Standings:
1.) Draper 6-1 (1-1 upset)1.) Schweinfurth 6-1 (1-1 upset)
1.) Hoying 6-1 (0-2 upset)
The Pac-12 returns (except in Berkeley, lol), the Big Ten features another ranked matchup, and the Power 5 continues their Sisyphean quest for that elusive 4th playoff spot. Yup, it's November, Buckeye Nation. Buckle up for excitement, although not much (hopefully) for the Silver Bullets over the next few weeks.
FRIDAY NIGHT
Brigham Young Cougars @ Boise State Broncos
Draper: BYU is the non-power 5 team du jour that everyone expects to make get blasted by the 1 seed in the playoff and it might just happen. Zach Wilson has been very good against the competition he's faced, so it will be interesting how he performs on a bigger stage. Boise is that scrappy team that just never goes away, but I'm not sure they have the horses (pun intended) in this one. This will be the Cougars biggest challenge, but I think they squeak through on the Smurf Turf. BYU: 41 -- Boise: 37
Hoying: Did you know that some teams outside of Rose Bowl World have actually been playing football since the normal start of the season? And that two of them have already racked up 7 wins? One of those 7-win teams is Clemson, and you may be surprised to know that the other is BYU, the only non-Power 5 team in modern history to win a national championship. With no conference championship to look forward to, the Cougars are only 3 games (and a Cincinnati loss) away from, at worst, a New Year's Six bid. And they've looked good on their way, blowing up their (admittedly weak) competition. Boise is Boise, showing no signs of slowing down after another easy MWC championship last year. BYU prevented the Broncos from parlaying that league title into a NY6 bid last year, and with Heisman contender (?!) Zach Wilson at QB and a suffocating defense to match, they'll do it again. BYU: 31--Boise: 24
Schweinfurth: From what I can tell, Boise has struggled against a few teams, but keeps winning. BYU, I just don't know a lot about. Boise just has that knack to be annoying all year. BYU: 35--Boise: 42
Hoying: Did you know that some teams outside of Rose Bowl World have actually been playing football since the normal start of the season? And that two of them have already racked up 7 wins? One of those 7-win teams is Clemson, and you may be surprised to know that the other is BYU, the only non-Power 5 team in modern history to win a national championship. With no conference championship to look forward to, the Cougars are only 3 games (and a Cincinnati loss) away from, at worst, a New Year's Six bid. And they've looked good on their way, blowing up their (admittedly weak) competition. Boise is Boise, showing no signs of slowing down after another easy MWC championship last year. BYU prevented the Broncos from parlaying that league title into a NY6 bid last year, and with Heisman contender (?!) Zach Wilson at QB and a suffocating defense to match, they'll do it again. BYU: 31--Boise: 24
Schweinfurth: From what I can tell, Boise has struggled against a few teams, but keeps winning. BYU, I just don't know a lot about. Boise just has that knack to be annoying all year. BYU: 35--Boise: 42
SATURDAY
Michigan Wolverines @ Indiana Hoosiers
Draper: Wow....this game is surprisingly difficult. Windiana has looked pretty good in back to back weeks, and Michigan has split the difference. UM was a dumpster fire against Sparty last week which made little sense. I didn't expect a Paul Bunyan beatdown from TTUN, but I also didn't see the massive bed-pooping that we saw. Joe Milton is freaking huge, but he doesn't seem to have all the elements of a great QB yet. I'll give the edge to Indiana in the quarterback play category, but I don't know if that will be enough. Can the Hoosiers deal with success? I'm guessing the Wolverine superior athletes will carry the day. TTUN: 20 -- IU: 17
Hoying: Welcome back to the Big Ten, featuring a really good team (Ohio State), a couple of really bad teams (Illinois and Minnesota), and a whole bunch of "I dunno" in the middle. Is Indiana really the 13th best team in the country? Last year, the Hoosiers' ceiling was a lot higher before they lost Michael Penix to a season ending injury (right before playing Michigan and Penn State) and he's continued to be a difference maker this year. Penn State bottled him, and the rest of the Indiana O, up for a good 3 quarters before his late game theatrics, and the Lions largely beat themselves with mistakes. Can Indiana really beat Michigan strength-on-strength? Maybe. The Wolverine secondary is...lacking, and Indiana has something called a Whop Philyor to spread all over the field. Michigan is also into year six of "When will Harbaugh actually find a workable QB?", and this year's version is a dump truck who can't throw downfield. That being said, the lines will still favor Michigan (even if boneheaded play calling negates their offensive advantage); there's a reason the Hoosiers haven't won this game in over 30 years. Michigan is the safe choice, so, go with Michigan. TTUN: 31--IU: 24
Schweinfurth: Who are the real Wolverines? They looked like world beaters in their demolition of Minnesota, but not so much against Michigan State. Indiana, on the other hand, has beat Penn State and Buttgers. Indiana is the "Chaos" team and probably better coached, but I just can't pick them to beat the Wolverines. TTUN: 31--IU: 28
