Week 8: Game of the Year - Part II of III

Standings:

1.) Draper 27-10 (1-6 upset)
2.) Schweinfurth 26-11 (1-6 upset)
3.) Seeberg 25-12 (2-5 upset)
4.) Hoying 24-13 (1-6 upset)

It began with a trip to South Bend. It will end with a trek north to restore the natural order. And nestled snugly into the middle of the season is the Buckeyes' sole opportunity to show out under the scarlet crowd against an elite (or even a competent) opponent. The world revolves around Ohio State once again. Let's get to it.

Tennessee Volunteers @ Alabama Crimson Tide

Draper: After last year's epic back and forth battle, I just don't see this one living up to the hype (but I don't know how you top or match last year).  Both teams have major steps down at QB (and pretty much all offensive positions).  Tennessee though they had arrived but the Bobby Hill (Josh Heupel) train hasn't struck gold as expected.  Despite Milroe's lack of game changing ability, he's actually been fairly efficient at QB this year (2nd most efficient QB in the SEC I believe).  I don't trust Joe Milton's 'rocket' arm and being in Tuscaloosa spells R-O-L-L-T-I-D-E.  Tenn: 17--Bama: 30
Hoying: Last year, this game would have been the game to the year to date, as the Vols were sort of last year's version of Washington, and Bama was, as it seems, always Bama. Except Bama wasn't quite Bama last season: the run defense didn't work and the pass D crumbled against the better passing teams as well. This year, we're seeing more of an early-Saban Bama, as the defense is knocking on the door of elite while the offense sputters. Of course, Tennessee is nowhere near last year's juggernaut offense either (who could have foreseen that Joe Milton wasn't going to suddenly take a giant leap this offseason?) but they now have the defense that could have taken them to the promised land last year. I still stand by my pick of Texas A&M to trip up Alabama (not so much Ole Miss to do so) but Bama completed just enough clutch passes down the stretch to trip up the Aggies in College Station. I'm not sure they can do so again, even with Milroe much improved from where he was in the Texas game. Part of me still thinks the Tide are going to faceplant at least once more this season but I just don't see Tennessee scoring enough to make it happen this week. Order is restored to the Third Saturday in October. Tenn: 16--Bama: 21

Schweinfurth: The Volunteers  have look much different with Joe Milton spinning the ball. The offense has been very touch and go. Sometimes it looks smooth, and other times it looks like they can't get out of their own way. Bama has seemed very similar this year. The deference is that Milroe has started to look more comfortable. This isn't the dominant Bama we are used to, but they should still win this close. Tenn: 20--Bama: 23
Seeberg:  For 2023 at least, both of these teams fall into the "good-but-not-great" category.  Inconsistencies on offense have plagued both the Vols and Tide which, to be fair, was seen as pretty likely heading into this campaign after losing their primary signal callers (sound familiar Buckeye Nation?).  Regardless, the Bama D is still a notch or two above what the orange checkerboards are rolling out, and they should be able to turn Joe Milton over once or twice to get their starting-to-improve offense some extra possessions.  Hooker gave the Vols their moment of the decade in this rivalry last year, but things always revert to the mean over time.  Tide pull away late.  Tenn: 17--Bama: 30

 

Duke Blue Devils @ Florida State Seminoles

Draper: FSU has to avoid tripping up against a better than most think Duke squad.  Granted, Duke is on the radar after the Notre Dame near miss and the Clemson upset, but no Riley Leonard spells bad news for the Devils.  If Leonard plays, this could get interesting, but if not, Noles cruise.  I'd say the big games we've seen by Elko's squad this year will have the Noles awake and on notice.  Keep talkin.  Duke: 17--FSU: 27
Hoying: First things first, if Riley Leonard doesn't suit up for Duke, they are toasted. Yes, they won by 3 scores against NC State last week but that was behind the floppy arm of Henry Belin IV, who completed all of 4 of his 12 attempts, albeit with 2 going for TDs. But if it weren't for big plays, Duke would've had no offense at all, as their touchdowns came on a 69 yard pass on a busted coverage, an 83 yard run, and an 8 yard pass immediately following an interception return. The Noles, meanwhile, are humming right along, having just pounded a rapidly fading Syracuse (remember when they were supposed to beat Clemson?). If FSU can get past Duke, they have a nice 5-game regular season denouement into the ACC title game and a likely battle with North Carolina for one of the final 4-team Playoff spots. I don't see the Devils throwing a wrench into those plans. The Duke defense is legit, but Notre Dame was still able to move the ball on them before their standard drive-killing foot shooting, and come through for one last drive when it mattered. This one's a battle for a while but busts open late. Duke: 13--FSU: 27

Schweinfurth: It's too bad this game wasn't a few weeks ago, be fore Riley Leonard got hurt. Duke's offense just isn't the same without him, and for good reason. Florida State is healthier, and most likely the better team. It's just too much for Duke to overcome: Duke: 17--FSU: 35
Seeberg:  The Dookies have appeared so often this year I'd swear we're running a basketball blog.  Alas, that run may come to an end here.  FSU throttled LSU early and has coasted without incident since, save for a pesky Clemson squad.  Duke's defense is actually on par with Dabo's unit (amazing to type that with sincerity), but the Blue Devils aren't potent enough on offense to hang around for four quarters.  FSU rolls, Chief smiles.  Duke: 17--FSU: 28

Utah Utes @ Southern California Trojans

Draper: SC isn't the team we thought due to their total lack of defense and, perhaps more concerning, their atrocious offensive line.  Williams is still the #1 overall pick, but last week showed that pressure can cause problems for the Torjans.  Kyle Whittingham has had Utah as the standard in the Pac12 for years whether people hear it or not.  However, this iteration just isn't the same.  While I think the Ute Dline can frustrate SC, I don't think they have the horses that Notre Dame does.  I expect the Trojans to emerge victorious and the Utes to continue to prove that Florida just isn't good.  Utah: 20--USC: 34
Hoying: Speaking of teams that are hopeless without their starting QB, Cam Rising has yet to play a single snap for the Utes this season. And it shows: Utah is putting up Iowa-esque numbers through the air, and while that has resulted in an Iowa-esque W-L record on the back of an Iowa-esque defense, the Utes haven't seen anything like what Caleb Williams is about to rain down on them. Utah's two big wins this year have been against UCLA's decidedly-not-DTR Dante Moore, and Florida's Graham Mertz. From Wisconsin. The Utes were outgained in both games but made enough big plays on defense to grind out victories. Now you might be saying, "hey wait a minute, didn't one of the teams in this game just outgain their opponent last week but get blown out because of big plays on defense?" Yes, that's true, but Notre Dame had the horses on O to make SC pay after the defense did the dirty work. Utah has struggled to move the ball against anybody this year, and while the Trojan run D is usually good for what ails ya, the Utes just aren't potent enough to take advantage. Utah: 13--USC: 24

Schweinfurth: Notre Dame really exposed USC last week. The Trojan defense is exactly what we think of it, horrible. Good news for Trojans, Utah's offence hasn't looked great this year. I fully expect Utah to put up points here. USC can't get their D off the field. Caleb Williams may have lost the Heisman (as of now) this year, but he's still a difference maker. Utah: 28--USC: 31
Seeberg:  Intriguing matchup here of "highly movable object" meets "easily stoppable force".  Strength on strength and weakness on eye-gouging weakness in this contest.  Utah has absolutely bullied the Trojans for a couple seasons now, but with an impotent offense this year, even a ho-hum day from Caleb Williams is likely enough to get a W against a team that scored a whopping 7 offensive points against the other Rose Bowl home team.  Trojans exact a little revenge Utah: 17--USC: 24

