Fantasy Football/NFL Week 8 Preview

If I had to rank trade deadlines in the four major sports leagues in terms of activity and intrigue, it would probably go  MLB, NBA, NHL, NFL. The trade deadline in the National Football League is usually uneventful. This year, however, could be different. This season has already featured a lot of activity on the trade market, including the Raiders shipping off Khalil Mack to the Bears at the start of the year, the Patriots trading for Josh Gordon a few weeks ago, the Jaguars trading for Carlos Hyde last week, and the Raiders shipping Amari Cooper to the Cowboys this week. There are also a lot of high-profile players rumored to be on the trade block. Le'Veon Bell, who still hasn't reported to Steelers camp, could be traded. With Cooper already off the market, more wide receivers could go, with rumors surrounding Demaryius Thomas and Devante Parker, among others. Multiple defensive backs could also be on the move, including Patrick Peterson, who is apparently unhappy in Arizona (but has now said he is content with remaining with the Cardinals). The Giants traded Eli Apple to the Saints and Desmond "Snacks" Harrison to the Lions this week, and that could just be the tip of the iceberg, as New York is said to be "open for business". The NFL Trade Deadline is Tuesday, October 30, at 4:00 PM Eastern Time, so we are entering the final stretch. This could be an unusually eventful trade deadline.

Greg the Leg, A.K.A. Legatron, A.K.A. (Not So) Young (Anymore) GZ, is back

Week 8 Fantasy Football Rankings

Quarterback

1. Patrick Mahomes II, Chiefs (vs. DEN)

2. Aaron Rodgers, Packers (@ LAR)

3. Kirk Cousins, Vikings (vs. NO)

4. Jared Goff, Rams (vs. GB)

5. Drew Brees, Saints (@ MIN)

6. Jameis Winston, Buccaneers (@ CIN) - The Bucs lead the league in passing offense (364 yards per game) and the Bengals rank 29th in pass defense (301 yards allowed per game).

7. Tom Brady, Patriots (@ BUF)

8. Andrew Luck, Colts (@ OAK)

9. Andy Dalton, Bengals (vs. TB)

10. Ben Roethlisberger, Steelers (vs. CLE)

11. Deshaun Watson, Texans (vs. MIA)

12. Cam Newton, Panthers (vs. BAL) - Cam isn't as attractive as usual due to a tough matchup with the Baltimore defense, but he has scored at least two touchdowns in ever game this season but one.

13. Mitchell Trubisky, Bears (vs. NYJ)

14. Russell Wilson, Seahawks (@ DET)

15. Matthew Stafford, Lions (@ SEA)

16. Carson Wentz, Eagles (@ JAX)

17. Baker Mayfield, Browns (@ PIT) - Baker has played better than his numbers suggest, and this is the first time he'll be facing the rival Steelers. It'll be interesting to see how he performs.

18. Joe Flacco, Ravens (@ CAR)

19. Case Keenum, Broncos (@ KC)

20. Derek Carr, Raiders (vs. IND)


Running Back

1. Todd Gurley II, Rams (vs. GB)

2. Saquon Barkley, Giants (vs. WAS)

3. Kareem Hunt, Chiefs (vs. DEN)

4. James White, Patriots (@ BUF) - James White has been an elite fantasy running back so far this season, and Sony Michel isn't expected to play against a defense that got shredded by Marlon Mack.

5. James Connor, Steelers (vs. CLE)

6. Alvin Kamara, Saints (@ MIN)

7. Joe Mixon, Bengals (vs. TB)

8. Christian McCaffrey, Panthers (vs. BAL)

9. David Johnson, Cardinals (vs. SF)

10. Phillip Lindsay, Broncos (@ KC)

11. Marlon Mack, Colts (@ OAK) - Speaking of Marlon Mack, he seems to have taken a stranglehold of the starting job, and Oakland has not defended running backs very well.

