Standings:
1.) Draper 19-6 (1-4 upset)
1.) Hoying 19-6 (1-4 upset)
1.) Seeberg 19-6 (1-4 upset)
1.) Schweinfurth 19-6 (0-5 upset)
You thought two weeks ago was a monster Saturday? Well, lock yourself into that sweet sweet YouTube TV Multiview because three of the top five teams in the nation are facing undefeated opponents. The other two are technically playing football as well, but you won't read about that here. Above all else, don't miss your chance to hear the golden pipes of Gus Johnson call out a Marvin Harrison touchdown for the first time in this young season.
Oklahoma Sooners vs. Texas Longhorns
Draper: Always a fun time in Dallas, but this is the first time in a while this game sems to...actually matter? While OU was dominating the Big12 of late, this game provided Texas an opportunity to be 'back' as per usual. The difference is that this Texas team seems like they MAY have figured something out. OU has been quietly very good this year albeit with no marquee wins. The question is: can Venables turn it up in a real game? I think Sark may have found something in this year and he's not losing a game like this. I expect the faceplant to come when we least expect it. This should be a good one! OU: 24--UT: 30
Hoying: The Red River Shootout is back to relevance for the first time since these teams split two meetings in 2018, the most recent year Texas was ba-a-a-ck. The Horns have been on a roll this season since staking Dracula back in September, a hard-fought hangover win over Wyoming notwithstanding, and they just got done rolling the Jayhawk pretender, allowing just 260 total yards to an offense otherwise averaging well above 400. But Oklahoma's out to prove that offensive success in Norman isn't just for Big Game Bob and Lincoln Riley, as Dillon Gabriel has continued right along the Heisman candidate pipeline that went on hiatus last year after Riley cleaned out the cupboards on his way to Hollywood. The advanced stats love the Sooners, which I find curious given their closer-than-they-should-be wins over SMU and Cincinnati. It's hard to go broke betting on the Sooners in this series, but Texas always seems to save their best Bevo-ing for when the lights (or the 11 AM sunshine) are the brightest. OU: 31--UT: 34
Hoying: The Red River Shootout is back to relevance for the first time since these teams split two meetings in 2018, the most recent year Texas was ba-a-a-ck. The Horns have been on a roll this season since staking Dracula back in September, a hard-fought hangover win over Wyoming notwithstanding, and they just got done rolling the Jayhawk pretender, allowing just 260 total yards to an offense otherwise averaging well above 400. But Oklahoma's out to prove that offensive success in Norman isn't just for Big Game Bob and Lincoln Riley, as Dillon Gabriel has continued right along the Heisman candidate pipeline that went on hiatus last year after Riley cleaned out the cupboards on his way to Hollywood. The advanced stats love the Sooners, which I find curious given their closer-than-they-should-be wins over SMU and Cincinnati. It's hard to go broke betting on the Sooners in this series, but Texas always seems to save their best Bevo-ing for when the lights (or the 11 AM sunshine) are the brightest. OU: 31--UT: 34
Schweinfurth: I don't buy the Texas is back theory. Sure, they beat Bama, but this isn't a normal Crimson Tide team this year. Oklahoma is still rebuilding under Venables and I don't think they are quite there yet. It helps that the Longhorns have the QB advantage here. OU: 35--UT: 42
Seeberg: The undisputed game of the week is the Red River Shootout. The rivalry is 33-33-3 in the last 69 (nice) contests which is truly remarkable. Oklahoma has been the better program by a large stretch over the last 10-15 years, which bears out in the Sooners' 10-4 record against the Longhorns since 2010. That stretch includes an absolute pasting, however, 49-0 at the hands of Bijan and Co. last year, which is Texas' largest margin of victory in the rivalry EVER. Don't expect such a blowout this season as the Sooners are legitimately improved in year two under Brent Venables and, of course, Bijan is already tearing up the pros as a Falcon. The offense, however, has still looked mediocre against their two best opponents to date, averaging just 24 points against SMU and Cinci. Texas is a step up from those contests and Quinn Ewers still patrols the pocket. Sooners put up a fight, but Longhorns prevail. OU: 20--UT: 31