Pennsylvania State Nittany Lions @ THE Ohio State University Buckeyes

Draper: For the first time in a decent number of years, PSU enters the game with (arguably) the stronger QB.  While McCord isn't deserving of the crap he's received from Buckeye Nation, he isn't Stroud, Fields, etc.  It seems that the years change but the narrative doesn't.  'This is the year Franklin has the horses'; 'OSU is primed to fall from the top'; 'The Lions are the new class of the East'...blah blah blah.  The truth is that Penn State is very talented on both sides, but the dirty secret is that OSU is more talented at almost all positions (exception being QB--maybe-- and Oline).  If Penn State wants to pull the upset, they need to exploit the advantage with their dline vs the meh OSU Oline.  If they can get to McCord early and often AND the stout OSU defense (who has faced teams with a pulse unlike the Lions) reverts to the bust games of years past.  I think this will be a knock down drag out fight, but the Silver Bullets do enough to slow the Penn State attack and the run game breaks a few explosives for the Scarlet and Gray.  Injuries be darned, let's ride.  PSU: 24--OSU: 27
Hoying: If you look at the advanced stats, this game seems to be split right down the middle. Both teams have great defenses. Both have offenses that are a little underwhelming compared to where they'd like to be. The big difference is that Ohio State is battle tested and Penn State is not. Yes, it was one battle, but Kyle McCord has been forced to stare down the home crowd and drive the length of the field in do-or-die time, and Drew Allar has not. You could point to Penn State putting up 31 points against the brick wall that is otherwise Iowa, but that's more a function of being gifted about 500 plays of offense due to the Hawkeyes' inability to hang on to the ball for more than a few seconds at a time against a talented PSU front. And that was at home; the Lions have been a bit...off...on the road this year, turning in a curious first half clunker against Northwestern of all teams, and needing multiple turnovers to pull away from Illinois. I don't trust them to put up a lot of points in the unfriendly confines of Ohio Stadium. That puts the game in the hands of the Ohio State offense, and they will have their work cut out for them. No one defends the pass like Penn State, and while they have been a bit more vulnerable on the ground, are the Bucks going to be able to replicate last week's success against a significantly better run D? Ryan Day better be ready to pull out all the stops in this one: Devin Brown, Dallan Hayden, jump passes, just no more end arounds on 4th-and-1, please. I see this as a knock down drag out rock fight like the mess we all had to suffer through back in 2008, one that could come down to an untimely turnover late. But they ain't called Pick Six University for nothing. Buckeyes take a squeaker. PSU: 13--OSU: 16

Schweinfurth: This has the feel of a street fight. Both defenses have played excellent. Ohio State has faced some tough offenses in Notre Dame (hard running team) and Maryland (good passing team) and have passed the test to this point. I am not sold on what Penn State has tried to do on offense. Everything has been short passes and check downs. They haven't tried to stretch the field at all. They may try it here, but they haven't even shown that they trust Aller to throw deep. The Lion's defense will challenge McCord, but he seems to have the coaches' trust to try and make the big play. I really don't see many teams matching up against the Ohio State wide out room. The Buckeyes have been tested and know how to win these types of games. Penn State hasn't been tested yet, and this is a rough one to dive in head first. Bucks win in a close one. PSU: 10--OSU: 17
Seeberg:  Oh boy.  I've seen this game broken down every which way all week.  I...am not enthusiastic.  I actually watched the "game winning drive" Kyle McCord engineered against ND on my lunch break today.  A slew of poorly located balls, a near-INT, a grounding call (lousy, in fairness).  Two good darts to Emeka down the seam and that was about it honestly.  Took 15 plays to go 65 yards.  Fifteen plays would've been three TDs last year in all likelihood.  On the bright side, the defense is sneaking closer to regaining that mythical Silver Bullets moniker we all enjoy.  Explosive plays are gone- and Penn State, oddly, doesn't create them anyway.  I've heard good analysts say that's a huge edge for the Buckeyes but I don't know.  Penn State is built to dink and dunk and move the ball between the 20s and Ohio State is built to let you do just that.  Yardage may be easy for them to come by.  Believe it or not, until Notre Dame's very last series of the game, Ohio State hadn't produced a single negative play on defense.  Not one.  If the Lions stay on schedule they will move the ball, and because James Franklin, a notoriously lousy coach in these moments, is just that, he will kick field goals when the analytics say GO- and if Freeman had done that the Irish may have been smiling last month.  Add to that the uncertainty of no less than 4 key contributors (Burke and Egbuka the most important in my opinion) and I like almost nothing about this game other than it's in Columbus.  Is Penn State's defense for real?  Even having faced putrid offenses and whatever Iowa claims to be rolling out, it's still a defense comparable to Notre Dame, and at full strength we managed one big Henderson run (questionable availability), a FG and a couple of seam throws to Egbuka (also questionable).  Last week, every game that I picked as a one-possession game went the opposite way.  I sure hope that happens here, but I just don't know.  Pains me to even type it, but the Lions assert themselves as the best non-cheating program in the B1G East. PSU: 19--OSU: 17

Upset Special
Draper: Stanford over UCLA
Hoying: Minnesota over Iowa
Schweinfurth: Washington St. over Oregon
Seeberg: UCF over Oklahoma

Week 7: BIG Present and Future TENse

Standings:

1.) Draper 22-9 (1-5 upset)
1.) Seeberg 22-9 (1-5 upset)
1.) Schweinfurth 22-9 (0-6 upset)
4.) Hoying 21-10 (1-5 upset)

We're hitting the stride of the last classic-ish Big Ten season with a sneaky game of consequence out west. But that "west" will soon be central as the B1G's shiny new toys will be joining the fold next year, and each of them has their own ranked matchup to deal with this week. And, of course, never ever sleep on the Spoilermakers in West Lafayette.

Oregon Ducks @ Washington Huskies

Draper: A fun game in the last year of the Pac-12 that has real National Title implications.  The Huskies have been a machine on offense led by Big Penix Energy, but the Ducks have been right on their tails with Big BoNix Energy.  I expect fireworks in Seattle in which these teams go blow for blow all day.  While I think Oregon may have the better defense (by a smidgen), Michael Penix has a real claim to Heisman frontrunner.  The question is Oregon's balanced offense vs. Washington's fire passing attack.  While I see my colleagues are quacking, I'm howling for a HUGE home win for the Huskies showing they're for real (in the Pac 12).  Ore: 38--UW: 44
Hoying: Welcome to the discount Big Ten Championship, featuring next year’s discount Big Ten additions. USC is still in the mix, but in the second and final year of divisionless play in the Pac-12, the winner of this game has a cushy inside track to Las Vegas in December. Last year’s iteration in Eugene was a back-and-forth masterpiece that featured Penix barely outdueling BoNix. Fewer people remember that Oregon also gashed Washington on the ground in that game, and the Ducks have taken the same balanced offense into 2023. Washington’s air attack only gets more lethal by the week, but they don’t really have a credible rushing attack to back it up (sound familiar?). Add this to a somewhat suspect run defense for the Huskies and you have the recipe for the Ducks to take control of the Pac-12 farewell tour. Ore: 34—UW: 31

Schweinfurth: The battle of the transfer QBs! BoNix versus the Penix. These two teams appear to be the class of the Pac-12 this year. Both teams have been playing great defense, but I really think the offenses are going to shine. This has all the markings of a shootout. It should be a fun one to watch. Ore: 38—UW: 42
Seeberg:  Game of the week with an IU quarterback.  No, not "big noon" with UM and Indiana, thankfully, it's the battle of the nines as Bo NIX battles Michael PenIX and the Huskies.  The Pac-TBD is remarkably legit, with a bunch of above average power five teams and these two CFP contenders.  The loser probably isn't out of the conversation in all honesty.  This one feels like a complete toss-up to me, but I think the Ducks are just enough better in the trenches to outlast a really good Husky team.  Ducks late. Ducks: 31--Wash: 26

