyclone fans are famously loyal, but Jack Trice Stadium will have a special energy for No. 4 TCU's visit. The Horned Frogs have an excellent defense, yielding 14.9 points per game, and their run defense could handcuff shifty back David Montgomery. Expect Kenny Hill to get his yardage and scores against ISU's defense as the Frogs escape Ames with a close win.
.jpg?w=256 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
Undefeated Georgia, Wisconsin and Miami All Play on the Road: Any Losses?
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Matt Hayes
This is a joke, right? Wisconsin plays one of the five worst Power Five teams (Illinois), Miami also plays one of the worst Power Five teams (North Carolina) and Georgia plays a team in utter turmoil (Florida). So the short answer: no. The best chance at an upset is in Jacksonville, but only if Georgia freshman QB Jake Fromm is overwhelmed by the moment of the rivalry game in a unique environment and commits multiple turnovers. Is that possible? Sure. It sure as hell isn't probable. Fromm has played too smart and too measured all season to be intimidated by this moment.
David Kenyon
All three are multi-touchdown favorites, so it sure would be a disaster for a loss to happen in Week 9. Georgia is probably in the most danger, given Florida's confidence in the rivalry despite a poor 2017 season. Slow starts remain a concern for Miami, but each of the Dawgs, 'Canes and the Badgers should cruise through the second half.
Adam Kramer
Nah. Don't see it. Let's just toss Wisconsin out of the discussion entirely. It isn't losing to Illinois. Given the way North Carolina has quickly hit rock bottom—seriously, what the heck happened here?—I don't see that one happening either. That leaves us with the World's Largest Outdoor [name redacted], which has been strange plenty of times before. I could see Florida keeping up in this game for a bit, although I just don't think the Gators have the offense to stay with what looks like a really talented Georgia team.
Kerry Miller
Not a chance. It's not that the undefeated teams are unbeatable. It's that these aren't the opponents to beat them. Wisconsin and Miami are facing Illinois and North Carolina, respectively, and those are two of the worst Power Five teams in the country. And it's beyond difficult to imagine Florida's anemic offense doing anything against Georgia's sensational defense. All three get at least to Week 10 before suffering their first loss.
Brad Shepard
Not this weekend. The Bulldogs are focused, and they have bigger things on their mind this year. Though Florida owns UGA, that won't be the case this year. Kirby Smart's team will roll over the Gators. Then there's Wisconsin-Illinois and Miami-North Carolina. Those won't even be close. It has been a forgettable season for the Tar Heels, and though the Illini have shown flashes of getting better, they aren't nearly deep enough to hang with Wisconsin.
Greg Wallace
I'm not great at picking upsets, but this should be pretty easy. North Carolina has become the worst team in the ACC in incredibly quick fashion. Miami has played tight games, but I think this will be a laugher in the aluminum jungle known as Kenan Stadium. It'd be a stunner if Wisconsin didn't finish the regular season 12-0, and Illinois is the worst squad in the Big Ten. Champaign is, shall we say, a welcoming environment for foes. Lovie Smith is in way over his head, and he will be this week, too. Georgia-Florida is a neutral-site game played in Jacksonville, but Georgia and Jake Fromm will make it feel like home, easily outscoring a weak Florida offense and adding to the pressure on Florida head coach Jim McElwain.
Which Week 9 Game Produces the Most Total Points?
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Matt Hayes
Texas Tech at Oklahoma. Until the OU defense shows up again, every week will be an adventure. The Sooners played better two weeks ago against Texas, but regressed again last week against Kansas State. Since dominating Ohio State in Week 2—with defense—OU has given up an average of 30.4 points per game. The Sooners struggle in coverage, and Texas Tech throws it as well as anyone in the conference. These two might combine to reach 100.
David Kenyon
In Drew Lock's last five games against Group of Five or FCS teams, he's thrown 25 touchdowns and Missouri has averaged 65 points. UConn can take advantage of a soft defense, but the Huskies secondary has allowed 20 passing scores this season. Only Oregon State, Kansas and East Carolina have surrendered more. I'm expecting a track meet in the Northeast.
