5) #12 OREGON AT #3 OHIO STATE – 9AM PT/12PM ET [FOX]
This is a huge weekend for both conference. Ohio State is undefeated in this meeting all-time (9-0). Oregon’s offense knows they can run the ball and quarterback Anthony Brown is the difference maker. Oregon’s defense should be alright but how big of a difference will they be if defensive end Kayvon Thibodeaux is unable to suit up? Ohio State performed well in the second half after a slow start against Minnesota last week. Quarterback CJ Stroud found his footing and tore apart their offense. The running backs and receivers are dangerous and will test Oregon’s coverage after allowing nearly 300 yards through the air. Ohio State’s defense may take a few lickings in the ground game. They allowed over 200 yards and Minnesota’s Mohamed Ibrahim accounted for 80% of it before his injury. The game may be surprisingly close, but Ohio State should come away with the win.
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4) RUTGERS AT SYRACUSE 11AM PT/2PM ET ACC NETWORK
Former Big East foes collide for the first time since 2012. Rutgers is looking for their second straight win since joining the Big Ten in 2014. They won seven of the last ten against the Orange since 2003, and coach Greg Schiano led that group in his first stint. Then they were bottom feeders since 2015 (4-32 against the East division). After Schiano’s return last season and performance last week, Rutgers has potential again. Syracuse didn’t adapt well in the ACC since 2013. It took quarterback Eric Dungey, when healthy, and the Dino Babers’ recruiting process on defense to make them formidable for a bit. Now it’s unclear who they are this season, and COVID is to blame for a major setback and injuries followed too. That put a huge blow in their offensive line and they resorted to tight ends and fullbacks filling those holes in Week 1. If anyone watched their performance against UNC last year, they still played hard with resilience. This weekend could be ugly with Rutgers’ offense still in construction and Syracuse finding their identity. Rutgers has the advantage because of defense, special teams, and the nation’s best turnover margin.
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3) #15 TEXAS AT ARKANSAS – 4PM PT/7PM ET [ESPN]
Texas-Arkansas rivalry renews since 2014, but Arkansas is 4-2 since 1991. Here’s a fun fact, Texas dominated Arkansas in Fayetteville historically and are 17-3 there all-time. Arkansas made significant strides on defense, but have they established an identity on offense? Texas has dropped a bit in recent years, but they have steadied themselves when Tom Herman fixed the problem Charlie Strong caused. The offense has three bruising backs that could impact Arkansas’s defense. Quarterback Hudson Card showed potential after his first game and could be the impact player. The previous question I asked is, has Arkansas established an offensive identity? Quarterback KJ Jefferson is a threat with his legs and arm, but his accuracy is still suspect. Texas wins this renewed rivalry and I can’t wait to see them play annually again once Texas joins the SEC.
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2) #5 TEXAS A&M VS. COLORADO – 12:30PM PT/3:30PM ET [FOX]
The former Big 12 foes meet for the first time since 2009 and Colorado has the latest victory. Colorado lost to nine straight ranked teams dating back to 2016. They are 1-31 against ranked opponents since joining the Pac-12. However, they’re 4-1 at home against Texas A&M all-time. Colorado should have a strong run game again, but is their a legit passing game and can their defense play like the 2016 team? Texas A&M was a little shaky last week against Kent State but they eventually found their footing to rout them late. However, A&M recently struggled in the mountain and west coast territories. Since 2001, they’re 2-4 in those regions. It also refers back to the SEC struggling away from home against the Pac-12. They’re now 0-4 after LSU’s loss at UCLA. Quarterback Haynes King has an opportunity to prove he’s the new guy in College Station, and he’ll be tested in the high altitude of Mile High Stadium. They should escape with the win, but Colorado will be upset-minded in their home state.
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1) #10 IOWA AT #9 IOWA STATE – 1:30PM PT/4:30PM ET [ABC]
Two rivals matchup as ranked opponents for the first time in program history. Iowa won the last five meetings, but Ames hasn’t been kind to them since 2011. The margin of victory is growing smaller towards Iowa State’s direction and 2019 was an example after losing by one point. Iowa dominated formely ranked Indiana while Iowa State barely escaped against Northern Iowa. The game features to great defenses and plenty of contest in the trenches. Iowa State needs this win more than anything to stay with Oklahoma for the playoff push. Unfortunately, Iowa has the better roster, and their defense and special teams will be the difference.
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*letters with italics means it’s my underrated team
UNDERRATED TEAMS PLAYING EACH OTHER THIS WEEKEND
I mentioned in the Underrated Team Rules that I have to pick a winner if both play in the same week. If I pick the right team, they receive two points. If not, the opponent receives one point. The team in italics will be the pick. Here’s the link if you want to check that out: https://lonewolf1225.com/2021/08/09/the-2021-underrated-team-rules/
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