 

Iowa Hawkeyes @ Wisconsin Badgers

Draper: While the Ducks and Huskies will (should?) be setting the scoreboard on fire, the Badgers and Hawkeyes travel back to 19-diggity-2 where the forward pass was a glint in the eye of old John Heisman.  This should be a defensive slugfest, but I wouldn't be surprised if the scores outdo those in Seattle (because college football).  All evidence points to the winner here taking the B1G West (but who cares?).  Iowa has been a trainwreck all year....that just keeps winning inexplicably.  I have no faith that Wisconsin isn't right there in the dumpster with Iowa, but I think they can pull out a gross win at home.  It would be funny for 2 defensive scores to keep Iowa alive, but I think they only steal one.  Iowa: 13--Wisc: 20
Hoying: I know it’s literally the midway point of the season, but there’s a good chance one of these teams could have the final Big Ten West crown wrapped up when the clock hits zeroes in Madison. Fittingly for this dumpster fire of a division, the other five teams are among the worst in the Power 5 FBS Division I, so the title game berth is going to one of these two mediocre squads by default. As you probably know, Wisconsin still has to host the Buckeyes circa Halloween, but the other B1G East teams left for these teams are Rutgers and Indiana, which means there’s a very good chance that one of these teams will crawl out of the sludge of this matchup, waltz to 11-1, and be in prime position to have a 2014 Wisconsin Badgers-esque time against one of the three-headed monster. As for who that team will be, this is always a game where you can pencil in the Badgers unless they have a million turnovers. The Hawkeye D is good, and a plus turnover ratio has been the key to their 2-game B1G winning streak, but Wisconsin is perfectly content to keep the ball on the ground, grind it out, and dare the Hawkeyes to score. Which they can’t. Iowa is currently churning out a 33% Eckel rate (% of drives including a 1^st-and-10 inside the opponent 40 or a big-play TD), and they get a miserable 2.63 points on each Eckel. Unless Iowa can get the ball to jump around out of the Badgers’ hands, they can put their last hopes of a Big Ten Championship for the foreseeable future to bed early. Iowa: 10—Wis: 20

Schweinfurth: Iowa has a great defense and still has the worst offense known to man. Wisconsin has a serviceable defense, but is still adjusting to more of a spread style. This game may be which team can actually find the endzone. Iowa might actually win this game with under 10 points. Iowa: 13—UW: 6
Seeberg: Yuck, this one won't be pretty.  First to 20(ish) wins!  The Badgers have put in four workman-like wins this year sandwiched around a loss to Washington State that honestly doesn't look too bad.  The Hawkeyes have a laughably inept goose egg in Happy Valley and a squeaker at home against Purdue.  I don't think that offense is going to do enough to stifle Jump Around.  Badgers ugly.  Iowa: 10--Wisc: 17 

Southern California Trojans @ Notre Dame Fighting Irish

Draper: Say what you will about the Irish, but their schedule is BRUTAL.  OSU, Duke, Louisville, then USC??? Doesn't sound like a murderer's row, but Duke and Louisville on the road are pretty good.  I don't know if they can get off the mat again.  The OSU game almost cost them Duke and the energy was just trash against the Cardinals.  The good news? USC's defense is still led by Alex Grinch! SC still has Caleb Williams (which really does mean something), but this feels like a put up or shut up for old man Sam Hartman.  If the Irish don't light up the scoreboard, Freeman might need to find a realtor.  If the Irish defense can fix some of last week's woes and just keep scoring, I think many of last week's sins will be forgiven.  Arizona had USC beat and gagged it away.  Make no mistake, Arizona is trash.  If the Irish had a single WR, they'd be in good shape, but the TEs will be enough to keep up while the defense gets a key stop or 2.  Irish win close.  SC: 31--ND: 34
Hoying: Does Notre Dame ever play a game during daylight hours? Did LSU trade them their kickoff times in return for Brian Kelly? This should help the Trojans’ body clocks, but there’s no telling whether they’ll be ready for low 50’s, wind gusts, and rain. USC QB Caleb Williams is transcendent, but anyone who remembers the Ohio State Northwestern game last year will know that bad weather games are won on the ground. And that would be exceptionally bad for the Trojans; they play run D like their defenders are wearing magnets with the same polarity as the running backs. And Notre Dame has Au[d]ric Estime and the rest of the four horsemen that you saw wearing down the usually stout Ohio State run D in the second half. I’m not convinced that USC would have the upper hand even if Williams is free to cook; they’ve managed to make each of their last three games way closer than they needed to be by letting the other team move the ball seemingly at will. After a hot start, the Irish haven’t scored more than 20 points in any of their last 3 games, but that should change in a big way on Saturday. If they ever figure out how to pick up a third down. The wobbly wheels start to fall off the Trojan Playoff wagon. USC: 31—ND: 35

Schweinfurth: Notre Dame has had a gauntlet of a month. Ohio State, Duke, Louisville, and now USC. It finally caught up with them last week. The Irish looked all out of sorts on defense. The good news for them, USC chooses not to play defense. The problem is that Caleb Williams is still the Trojan QB. It just doesn’t look good for the Irish. The Trojans’ lack of defense keeps the Irish in this, but Williams is just on another level right now. USC: 42—ND: 35
Seeberg:  I'm less and less impressed with the golden domers after our last-second win in South Bend, and more and more impressed with USC, at least on the offensive side of the ball.  The Irish WRs might actually get separation in this game, and Sam Hartman will have time to find them.  The Trojans will absolutely score it, however.  I can talk myself into either team winning this one, but I don't think the Irish are ready just yet to beat a Big 10 powerhouse.  So weird saying that.  USC: 34--ND: 28

Miami Hurricanes @ North Carolina Tar Heels

Draper: Miami is coming off of the most hilarious loss of all time last week against a PUTRID Georgia Tech team.  I don't care if the UM running back was 100% down before fumbling (he was), you don't just come back to normal after your coaches literally went from a 99.999% chance of winning and did the 7 things you cannot do....in order...in a minute.  Absolutely brutal (but hilarious--Go Noles).  The Tarheels have looked fantastic outside of a game they stole from App State.  This will be more of the same.  Drake Maye takes care of business.  UM: 17--UNC: 34
Hoying: All right! Another undefeated matchu…what was that? The Hurricanes did what? OK, so absent perhaps the dumbest coaching decision I have ever seen, the Hurricanes would be 5-0 and still in the thick of the Playoff chase, but let’s not forget that they were in a position to lose at home to Georgia Tech, a team that had just lost to bad bad Bowling Green the week prior. That being said, NC almost dropped an early game to App State, but they’ve been generally as dominant otherwise as Miami has. The Canes should come out frothing at the mouth to wash out the bad taste of last week. Miami: 31—UNC: 23

Schweinfurth: Before last week, I may have picked Miami here. And then Mario Cristobel forgot you are allowed to take a knee to end games. I question weather or not the players trust the coaching staff at all after that. On the other side, Drake Maye is starting to look like himself again. It just doesn’t look good for the U right now. Miami: 21—UNC: 35
Seeberg:  This is a ranked matchup after that absurd U debacle last week?  Fascinating.  The Tar Heels are humming right along against a mediocre schedule and up to #12 in the country.  Miami should be out to prove something in this one, but on the road I don't think they'll have enough to get it done.  Tar Heels pull away late.  UM: 24--UNC: 35