12. Tarik Cohen, Bears (vs. NYJ)

13. Adrian Peterson, Redskins (@ NYG)

14. Nick Chubb, Browns (@ PIT)

15. Chris Carson, Seahawks (@ DET)

16. Kerryon Johnson, Lions (vs. SEA)

17. Lamar Miller, Texans (vs. MIA)

18. Chris Thompson, Redskins (@ NYG)

19. Jordan Howard, Bears (vs. NYJ)

20. Latavius Murray, Vikings (vs. NO)

21. Mark Ingram II, Saints (@ MIN)

22. Kenyan Drake, Dolphins (@ HOU)

23. Raheem Mostert, 49ers (@ ARI) - Mostert has gotten a lot more work recently. Plus, Matt Breida is banged up, which bodes well for Mostert against the weak Arizona run defense.

24. Jalen Richard, Raiders (vs. IND) - Marshawn Lynch went on IR this week, so Richard and Doug Martin will presumably split backfield work. I prefer Richard to Martin.

25. Alex Collins, Ravens (@ CAR)

26. T.J. Yeldon, Jaguars (vs. PHI)

27. Peyton Barber, Buccaneers (@ CIN)

28. Isaiah Crowell, Jets (@ CHI)

29. Duke Johnson Jr., Browns (@ PIT)

30. Aaron Jones, Packers (@ LAR)


Wide Receiver

1. Adam Thielen, Vikings (vs. NO)

2. Antonio Brown, Steelers (vs. CLE)

3. A.J. Green, Bengals (vs. TB)

4. Odell Beckham Jr., Giants (vs. WAS)

5. Michael Thomas, Saints (@ MIN)

6. DeAndre Hopkins, Texans (vs. MIA)

7. Tyreek Hill, Chiefs (vs. DEN)

8. Devante Adams, Packers (@ LAR)

9. Mike Evans, Buccaneers (@ CIN)

10. JuJu Smith-Schuster, Steelers (vs. CLE) - JuJu caught five passes for 119 yards the first time these teams met, and he could come close to that again this week.

11. T.Y. Hilton, Colts (vs. OAK)

12. Robert Woods, Rams (vs. GB)

13. Brandin Cooks, Rams (vs. GB)

14. Jarvis Landry, Browns (@ PIT)

15. Emmanuel Sanders, Broncos (@ KC)

16. Stefon Diggs, Vikings (vs. NO)

17. Tyler Boyd, Bengals (vs. TB) - Although Boyd was quiet last week, he should bounce back this week against the worst pass defense in the NFL.

18. Golden Tate, Lions (vs. SEA)

19. Julian Edelman, Patriots (@ BUF)

20. Kenny Golladay, Lions (vs. SEA)

21. Josh Gordon, Patriots (@ BUF) - It looks as if the former Cleveland Brown has gained the trust of Tom Brady and Bill Belichick, which is good news for his fantasy owners.

22. Allen Robinson, Bears (vs. NYJ)

23. Cooper Kupp, Rams (vs. GB)

24. Doug Baldwin, Seahawks (@ DET)

25. John Brown, Ravens (@ CAR) 

26. Demaryius Thomas, Broncos (@ KC) - Despite trade rumors, it's more likely than not Thomas stays in Denver. Keep an eye on him though.

27. Alshon Jeffery, Eagles (@ JAX)

28. Will Fuller V, Texans (vs. MIA)

29. Sterling Shepherd, Giants (vs. WAS)

30. Michael Crabtree, Ravens (@ CAR)


Tight End

1. Travis Kelce, Chiefs (vs. DEN)

2. Zach Ertz, Eagles (@ JAX)

3. George Kittle, 49ers (@ ARI)

4. Rob Gronkowski, Patriots (@ BUF)

5. David Njoku, Browns (@ PIT) - Njoku has become a big-time red zone target for Baker Mayfield, scoring a touchdown each of the last two weeks. I think he'll score again this week.

6. Jimmy Graham, Packers (@ LAR)

7. Eric Ebron, Colts (@ OAK)

8. Jared Cook, Raiders (vs. IND) - With Amari Cooper gone, the Raiders don't have a lot of receiving options. Cook is the top one, and he gets a good matchup against Indianapolis.

9. O.J. Howard, Buccaneers (@ CIN)

10. Jordan Reed, Redskins (@ NYG)

10. Trey Burton, Bears (vs. NYJ)

11. C.J. Uzomah, Bengals (vs. TB)

12. Greg Olsen, Panthers (vs. BAL)

13. Kyle Rudolph, Vikings (vs. NO)

14. Evan Engram, Giants (vs. WAS) - As Engram gets back to full health, he should become a bigger part of the passing games, like he was before he got hurt.