Adam Kramer
There are some incredible options here, especially in the Big 12, but I am going to go off the map a bit and select one of the oddest darn midseason matchups I can recall in recent years. Give me Missouri at [gasp] UConn. Yes, UConn actually has the worst pass defense in the nation. Not near the bottom, but at the bottom. Missouri is close to the bottom in total defense. Lock, meanwhile, has thrown 23 touchdowns for Mizzou and should post enormous numbers here. I could see this game being somewhere in the 80-85-point range and taking about four hours to finish.
Kerry Miller
It's not a game that anyone will be paying attention to, but Missouri vs. Connecticut should be a points bonanza. Lock against a UConn defense allowing more passing yards per game than any other team in the country should be wildly entertaining, but Bryant Shirreffs will get more than his fair share of yardage against a dreadful Tigers defense. Put it this way: If the winner of this game fails to score at least 49 points, it would be one of the biggest surprises of the week.
Brad Shepard
As many points as Florida Atlantic and Western Kentucky will produce, Texas Tech-Oklahoma has all the trappings of a game that could break the scoreboard. The Red Raiders still don't have enough defense to make much noise in the Big 12 against quality competition, and OU quarterback Baker Mayfield qualifies as such. The Sooners will put up more than 50 points, and the Red Raiders may score 40 themselves. Look for the final to be something like 58-42.
Greg Wallace
A year ago, Texas Tech and Oklahoma played the most defense-optional game of the season, with Oklahoma emerging with a wild 66-59 win over the Red Raiders. Tech isn’t quite as prolific as 2016 with Nic Shimonek under center (Iowa State held the Red Raiders to 13 points) but still averages 40.3 points per game. Oklahoma has a powerful offense with Mayfield leading the way, averaging 42 points per outing. Both defenses appear to be improved from a year ago, but this will have points aplenty. 52-34, Oklahoma.
Which Big 12 QB Leads His Team to Victory: Mason Rudolph or Will Grier?
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Matt Hayes
There's just something about the Oklahoma State offense that isn't right. There are issues with injuries on the offensive line, but it was strange that the Cowboys didn't try to win last week's Texas game in regulation with enough time, timeouts and a terrific passing offense. West Virginia, meanwhile, is doing whatever it wants offensively with the best pass-catch combination in the game (Will Grier to David Sills) and a wildly underrated run game. The 'Eers get a few stops on defense and win a big game.
David Kenyon
Will Grier might end up posting a better stat line, but I'm taking Mason Rudolph and Oklahoma State. West Virginia is one of the nation's worst defenses at protecting against big plays, and the Pokes, as you may have heard, are pretty good at creating explosive gains. No team has collected more 30-, 40- or 60-yard plays this season.
Adam Kramer
I'll take Mason Rudolph, although both quarterbacks should play really well here. My only concern is that Rudolph did not look right/healthy against Texas last week, which was a hard-fought victory for OK State. Offense will be more easily manufactured this week, although I believe that sentiment will be true for both teams here. Grier has been as good as advertised, and he will likely stay that way. I just get a sense that the Pokes will find a way to win another close game—this one with many, many more points.
Kerry Miller
Grier might have the brighter NFL future, but he's facing the much tougher defense in this one. In terms of opposing QB rating, Oklahoma State ranks 19th in the country and West Virginia ranks 91st. The Cowboys have yet to allow an opponent to throw for multiple TDs this season. That streak probably comes to an end, but Grier's two touchdowns won't be enough to keep pace with Rudolph's four. Cowboys win by 17 and get back into the College Football Playoff conversation.
Brad Shepard
The game is at West Virginia, and I like the Mountaineers at home. I think Will Grier is perhaps the most underrated quarterback in the nation, and though the Cowboys have looked better since losing to TCU, this is going to be a shootout. When that happens, you take the home team, especially when it has a quarterback as good as Grier. Look for the Mountaineers to get it done in Morgantown.
Greg Wallace
Saturday's trip to Morgantown looms as a must-win if Oklahoma State hopes to stay in the CFP picture. The 6-1 Cowboys showed toughness in surviving a 13-10 overtime win at Texas, but the West Virginia passing game orchestrated by Will Grier offers a major challenge for the Cowboys defense. Grier has been a perfect fit with WVU, throwing for 2,467 yards with 26 touchdowns against five interceptions. OSU has shown some vulnerability against the pass, allowing 225.3 yards per game. But the Mountaineers have been worse, allowing 261.3 per game. Mason Rudolph and star wideout James Washington will feast on WVU's D and pull out a key Big 12 win with several deep touchdowns.