California, Los Angeles Bruins @ Oregon State Beavers

Draper: I really don't think either of these teams is that good.  DJ Ukulele has had his resurgence in Corvallis, but....I just don't care.  Chip handled the Cougs last week, but....I just don't care.  These seem like 2 teams vying to finish in the 15-20 range at seasons end.  I'll lean the Beavers and the turnover chainsaw to complete the sweep of LA this weekend.  UCLA: 24--OrSt: 31
Hoying: One of the consequences of having 7 (!) ranked teams in a 12-team conference is that there is always a banger undercard for whatever juggernaut matchup headlines the day. And as the undefeated teams continue to fall, the cycles start to appear. Like Washington State beat Oregon State, who beat Utah, who beat UCLA, who beat Washington State. What does that say about this matchup? Does it matter that all four of the winners in the aforementioned cycle were playing at home? That may be the key to everything here, because I’ll be darned if I can find a material advantage for either of these teams. So I’ll take the easy way out. UCLA: 24—OrSt: 28

Schweinfurth: Oregon State has been a good story thus far, but I do question is they have what it takes to hang with the better teams in the Pac-12. UCLA has been a bit disappointing to this point, but I think they bounce back on this one. UCLA: 20—Ore St.: 17
Seeberg:  Another matchup of good-but-not-great Pac opponents.  UCLA has been on a bit of a rollercoaster ride lately, laying a massive egg on the road against Utah's 3rd string QB before beating a good Wazzou squad last week.  The Beavers' D is a couple notches better than WSU's 98th ranked unit, and we saw what a physical defense can do to Chip Kelly's team in Salt Lake City.  Bruins manage double digits, but can't quite get the road win.  UCLA: 17--OrSt: 27

THE Ohio State University Buckeyes @ Purdue Boilermakers

Draper: Top 5 undefeated OSU vs. unranked Purdue....tale as old as time.  While the echoes of the past resound, and I'm sure Peacock will show the stat that unranked Purdue has beaten a top 5 opponent an astounding 18 times while second place is 11 times.  Also, 5 of those upsets was, you guessed it, THE Ohio State Buckeyes.  Unfortunately for Purdue, none of those Purdue teams nor those OSU teams are on the field in West Lafayette this weekend.  I have a sneaky feeling that this might be a game in which a few things click early and often for the scarlet and gray.  Egbuka didn't make the trip, but Marv is still an alien.  The Oline gets better this week against a hapless Purdue Dline and starts imposing their will a bit.  It won't translate to the big boys, but this team is due for a complete game against an overmatched opponent.  Trey is set to return and I expect at least one explosive from him in the running game with a few deep shots from McCord.  Don't sleep on Xavier Johnson stepping in for Egbuka as well as a little Carnell Tate action.  The Silver Bullets will continue the bend don't break approach against the Texas transfer and stifle the Boilers.  Bucks roll.  OSU: 48--PU: 10
Hoying: Everywhere you look (there’s a heart…) you will hear nightmare tales of Ohio State’s woes at historic Ross-Ade Stadium. But these stories rely on data that is, paradoxically, both too biased toward recency and stretching back too far on the timeline. Let me explain: everyone knows the Buckeyes have lost 5 of their last 8 games at Purdue, right? Do you know why that statistic always stops at 8? Because Ohio State took home a win on 8 of their previous 10 visits to West Lafayette. Also, those 8 games everyone loves to bring up? Those span 19 years, stretching all the way back to the late Cooper years, when the quality and consistency of Ohio State football was nowhere near today’s standard. As for those 5 losses? Well, Purdue might have been better than Ohio State in 2000, 2004, and 2011. 2018 Purdue was perfectly crafted to take advantage of the few flaws of a near-elite Ohio State football team. And 2009…well you’ll go broke if you try to bet on repeats of that game happening. Every coach gets one baffling impossible-to-predict loss. Let’s hope Day’s was Oregon in 2021. Anyway, as far as this game goes, it may be tempting to label it as a trap game on the road nicely sandwiched between home dates with the undefeated #3 and #4 teams in the Big Ten East. But you may have heard me say before that traps have to have the capacity to be sprung, and Purdue doesn’t really excel at anything. Yeah, the “CJ Stroud is actually really good” domino that knocked Quinn Ewers to Texas has resulted in QB Hudson Card ending up at Purdue but he’s been woefully inconsistent so far. And the defense is horrible, although that was also true in 2018. Everyone remembers Rondale Moore from that game (and rightfully so) but Anthony McFarland was just as lethal for Maryland and Ohio State was able to barely scrape out a victory in College Park. The difference was finishing in the red zone, as the Buckeyes outgained the Boilermakers on the night back in 2018, but after the first three quarters, Purdue had 3 TDs and Ohio State had three field goal attempts and six total points to show for their efforts. I suppose the inconsistencies in the Buckeye run game could similarly keep points off the board here but the difference is that the Boilers don’t have a Rondale Moore to make us pay this time. At worst you get something like the “Holy Buckeye” game, but, warts and all, I don’t think this team’s offense is anywhere near as bad as the 2002 Midseason Experience Starring Lydell Ross and Maurice Hall. Buckeyes win comfortably and set their fryers on bigger fish. OSU: 38—PU: 6

Schweinfurth: Hoo boy. The Bucks are traveling to Purdue. You know, the proverbial house of horrors. No team since the turn of the century has a better win percentage against Ohio State than Purdue. The Bucks have issue running the ball, but they still have Route Man Marv. No Egbuka is a big blow, but Carnel Tate is a serviceable backup at this point. What scares me is the weather. The Buckeyes already have issues running the ball. It could be an issue if it’s a rainy game. This Purdue teams isn’t great, but if the Buckeyes lose on Peacock, will anyone see it? I know I won’t. OSU: 28—Purdue: 9
Seeberg:  An absolutely chilling statistic has circulated the world wide web this week.  EVERY Ohio State head coach since Wes Fesler (he coached in the '40s, if you were wondering) has lost at least once AT Purdue.  Ross-Ade is like the No. 2 court at Wimbledon, otherwise known as the Graveyard of Champions.  These editions of the Boilermakers and Buckeyes are pretty typical on paper with OSU opening as a 3-TD favorite on the road (the number has since dropped to 19.5).  Look closer and, well, things just aren't right here in Columbus.  A painfully putrid 1.9 YPC last week is concerning to say the least.  What's even scarier is even when adjusting for sack yardage AND the botched snap on the punt, the average was still just 2.9, which obviously won't get it done against the likes of PSU and UM.  If this game were at night in West Lafayette my panic meter would be even a notch or two higher.  An icky weather forecast (50s and possible rain) is bad for a fast-track team like our Buckeyes.  Still, I can't imagine Purdue holding up on their own O-line, and the RBs and O-line should be hungry to silence the critics.  I don't expect it to be pretty, but get the W and get out of that hellhole.  OSU: 31--Pur: 13

Upset Special
Draper: Cal over Utah
Hoying: Auburn over LSU
Schweinfurth: Pitt over Louisville
Seeberg: Arizona over Washington State

Week 6: Red River Stormout

 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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 4^th-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 Big 10 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

Upset Special
Draper: Vandy over Florida
Hoying: Syracuse over UNC
Schweinfurth: Cal over Oregon State
Seeberg: Rutgers over Wisconsin

Week 5: Gameday Goes to Durham

Standings:

1.) Draper 17-3 (1-3 upset)
1.) Schweinfurth 17-3 (0-4 upset)
3.) Seeberg 16-4 (1-3 upset)
4.) Hoying 15-5 (1-3 upset)

Nothing beats the feeling of being undefeated and knowing you'll wake up next week feeling the same way. Other teams around the nation aren't so lucky, as every power conference (except the one nearest and dearest to you) features teams putting their spotless records to the test.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 29