15. Vance McDonald, Steelers (vs. CLE)

16. Benjamin Watson, Saints (@ MIN)

17. Ricky Seals-Jones, Cardinals (vs. SF)

18. Cameron Brate, Buccaneers (@ CIN)

19. Charles Clay, Bills (vs. NE)

20. Chris Herndon IV, Jets (@ CHI) - He's New York's starting tight end, and he's found the end zone each of the last two weeks.


Defense/Special Teams

1. New England Patriots (@ BUF)

2. Chicago Bears (vs. NYJ)

3. Philadelphia Eagles (@ JAX) - You never know which Blake Bortles you're gonna get, but it's been (Really) Bad Blake recently.

4. Houston Texans (vs. MIA) - I don't care that Brock Osweiler has actually looked decent the past couple of weeks. He's still Brock Osweiler.

5. Jacksonville Jaguars (vs. PHI)

6. Washington Redskins (@ NYG)

7. Indianapolis Colts (@ OAK)

8. Baltimore Ravens (@ CAR)

9. Carolina Panthers (vs. BAL)

10. San Francisco 49ers (@ ARI) - After watching the Thursday night game last week, I have little faith in the Arizona offense (as did the Cardinals, which is why they fired their OC).


Kicker

1. Greg Zuerlein, Rams (vs. GB)

2. Harrison Butker, Chiefs (vs. DEN)

3. Stephen Gostkowski, Patriots (@ BUF)

4. Justin Tucker, Ravens (@ CAR)

5. Will Lutz, Saints (@ MIN)

6. Matt Prater, Lions (vs. SEA)

7. Mason Crosby, Packers (@ LAR)

8. Dan Bailey, Vikings (vs. NO)

9. Robbie Gould, 49ers (@ ARI)

10. Graham Gano, Panthers (vs. BAL)


Week 8 Game Picks

Record
Last Week: 10-4   vs. Spread: 9-5   Over/Under: 5-9
Season: 67-41   vs. Spread: 52-52-3   Over/Under: 45-60-1

(Home Team Listed Last)

Thursday

Dolphins 13, Texans 27 (8:20 PM, FOX/NFL Network)

Spread: HOU -7.5   Over/Under: 44.5

I know it's "Brocktober", but I like Deshaun Watson and the hosts on Thursday night.


Sunday

Eagles 21, Jaguars 23 (London, 9:30 AM, NFL Network)

Spread: PHI -3   Over/Under: 42

I originally picked the Eagles, but then I remembered that the Jags play well in London.


Jets 17, Bears 32 (1:00 PM, CBS) 

Spread: CHI -7.5   Over/Under: 45

The Bears go from a Hall-of-Fame QB on a good team to a rookie QB on a bad team.


Buccaneers 28, Bengals 35 (1:00 PM, FOX)

Spread: CIN -4   Over/Under: 54.5

The Bengals should bounce back from the loss to KC against the inferior Bucs.


Seahawks 24, Lions 23 (1:00 PM, FOX)

Spread: DET -3   Over/Under: 49

I don't know what to make of either of these teams (they are both 3-3), so it's a toss-up.


Broncos 17, Chiefs 32 (1:00 PM, CBS)

Spread: KC -10   Over/Under: 53.5

The first meeting was close, but this one probably won't be.


Redskins 24, Giants 17 (1:00 PM, FOX)

Spread: WAS -1   Over/Under: 42.5

The Giants are a mess right now (and in the midst of a fire sale).


Browns 21, Steelers 24 (1:00 PM, CBS)

Spread: PIT -8   Over/Under: 49

The Browns aren't much worse than the Steelers, but they'll find a way to lose (like usual).


Ravens 23, Panthers 27 (1:00 PM, CBS)

Spread: BAL -2   Over/Under: 44

The underrated Panthers came back from down 17-0 against the Eagles last week.