Seeberg: The undisputed game of the week is the Red River Shootout. The rivalry is 33-33-3 in the last 69 (nice) contests which is truly remarkable. Oklahoma has been the better program by a large stretch over the last 10-15 years, which bears out in the Sooners' 10-4 record against the Longhorns since 2010. That stretch includes an absolute pasting, however, 49-0 at the hands of Bijan and Co. last year, which is Texas' largest margin of victory in the rivalry EVER. Don't expect such a blowout this season as the Sooners are legitimately improved in year two under Brent Venables and, of course, Bijan is already tearing up the pros as a Falcon. The offense, however, has still looked mediocre against their two best opponents to date, averaging just 24 points against SMU and Cinci. Texas is a step up from those contests and Quinn Ewers still patrols the pocket. Sooners put up a fight, but Longhorns prevail. OU: 20--UT: 31
Washington State Cougars @ California, Los Angeles Bruins
Draper: Is WSU for real? They are the Pac-2 champions, but this is another opportunity to step forward as a real contender. Cam Ward is the real deal, but can they keep up with a Chip Kelly offense? The good news for the Cougs is that the Chip Kelly offense hasn't really scared anyone this year. Going on the road may be an issue, but I think this is another middling game in which the Wazzu squad emerge victorious and set up a big match vs. the Ducks in 2 weeks. WSU: 34--UCLA: 30
Hoying: I know that Mike Leach was most recently at Mississippi State but his pirate spirit has sailed north to haunt Pullman after his passing. The Cougs have the nation's second most lethal air raid, only trailing...their intrastate rivals?...which means the Bruins are facing the complete antithesis of the flopping fish Utah O that racked up all of 7 points (plus a pick 6) in UCLA's last outing. The Wazzu defense isn't great; the 35 points the Beavers put on them in a loss is about season average for OtherSU. And most of that damage was done on the ground, which is where the Bruins excel. Buuut UCLA's pass defense isn't very good either, at least when it isn't facing Cam Rising's hapless backup. Everyone's salivating over Washington, Oregon, and USC out west this season (Go B1G!) but don't sleep on one of the Pac-faithful keeping pace for another week. WSU: 41--UCLA: 38
Hoying: I know that Mike Leach was most recently at Mississippi State but his pirate spirit has sailed north to haunt Pullman after his passing. The Cougs have the nation's second most lethal air raid, only trailing...their intrastate rivals?...which means the Bruins are facing the complete antithesis of the flopping fish Utah O that racked up all of 7 points (plus a pick 6) in UCLA's last outing. The Wazzu defense isn't great; the 35 points the Beavers put on them in a loss is about season average for OtherSU. And most of that damage was done on the ground, which is where the Bruins excel. Buuut UCLA's pass defense isn't very good either, at least when it isn't facing Cam Rising's hapless backup. Everyone's salivating over Washington, Oregon, and USC out west this season (Go B1G!) but don't sleep on one of the Pac-faithful keeping pace for another week. WSU: 41--UCLA: 38
Schweinfurth: Of all the things UCLA should be able to do under Chip Kelly, putting up points shouldn't be that big of an issue. But 7 points against Utah...woof. The Cougars can score and I just don't think the Bruins can hang. WSU: 27--UCLA: 14
Seeberg: The Bruins got bullied and exposed by a Cam Rising-less Utah team, managing just 7 points against their stout defense. Unfortunately for Chip Kelly, they play two similarly built teams in WSU and the western OSU back to back now. The Cougars' D isn't quite as good as the Utes, but their offense is a step or two superior right now. I expect the Cougars to assert their dominance as the superior Pac-2 squad. WSU: 27--UCLA: 17
Seeberg: The Bruins got bullied and exposed by a Cam Rising-less Utah team, managing just 7 points against their stout defense. Unfortunately for Chip Kelly, they play two similarly built teams in WSU and the western OSU back to back now. The Cougars' D isn't quite as good as the Utes, but their offense is a step or two superior right now. I expect the Cougars to assert their dominance as the superior Pac-2 squad. WSU: 27--UCLA: 17