Utah Utes @ Oregon State Beavers

Draper: Utah has been the kings of the Pac12 for the last few years (despite what USC and Oregon say), and while they're undefeated, they've more or less limped to the record.  Will Cam Rising ever return? The idea is that the offense could get things going when and if, but the if is still a real question.  DJ Ukuklele is having a nice year unleashed from the Dabo shackles, but is it sustainable? He has been solid this year, but came up short in the Pac2 Championship last week.  I don't know if the turnover chainsaw is still a thing, but top programs go to Corvallis to die.  That being said, I'm sticking with slow and steady Utah to win another close one.  Utah: 24--OrSt: 20 
Hoying: Both of these teams come off of ranked matchups last week decided within the error margin of home field advantage. But that's where the similarities end. The Utes got half their points off of a pick-six while the Beavers couldn't do anything to slow down WSU QB Cam Ward and the high-flying Cougar passing game. It looks like Cam Rising isn't going to be taking any meaningful snaps for Utah anytime soon, however, and his backup Nate Johnson was horribly lackluster against a decent UCLA defense. I don't feel good about their ability to move the ball against Oregon State. The Beaver passing attack isn't any great shakes either, but they're balanced enough to put another Pac-12 pretender to bed. Viva Pac-2! Utah: 13--OrSt: 21

Schweinfurth: Between work, hockey, and scouts, I am slammed this week so I will keep these brief. Utah just finds a way to win. I like Oregon State's story, but I'll take Utah until I'm wrong. Utah: 21--OrSt: 17
Seeberg: Tough to figure out what to make of this game.  Utah is still legit up front and stymied a potent UCLA offense last week, but their own offense is still middling without Cam Rising, who reportedly is still not ready to go (then again, he was supposed to be a go last week and we saw how that turned out, but I digress).  The Beavers, meanwhile, made it interesting late against WaZoo but were largely outplayed for the first three quarters.  When in doubt, picking either the home team or the more desperate team tends to be a good play.  The western OSU fits both of those descriptors, so I'm taking the Beavers in a game that may look very similar to the one in South Bend last week.  Utah: 13--OrSt: 17

 

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 30

Florida Gators @ Kentucky Wildcats

Draper: This is near the top of the list for 'who cares' on my list.  The Gators showed some life in a nice win over the Vols in Gainsville, but the Wildcats enter with a 0 in the loss column (against the little sisters of the poor).  UK got the UF monkey off their back but there is still a disparity of talent.  The Gators aren't back, but they'll take a close one in Lexington that is a better win than most will think.  UF:27--UK: 24
Hoying: Speaking of not being able to move the ball against Utah, the Gator offense has been a disaster this year, from putting up all of 11 points against the Utes in the opener to settling for 5 field goals and a TD against Charlotte last week. You know it's desperation time when you're importing quarterbacks from Wisconsin. What's next, starting a transfer quarterback from Notre Dame? Or imagine a quarterback transferring from Wisconsin to Notre Dame...what was I talking about...oh yes, Florida is going to have trouble putting up points against the better defenses they face. And Kentucky just gone done taking two interceptions back for TDs and holding Vanderbilt QB AJ Swann to 16-40 for 189 yards. Yes, it's Vanderbilt, and yes, AJ Swann has a QBR of 43 on the season, but again, Graham Mertz. From Wisconsin. Florida does have Baby Etienne at running back, but Kentucky has been stuffing the scrub offenses they've faced on the ground as well. Fla: 17--UK 20

Schweinfurth: Florida isn't great, but they are better than the Wildcats. UF: 24--UK: 17
Seeberg: First off, a legitimate kudos to Mark Stoops for taking the Wildcat FOOTBALL team to perennial respectability.  With that said, now a sarcastic kudos for their current undefeated record by following the UM blueprint of scheduling a hilarious lot of nobodies in the nonconference slate.  Yes, they have a conference win over Vanderbilt, but that barely counts- and they gave up 28 points in the process (they did have 3 picks to their credit, but UK threw two themselves).  I don't expect this one to be an aesthetically pleasing tout, but the Gators should have enough to outlast a pesky UK squad.  UF: 31--UK: 23

Kansas Jayhawks @ Texas Longhorns

Draper: Rivalry renewed! The undefeated matchup in the Big12 brings a surprising undefeated Jayhawk teams into Austin to play spoiler.  The Longhorns are playing well, but I'm not booking my tickets to the CFP yet.  There is more to prove, and (can't believe I'm saying this) they're lucky to get Kansas at home.  Were this game on the road, we are talking trap game of the year. but in Austin (despite the recent success of the Jayhawks), this more talented team will feed off the crowd and emerge victorious. KU: 20--UT: 34
Hoying: Yes, Ohio State-Notre Dame was billed as the game of the year, and yes, it totally lived up to the hype, but don't be surprised if an all-time classic pops up down in Austin, TX. The last time the Jayhawks visited Darrell K. Royal, they pulled out a heartstopping overtime victory clinched by a a backup TE's first career reception. Now I have no idea what happened in this series after that but I can only assume that this year will be more of the same. Kansas is ranked going into this game, which is just adorable considering the level of competition they've faced so far. Texas, meanwhile, is a top 3 team any way you slice them, having finally seemingly put all the pieces together to rocket through the Big 12 14 and into a Playoff spot. Yeah, the Longhorns sleepwalked through the first half of the Wyoming game a couple of weeks ago, and yes, the biggest Red River Shootout in 15 years is looming next week, but it shouldn't take an A effort to put Kansas away. Closer than Texas would like, but the showdown next week will be set. KU: 24--UT: 31

Schweinfurth: Again, Kansas is a great story, but they just don't have the depth yet. Texas isn't quite back, but they have been tested. KU: 31--UT: 45
Seeberg: Wait, is this a basketball blog now??   Nope, you're reading this right, this is a ranked vs. ranked matchup in 2023.  Remarkable.  Maryland smokes Virginia by 28 and Michigan State on the road by 3 scores and yet Kansas's 1-score win over Nevada gets them ranked?  Sheesh.  In all honesty, it's probably a negative for the Jayhawks as now the burnt orange squad isn't likely to overlook them with Oklahoma on the horizon.  Well, that and the fact that they hung half a hundred on their defense the last time they visited Austin.  The Longhorns also didn't have future Ohio State starting QB Quinn Ewers that day, and that should be enough to keep the Red River Shootout an undefeated clash.  KU: 24--UT: 41

Louisiana State Tigers @ Mississippi Rebels

Draper: Is LSU who we thought they were (top 5 contender) or are they just tiktok stars of cringe?  Last week was a near miss vs. the Razorbacks, but no one is clearly separating themselves in the SEC West (or in the whole of CFB).  Kiffin's crew is the champion of faceplanting in big games, but there is a lot of 'failboat' on both sides.  Recent history has shown not to trust Ole Miss in the big games and that LSU can take care of business on the road. I'll stick with the Tigers pulling out the road upset.  LSU: 34--Miss: 23
Hoying: Sooooo, perhaps the news of the Tide's demise was a bit premature. Which means that the rest of the teams in the SEC West will be chasing them once again until someone can land the knockout blow. Ole Miss is effectively 2 games back of the Tide after last week's lackluster performance while LSU has a golden opportunity to keep pace atop of the division with Bama for the time being. LSU's crossover games with the SEC East are against Florida (as always) and Missouri, so a win here would put them on a collision course with the Tide at the start of November for the West Crown. As for who wins this game, LSU has basically looked like a better version of Ole Miss, but that might be because LSU hasn't had to play Bama yet. So I'll decide this one based on a fun fact: Lane Kiffin has beaten a total of one Power 5 team that went on to win 9 games that season. In other words, never pick Ole Miss to win the big game (lesson learned from last week). LSU: 31--Miss: 24