Colts 32, Raiders 20 (4:05 PM, CBS)

Spread: IND -3   Over/Under: 50.5

The Raiders are somehow an even bigger mess than the Giants, which is impressive.


Packers 31, Rams 35 (4:25 PM, FOX)

Spread: LAR -9   Over/Under: 56.5

This'll be a shootout, and as much as I wanted to go with A-Rodg, the Rams are too good.


49ers 23, Cardinals 17 (4:25 PM, FOX)

Spread: SF -1   Over/Under: 42.5

I can't wait to watch the much-anticipated battle between Josh Rosen and C.J. Beathard.


Saints 32, Vikings 27 (8:20 PM, NBC)

Spread: MIN -1   Over/Under: 52

After a(nother) slow start, The New Orleans Buckeyes Saints are hitting their stride.


Monday

Patriots 31, Bills 14 (8:15 PM, ESPN)

Spread: NE -14   Over/Under: 44

Unfortunately, There is no baseball scheduled for Monday night.


Stats and info via ESPN.com, YahooSports.com, and CBSSports.com
Lines via OddsShark.com
Lines as of Thursday afternoon

College Football Week 9 Preview

As we enter the ninth week of the 2018-19 college football season, only five undefeated teams remain. With Ohio State, NC State and Cincinnati all losing last week, the list of unbeatens has been whittled down to Alabama, Clemson, Notre Dame, Central Florida, and South Florida. Alabama and Central Florida are off this week. I think at least one of the other three will fall from the ranks of the unbeaten Saturday.

Florida and Georgia face off in a Top-10 matchup Saturday

Record
Last Week: 13-2   vs. Spread: 11-4   Over/Under: 4-11
Season: 106-33   vs. Spread: 63-61   Over/Under: 49-73-2


Thursday

Baylor @ #13 West Virginia (7:00 PM, FOX Sports 1)

West Virginia will look to bounce back from a loss to Iowa State two weeks ago when the Mountaineers host Baylor Thursday night, Both teams are coming off of bye weeks, and both teams lost their last game. I think Will Grier and company will bounce back from their first loss of the season at home Thursday night against 4-3 Baylor.

Spread: WVU -14  Over/Under: 67.5

Prediction: West Virginia 35, Baylor 23


#25 Appalachian State @ Georgia Southern (7:30 PM, ESPNU)

APP STATE HAS MADE A TOP 25 APPEARANCE!!! This is the first time the Mountaineers have been ranked since moving up to FBS (from FCS) in 2014. Their only blemish this season is a first-week overtime loss to Penn State. This week, App State travels to Statesboro, Georgia, to battle 6-1 Georgia Southern, whose one loss was at Clemson (38-7). The Eagles are a tough team, but I don't see them upsetting a team that ranks in the top 20 in total offense (17th) and total defense (8th).

Spread: APP -10   Over/Under: 50

Prediction: Appalachian State 42, Georgia Southern 30


Friday

#23 Utah @ UCLA (10:30 PM, ESPN)

We get Friday night #PAC12AfterDark this week, which means anything could happen. Even aliens. But probably not aliens. Chip Kelly's squad has won two in a row after losing its first five games. Meanwhile, the Utes have won three in a row. Utah ranks seventh in the FBS in total defense (286 yards allowed per game). UCLA ranks 100th in total defense (425 yards allowed per game). Like I said, anything could happen, but a Utah win is the most likely outcome.

Spread: UTAH -10.5   Over/Under: 54.5

Prediction: Utah 38, UCLA 24


Saturday

#2 Clemson @ Florida State (Noon, ABC)

The second-ranked Tigers will try to stay unbeaten when they travel to Tallahassee on Saturday. Florida State has played better of late, going 3-1 in its last three games (with the one loss being by one point to Miami), but the Noles will have a hard time upsetting a Clemson team that annihilated NC State last week. I do not think Clemson will fall from the ranks of the unbeaten this week.

Spread: CLEM -17   Over/Under: 51

Prediction: Clemson 37, Florida State 23 


#20 Wisconsin @ Northwestern (Noon, FOX)

Over in the Big Ten, Wisconsin and Northwestern face off in a game that could have major implications in the Big Ten West division. The Wildcats currently lead the division at 4-1, but the Badgers are right behind, tied with Iowa and Purdue at 3-1. I think this will be a tight contest, but I think Wisconsin will emerge with the crucial victory.