Alabama Crimson Tide @ Texas A&M Aggies
Draper: Death, taxes, and Bama. I think I've used that line before, but it's...just always true. A&M is good for one of these huge upsets every few years so the oil tycoons can feel good about their millions pouring into College Station. While Saban's squad isn't the juggernaut as in recent years, they're still incredibly talented. The Aggies have the talent to match up, but no team has done less with more than A&M. I have a feeling the upset will look in reach, but the late game heroics fall just short. Bama is inevitable. Bama: 27--TAMU: 24
Hoying: Among Alabama's myriad near-miss games last year was a visit from Texas A&M, the one the Tide won on essentially a missed 2-point conversion play because Jimbo forgot to hold his Waffle House menu in front of his face on the sideline. Now I'm not sure if this year's Alabama team is better than last year (worse offense, better defense?) but Texas A&M is almost assuredly a darn sight better than last year's 5-7 monstrosity. These teams face the same key limitation: inconsistent QB play. After A&M’s Connor Weigman was knocked out for the year the Aggies have gotten a whole game and a half out of his backup, Max Johnson, and the results have been underwhelming at best. On the other sideline, Jalen Milroe seems to be steadily improving after getting benched for a week in favor of a Notre Dame transfer. I don’t see the Tide being able to put up a ton of points against a stout A&M defense, but I don’t think A&M will be able to score either. This one’s going to be a real rock fight, and I’m not sure whether Alabama’s usual cool steadiness or what promises to be an intense and intimidating Kyle Field environment will carry the day. So I looked up the Tide chart for the Texas Gulf Coast and wouldn’t you know it, low tide is scheduled right about the time this game should be winding down. Gig ‘em. Bama: 17—TAMU: 21
Hoying: Among Alabama's myriad near-miss games last year was a visit from Texas A&M, the one the Tide won on essentially a missed 2-point conversion play because Jimbo forgot to hold his Waffle House menu in front of his face on the sideline. Now I'm not sure if this year's Alabama team is better than last year (worse offense, better defense?) but Texas A&M is almost assuredly a darn sight better than last year's 5-7 monstrosity. These teams face the same key limitation: inconsistent QB play. After A&M’s Connor Weigman was knocked out for the year the Aggies have gotten a whole game and a half out of his backup, Max Johnson, and the results have been underwhelming at best. On the other sideline, Jalen Milroe seems to be steadily improving after getting benched for a week in favor of a Notre Dame transfer. I don’t see the Tide being able to put up a ton of points against a stout A&M defense, but I don’t think A&M will be able to score either. This one’s going to be a real rock fight, and I’m not sure whether Alabama’s usual cool steadiness or what promises to be an intense and intimidating Kyle Field environment will carry the day. So I looked up the Tide chart for the Texas Gulf Coast and wouldn’t you know it, low tide is scheduled right about the time this game should be winding down. Gig ‘em. Bama: 17—TAMU: 21
Schweinfurth: Bama seems very getable this year. The QB situation is just awful and they struggle to put up points. Yea, the Tide still have a very good defense, but they are gonna be on the field a lot with that offense. The Aggies win at home. Bama: 17--TAMU: 24
Seeberg: Thanks to an amusingly light start to the Aggies' conference schedule, this is actually for SEC West supremacy as the 2-0 Tide take on the 2-0 Texas A&M squad. The 12th Man is likely to be disappointed, however, as the home team gave up 48 points on the road to the U earlier this year. I guess all those 5-star D-linemen haven't paid dividends just yet. Bama cruises. Bama: 38--TAMU: 17
Seeberg: Thanks to an amusingly light start to the Aggies' conference schedule, this is actually for SEC West supremacy as the 2-0 Tide take on the 2-0 Texas A&M squad. The 12th Man is likely to be disappointed, however, as the home team gave up 48 points on the road to the U earlier this year. I guess all those 5-star D-linemen haven't paid dividends just yet. Bama cruises. Bama: 38--TAMU: 17
Notre Dame Fighting Irish @ Louisville Cardinals
