FAVORITE TEAMS

10. NORTHWESTERN (1-0 BIG TEN) AT IOWA (0-1 BIG TEN) – 12:30PM PT / 3:30PM ET [ESPN]

Northwestern quarterback Peyton Ramsey threw 212 yards and a touchdown while throwing for 77 percent. History shows when Northwestern has an offense to compliment their defense, they’re usually dangerous. Iowa had 10 penalties and second half offensive inconsistencies and it unfortunately led to Iowa’s loss. This game is on my list because Northwestern’s a team to watch for in the Big Ten…and the Wisconsin/Nebraska game was cancelled too.

9. NEVADA (1-0 MW) AT UNLV (0-1 MW) – 7:30PM PT / 10:30PM ET [FOX SPORTS 1]

This rivalry matchup takes place at the Raiders’ new Allegiant Stadium with around 2,000 fans attending and with the Fremont Cannon on the line. Nevada survived and conquered Wyoming in overtime. But being outscored 18 to 3 in the fourth quarter is not a great way to finish a game. They’re favored but they must play all four quarters and end their 2-game losing streak against UNLV without another post game fight.

8. #16 KANSAS STATE (4-1 OVERALL; 4-0 BIG 12) AT WEST VIRGINIA (3-2 OVERALL; 2-2 BIG 12) – 9AM PT / 12PM ET [ESPN2]

Momentum’s currently with Kansas State during their 4-game winning streak, but the next goal now is ending their 4-game losing streak against West Virginia. West Virginia’s flying under the radar with plenty of offense going through running back Leddie Brown and quarterback Jarret Doege. This matchup definitely hints defense and low-scoring since both are decent in those positions. Kansas State could end their losing streak, but West Virginia is 3-0 at home and is likely to hold firm in a close one.

7. #15 NORTH CAROLINA (4-1 ACC) AT VIRGINIA (1-4 ACC) – 5PM PT / 8PM ET [ACC NETWORK]

Saturday night’s game will feature two rivals with strengths in opposite ends: UNC’s offense and Virginia’s defense. Yes, Virginia’s defensive stats don’t impress, but they played against formidable teams after Duke and lost four straight, and most of it was due to the offense’s struggles. They host UNC and the Tarheels have struggled on the road. Five of UNC’s seven games in two seasons were decided by a touchdown or less (1-4). Virginia also won three-straight against the Heels and knowing UNC’s road woes against Boston College and Florida State makes this a subtle trap game.

6. MEMPHIS (3-1 OVERALL; 2-1 AAC) AT #7 CINCINNATI (4-0 OVERALL; 2-0 AAC) – 9AM PT / 12PM ET [ESPN]

Memphis and Cincinnati meet for the third time in two seasons. The Bearcats are potential New Year’s Six contenders with more to come if finish undefeated. After Cincinnati allowed their first passing touchdown of the season, they gave SMU a beating in the second half while allowing three points. Memphis hung tough behind their offense and three of their wins came when scoring 30 plus points. They won five-straight against Cincinnati, but if they want number six, they can’t turn the ball over and their defense must attack Cincy’s backfield.

5. #17 INDIANA (1-0 BIG TEN) AT RUTGERS (1-0 BIG TEN) – 12:30PM PT / 3:30PM ET [BIG TEN NETWORK]

No one expected Rutgers nor Indiana to meet as 1-0 teams in-conference. This is Rutgers’ first time since joining the Big Ten and Indiana’s first time since 2016. Rutgers took down Michigan State after forcing seven turnovers to Michigan State’s three. Coach Greg Schiano and some transfer players from other Big Ten schools helped make this possible. For Indiana, they had the biggest luck and second chance in program history. They should’ve lost but Penn State’s blunder helped Indiana to their biggest win of the season. They have talent on both sides to win two games for the first time since 1991. This matchup comes down to turnovers, but turnovers don’t last either so Indiana could easily win.

4. #20 COASTAL CAROLINA (5-0 OVERALL; 3-0 SUN BELT) AT GEORGIA STATE (2-2 OVERALL; 1-2 SUN BELT) – 9AM PT / 12PM ET [ESPNU]

Coastal Carolina is on a historic run while controlling the division, the conference, and their own destiny. Quarterback Fred Payton performed well last week, but Grayson McCall was the reason the offense is very successful alongside the defense. His presence in four starts helped average the Chanticleers’ points around 41 per game. If you’re unaware of Georgia State, pay attention. They can play some offense led by quarterback Cornelius Brown IV and running back Devin Coates with two losses coming by a touchdown or less. If McCall isn’t 100% from his shoulder injury, this is another trap game to watch out for.

3. ARKANSAS (2-2 SEC) AT #8 TEXAS A&M (3-1 SEC) – 4:30PM PT / 7:30PM ET [SEC NETWORK]

This should be one of the most entertaining rivalry games to watch in the SEC. This is also the first game outside of Arlington, Texas since 2012. Arkansas is competitive this season while Texas A&M is running the table as the current “second” best team in the SEC West. Arkansas’s defense made improvements after struggling for four seasons. They’re one of the best red zone defenses in the nation and their coverage forced 10 interceptions to just six passing touchdowns this seasons. Texas A&M could be in playoff consideration if they can win out (even without an SEC title appearance), but we’re still unsure if they’re truly progressing after their bye week. They won eight straight against Arkansas (since joining the SEC) but the last three were decided by a touchdown or less. The Aggies could be at risk because Arkansas’s defense, especially their coverage, could be the Aggies’ nightmare if quarterback Kellen Mond makes a mistake.

2. TEXAS (3-2 OVERALL; 2-2 BIG 12) AT #6 OKLAHOMA STATE (4-0 OVERALL; 3-0 BIG 12) – 1PM PT / 4PM ET [FOX]

Texas is struggling to survive the conference while trying to maintain their reputation after losing a couple of good recruits. In addition, they are 3-7 in the last decade to Oklahoma State. Meanwhile, Oklahoma State’s trying to maintain the Top 10, appear in the conference championship, and hopefully make the playoffs. Texas quarterback Sam Ehlinger is literally carrying Texas on his back with 17 passing touchdowns and 7 rushing touchdowns (leads team). Through four games on a statistical standard, Oklahoma State has the third best scoring defense in the nation, allowing 48 points (Notre Dame and Marshall are above). Sam Ehlinger’s presence on the field always gives Texas a chance to win. Expect the matchup to be very competitive and very close too.

1. #3 OHIO STATE (1-0 BIG TEN) AT #18 PENN STATE (0-1 BIG TEN) – 4:30PM PT / 7:30PM ET [ABC]

A gauntlet game that should have instant playoff implications in the Big Ten. After a shaky start, quarterback Justin Fields threw nearly every pass completion while the defense forced two turnovers and a touchdown while allowing three points in the second half. Penn State had the W slipped away after running back Devyn Ford failed to stop himself at the two-yard line. They must shake off that blunder, including ending their three-game losing streak to the Buckeyes. The Nittany Lions’ defense will compete, but their offense must fix some mistakes and missed field goals if they want to win. Penn State’s loss and Wisconsin’s cancellation over COVID-19 already hurts the conference overall. Ohio State must win to stay in playoff position, but expect Penn State to compete with them to the very end.

RESULTS FROM LAST WEEK’S 10 GAMES