Spread: WIS -6.5   Over/Under: 53

Prediction: Wisconsin 30, Northwestern 27


#9 Florida @ #7 Georgia (3:30 PM, CBS)

This Top-10 SEC battle might be the most appealing matchup this weekend. Both teams are coming off of bye weeks. While 6-1 Florida has won five in a row (including one against LSU) since losing to Kentucky, 6-1 Georgia suffered its first loss two weeks ago against LSU. If the Bulldogs play like they did against LSU, they'll lose. I think they'll play a lot better and get the home-field win.

Spread: UGA -6.5   Over/Under: 52

Prediction: Georgia 28, Florida 17


Kansas State @ #8 Oklahoma (3:30 PM, FOX)

Oklahoma responded to a loss in the Red River Rivalry with a thumping of TCU last week, and now the Sooners are back on track in their quest to get back to the College Football Playoff. Kansas State beat Oklahoma State last week, but the Wildcats are 3-4 on the season. I think the Sooners will send them to 3-5 on Saturday afternoon.

Spread: OU -24.5   Over/Under: 64

Prediction: Oklahoma 48, Kansas State 24


#18 Iowa @ #17 Penn State (3:30 PM, ESPN)

Two teams with hopes of getting to the Big Ten Championship face off in Happy Valley Saturday. The 6-1 Hawkeyes have the third-best defense in the country (258 yards allowed per game), and while the 5-2 Nittany Lions are touted for being tough at home, both of their losses this season occurred in State College. With momentum on its side, I think Iowa comes out with the win.

Spread: PSU -6.5   Over/Under: 51.5

Prediction: Iowa 31, Penn State 28


#21 South Florida @ Houston (3:30 PM, ABC/ESPN2)

Remember how I said that I think at least one unbeaten team will go down this week? Well, we have arrived at that point. The 7-0 Bulls travel to Houston Saturday to face the 6-1 Cougars, USF's toughest test yet. In fact, the host Cougs are favored by over a touchdown. Just last season, Houston ended South Florida's unbeaten season after the Bulls started 7-0. I think history repeats itself.

Spread: HOU -7.5   Over/Under: 75

Prediction: Houston 38, South Florida 34


#12 Kentucky @ Missouri (4:00 PM, SEC Network)

Speaking of ranked teams being road underdogs against un-ranked teams, 4-3 Missouri is favored by a touchdown at home against 6-1 Kentucky. The Wildcats have struggled the last two games, barely beating Vandy two weeks after losing to Texas A&M in overtime. Mizzou could make it interesting, but I do expect Kentucky to escape with a victory.

Spread: MIZZOU -7   Over/Under: 56 

Prediction: Kentucky 27, Missouri 19


#15 Washington @ California (6:30 PM, FOX Sports 1)

Out West, 6-2 Washington takes on 4-3 California. Both teams sport statistically strong defenses. Cal ranks 22nd in the nation in total defense (321 yards allowed per game), while Washington ranks 16th (309 yards allowed per game). Despite that, I think it'll be a relatively high-scoring game, and I think Washington will win by at least two touchdowns.

Spread: WAS -11.5   Over/Under: 45

Prediction: Washington 38, California 24


#14 Washington State @ #24 Stanford (7:00 PM, PAC-12)

Two ranked teams square off in primetime on the PAC-12 Network Saturday night. The 6-1 Cougars have won three in a row, including a 14-point win against Oregon last Saturday night. The 5-2 Cardinal have been up-and-down, coming back to beat Oregon earlier in the season, but then losing two of their three games since. The Cougs are playing really well right now, and I think they'll roll out of Cali with a win.

Spread: STAN -3   Over/Under: 53.5

Prediction: Washington State 35, Stanford 21


#16 Texas A&M @ Mississippi State (7:00 PM, ESPN)

Mississippi State has fallen out of the Top 25 after losing three of its last four. Meanwhile, Texas A&M has won its last three. The Aggies' two losses came against the top two teams in the country, And they've played those two teams closer than anybody else. The Bulldogs could make this close (most of A&M's games have been pretty close), but the Aggies should leave with the win.