Schweinfurth: Lane got put back in his place last week. I don't see that changing this week either. LSU: 35--Miss: 24
Seeberg: The stat about Lane Kiffin my similarly-named colleague shared above came across my feed last week and it was startling to say the least.  2023 is the year where just about everyone can "get got" as all across the landscape teams have obvious flaws.  LSU was exposed by a lights-out Seminole offense that nearly dropped the ball against Clemson weeks later.  Ole Miss was shut down by a solid Bama D despite playing admirably on defense themselves.  The Tigers' scare against Arkansas (my upset pick) should serve as a wake-up call that gets them on track until the inevitable Bama collision.  Tigers late. LSU: 34--Miss: 27

Notre Dame Fighting Irish @ Duke Blue Devils

Draper: Fun trivia note, this is the first trip of College Gameday to Durham.  This was the perfect spot for Gameday....right up until the clock hit 0:00 in South Bend last week.  Now, the question is: can the Irish rebound after a crushing loss to their betters from Columbus? Another challenge for the Irish (other than getting up off the mat) is to take this Duke team seriously.  Riley Leonard is a legit QB and the defense has been shutting everyone down.  The Blue Devils put their name on the board with the win over Clemson, so snake-biting the Irish is unlikely--they'll be ready (if they can emerge from the depths of sadness).  My analysis of Notre Dame is that they're a really good team with a major advantage on the offensive line.  I expect Estime to have a nice game with Hartman hitting the tight ends over the top on play action.  While the Duke D has held opponents to 14 or fewer points, the Irish should be able to take advantage.  If the Irish D can slow Leonard (which I think they will), this will be a much-needed bounce back win for ND.  ND: 31--Duke: 17
Hoying: I'm sick of hearing about it, but we need to bring it up again: toughness. No, not for our beloved Scarlet and Gray, but for the Gold and Blue (Green?). How do you pick yourself up off the turf after losing in such an agonizing fashion? Buckeye Nation is used to having the whole offseason to stew over a loss like that, but the Irish have to immediately hit the road to visit what may be the hottest team in the ACC. Nobody but Justin Fields (OK, and Notre Dame) blows out Clemson in the Late Dabo era, and while the Blue Devils didn't play the cleanest game against the Tigers, Clemson looked completely lost in the second half. Does Notre Dame have the mental toughness to bring their A-game under the lights in Durham? Last year the Irish followed up their season opening loss to Ohio State by faceplanting against a much worse Marshall team. Forget Lou Holtz's trolling of Ryan Day; what can we say about Notre Dame's performance in big games in the Marcus Freeman era? Can a team that put up 14 at home last week do anything against a Blue Devil defense giving up 8.8 points per game? Don't forget, Sam Hartman made an appearance at Wallace Wade last year, too, and Duke managed to match him score for score and 3 points more. On the flip side, however, can Duke handle success? The Blue Devils haven't hosted a ranked team as a ranked team since 1994, and that set off a streak of 45 straight losses against ranked opponents. I'm betting on the Irish to come out with an edge and try to prove to the world that they still belong in the Playoff conversation. Sorry, Duke. You suck. ND: 24--Duke: 20

Schweinfurth:  Teams that play Ohio State usually struggle the next week. We see it every year. That was a physical game last week in South Bend and I'm sure the Irish are a little beat up. This should be low scoring and I do like the Irish's stable of running backs. ND: 21--Duke: 10
Seeberg: Yet another "wait, this is a ranked matchup?" matchup. Sam Hartman knows a thing or two about lighting up ACC opponents, having done so for years- with the skill talent at Wake Forest, no less.  Amazingly, his WRs at Notre Dame may not be much better, but his TEs and RBs certainly are.  The Dookies, meanwhile, shutdown a not-revamped Clemson offense but it's hard to picture them getting enough stops to keep this one competitive late.  The Irish fight on (see what I did there?) with an intriguing date with the Trojans looming in mid-October.  ND: 38--Duke: 17

Upset Special
Draper: Mississippi State over Bama (CLANGA)
Hoying: Colorado over USC
Schweinfurth: Arizona over Washington
Seeberg: Vanderbilt over Missouri

Week 4: September is for Contenders?

Standings:

1.) Draper 10-2 (1-2 upset)
1.) Schweinfurth 10-2 (0-3 upset)
3.) Seeberg 9-3 (1-2 upset)
3.) Hoying 9-3 (1-2 upset)

With apologies to Jim the Wolverine Slayer, this September Saturday should do as much to separate the contenders from the pretenders as any outside of Championship Week. Three (and a half) weeks into the season have set up six undefeated Power 5 matchups of note (sorry, BYU-Kansas), and two perennial Playoff participants face possible knockout blows on their home turf before the first month is through. 

Florida State Seminoles @ Clemson Tigers

Draper: I'm the one FSU fan who is being very cautious about the hopes for the Noles (and last week almost proved me right).  The can absolutely contend for the title, but I'm not ready to crown them just yet.  Regardless, Clemson is a shell of their past selves.  Death Valley is a really tough place to play, but I'm guessing that BC was a lookahead game on steroids.  FSU will be focused and locked in to reclaim their rightful spot at the top of the ACC. Jordan Travis, the second best WR room in the country, and a stout defense will lead the Noles to the promised land.  FSU: 34--Clem: 17
Hoying: What do these two teams have in common other than a stranglehold over the Atlantic Coast Conference (coming next year: 100% more coast) since Florida State first joined? Each laid a rotten egg in a game they had no business losing. Florida State was fortunate to escape by dint of Boston College's unconscionable pileup of penalties, while Clemson wasn't so lucky as everything that could go wrong did go wrong in a blowout loss to Duke. Were the Noles just looking ahead to their best chance to reascend the ACC throne since the days of Famous Jameis? That seems more likely than the win over LSU being a fluke, and LSU just got finished torpedoing the rudderless pirate ship that is Mississippi State. But Clemson might just be bad. The sun no longer shines on the Tiger offense since the departure of Trevor Lawrence. And Florida State has been waiting too long for this. A furious rally last year fell just short, but this is the year the worm turns. FSU: 30--Clem: 20

Schweinfurth: This Florida State team looks like an absolute wagon this year. The defense looks legit and the offense actually has a pulse. Without a Trevor Lawrence or Deshawn Watson, these Clemson teams look the the Tigers of old. I'll take the 'Noles on the road. FSU: 38--Clem: 17
Seeberg: Let’s be honest. Watching the downfall of Clemson since we pasted them in the Sugar Bowl has been fun, like Miami after 2002. Dabo refuses to even acknowledge- let alone change with- the rapidly evolving college football landscape. Also similar to his outdated offense and there’s just no way this year’s FSU squad loses to the Tigers again. Enjoy, Chief. FSU: 31–Clem: 16

 

Rutgers Scarlet Knights @ Michigan Wolverines

Draper: Rivalry renewed! While Rutgers has been a nice little story this year and TTUN has been quite pedestrian thus far, the talent disparity is simply too great. Schiano was fine to go into the Big House with OSU talent and take down the Wolverines, but, even with the improvement in Piscataway, they're not there yet.  JJ McCarthy and Co. have put together 3...meh...wins thus far.  Without the preseason hype (and lack of national and internal vitriol the Buckeyes face), I haven't seen the maize and blue separating from the pack.  RU: 13--UM: 27
Hoying: You laugh, but which of these teams has put in the more impressive September so far? The Scarlet Knights dispatched Northwestern and Virginia Tech by multiple scores in games that were never close (OK, VT was close for a hot second) while Michigan was foundering around eating paste in the first half against Bowling Green last week. Looking ahead to a rivalry renewed, perhaps? Unfortunately, Rutgers is about to run into the brick wall otherwise known as the Wolverine defense, one of the few nationwide to allow even fewer points than the resurgent Silver Bullets through three games. That should give JJ or Blake the time they need to shake off the dust in this one. RSUNJ: 9--UM: 31
Schweinfurth: This game is going to be a slog fest. Rutgers has looked better this year, but they are still not a top team. Michigan has looked okay, I guess? The new clock rules will definitely keep the scoring down in this one. The Wolverines win, but closer than everyone thinks. RSUNJ: 13--UM: 17
Seeberg: Alright first things first can we PLEASE stop the JJ Heisman talk? He threw THREE picks at home against a MAC team last week. Sheesh. Anyways, UM is up to their old tricks: boring, unspectacular, but ultimately mostly dominant wins. Sounds familiar, eh Schiano? Rutgers rolls in undefeated with two power 5 wins already. Their styles are similar but sadly the Wolverines do it all better. Close first half to give UM fans pause but the Knights fade late. RUSNJ: 10—UM: 27

