Breaking Down and Predicting Every Top 25 Matchup in Week 10

Week 10 claims to be one of the best weeks in CFB this season. With a plethora of highly talented teams facing off and other under the radar good games, which teams will prevail?

Temple @ 12 UCF:

UCF kicks off the college football week undefeated, lead by QB McKenzie Milton. UCF remains in the CFP hunt for a second year in a row, and I don’t think Thursday’s task against a struggling Temple team will halt the Knight’s 20-game win streak.

My prediction: UCF 45, Temple 17.

Pittsburgh @ 25 Virginia:

Virginia football is finally ranked for the first time since 2011 the first time in the Bronco Mendenhall era, the Cavaliers also recently clinched their fourth bowl game in 13 years. Dual threat QB Bryce Perkins and downfield threat Olamide Zaccheaus are two of the most underrated players at their position in the ACC. I believe Virginia exceeds expectations and takes care of business at home in a rare Friday night game.

My prediction: Virginia 34, Pittsburgh 14.

Louisville @ 2 Clemson:

Saturday kicks off with undefeated Clemson on the pursuit of perfection and hopeful playoff qualifiers. A strugglesome Louisville team stands in their way, still recovering from the loss of Lamar Jackson. Freshman QB phenom Trevor Lawrence leads the way, while star RB Travis Etienne remains the underrated Heisman hopeful and the top back in the ACC. I see absolutely no contest here, especially with the game being held at Memorial Stadium.

My prediction: Clemson 62, Louisville 10.

Nebraska @ 10 Ohio State:

Ohio State is coming off a devastating blowout loss at Purdue that struck a mark in the loss column, but the Buckeyes remain in Big Ten title and CFP contention. QB Dwayne Haskins looks to improve his Heisman status after throwing for an Ohio State record 49 completions and 470 passing yards in the Purdue loss. Ohio State needs to stabilize the run game, not have Haskins throw 73 times per game. Nebraska is coming off a pair of wins after starting the season 0-6 with new HC Scott Frost. I see no troubles for Ohio State bouncing back after the loss, the offense just too dynamic for the Cornhusker defense.

My prediction: Ohio State 59, Nebraska 31.

19 Syracuse @ Wake Forest:

Brrring, brrrring. The first sound of the upset watch of the week. Syracuse is coming off a big win over NC State, scoring a whopping 52 points on the Wolfpack defense. Syracuse’s Eric Dungey may be the best dual threat quarterback in the country. Syracuse is another team having a historic year, clinching their first bowl appearance since 2013, and cracking the AP Top 25 for the first time since 2001, when the Big East was still a football conference. Wake Forest is lead by two skilled position players, RB Matt Colburn and WR Greg Dortch. This game should be very close all the way through.

My prediction: Syracuse 34, Wake Forest 31.

20 Texas A&M @ Auburn:

If you were to tell me who would win this game earlier this season, I would say Auburn in a blowout. But, college football can be very unexpected. Auburn has greatly fell off from dominant relevancy. After beating Washington and running through the rest of their non conference schedule, the Tigers are now 2-3 in conference play and have fallen from the rankings. Texas A&M has had a solid season with first year head coach Jimbo Fisher, coming off a loss to Mississippi State. The Aggies are lead by another dual threat quarterback, Kellen Mond, and top SEC RB Trayveon Williams. Listen to hear their names called many times on Saturday. Although no true conference or playoff implications rest on this game, I do think this will be a tightly contested game at one of college football’s finest venues, Jordan-Hare Stadium.

My prediction: Auburn 27, Texas A&M 20 (OT).

24 Iowa State @ Kansas:

The newcomer to the first College Football Rankings of the 2018 season, the Iowa State Cyclones. The Cyclones have had their ups and downs this season, as high as upsetting West Virginia and Oklahoma State, but as low as losing to a struggling TCU squad. Kansas has enhanced their laughing stock program, stringing together three wins so far this season. Kansas is led by young freshman RB Pooka Williams, while freshman QB Brock Purdy and downfield threat Hakeem Butler leads the Cyclones. I see Kansas giving Iowa State some fits on defense, resulting in a close game.

My prediction: Iowa State 31, Kansas 23.

6 Georgia @ 9 Kentucky:

This top SEC East matchup kicks off the biggest and best slate of college football, the afternoon games. The winner of this game will punch their ticket to Atlanta for the SEC Championship. Kentucky has shocked the nation, coming in unranked, but big wins at Florida, Mississippi State, and at Missouri, has put them in East title contention. Meanwhile, the Bulldogs of Georgia are coming off a huge win over Florida, eliminating the Gators from East title contention. This matchup will feature top running backs. Benny Snell for Kentucky and the two-headed monster Elijah Holyfield and D’andre Swift for Georgia. The key to this game is who will win the quarterback battle between Terry Wilson and Jake Fromm. Both squads have elite defenses, the two top in the SEC East. I expect this game to be close the whole way through, and I think a close, low scoring game favors Kentucky at home.

My prediction: Kentucky 24, Georgia 20.