Spread: MSST -2   Over/Under: 43.5

Prediction: Texas A&M 28, Mississippi State 24


#22 NC State @ Syracuse (7:00 PM, ESPN2)

North Carolina State will try to pick itself up off the pavement after getting flambeed by Clemson last week. The 5-1 Wolfpack may face a tough test in Syracuse, a team that has had a wild last three games. After coming within four points of beating Clemson (at Clemson!) four weeks ago, the Orange went to Pittsburgh and lost in overtime. Then after a bye week, 'Cuse returned home and squeaked by North Carolina in two overtimes. I think the hosts will find a way to win this one.

Spread: NCST -1.5   Over/Under: 65.5

Prediction: Syracuse 34, NC State 31


#3 Notre Dame @ Navy (8:00 PM, CBS)

The Notre Dame Fighting Irish are firmly in position to grab a Playoff spot, especially considering they don't have to worry about a conference championship game. This week, they travel to San Diego to take on Navy, a team I would consider picking to upset Notre Dame if the Midshipmen weren't 2-6. Despite the record, I do think Navy's triple-option attack could make things a little interesting. In the end, I fully expect Notre Dame to head to Northwestern with an 8-0 record.

Spread: ND -24   Over/Under: 54.5

Prediction: Notre Dame 41, Navy 32


#6 Texas @ Oklahoma State (8:00 PM, ABC)

This week's Saturday Night Football game takes place in Stillwater, where Oklahoma State will look to knock off Texas. Texas has been red-hot since its first-week loss to Maryland, while Oklahoma State has lost three of its last four games. Even at home under the lights, I have a hard time envisioning a Cowboy upset Saturday night.

Spread: TEX -3.5   Over/Under: 59.5

Prediction: Texas 31, Oklahoma State 24


#19 Oregon @ Arizona (10:30 PM, ESPN)

This week blesses us with ranked #PAC12AfterDark on Friday and Saturday. I'm not quite sure what has happened to Arizona, a team with high hopes at the beginning of the year, thanks largely to an offense led by preseason Heisman candidate Khalil Tate. Even though Tate and running back J.J. Taylor have had solid numbers this season, the Wildcats are 3-5. Despite all signs pointing to the Ducks, I'm going with Arizona out West Saturday night.

Spread: ORE -9.5   Over/Under: 65

Prediction: Arizona 38, Oregon 35


Stats and info via ESPN.com
Lines via OddsShark.com
Lines as of Thursday afternoon

College Football Week 8 Preview

You can't predict college football. There is no better evidence for that statement than what happened last weekend. On Friday night, unbeaten South Florida, a new addition to the AP Top 25, had to overcome a two-touchdown deficit to beat one-win Tulsa by one point. Saturday, multiple top-ten teams struggled. #2 Georgia got walloped by 13th-ranked LSU. #3 Ohio State was close with Minnesota for most of the game before pulling away late. #5 Notre Dame almost became Pitt's latest upset victim, pulling out a five-point win. #6 West Virginia (vs. Iowa State), #7 Washington (vs. #17 Oregon) and #8 Penn State (vs. Michigan State) all fell on Saturday. And #9 Texas (vs. Baylor) and #10 Central Florida (vs. Memphis) both came extremely close to tumbling. Outside of the top ten, #16 Miami (vs. Virginia), #19 Colorado (vs. USC) and #21 Auburn (vs. Tennessee) all suffered upsets. Every week, I try to anticipate the results of each game featuring a ranked team, and I try to use my knowledge of the teams, as well as stats and prior results, to make an educated guess. But you can't predict college football.

College Gameday is in Pullman, WA for the first time

Record
Last Week: 10-6  vs. Spread: 7-9  Over/Under: 2-14
Season: 93-31  vs. Spread: 52-57  Over/Under: 45-62-2


Saturday

#6 Michigan @ #24 Michigan State (Noon, FOX)

Two in-state rivals coming off of big victories over ranked teams meet in East Lansing on Saturday. Junior quarterback Brian Lewerke led the Spartans to an 20-17 upset of Penn State in Happy Valley, throwing for 259 yards and two touchdowns, while the defense held the dangerous Trace McSorely to 229 total yards and one touchdown. Later that night, the Wolverines bludgeoned Wisconsin, 38-13, behind another lights out performance from the nation's best defense (two interceptions, 283 yards allowed). Both teams have strong defenses, but Michigan's has been much more consistent, and Jim Harbaugh's offense has improved as the season has gone along.