Colorado Buffaloes @ Oregon Ducks

Draper: He can't keep getting away with this... Colorado is immensely more talented than they were last year, but we're nowhere near the hype.  Going into Autzen is simply not what Deion wants at this point, especially without his best player.  On the other side, BoNix and the Ducks have been on fire but we haven't seen a team with a pulse on the other side.  This could be a fun match for a few minutes, but I'd be surprised if this is competitive.  Sanders will make a few plays, but not enough to keep up.  CU: 17--Ore: 37 
Hoying: Goodness, what a hype train is building out in Boulder. Cincinnati Reds legend Deion Sanders has managed to infuse Rutgers-level competency into the Pac-12's erstwhile punching bag, gutting out that gritty double overtime home win against the rare team in college football that's usually worse than the Buffaloes are. Still, 3-0 is 3-0 and now comes the chance to do some real damage against a team with something to lose. Yeah, Oregon hasn't looked great either, needing some last-minute magic to sneak by Texas Tech, but geriatric QB Bo Nix is only looking better every year, and the Ducks didn't lose any dynamic two-way players to injury last week like the Buffs did. Oregon is vulnerable to a ground attack that the Buffs just don't have the wagons to exploit. The dream season continues but gets a cold dose of reality. CU: 27--Ore: 38
Schweinfurth: The opening season ride has to end at some point for the Buffs. Travis Henry makes that team go on both sides of the ball. With him out, I'm not sure the Buffs have the fire power to hang with the Ducks. Oregon has looked every part of a Pac-12 contender so far. This one feels like a blowout.  CU: 17--Ore: 45
Seeberg: Is…is Colorado really legit? TCU didn’t answer that question but a trip to Phil Knight world might. Bo Nix is playing in his 349th college game (approximately) and despite an odd squeaker against an overrated Texas Tech squad, he’s looked darn good since midway through last season. The Buffs do have talent and seem remarkably galvanized for a roster made up almost exclusively of transfers, but duck isn’t on the menu this week. Oregon pulls away late in a fun one. CU: 26—Ore: 41

Mississippi Rebels @ Alabama Crimson Tide

Draper: Is this the end for the Tide? Can Ole Miss and Kiffikins actually become the master? Well, maybe.  Bama has some real issues at the quarterback position, but they are still LOADED at others.  Ole Miss has playmakers, but they'll need to make it a track meet.  Winning a close game @Tulane isn't good enough to prepare them for Saban and the monsters on the other side. Milroe is back in the driver's seat, but it's more of a 'well, you're the only option' option.  Milroe can be a competent QB and it would be just like a Saban led team to rise from the ashes just when they were expected to be down and out. This feels like one of those games when the rumors of the Tide's demise are greatly exaggerated. Miss: 27--Bama: 37
Hoying: Folks, the Tide are in t r o u b l e. After getting embarrassed on their home field against Texas, Alabama hit the panic button in their next game and started former ineffective Notre Dame QB Tyler Buchner in an effort to jump start their offense. The result? 3 points at half on 2.4 yards per attempt from the leprechaun carpetbagger. The silver lining was the play of the steel-trap Tide defense, which kept the Bulls out of the end zone and allowed Bama to end up outgaining South Florida on the day. But that's not going to be good enough for their next opponent. If you want to beat Ole Miss, you had better score, and the Rebels had Saban's boys on the ropes last year even with Bryce Young at quarterback and Jahmyr Gibbs scurrying all over the field. The SEC West this year doesn't look to be the murderer's row that we've been used to these past couple decades, but I'm going to go out on a limb and say that I don't see Alabama losing to Georgia at any point this year, and this week will be a big reason why. The list of former assistants getting one over on Old Nick grows a little longer as Lane finally scores one against his old boss. Miss: 27--Bama: 20
Schweinfurth: Bama just doesn't look right. This whole QB fiasco is causing so many issues. Lane started running his mouth early and that may not have been the best choice. Bama isn't quite what we're used to, but they're gonna play pissed off. Miss: 21--Bama: 24
Seeberg: Another intriguing matchup. I love these types of games: strength against strength, weakness against weakness. Bama D against Lane’s O is the fun part. Bama O against Ole Miss D? Ugly, but still it’s tough to tell which unit will find enough footing to help their team. The Tide are ripe for the picking and the SEC wants to take their shots. Saban is at home, and desperate, and even though the Rebs have the horses to win it, I expect a focused Crimson Tide for at least this week before crashing back to earth once or twice more this year. Tide survive. Miss: 23—Bama: 24

California, Los Angeles Bruins @ Utah Utes

Draper: Not really sure what to do with this game.  Utah is pretty lucky to be 3-0 right now after squeaking out a road win at a bad Baylor team, but UCLA has played a cake schedule thus far.  Utah gets the benefit of the doubt in most games after their success of late, but it does seem to be nearing the end.  They've survived without Rising thus far, but there is a chance he'll return this week.  Rice Eccles is a tough place to play (especially with the preseason cupcakes the Bruins have faced) so, even with the struggles of the Utes, I'll lean on Whittingham to make it happen.  UCLA: 23--Utah: 30
Hoying: For all the press that USC and Oregon have received of late in the Pac-12, neither of those teams has been the conference's standard-bearer of late. That would be the Big 12-bound Utah Utes, who have appeared in the last 5 non-COVID Pac-12 title games and won the last two. The Utes got off to a hot start this season with a big win over Florida in SLC, and the future looks even brighter with two-time Rose Bowl runner-up QB Cam Rising set to make his first 2023 appearance this Saturday. He wasn't good enough to topple the Bruins last season, but DTR has finally moved on to greener pastures, as has star RB Zach Charbonnet. The Bruins have been still able put some points up in their first three wins over cupcake city & friends, but the Utes at home are a mountain not so easily moved. UCLA: 27--Utah: 34
Schweinfurth: I don't really know much about UCLA this year, so I guess they're okay. Here's the rub, if Cam Rising plays, Utah should win decently easy. If not, UCLA will win close one. I'm gonna go on the assumption Rising plays. UCLA: 24--Utah: 38
Seeberg: Is UCLA for real? Is Cam Rising near 100% less than 10 months after tearing his ACL New Years’ Day? More questions that may be answered after this crazy Saturday slate. The Bruins replaced two huge contributors on offense and have still been fairly prolific on that side of the ball, though admittedly against lousy opponents so far. The Utes bullied Florida and escaped Baylor with backups to the backups playing. I have to believe even an 85% Cam is better than Bryson or Nate Johnson, and the Utah defense should harass a freshman QB enough to stay undefeated at home. Utes late. UCLA: 20—Utah: 31

