Brian: The game of the week is in Knoxville. The Vols have a legit chance to beat Bama for the first time in a long time. The Vol’s offense is one the best in the country, and it helps the Vols pull off the upset.
Tennessee 31, Alabama 28
Derrick: It’s hard for me to go against Bama in certain big games. Despite their success this season, I have not seen the current version of Tennessee be successful against an opponent on the Alabama level. I expect a high-scoring affair in which the Crimson Tide could be on the ropes, but they’ll find a way to win Saturday’s game against the Vols. However, I believe Tennessee is back to being a contender in the SEC.
Alabama 38, Tennessee 35
Penn State vs. Michigan
Brian: This game is always one of the games to look forward to when The Big Ten schedule comes out. The team that has a home-field advantage wins the game. In the end, Michigan wins a close game.
Michigan 28, Penn State 24
Derrick: Between the two teams, I believe Michigan is the better overall program right now. They both have won ugly games this season; now they meet up in the “Big House.” Expect a close game in the scoring range of the 20s, which is a typical Big 10 contest between two powerhouses. Michigan QB J.J. McCarthy will make enough plays that allow the Wolverines to remain undefeated.
Michigan 27, Penn State 21
Oklahoma State vs. TCU
Photo courtesy of USA Today.
Brian: Sonny Dykes’s first year at TCU could not have started any better. This TCU team is the team to beat in the Big 12. Oklahoma State keeps it close for three quarters, but the Horn Frogs pull away in the fourth.
TCU 35, OK State 28
Derrick: The Pokes may not have the stout defense they had a year ago, but they are still good enough to be effective in potential shootouts that we could see this Saturday down in Fort Worth. It’s the Big 12, so you can expect a lot of offense between two of the best teams in the conference. TCU’s offense will keep things close with OK State, but their first-season loss awaits them when the clock hits zero. The Pokes win by a touchdown.
OK State 45, TCU 38
USC vs. Utah
USC Football, USC Trojans / Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports.
Brian: USC is rolling under Lincoln Riley right now. They will face their first test of the year in a tough Utah team. Cam Rising makes a few plays late to hand the Trojans their first loss of the season.
Utah 31, USC 28
Derrick: All it took was for USC to hire one of the best offensive minds in college football, Lincoln Riley, and a few players signed through the transfer portal to return the program to relevance. The Trojans take on a battle-tested Utah team that will be fighting to keep their Pac-12 title hopes alive. The game is being played in Salt Lake City, which is in the Utes’ favor. While the Trojans have looked spectacular against their opponents this season, there are a lot of flaws that get covered up. Their run defense is one of the worst in the country. Because of those deficiencies, Utah will pull off the upset at home thanks to their vaunted rushing attack and the poise of veteran QB Cameron Rising.
Utah 35, USC 27
NC State vs. Syracuse
Photo courtesy of Dennis Nett.
Brian: Dino Babers was on the hot seat coming into the season. He has done a great job this season with the Orangemen. They find a way to win a close one at home.
Syracuse 31, NC State 27
Derrick: If you know anything about Syracuse football, you know that when they are winning, the Carrier Dome presents one of the best atmospheres in college football. The Orangemen are 5-0 and are currently behind Clemson for first place in the ACC. Facing the Wolfpack will be the first of the tough opponents that remain on the Orangemen schedule. They have not seen a defense that can present challenges like NC State. Expect a low-scoring battle in the Carrier Dome that will result in a Wolf Pack victory.
NC State 24, Syracuse 21
Show Your Support
Support the Strike 7 Sports platform’s growth by heading to Fanatics.com and purchasing officially licensed fan gear from the NFL, NCAA, and the NBA. Each purchase made through the text link below goes into the funding of the Strike 7 Sports brand. To proceed, click on the text link below and begin shopping.
Are you going to place a bet on any sporting events happening today or throughout the week? If so, then you need to check out BetUs. BetUs is the ultimate destination for online betting, sports betting, live betting, racebooks, etc. If you are interested, click on the text link BetUs and you will be redirected to their website. We shall receive compensation if you decide to sign up through our affiliate link below.