Spread: MICH -7.5   Over/Under: 39.5 

Prediction: Michigan 32, Michigan State 20


#9 Oklahoma @ TCU (Noon, ABC)

Both of these teams are looking to bounce back from losses. Oklahoma was felled by Texas on a last-second field goal in the Red River Rivalry two weeks ago. TCU has spiraled, losing three of its last four games, including last week against Texas Tech. Like most Big 12 games, this should be a shootout. Sooner quarterback Kyler Murray (21 touchdowns, three interceptions) has played a lot better than Horned Frog quarterback Shawn Robinson (nine touchdowns, eight interceptions), and the Sooners as a whole have played much better. I'm going with Oklahoma.

Spread: OKLA -7.5  O/U: 62

Prediction: Oklahoma 44, TCU 28


Maryland @ #19 Iowa (Noon, ESPN2)

Iowa makes its 2018 debut in the AP Top 25 this week. The 5-1 Hawkeyes have cruised through their schedule (aside from a 28-17 loss to Wisconsin). After winning their first two, including an upset victory over Texas, the Terrapins have gone 2-2, losing to Temple and Michigan. The Terp offense could have a hard time against an Iowa defense that ranks fifth in FBS in yards allowed per game (282). This game shouldn't be particularly close, and I don't think it will be.

Spread: IOWA -9   O/U: 42

Prediction: Iowa 31, Maryland 14


#20 Cincinnati @ Temple (Noon, ESPNU)

Speaking of debuts in the Top 25, Cincinnati makes its first appearance this year after winning its first six games. Despite being unbeaten, the Bearcats haven't played anybody that imposing. The 4-3 Owls, who beat Navy last week, may be Cincy's toughest test yet. However, they'll have to traverse the Bearcat defense, which ranks fourth in the country (272 yards allowed per game). I think the Bearcats will escape and go to 7-0.

Spread: TEMPLE -3.5   O/U: 47

Prediction: Cincinnati 31, Temple 28


Illinois @ #23 Wisconsin (Noon, FOX Sports 1)

Fresh off a drubbing at the hands of Michigan, Wisconsin will look to bounce back against lowly Illinois. The 3-3 Fighting Illini have the sixth-worst defense in all of FBS (505 yards allowed per game). Meanwhile, the Badgers are averaging 447 yards per game offensively. This game should not be very close at all, and I don't think it will be.

Spread: WISC -24  O/U: 55

Prediction: Wisconsin 38, Illinois 10


#1 Alabama @ Tennessee (3:30 PM, CBS)

The Crimson Tide are the only team that hasn't even been almost beaten. Alabama's closest margin of victory was against Texas A&M. The margin of victory in that game? 22 points. Nick Saban's squad is the clear-cut number one in college football, and it's not really close. Will the Tide finally encounter a nail-biter this Saturday in Tennessee? Probably not.

Spread: ALA -29   O/U: 57.5

Prediction: Alabama 52, Tennessee 14


#16 NC State @ #3 Clemson (3:30 PM, ESPN)

This ACC matchup in South Carolina Saturday afternoon is the only contest this weekend that does not feature a team with a loss. Ryan Finley (1621 yards passing, 10 touchdowns, three interceptions) and the 5-0 Wolfpack will look to knock off Trevor Lawrence (868 yards passing, 11 touchdowns, two interceptions in less than six games) and the 6-0 Tigers. Last year's NC State-Clemson game was a close one (Clemson won, 38-31), and I wouldn't be surprised if this is another nail-biter. I do think Clemson will win, however.