Hoying: Welcome back to the Big Ten, featuring a really good team (Ohio State), a couple of really bad teams (Illinois and Minnesota), and a whole bunch of "I dunno" in the middle. Is Indiana really the 13th best team in the country? Last year, the Hoosiers' ceiling was a lot higher before they lost Michael Penix to a season ending injury (right before playing Michigan and Penn State) and he's continued to be a difference maker this year. Penn State bottled him, and the rest of the Indiana O, up for a good 3 quarters before his late game theatrics, and the Lions largely beat themselves with mistakes. Can Indiana really beat Michigan strength-on-strength? Maybe. The Wolverine secondary is...lacking, and Indiana has something called a Whop Philyor to spread all over the field. Michigan is also into year six of "When will Harbaugh actually find a workable QB?", and this year's version is a dump truck who can't throw downfield. That being said, the lines will still favor Michigan (even if boneheaded play calling negates their offensive advantage); there's a reason the Hoosiers haven't won this game in over 30 years. Michigan is the safe choice, so, go with Michigan. TTUN: 31--IU: 24
Schweinfurth: Who are the real Wolverines? They looked like world beaters in their demolition of Minnesota, but not so much against Michigan State. Indiana, on the other hand, has beat Penn State and Buttgers. Indiana is the "Chaos" team and probably better coached, but I just can't pick them to beat the Wolverines. TTUN: 31--IU: 28
Florida Gators vs. Georgia Bulldogs
Draper: The Cocktail Party has lost some luster over the years, but the Gators return to relevance should make for some fun football. After the brawl broke out last week, Florida is down a slew of players (and maybe a head coach?), but a major traffic accident has removed Georgia's star safety. I'd posit that UF has a slight edge at QB, but the defensive edge swings to the Dawgs. I honestly don't know what to expect as UGA's offense was inept last week, but I do hate the Gators... UF: 24 -- UGA:27
Hoying: Hoo boy. Another one of these "offense vs. defense" games. Thing is, we've already seen Georgia in one of these games this year. And they were, to put it charitably, not quite ready for primetime. Stetson Bennett looked good, for a half, and then the wheels fell off like it does for 99% of teams that play Alabama. And it'll take more than the usual Kirby Smart sputtering Georgia offense to keep up with Kyle Trask and Kyle Pitts. Without a single Kyle on their roster, the Bulldogs just don't have the power to keep up (only Texas A&M did, because of their field). The Gators take a commanding lead in their chase to lose to Bama in Atlanta for the millionth time (and by a margin of, well, you know). UF: 23--UGA: 20
Schweinfurth: Georgia's offense has been missing this year. It's almost like their future QB transfered... Florida though, is in big trouble after that fight last week. Multiple players are out for the first half and Georgia can take advantage of those missing players. If that happens, Georgia can get out to a quick lead and then just play defense from there. UF: 21--UGA: 28
Hoying: Hoo boy. Another one of these "offense vs. defense" games. Thing is, we've already seen Georgia in one of these games this year. And they were, to put it charitably, not quite ready for primetime. Stetson Bennett looked good, for a half, and then the wheels fell off like it does for 99% of teams that play Alabama. And it'll take more than the usual Kirby Smart sputtering Georgia offense to keep up with Kyle Trask and Kyle Pitts. Without a single Kyle on their roster, the Bulldogs just don't have the power to keep up (only Texas A&M did, because of their field). The Gators take a commanding lead in their chase to lose to Bama in Atlanta for the millionth time (and by a margin of, well, you know). UF: 23--UGA: 20
Schweinfurth: Georgia's offense has been missing this year. It's almost like their future QB transfered... Florida though, is in big trouble after that fight last week. Multiple players are out for the first half and Georgia can take advantage of those missing players. If that happens, Georgia can get out to a quick lead and then just play defense from there. UF: 21--UGA: 28
Clemson Tigers @ Notre Dame Fighting Irish
Draper: I'm planting my flag here. Clemson is really good. Not kinda good; not 'good with Trevor Lawrence'; really really good. DJ Uiagalelei wasn't nearly on Lawrence's level, but he was still very strong in his first game. And, oh yeah, everyone else on Clemson is solid. Notre Dame has been flaky all year (except when Hoying picks them to be upset), and I just can't see that changing vs. this juggernaut. Clemson will rebound from the close win (they did get lucky) over Boston College (like they always do) and smash the Irish. I don't think this will be close. Clem: 38 -- ND: 20
Hoying: Remember the last time these teams played? Weren't we all thankful that Notre Dame finished 12-0 so they could get backhanded by the national champs in the Playoff instead of letting Ohio State have another crack at immortality? Well, I have bad news for the Irish this year: they're probably going to have to beat Clemson twice to get back into the Playoff this year. And they totally could, the Irish are good, no doubts there. It's just that Clemson has superstars at every. single. position (remind you of anyone?). And that includes QB; do you really think that the Tigers have been sitting around for 3 years watching Trevor Lawrence skate backwards to ACC titles and not give a single thought as to who his successor would be? Mixmaster DJ Ukulele found his footing awfully quick against Boston College, and even if he didn't, Travis Etienne is going to be a problem running the ball, catching the ball. And the defense is (almost) as good as ever. This one should be close, but Clemson isn't losing until they want to, Lawrence or no Lawrence. Clem: 27--ND: 24