Draper: The Ville enters undefeated with blowouts and defensive barn-burners but no real consistency. Notre Dame seems to be more defensive, but Hartman learned some maneuvers from McCord with his late game heroics last week in Durham. I'm not buying that the Cardinals are for real with no tests to be seen. Notre Dame has been tested and ended on both sides. This time, I don't see an enormous test; even on the road. Here come the Irish. ND: 27--UL: 17
Hoying: It seems that the Irish are a known quantity at this point, a team that can move the ball decently well but doesn’t score all that much against their better opponents. But don’t go confusing Louisville for Duke. Voters might get starry-eyed over the zero in the loss column but the Cardinals have done a whole lot of nothing in this young season besides a 3 point win over NC State. The same NC State that got blown out at home against Notre Dame. Sometimes it pays not to overthink things. ND: 27—UL: 9
Hoying: It seems that the Irish are a known quantity at this point, a team that can move the ball decently well but doesn’t score all that much against their better opponents. But don’t go confusing Louisville for Duke. Voters might get starry-eyed over the zero in the loss column but the Cardinals have done a whole lot of nothing in this young season besides a 3 point win over NC State. The same NC State that got blown out at home against Notre Dame. Sometimes it pays not to overthink things. ND: 27—UL: 9
Schweinfurth: Outside of a coaching and mental blunder, Notre Dame looks like a legit team. That defense was on lock down against the best receiver in the country in Route Man Marv two weeks ago and they do not give up much on the ground. Louisville has been putting up the points under Jeff Brahm, but the Irish are a different beast this year. ND: 28--UL: 20
Seeberg: The Cardinals entered the rankings for the first time since the Lamar Jackson era with a 5-0 start to the season. Four of those wins are even over power five opponents! However, three are by a combined 15 points. I guess a 7-point neutral site win over Indiana is more impressive than Maryland's 27-point home win against the same team (RANK MARYLAND YOU COWARDS!). The moral of the story is that if you're averaging 17 points against the likes of NC State and Indiana, you aren't going to score enough to beat Notre Dame. Irish roll. ND: 31--UL: 13
Seeberg: The Cardinals entered the rankings for the first time since the Lamar Jackson era with a 5-0 start to the season. Four of those wins are even over power five opponents! However, three are by a combined 15 points. I guess a 7-point neutral site win over Indiana is more impressive than Maryland's 27-point home win against the same team (RANK MARYLAND YOU COWARDS!). The moral of the story is that if you're averaging 17 points against the likes of NC State and Indiana, you aren't going to score enough to beat Notre Dame. Irish roll. ND: 31--UL: 13
Kentucky Wildcats @ Georgia Bulldogs
Draper: Kentucky is on a streak of some of their best teams in history, but it just hasn't mattered with UGA, UT, and UF dominating the SEC East for the last....ever. Georgia seems vulnerable this year, but this would be one for the ages between the hedges. UK dominated the Gators last week, but the Bulldogs are far more talented. I expect a pretty darn close game and a moral victory for the Cats, but the Dawgs continue the quest for a threepeat. UK: 17--UGA: 20
Hoying: How long can Georgia moonwalk through this season half-asleep? We’ve seen teams lazily loll through post-championship seasons before (2014 Florida State, 2015 Ohio State…um…2003 Ohio State) and it never ends up boding well for a title defense. Georgia, of course, has the advantage of about as easy of an SEC schedule, FCS team and all, as possible, and the Wildcats might actually be the toughest team the Dawgs will have to face prior to the SEC Championship. That being said, I’m not sure what threat UK poses either; yeah, they beat Florida but the Gators are completely clueless this season. I’m looking for an advantage for Kentucky to press and I don’t see it. The Bulldogs are fine, just a bit…boring. And, as we saw last week, when all else fails, just throw it to Brock Bowers on every play. UK: 16—UGA: 24