13 West Virginia @ 17 Texas:

The second great game of the afternoon slate features some the Big 12’s best teams in action. The Mountaineers haven’t gotten into their tough Big 12 schedule yet, but West Virginia has been dominant in every game this season except their upset loss at Iowa State. QB Will Grier leads the lethal passing attack, along with top receiver David Sills and Gary Jennings. Texas is coming off a heartbreaking loss to Oklahoma State on the road, where things got a bit chippy at the end of the game. The Longhorns only previous loss was the opener against Maryland. Sam Ehlinger has proved gritty and unstoppable in big games this season. For example, the win over Oklahoma. Both teams are in desperate need of a win to keep their CFP hopes alive. Although we haven’t seen West Virginia and their potent offense in any big games this season, this game should be good and entertaining.

My prediction: Texas 41, West Virginia 38.

16 Iowa @ Purdue:

This game might be the most underrated game of the day. Both teams are 3-2 in conference play, trailing Northwestern, the loser of this matchup is eliminated from Big Ten championship contention. Iowa, a solid team led by their defense, one of the tops in the country, against an upset happy Purdue team led by their dynamic and electric playmakers Rondale Moore and DJ Knox. Iowa only has losses to Wisconsin and on the road against Penn State last Saturday. Meanwhile, Purdue has had an up and down year, losing to Northwestern, Missouri, Eastern Michigan, and last week against Michigan State. Purdue has been known for being a mediocre program the past decade, but the upset win over #2 Ohio State has stabilized the Boilermakers as a solid team. I expect a great game out of these two, especially with it being played in a great atmosphere in West Lafayette.

My prediction: Iowa 28, Purdue 27.

Florida State @ 21 NC State:

The tale of these two teams has been flip-flopped over the course of the season. Florida State started as the #19 team in the country, but then fell into demise after losing games against Virginia Tech and Syracuse in embarrassing fashion, and almost losing against Samford. This game is basically a must win for the Seminoles as their difficult part in their schedule arrives. For NC State, they need a big win to stay on track and in the Top 25 after losing two straight games on the road against ACC opponents Clemson and Syracuse. The Wolfpack had an effortless non conference schedule, the only difficult game against West Virginia cancelled due to the hurricane, and an easy, manageable first part of conference play, before losing the last two. Both quarterbacks in this game, Florida State’s Deondre Francois, and NC State’s Ryan Finley, are both very solid quarterbacks that carry their respective teams. Florida State has looked better over the past few games (not including the Clemson loss), and I believe their athleticism on both sides of the ball will keep the Wolfpack in distance, but fall off at the end.

My prediction: NC State 38, Florida State 28.

14 Penn State @ 5 Michigan:

The final ranked vs ranked matchup of the afternoon games feature two of the top teams in the Big Ten. Although Penn State may be eliminated from Big Ten East and CFP contention after losses to Ohio State and Michigan State, the Nittany Lions will keep Michigan close. Trace McSorley leads Penn State, showing toughness throughout his career as the PSU QB. Michigan’s only loss was to Notre Dame in the season opener, but has dominated every opponent they have played since then, including ranked teams (at the time) Wisconsin and Michigan State. The Wolverines have proved why their defense is one of the top in the country, and the best in the Big Ten. This matchup will feature a great quarterback duel, McSorley against Michigan’s Shea Patterson, first year transfer from Ole Miss. Michigan needs this big win to build their resume and remain in CFP contention. Coming off a bye week, Michigan should be refreshed and well prepared.

My prediction: Michigan 31, Penn State 24.

22 Boston College @ Virginia Tech:

This is yet another game where the tables have turned throughout the season. Virginia Tech has turned into a disappointing team after losing their starting QB Josh Jackson to a season ending knee injury and losing to Old Dominion and blowout losses against Notre dame and Virginia Tech. Boston College has cracked the Top 25 for the first time since 2008 after defeating Miami last weekend, led by star RB AJ Dillon. This game should be very close in a great atmosphere in Blacksburg.

My prediction: Virginia Tech 38, Boston College 34.

Missouri @ 11 Florida:

Both teams are coming off devastating losses. Missouri blowing an 11 point lead with five minutes remaining against Kentucky, while Florida lost its SEC east chances after the blowout loss to Georgia. Missouri has played a very difficult schedule, and this will be no different for the Tigers. Florida has a legit defense with playmakers all around on offense. Missouri’s Drew Lock had an off game against Kentucky, but the probable draft pick will look to play better against a very good Gator defense. I think Florida is too dynamic for the Tigers, already suspended after last week’s crushing loss.

My prediction: Florida 28, Missouri 13.

