FAVORITE TEAMS

5. #9 INDIANA (4-0 BIG TEN) AT #3 OHIO STATE (3-0 BIG TEN) – 9AM PT / 12PM ET [FOX]

A Saturday worth witnessing from Indiana’s standpoint. The unthinkable win against Penn State started their miraculous run in the Big Ten. Indiana’s defense steadily improved each season under coach Tom Allen and has paid off, including leading the conference in turnover margin and shutting out Michigan State last week. But is their offense prepared to run with the Buckeyes? While they average 34 points per game, their defense helped with scoring opportunities. The Buckeyes haven’t forced many turnovers, but they don’t need to because they can score at will under quarterback Justin Fields. This is the first meeting as ranked opponents since 1993 and while Indiana could be in playoff position, unless their defense can win the turnover battle and time of possession to end their 24-game losing streak, the Buckeyes will end that, their Big Ten title hopes, and their playoff opportunity this weekend.

4. #21 LIBERTY (8-0 OVERALL) AT NC STATE (5-3 OVERALL) – 4:30PM PT / 7:30PM ET [ESPN]

Liberty should write their 2020 story this season because they’re making history in just their third season in the FBS, including two under coach Hugh Freeze. The Flames can score and quarterback Malik Willis is a baller, accounting for 24 total touchdowns and 2,345 total yards. NC State had some interesting moments this season but also some troubled times. They defeated Wake Forest and Pitt, and nearly upset Miami. Unfortunately, the loss of quarterback Devin Leary left them with limited opportunities in the passing game. Bailey Hockman isn’t a bad quarterback, but he threw six interceptions to his eight touchdowns this season. Liberty’s 2-0 against the ACC on their revenge tour and has a chance of defeating the Wolfpack. What could be NC State’s undoing is their rush defense and redzone defense, which Liberty’s offense excels at.

3. KANSAS STATE (4-3 OVERALL; 4-2 BIG 12) AT #17 IOWA STATE (5-2 OVERALL; 5-1 BIG 12) – 1PM PT / 4PM ET [FOX]

A Big 12 matchup that once dominated the conference early this season. Now they’re battling to stay alive for the Big 12 title appearance after both lost to Oklahoma State. Iowa State has the better roster and key players at each level on both sides, including special teams. Running back Breece Hall is currently the best running back in the Big 12 and Kansas State running back Deuce Vaughn may is probably the second best in the Big 12 too. Kansas State is outmatched due to COVID and injuries plaguing the roster. They have Vaughn and options at receiver, but their offensive line isn’t great in pass protection and without quarterback Skylar Thompson, there’s no telling how reliable Will Howard is against Iowa State’s defense. The defense isn’t bad but has suffered when their offense fails to capitalize on scoring opportunities. Iowa State should boot Kansas State out of Big 12 title contention unless Kansas State finds some resilience against their own self-infliction.

2. #10 WISCONSIN (2-0 BIG TEN) AT #19 NORTHWESTERN (4-0 BIG TEN) – 12:30PM PT / 3:30PM ET [ABC]

This is the Big Ten West game that decides who controls their own destiny in the conference. Wisconsin’s offense meets Northwestern’s defense and should be an interesting one. It has been awhile since two teams featured two capable quarterbacks before running backs, but there will still be plenty of ground attack. Wisconsin and Northwestern has one of the best defenses in the conference and possibly the nation allowing between 9 to 14 points on average. The difference is that Wisconsin has a better offense with a seemingly better quarterback. If Northwestern wants control of the West, they must win the turnover battle and keep Wisconsin’s offense on the sideline in order to succeed.

1. #14 OKLAHOMA STATE (5-1 OVERALL; 4-1 BIG 12) AT #18 OKLAHOMA (5-2 OVERALL; 4-2 BIG 12) – 4:30PM PT / 7:30PM ET [ABC]

This is definitely…BEDLAM! The conference may be out of playoff contention, but being on the pinnacle of the Big 12 in the great state of Oklahoma still sounds great. Here’s one way to win the conference if you’re not Oklahoma or Texas, beat Oklahoma AND Texas! While Oklahoma State controls the Big 12 after defeating Kansas State and Iowa State, they lost to Texas in overtime and a chance to be in the driver’s seat for a conference title spot. Both teams come in with most improved defenses in the conference. YES! I said it! MOST IMPROVED…DEFENSES! However, Oklahoma’s offense is more superior than surprisingly Oklahoma State’s even though they have more experience on the depth chart. The Cowboys’ issue stems from the offensive line and Chuba Hubbard’s lack of big play opportunity (which LD Brown’s fortunate to get some carries with him). What we also must see is how effective quarterback Spencer Sanders is against OU’s pass rush this weekend. Unless Oklahoma State can overcome that and get plenty of red zone opportunities and turnovers, the Sooners will win their sixth straight rivalry matchup and nine in 11 seasons.

OTHER GAMES TO WATCH

#20 USC (2-0 PAC-12) AT UTAH – 7:30PM PT / 10:30PM ET [ESPN]

#7 CINCINNATI (7-0 OVERALL; 5-0 AAC) AT UCF (5-2 OVERALL; 4-2 AAC) – 12:30PM PT / 3:30PM ET

SAN DIEGO STATE (3-1 MWC) AT NEVADA (4-0 MWC) – 12:30PM PT / 3:30PM ET [CBS SPORTS NETWORK]

APPALACHIAN STATE (6-1 OVERALL; 4-0 SUN BELT) AT #15 COASTAL CAROLINA (7-0 OVERALL; 5-0 SUN BELT) – 9AM PT / 12PM ET [ESPN2]