Hoying: How long can Georgia moonwalk through this season half-asleep? We’ve seen teams lazily loll through post-championship seasons before (2014 Florida State, 2015 Ohio State…um…2003 Ohio State) and it never ends up boding well for a title defense. Georgia, of course, has the advantage of about as easy of an SEC schedule, FCS team and all, as possible, and the Wildcats might actually be the toughest team the Dawgs will have to face prior to the SEC Championship. That being said, I’m not sure what threat UK poses either; yeah, they beat Florida but the Gators are completely clueless this season. I’m looking for an advantage for Kentucky to press and I don’t see it. The Bulldogs are fine, just a bit…boring. And, as we saw last week, when all else fails, just throw it to Brock Bowers on every play. UK: 16—UGA: 24
Schweinfurth: Kentucky has been a nice story so far. That win over Florida should boost their confidence. But Florida isn't very good (I'll own up the that bad pick last week). Georgia is a monster. Sure, they haven't played to their ability so far, but they are still the unbeaten, defending national champs. They know what they are doing. Georgia should win fairly easy. UK: 17--UGA: 38
Seeberg: Well, I was certainly wrong about the Wildcats (see last week's post). I thought they had benefitted from an easy schedule and didn't have the horses (see what I did there?) to beat Florida, but they dominated nearly from the time toe met leather. That win is easily more impressive than anything on Georgia's resume so far in 2023, sporting a 10-point win over 2-3 South Carolina and a 7-point victory over 3-2 Auburn, you know, teams that Kirby Smart thinks should be ranked (to that I say HA...and no). This would be nothing short of a program-defining win for Mark Stoops, and quite honestly if the game were in Lexington I might pick the upset. But between the hedges in Athens is a tough place to play, and the Wildcats' performance last week will get the Bulldogs' attention. UGA does just enough to stay unbeaten. UK: 23--UGA: 28
Seeberg: Well, I was certainly wrong about the Wildcats (see last week's post). I thought they had benefitted from an easy schedule and didn't have the horses (see what I did there?) to beat Florida, but they dominated nearly from the time toe met leather. That win is easily more impressive than anything on Georgia's resume so far in 2023, sporting a 10-point win over 2-3 South Carolina and a 7-point victory over 3-2 Auburn, you know, teams that Kirby Smart thinks should be ranked (to that I say HA...and no). This would be nothing short of a program-defining win for Mark Stoops, and quite honestly if the game were in Lexington I might pick the upset. But between the hedges in Athens is a tough place to play, and the Wildcats' performance last week will get the Bulldogs' attention. UGA does just enough to stay unbeaten. UK: 23--UGA: 28
Maryland Terrapins @ THE Ohio State University Buckeyes
Draper: Baby Tua and the Terps storm Ohio Stadium as the 5 straight (technically 7th straight!) undefeated team that the Scarlet and Gray have faced. There is a lot of hope in College Park, but I don't know if they truly believe that the Turtles can take down the Mighty Buckeyes. Why? Because it's NEVER happened before....ever. In the 8 matchups between the 2 B1G foes (for about 10 years), the Terps nearly nipped the Bucks in 2018 with a failed 2 point conversion, but haven't been super close otherwise. I don't see a let down at home, but that is the main concern. Maryland has some players but not of the same caliber. Last week was a chance to heal up, and this week is a time to make another statement. The Buckeye secondary will be tested so we can see if Burke can continue his fantastic season. On offense, just keep churning. Healthy dose of Trey and Chip with a little Marv and Egbuka sprinkled on top makes for a delivious Buckeye victory. McCord throws for 3 and the RBs combine for another 3. Bucks keep rolling. OSU: 45--Mary: 20