15 Utah @ Arizona State:

Another possible upset brewing here? Well, Utah has been on an upwards trend as of late, riding a four game win streak. Arizona State hasn’t quite met expectations, but they are coming off a big win at USC. The Sun Devils have four losses, all by seven points. If that says anything, it’s that Arizona State is a good team but just can’t find a way to get it done in the end. Both squads are led by mobile quarterbacks, Arizona State’s Manny Wilkins and Utah’s Tyler Huntley. Both teams also have great running backs, State’s Eno Benjamin and the Utes’ Zack Moss. But, I think the difference maker in this game will be the Pac 12’s top receiver, N’Keal Harry. Harry had possibly the catch of the year in last week’s win, and I expect to see a lot more of those first round pick hands of his. Just like against Michigan State early in the year, I do see the Sun Devils pulling off the upset here.

My prediction: Arizona State 45, Utah 42.

4 Notre Dame @ Northwestern:

This non-conference matchup kicks off the incredible night cap. This could be a very interesting game and something you would want to be sure to tune in to before the game of the week. Notre Dame hasn’t lost a game this season but Northwestern and Ryan Field is always a difficult place to play, ask teams like Michigan who narrowly escaped with a victory and Wisconsin who lost their last week. Ian Book has taken over the Fighting Irish starting QB job after starter Brandon Wimbush continued his inconsistent ways. Northwestern is a gritty and tough team to play against, with a good defense and solid quarterback, Clayton Thorsen. Regardless of the outcome, this game will be tight.

My prediction: Notre Dame 27, Northwestern 23.

Louisiana Tech @ 18 Mississippi State:

Mississippi State is a newcomer to the Top 25, following the victory over Texas A&M. They will host group of six Louisiana Tech, who has had a good season. Mississippi State QB Nick Fitzgerald has been improving every week, finally putting the benched questions behind him. State can’t look past Louisiana Tech or we could have an upset occuring. I think this game will be closer than many people think, but Mississippi State just has too much talent in the end.

My prediction: Mississippi State 32, Louisiana Tech 17.

#1 Alabama @ #3 LSU:

Oh baby!! The game of the day and quite possibly the game of the year. Undefeated Alabama has seemed untouchable so far, winning every game by 20+. But, the Crimson Tide face their toughest test yet, the LSU Tigers in Death Valley. LSU is no stranger to the big games, already beating Miami, Auburn, Georgia, and Mississippi State, but their only loss was to Florida. Both teams are coming off a bye week, getting extra time to prepare for each other. Alabama QB Tua Tagovailoa is most people’s #1 in Heisman voting right now, clearly a head above every other player in the country. But, he and this explosive Tide offense hasn’t played a defense nearly as good as LSU. Unfortunately for the Tigers, Devin White, their best defensive player, will sit out the first half due to a targeting penalty assessed to him in the Mississippi State game. Joe Burrow and the LSU offense has the beyond difficult task of out scoring this Alabama team, but, they will have to score on a really good Bama defense. I expect this to be a close game through the first half and maybe the first three quarters, but the more talented offense will prevail in the end.

My prediction: Alabama 35, LSU 23.

7 Oklahoma @ Texas Tech:

This matchup of high powered offenses will feature a lot of points, with not much defense being played. Oklahoma presents a downfield powerhouse, with Kyler Murray at the helm and star, speedy receivers CeeDee Lamb and Marquise Brown flying by their defenders for big gains. Trey Sermon has stepped into the RB position very well, following prior starting running back Rodney Anderson to a season ending knee injury. QB Alan Bowman has showed great progressions throughout his freshman year, but he’s gotten tremendous help from his receiving core, led by one of the nations best, Antoine Wesley. The glaring issue for both teams is the defense. Both teams have gotten progressively better as the season has rolled on, but still not where both coaches would like it to be. Especially for Oklahoma, they will need a defense that can step up in big games after last season’s decline in the Rose Bowl loss to Georgia. I expect at least 80 combined points in this game, with too much firepower from Oklahoma’s offense prevailing in the end.

My prediction: Oklahoma 52, Texas Tech 42.

23 Fresno State @ UNLV:

Fresno State has taken a huge leap in terms of their football program. After hiring Jeff Tedford, the Bulldogs have been awarded their second AP Top 25 ranking in Tedford’s two-year tenure. The lone loss on the season at Minnesota. Fresno State could find themselves in a New Year’s Six bowl by winning out. Senior QB Marcus McMaryion has had a breakout season with the Bulldogs, leading the Mountain West in passing efficiency. UNLV is undergoing a poor season, sitting at 2-6 and winless in conference play. I don’t see any troubles for Fresno State in this one, in fact, I could easily see them winning out and making a top bowl game.

My prediction: Fresno State 38, UNLV 17.

California @ 8 Washington State:

This incredible week of college football finishes off with the Pac 12 night cap, which includes the conference’s lone contender for the college football playoff, Washington State. The Cougars have had a remarkable season, with great wins against Oregon and Stanford, their only loss against USC. QB Gardner Minshew has shocked the country, leading the entire nation with over 3,000 passing yards. This game will be no cupcake for the Cougars, facing a tough California team. The Bears, hot off an upset win over Washington, look to upset another team from the state of Washington. I believe this game will be much closer than others expect, but Minshew and the solid Cougar defense will be too much for California to handle.

My prediction: Washington State 38, California 27.

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