Which Team Pulls Off the Most Surprising Upset of the Week?
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Matt Hayes
Iowa State, but we've already covered that. Clemson is going to struggle against Georgia Tech but will find a way to win the fourth quarter. Arizona is going to take Washington State into the fourth quarter before losing late. But I like Northwestern over Michigan State. It's one of those sleepy Big Ten games you're not watching—and frankly, don't care much about. Until, that is, Northwestern is protecting a lead late in the fourth quarter by feeding tailback Justin Jackson.
David Kenyon
Though it's not a massive upset in spread terms, I believe Oregon can rely on the rushing attack to knock off Utah. The passing game has basically disappeared since Justin Herbert's injury, and that's been a major problem for the Ducks over the last few weeks. However, the Utes have allowed 4.8 yards per carry and/or 200 total rushing yards in four straight games, and their offense is unstable.
Adam Kramer
In terms of magnitude, it's hard to find something more significant than Iowa State—a pick from earlier. But let's spread the upset cheer and pick another one for the heck of it. In terms of general weirdness, I believe one-win UMass will take down two-loss Appalachian State at home. I feel pretty confident in saying that absolutely no one else will mention this game but myself, and this entire piece is probably better for it.
Kerry Miller
I've already got Iowa State beating TCU, which would be a pretty big upset. But let me give you one more: Air Force over Colorado State as a 10.5-point underdog. Air Force leads the nation in passing yards allowed per game and its triple-option rushing attack just keeps getting better each week. It might be a matter of the Falcons getting two defensive stops and the Rams only getting one, but this team has gotten too strong on offense to lose a borderline must-win game by a double-digit margin.
Brad Shepard
There don't seem to be a lot of options out there this week, but one team that had better watch out is Clemson. It looks like star quarterback Kelly Bryant is going to play against Georgia Tech, but after a bye week following the loss to Syracuse, the Tigers have had to sit and stew on that a long time. How are they going to come out? Tech is a strong two-loss team that should have beaten Miami. Look for the Yellow Jackets to get their stunner this weekend.
Greg Wallace
In the first year post-Tom Herman, Houston has looked very average, allowing all 42 points of a 42-38 loss to Memphis after halftime last week. The Cougars are 4-3 and have been reduced to spoiler status in the AAC. For South Florida, the season-ending I-4 showdown against fellow unbeaten Central Florida could determine a New Year's Six spot. But the Bulls have to get there first. They've looked vulnerable at times this fall, nearly blowing a 27-point lead to Tulane before hanging on for a 34-28 win last week. Expect Houston, fired up after last week's disappointment, to come into Tampa and throw a wrench into USF's lofty plans.
Does Either Arizona School Further Shake Up the Pac-12?
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Matt Hayes
Arizona will make it interesting with Wazzu (see above), but the big move will be Arizona State beating free-falling USC. The Trojans looked physically and emotionally drained last week at Notre Dame, and another road game against a hot team (Sun Devils have won three of four) that’s suddenly playing great defense is the last thing they need. ASU has given up a combined 17 points to Washington and Utah (two very good offenses) in the last two weeks.
David Kenyon
No, but I'm looking forward to figuring out if Arizona State's midseason improvement is real. Rashaad Penny and Bryce Love both gashed the Sun Devils on the ground, and I think Ronald Jones II will assemble a game-shaping performance Saturday night. But if ASU limits his impact and is able to pressure Sam Darnold with only the defensive line, USC is in serious trouble.
Adam Kramer
It’s not sizable in terms of spread, but I believe Arizona State at home will give USC its second straight loss. Given where both teams began the year expectation-wise, that’s pretty unbelievable to think about. And perhaps the most unbelievable part is that now, after two months, it wouldn’t be all that shocking given what we’ve seen. I’ll say that Washington State gets a win, barely, but I don’t feel overly confident in this pick. It wouldn’t shock me to see both Arizona teams do some more celebrating this weekend.
Kerry Miller
While I expect both ranked teams to win on the road, it wouldn't surprise me one bit if both Arizona and Arizona State win these games. Arizona State is a completely different team on defense the past two weeks, and USC appeared to lose its will to fight against Notre Dame. And only a madman would bet against Khalil Tate right now—even though the Arizona defense has allowed at least 30 points in four straight games.