Hoying: Good news for teams that have rushing problems. The Maryland Terrapins are here for you. Now, seriously. If you can’t run on them.........you can’t run on anybody. My name is Hoying, and you can count on it. The Buckeyes have played one other team this season (Western Kentucky) with horrible rush defense, and the ground game went off for a respectable but not spectacular 204 yards on 6.2 yards per carry, and the short yardage plays worked for the only time all season (at least against 11 players). The Terps are allowing a 44.6% success rate on run plays, so if there’s a time to figure out how to line up and blow a team off the ball for a yard, or to come up with a fake that actually fools someone, it’s now. Me, I still have nightmares about Cade Stover dropping a pass on a pivotal 4th-and-1 against You Know Who, so I’d love to see Chip Trayanum line up in the Wildcat and enjoy a nice Brotherly Shove across the first down marker, but I’d be just as OK with OSU’s finest offensive mind forgetting Josh Gattis’s comments about toughness and cooking up some genius scheme to get Marv running free somewhere. Maryland plays offense too, I guess, but mark my words, the Silver Bullets are back for the first time since the year 1 B.C. (Before COVID) and the Terps’ house of cards 5-0 record is long overdue for a collapse. It’s turtles all the way down. Mary: 13—OSU: 41
Hoying: Good news for teams that have rushing problems. The Maryland Terrapins are here for you. Now, seriously. If you can’t run on them.........you can’t run on anybody. My name is Hoying, and you can count on it. The Buckeyes have played one other team this season (Western Kentucky) with horrible rush defense, and the ground game went off for a respectable but not spectacular 204 yards on 6.2 yards per carry, and the short yardage plays worked for the only time all season (at least against 11 players). The Terps are allowing a 44.6% success rate on run plays, so if there’s a time to figure out how to line up and blow a team off the ball for a yard, or to come up with a fake that actually fools someone, it’s now. Me, I still have nightmares about Cade Stover dropping a pass on a pivotal 4th-and-1 against You Know Who, so I’d love to see Chip Trayanum line up in the Wildcat and enjoy a nice Brotherly Shove across the first down marker, but I’d be just as OK with OSU’s finest offensive mind forgetting Josh Gattis’s comments about toughness and cooking up some genius scheme to get Marv running free somewhere. Maryland plays offense too, I guess, but mark my words, the Silver Bullets are back for the first time since the year 1 B.C. (Before COVID) and the Terps’ house of cards 5-0 record is long overdue for a collapse. It’s turtles all the way down. Mary: 13—OSU: 41
Schweinfurth: Here's a history lesson, Maryland gets housed when they visit the Shoe. The average margin of victory in Columbus is 45 points. I don't know the exact number, but it's much closer at Maryland. The Bucks own the Terps at home. Look, Taulia can spin it. He's legit, but the Silver Bullets look to be back. The secondary will get tested, similar to the WKU game. The Terps will put up a fight for a quarter or two, but the Bucks should win this going away. Mary: 17--OSU: 42
Seeberg: Make no mistake kids, Maryland is for real on the offensive side of the ball and even a bit improved on D. Tua Lite can throw it and if Sam Hartman had Maryland's WRs they might have taken down the Buckeyes. For all the dominance the Buckeyes have enjoyed in this annual contest since the Terrapins joined the Big10 11 12 14 18, some games have gotten chaotic in College Park (52-51 OT game ring any bells?). Mike Locksley has recruited well to Maryland, but where the consistent, year-over-year recruiting shows up is in the trenches and they just aren't on an OSU/TTUN/PSU level quite yet which is why they languish year after year in this half of the conference. That said, the Buckeyes' O-line has looked vulnerable at times breaking in three new starters, struggling in short yardage and allowing some pressures on occasion as well. Still, they should be able to hold up well enough for McCord to find Harrison and Egbuka, who will be open all day. A healthy, balanced diet of those two studs and Treyveyon on the ground should make this one comfortable by the fourth quarter. Sad that the Terrapins didn't get ranked before this game, but with the two Illinois squads and a bye week to finish out the month, hopefully they slip in by the time they play Penn State November 4th. Regardless, Bucks win going away in Columbus. UM: 17--OSU: 38
Seeberg: Make no mistake kids, Maryland is for real on the offensive side of the ball and even a bit improved on D. Tua Lite can throw it and if Sam Hartman had Maryland's WRs they might have taken down the Buckeyes. For all the dominance the Buckeyes have enjoyed in this annual contest since the Terrapins joined the Big
Upset Special
Draper: Vandy over Florida
Hoying: Syracuse over UNC
Schweinfurth: Cal over Oregon State
Seeberg: Rutgers over Wisconsin
