TCU (17) at Kansas (19):
If you had told me in August that this was going to be the game of the weekend, I would have laughed in your face. However, Lance Leipold has done the unthinkable and turned Kansas around into a true contender. Their quarterback Jalon Daniels has thrown 11 touchdowns and only one interception. Sonny Dykes has come to TCU and used his air raid approach to get the offense averaging 549.5 yards per game and Max Duggan has a QBR of 90.4; the fourth highest in the country. I think the TCU offense will be too much for Kansas to keep up with and the party is going to come crashing down in Lawrence.
Mizzou at Florida:
Missouri is coming off back-to-back heartbreaking losses, so there is a possibility of a letdown game here, especially in an atmosphere like the swamp. Missouri’s defense was able to mostly contain Georgia, excluding some big run plays in the second half, but Anthony Richardson III is much more mobile than Stetson Bennet. Missouri will need to force Richardson to make downfield throws because that is where he tends to struggle. With Brady Cook under center, I do not see Missouri having the ability to win this game, but they should be able to cover the 10.5 point spread.
Tennessee (8) at LSU (25):
It took a huge second half comeback from LSU to beat Auburn, which is not something the Tigers fans should be feeling good about. Hendon Hooker and the Tennessee offense are absolutely rolling, leading the country in yards per game at 559.3. With their weak passing defense, the Vols know they are getting into a shootout and have the weapons to win it. LSU’s offense struggled against Auburn and quarterback Jayden Daniels called a players only meeting this Monday to try to figure things out. LSU is only ranked because they are in the SEC and I believe Tennessee will not only win but cover the spread as well. The 11 am kickoff could make the first quarter a bit sleepy, but ultimately the Vols should come away with an easy win.
Utah (11) at UCLA (18):
When was the last time there was a game between two ranked Pac-12 teams that weren’t named USC and Oregon? The conference has made a resurgence, and there are plenty of good teams on the west coast. UCLA and Utah are two of the better defenses in the Pac-12, but they also both have offenses that can put up some points. UCLA quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson had an outstanding game against Washington, where he threw for 315 yards along with 56 yards on the ground. Cam Rising and the Utah defense are averaging 46 points a game since their Florida loss/ Granted, it has not come against the toughest of competition. I think this game is going to be a fun one, and whoever wins has a clear shot to the Pac-12 title game. Although the Bruins looked great against Washington last weekend, Utah has been building since their Florida loss, and I think the Utes will pick up the win here.
BYU (16) at Notre Dame:
The Catholics and Mormons will be heading out to Sin City to see Notre Dame play BYU in Allegiant Stadium. The Marcus Freeman era at Notre Dame has not started the way many had hoped, but the Irish have also had to deal with quite a few injuries. The Irish played their best offensive game of the season against UNC, but that also was against one of the worst defenses in college football. The BYU defense is going to give Notre Dame a much tougher time. BYU is likely getting one of their top wide receivers, Puka Nacua, back for the game, which should help their offense. Notre Dame had a week off to prepare for this game, but I don’t think that will help them get a win. BYU is a better team this season and should cover the 3.5 point spread.
Texas A&M at Alabama (1):
This once anticipated game is looking very different than we thought it was going to be, mainly due to Texas A&M’s struggles. Jimbo Fisher refuses to switch to a more explosive offense, and Aggie fans are stuck with him for the foreseeable future; thanks to his $85 million buyout. The Texas A&M defense can control the passing game, but the run game is another story. This does not match up well with the Alabama run game that had touchdowns of 72,76, and 77 yards last week against Arkansas. Even if Bryce Young is still out, Alabama can just hand the ball off and win this game the old fashion way. I am not expecting this to be a close game; Nick Saban will not be shown up by Jimbo Fisher again.
Texas vs Oklahoma:
It’s pretty remarkable that this is going to be the first Red River Rivalry since 1998 where neither team is ranked. However, that does not mean this game won’t be the crazy one it usually is. The Cotton Bowl stadium will be split down the middle and should provide a great atmosphere. Quinn Ewers is making his return since he got injured in the Alabama game. If he plays anywhere close to the level he did against the Tide, Texas is in a great position. The Longhorns also will utilize running back Bijon Robinson, who should be able to run all over Oklahoma’s weak defensive line. Oklahoma is likely going to be without starting quarterback Dillion Gabriel, who suffered a concussion against TCU last weekend. Oklahoma’s offense really struggled without him, but regardless if he plays or not, I believe Texas is going to win this game. It will likely be crazy because that’s just what happens when these teams meet up, but I would expect a Longhorn win.