Brad Shepard
This USC team is struggling, and after wins over Washington and Utah, Arizona State is playing well and feeling good. It'll upset the Trojans this week. Then there's Arizona. Where did the 5-2 Wildcats come from? Quarterback Khalil Tate has made the offense elite, and though Wazzu has a good defense, it won't be able to completely stop the Wildcats in the desert. Both Arizona schools are pulling off upsets this weekend.
Greg Wallace
When 2017 began, it looked like Arizona and Arizona State could be in the market for new coaches this offseason. But Rich Rodriguez and Todd Graham have solidified their situations; Arizona and ASU are a combined 9-5 overall, 6-2 in Pac-12 play. Arizona allows 29.3 points per game and has won three consecutive shootouts, but the Wildcats won't be able to contain Luke Falk. However, ASU showed it can limit a talented QB in a 13-7 win versus Washington. The Sun Devils make Sam Darnold and Co. even more miserable with an upset win in Tempe.
Which 5-Win SEC Teams Become Bowl-Eligible This Week?
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Matt Hayes
Kentucky gets it done, and isn’t it a beautiful thing? The hearts and minds of Big Blue Nation move to hoops in October, but this UK football team has a legitimate chance to win nine games for the first time since 1984. That might not sound like a big deal, but consider this: Rich Brooks won eight games in back-to-back seasons at UK (2006-07) and is considered a coaching deity in Lexington.
David Kenyon
I don't feel great about South Carolina or Kentucky, but neither Vanderbilt nor Tennessee has shown a threatening offense over the last month. As long as a team reaches six wins, though, it doesn't matter if it was pretty. In the matchup between five-win schools, I like Mississippi State's defense to contain Kellen Mond and snag a win in College Station.
Adam Kramer
South Carolina will push its record to 6-2 with a win over Vanderbilt, which is actually a really nice season for Will Muschamp, especially considering wide receiver Deebo Samuel was lost for the year. In the battle of “last weekend did not go well,” I’ll take Kentucky over Tennessee. (I remain unsure why there hasn’t been a coaching change at Tennessee yet, but this might do it.) Kentucky goes bowling. And, in one of the sneaky-good games of the weekend, give me Texas A&M over Mississippi State. It won’t be pretty or easy, but Kevin Sumlin will continue to walk a tremendous tightrope well into the year.
Kerry Miller
Vanderbilt has given up nearly 50 points per game in SEC play, so South Carolina should improve to 6-2 with a win over the Commodores. And Mississippi State appears to be back on track enough to win at Texas A&M in the battle of five-win squads. The tough call is Kentucky vs. Tennessee, as both of those teams are coming off 45-7 beatdowns. But Tennessee has not scored an offensive touchdown since Sept. 23, so I've got to believe the Wildcats get the victory, even though I cannot fathom how this is about to be a 6-2 team.
Brad Shepard
I'm going to go with South Carolina and Texas A&M. The Gamecocks are playing against a Vanderbilt team that is reeling after four consecutive losses where their defense has been destroyed. In a very good SEC West battle this weekend, the Aggies are going to prevail at Kyle Field against Nick Fitzgerald and a Mississippi State team that hasn't been the same away from Starkville. As much as Kentucky should beat struggling Tennessee, the Vols have found a way to beat UK every year but one since 1984. With star running back John Kelly suspended and the Vols without an offensive touchdown in 14 quarters, it'll be crazy if they do it again. But you can't pick Kentucky against UT until it proves it.
Greg Wallace
Vanderbilt felt frisky after a 3-0 non-league start, but the SEC has broken the Commodores. Expect the Gamecocks to secure a bowl spot. A&M appears set on saving Kevin Sumlin’s job, as Mond is improving weekly. The Aggies will clamp down defensively on MSU and claim a postseason bid at home. Meanwhile, Kentucky, fresh off a 45-7 loss at the hands of MSU, takes on a Tennessee team in free fall under Butch Jones and without its best offensive player following Kelly’s suspension. The Wildcats are not a great team, but they’re better than UT. Mark Stoops locks up a second consecutive postseason bid.
.jpg?w=480 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
