After predicting some fireworks last week, I was underwhelmed how some of the games turned out. Every week can’t be a winner, and we just have to move on to the next one.
Like last week, this week has potential to be a great one, with some nice Top 25 matchups. Lets take a look at some of the matchups we will see this weekend.
#25 Florida vs. #3 Ole Miss
The Gators are coming off a big win over Tennessee, and this week they will be hosting the third ranked Rebels. Going into The Swamp is never a picnic for any team, but Ole Miss is a pretty good football team, and I think their defense against Will Grier will prove to be problematic for Florida.
Prediction: Ole Miss
#23 West Virginia vs. #15 Oklahoma
These two teams have had some shootouts over the past few years, and there is no reason why this game should be any different. Both teams possess offenses that can put up points, so if you are into the whole betting thing I would take the over. If this game was in Morgantown I would be all over the Mountaineers this week, but with the game being in Norman I got the Sooners.
Prediction: Oklahoma
#21 Mississippi State vs. #14 Texas A&M
Last year in this matchup in Starkville, the Bulldogs absolutely blasted the Aggies. This year the Aggies have much better than I thought they would be and they have a chance to repay the favor as they host the Bulldogs at Kyle Field. The battle between Dak Prescott and Kyle Allen could light up the scoreboard early and often, and I am anxious to watching freshmen sensation Christian Kirk after his fast start in the season. I don’t think the Aggies will blow them out, but I think they get the job done.
Prediction: Texas A&M
#18 Stanford vs. Arizona
Didn’t think I would be writing about Stanford too much after the way they opened up the year against Northwestern. After upsetting USC and taking care of business against Oregon State, the Cardinal are in the thick of things in the Pac 12 North. Arizona is coming off getting thrashed by UCLA at home, and just lost Scooby Wright for several more weeks after he tried to bounce back from a knee injury. I’m not doubting the Cardinal this time around.
Prediction: Stanford
#13 Alabama vs. #8 Georgia
Alabama hasn’t been the underdog in a matchup since the 2009 SEC Championship game against Florida. That all will change this weekend as they head between the hedges down in Athens, Georgia where Nick Chubb and the Bulldogs will be waiting on them. The last time I saw the Tide roll into Athens they came out victorious, and even though I don’t have a ton of faith in Jake Coker, I have a hard time seeing them losing back to back big games this year. I am taking the Tide by a field goal.
Prediction: Alabama
#12 Clemson vs. #6 Notre Dame
This is a big game for both teams. Clemson has a chance to win a statement game and get themselves in position to make a run at the playoff, and the Fighting Irish, a team who has been snake bite all year with injuries has a chance to win a huge road game and set themselves up to run the table. With a freshmen quarterback under center for the Irish and the fans of Death Valley, South Carolina licking their chops in anticipation for him, it certainly won’t be an easy task. Notre Dame has the talent to win this game, but I think Deshaun Watson makes one more play to win this game.
Prediction: Clemson