Schweinfurth: Clemson escaped last week. There is no way around it, but they did what great programs do. They may adjustments and took over the game in the second half. I'm still not sold on Notre Dame being this elite of a program. To me, their ranking is inflated due to the delays in the B1G and Pac-12 seasons. Even without Lawrance, Clemson should assert their dominance. Clem: 42--ND: 17
Hoying: Remember the last time these teams played? Weren't we all thankful that Notre Dame finished 12-0 so they could get backhanded by the national champs in the Playoff instead of letting Ohio State have another crack at immortality? Well, I have bad news for the Irish this year: they're probably going to have to beat Clemson twice to get back into the Playoff this year. And they totally could, the Irish are good, no doubts there. It's just that Clemson has superstars at every. single. position (remind you of anyone?). And that includes QB; do you really think that the Tigers have been sitting around for 3 years watching Trevor Lawrence skate backwards to ACC titles and not give a single thought as to who his successor would be? Mixmaster DJ Ukulele found his footing awfully quick against Boston College, and even if he didn't, Travis Etienne is going to be a problem running the ball, catching the ball. And the defense is (almost) as good as ever. This one should be close, but Clemson isn't losing until they want to, Lawrence or no Lawrence. Clem: 27--ND: 24
Schweinfurth: Clemson escaped last week. There is no way around it, but they did what great programs do. They may adjustments and took over the game in the second half. I'm still not sold on Notre Dame being this elite of a program. To me, their ranking is inflated due to the delays in the B1G and Pac-12 seasons. Even without Lawrance, Clemson should assert their dominance. Clem: 42--ND: 17
Rutgers Scarlet Knights @ THE Ohio State University Buckeyes
Draper: I was really hoping that Rutgers would enter the Shoe with a B1G East tie with the Buckeyes, but alas... There's not a whole lot to say here. The Buckeyes should smash here, but Day may lay off a bit in the end. I'm surprised how much of these games that Fields is playing, but I think he gets a 4th quarter breather here. Fields to Olave is the best battery in the country and will continue to impress pro scouts. The Scarlet Knights might get an early takeaway to give a touch of hope, but Schiano should take a picture of the scoreboard early, because the inevitable is coming for you. Wilson and Olave both break the 100 yard mark (for the 3rd time this season), Fields keeps his 1:1 ratio of TDs scored to incompletions with 4 more, Sermon and Teague both have nice outings, and we move on. I also anticipate 2 turnovers and 1 defensive score. Bucks send Greg Schiano to a VERY 'nice' career record. Buttgers: 10 -- OSU: 62
Hoying: ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ It's Rutgers. I mean, we're back to Greg Schiano Rutgers, most famous for screwing Ohio State out of the 2006 National Championship by beating Louisville on a last minute field goal and allowing Florida to sneak into Glendale instead. And their roster is full of castaways who have actually played in other programs, as opposed to those who never got recruited by anyone else. I mean, even Maryland pushed Ohio State to the brink of defeat 2 years ago, so anything is possible, right? No. It's Rutgers. Look for the Buckeyes to find a serviceable field goal kicker and a reliable slot cornerback to replace Cameron Brown. And look for points. Lots of points. For one team only. RSUNJ: 10--OSU: 59
Schweinfurth: So this game is a thing. Let me just put out an appreciation for Chris Olave. The dude is so smooth and reliable. Need a long third down conversion? Olave is open. Need to take a deep shot? Olave will make the play. The receiver room has had great players, but I can't think of a guy that makes this many plays on a regular basis. In another note, I would like to see the ground game get going this week. Let's see Teague and Sermon get over 100 each and ground the Knights into submission. Name your score on this game and please, no injuries. Buttgers: 13--OSU: 56
Hoying: ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ It's Rutgers. I mean, we're back to Greg Schiano Rutgers, most famous for screwing Ohio State out of the 2006 National Championship by beating Louisville on a last minute field goal and allowing Florida to sneak into Glendale instead. And their roster is full of castaways who have actually played in other programs, as opposed to those who never got recruited by anyone else. I mean, even Maryland pushed Ohio State to the brink of defeat 2 years ago, so anything is possible, right? No. It's Rutgers. Look for the Buckeyes to find a serviceable field goal kicker and a reliable slot cornerback to replace Cameron Brown. And look for points. Lots of points. For one team only. RSUNJ: 10--OSU: 59
Schweinfurth: So this game is a thing. Let me just put out an appreciation for Chris Olave. The dude is so smooth and reliable. Need a long third down conversion? Olave is open. Need to take a deep shot? Olave will make the play. The receiver room has had great players, but I can't think of a guy that makes this many plays on a regular basis. In another note, I would like to see the ground game get going this week. Let's see Teague and Sermon get over 100 each and ground the Knights into submission. Name your score on this game and please, no injuries. Buttgers: 13--OSU: 56
Upset Special
Draper: Stanford over Oregon
Hoying: Baylor over Iowa State
Schweinfurth: WVU over Texas
Draper: Stanford over Oregon
Hoying: Baylor over Iowa State
Schweinfurth: WVU over Texas