Oregon State Beavers @ Washington State Cougars

Draper: The Pac-2 championship in week 4? I'm assuming this will be on FS32! While they're both undefeated, I have no idea about either of these teams other than DJ Ukulele is on the side of the Beavs,  and he has looked like the removal of the Dabo stench may have reinvigorated his career.  Will this be a close enjoyable game? That's for the fan to decide.  OrSt: 27--WSU: 17
Hoying: I don't know why everyone is getting so weepy over this game. You should get a chance to see it again 8 or 9 times next year in the Pac-2 while these teams patiently wait for a G5 conference to scoop them up. This iteration is a classic offense-vs-defense struggle. The Beavers have bottled up all three of their (admittedly crappy) opponents so far while Wazzu continues to honor Mike Leach's legacy by throwing all over their foes. Interestingly it was the Cougar defense that made the difference against Wisconsin, in the biggest win by either team so far this year, forcing three turnovers and scoring on a fumble recovery. That luck isn't likely to replicate, and the Cougar offense from that game won't make a dent in this year's Beaver dam. Oregon State continues the fight to keep the Pac-12 ruled by a Pac-12 faithful. OrSt: 23--WSU: 10
Schweinfurth: So it's cool this is the Pac -2 championship game in September. Yes, both teams are undefeated, but if they play after 10, will anyone see it? I know nothing about either of these teams. As a shot in the dark, I'll take Oregon State.  OrSt: 33--WSU: 13
Seeberg: With the inevitable collapse of the PAC-howevermany, this game is suddenly a much bigger deal than usual.  The last two holdouts square off and both are undefeated AND ranked?  Yes you read that right.  The Beavers looked solid coming into the season and the Cougars' reputation this year is built largely on a 9-point win against whatever offense Wisconsin is trying to field.  It really is remarkable to have such a separation Saturday so early in the season!  Cougars fight at home, but come back to earth at the hands of an excellent OSU defense (hint hint, wink wink).  OrSt: 27:--WSU: 16

Iowa Hawkeyes @ Pennsylvania State Nittany Lions

Draper: The Drive to 325 was boosted last week but walking into a White Out in Happy Valley is not the solution.  The first real test for Penn State's offense will give us some information for the National Title hopes, but I don't see a super competitive game.  Can Cade McNamara keep the Hawkeyes close? I don't think so.  Iowa: 10--PSU: 23   
Hoying: Speaking of Beavers, the Hawkeyes visit Beaver Stadium with a mind to continue their two-game winning streak over the Lions. Penn State was everyone's darling dark horse to take the Big Ten East (and thus the Big Ten itself by default) this season after failures to launch against the Big Two over the last half-decade or so. And they've mostly looked the part although Illinois had to spill the ball all over the field last week in order for PSU to pull away. Meanwhile, Iowa is same old Iowa, as humble and Midwestern an institution as Culver's or 15-minute goodbyes. Don't expect them to score more than 20 points (if they're lucky), but unlike against Iowa State, it won't be enough to overcome a raucous white-out crowd. Drew Allar officially hits the big time and picks up his first ranked win. Iowa: 13--PSU: 31
Schweinfurth: I don’t think either of these two teams are elite. Iowa still has issues moving the ball. Penn State looks like they are still learning how to use Drew Aller. I honestly think this is going to be a relatively low scoring game. Both teams have questions on offense and decent defenses. Penn State wins because they actually have competency on the coaching staff. Iowa: 10—PSU: 17
Seeberg: Occasionally, PFF will put up a stat that makes me pause for a moment or two.  Like this one.  Best QBR in the country under pressure so far this year?  Drew Allar.  The freshman(ish) may well be legit, and he gets to experience his first white-out as a starter for the home team.  Iowa, meanwhile, boasts their most prolific offense in years averaging a whopping (checks notes) 28.3 ppg!  Those points weren't scored on the road, in a white out, against a PSU team with an elite secondary and solid pass rush, however.  The Hawkeyes get a moral victory by making it to double digits, but that's about it.  Iowa: 10--PSU: 27

THE Ohio State University Buckeyes @ Notre Dame Fighting Irish

Draper: The game of the year pits the 2 largest fanbases in the country against each other.  The Buckeyes (McCord in particular) finally got out of their own way an had a smooth offensive game plan against the Hilltoppers, but the Irish are another issue.  Everyone is hyping the Freeman > Day narrative, but I don't see it.  Marcus certainly has the juice of a young up and comer, but Day has lost 6 games in 5 years...and we're told he's a bum.  The worries for the Buckeyes center around a) the offensive line (which played much better last week), b) the defensive line (which needs to live up to the billing), and c) the fact that the QB on the other side is pretty good (and has been in the league since the Reagan administration).  The worries for ND are....everything.  They are outmatched at literally every position except QB (and it's not a blow out there).  I'm hoping for a Peach Bowl Coach Day in which he lays it all out there and goes for broke.  We know God smiles down on South Bend, but he'll be wearing Scarlet and Gray.  OSU: 30--ND: 17 
Hoying: Welcome to year 5 of the Ryan Day era, and his first road game against an elite nonconference opponent. This isn't a cause for concern in and of itself -- Ohio State went into a much tougher environment in State College last year and walked out with a W -- but this isn't the best time to be facing a team with Notre Dame's experience. Last year I wrote that opening the season with this game favored the Buckeyes as we were the known entity going into last season, but this year I'm not sure what to make of this team. We've seen some shades of problems that have plagued this team in the post-plague era, like the inability for the O-line to impose their will in short-yardage situations and the struggle to pressure the QB. Add this to what may be the slowest start for a QB in the Day era (not a fair comparison at all) and the cracks in the fortress may be starting to show. Fortunately, all of these problems seemed to disappear in last week's dismantling of Western Kentucky, but the Green Domers aren't even close to being in the same league as the Hilltoppers (or any league). The Irish have fixed their most glaring issue from last season, namely, having no quarterback (how'd he work out for you last week, Tide?), and feature formidable lines on both sides of the ball and an experienced rushing attack. The pieces in play, considered one by one, still favor the Buckeyes, but this one will come down to which team can be greater than the sum of its parts. The Irish have experience at QB and a better offensive line, but the Buckeyes have the better coaching staff and the healthy reserves to wear down Notre Dame on both sides of the ball. If McCord has time to make his reads and let it rip when he can (no strip sacks s'il vous plait), Ohio State should hit enough big plays, and contain the fearsome Irish just enough, to claim their 6th straight win in the series. OSU: 27--ND: 24
Schweinfurth: Let me first say that I am so happy this game wasn’t the first game of the year. I truly believe the Irish would have wrecked this Ohio State team a few weeks ago. The WKU game was the best thing that could have happened for Kyle McCord. He threw a couple of bombs and looked much more comfortable throwing the intermediate passes. The defense isn’t giving up the big plays…yet. This will be the first real test to see if they give up the back breaking big plays we have seen the last few years. I do not see a scenario where Notre Dame blows the Bucks out. If the Irish win, it will be close. I expect a great game and am excited to watch these two powerhouses go at it. Go Bucks. OSU: 27—ND: 24
Seeberg: It is finally here! The scheduling gods were kind to the Buckeyes this season as it seems we needed all three weeks to get right before our marquee non-conference matchup. Notre Dame, meanwhile, hit the ground running this season with an experienced transfer QB in Sam Hartman who traded one golden helmet for a slightly more iconic one last offseason. His opponent? The highest graded defense this season according to PFF (I told you they have some eyebrow-raising stats!) I believe if Hartman had anything approximating the skill talent of the scarlet and gray this game would not go well. And I STILL believe the DEs need to get home more frequently. But the offense appears sorted out with a permanent helmsman, and year two of the Jim Knowles defense has paid dividends so far. Buckeyes continue their recent run against the Irish. OSU: 28—ND: 20

Upset Special
Draper: Cincinnati over Oklahoma
Hoying: California over Washington
Schweinfurth: Baylor over Texas
Seeberg: Arkansas over LSU