Spread: CLEM -17.5   O/U: 58

Prediction: Clemson 42, NC State 35


Colorado @ #15 Washington (3:30 PM, FOX)

This week in #PAC12BeforeDark, 5-1 Colorado travels to Seattle to take on 5-2 Washington. Both teams lost last week. The Buffaloes suffered their first loss of the season, falling to USC, 31-20. Meanwhile, the Huskies lost in overtime to Oregon. It should be a pretty offensive game, as Colorado (36th) and Washington (42nd) both rank in the top 50 in the FBS in total offense. I think the host Huskies come out with the win.

Spread: WASH -17   O/U: 50

Prediction: Washington 45, Colorado 38


#18 Penn State @ Indiana (3:30 PM, ABC)

Two slumping Big Ten teams face off in Bloomington Saturday afternoon as Penn State and Indiana try to get back in the win column. After a tight loss to Ohio State (at home) three weeks ago, the Nittany Lions lost a tight one to Michigan State (at home) last week. The Hoosiers lost to Ohio State two weeks ago, then lost to Iowa last week. IU could make this close, but I think Penn State gets back to its winning ways this weekend.

Spread: PSU -14   O/U: 57

Prediction: Penn State 40, Indiana 31


#22 Mississippi State @ #5 LSU (7:00 PM, ESPN)

This week features some enticing Saturday night SEC action. LSU bounced back from its first loss of the season (a 27-19 loss to Florida) with a 36-16 rout of Georgia. Mississippi State also had a big win last week (after two straight losses), upsetting Auburn, 23-9. It will be a tough task for the Bulldogs to follow up that upset with an upset in Baton Rouge. I don't think it will happen.

Spread: LSU -6.5   O/U: 46

Prediction: LSU 35, Mississippi State 24


#10 UCF @ East Carolina (7:00 PM, ESPN2)

After barely escaping Memphis last week, the unbeaten Central Florida Knights get East Carolina. The Pirates, who have been blasted by Temple and Houston the last two weeks, don't stand much of a chance. Central Florida should rout East Carolina.

Spread: UCF -21.5   O/U: 65

Prediction: UCF 55, East Carolina 21


UConn @ #21 South Florida (7:00 PM, CBS Sports Network)

South Florida, like its counterpart from the north, is unbeaten, coming off an incredibly narrow victory (as narrow as they come), and playing a far inferior team. Connecticut is 1-5, and none of the five losses have been even relatively close. The Bulls of USF should destroy the Huskies, and I think they will.

Spread: USF -32  O/U: 69.5

Prediction: South Florida 55, UConn 7


#12 Oregon @ #25 Washington State (7:30 PM, FOX)

College Gameday is in Pullman, Washington, for the first time ever ahead of Washington State's showdown with Oregon Saturday night. The Ducks beat the other PAC-12 team from the Evergreen Sate last week, and will look to make it two in a row over Pacific Northwest teams. The ball will likely be in the air a lot, as potential number one pick Justin Herbert (1613 yards passing, 17 touchdowns, five interceptions) takes on the pass-heavy Cougars, led by quarterback Gardner Minshew (2422 yards passing, 19 touchdowns, four interceptions). I think the Cougars will pull off the victory at home.

Spread: WSU -3   O/U: 68.5

Prediction: Washington State 38, Oregon 31


#2 Ohio State @ Purdue (7:30 PM, ABC)

Saturday night's primetime ABC game features the unbeaten Buckeyes and streaking Boilermakers. After starting the season 0-3, Purdue has won its last three in convincing fashion. Ohio State did not beat Minnesota in convincing fashion last week, but still came out with a 30-14 win. I'm always wary about night games on the road, and Purdue is not a team to be taken lightly, but I think Ohio State escapes with a win.

Spread: OSU -13   O/U: 68

Prediction: Ohio State 35, Purdue 28


Vanderbilt @ #14 Kentucky (7:30 PM, SEC Network)

As soon as I finally jump on the Kentucky bandwagon, they let me down. The Wildcats suffered their first loss of the season two weeks ago, falling to Texas A&M in overtime. Now they host 3-4 Vandy, which has had a rough last two weeks, losing to Georgia and Florida, respectively. Kentucky shouldn't have a hard time getting back on the wagon this week.

Spread: UK -11   O/U: 45.5

Prediction: Kentucky 32, Vanderbilt 17


Stats and Info via ESPN.com
Lines via OddsShark.com
Lines as of Saturday morning