FAVORITE TEAMS

10) #1 ALABAMA AT #11 FLORIDA – 12:30PM PT/3:30PM ET [CBS]

First meeting in Gainesville since 2011 and only the third meeting there in over 2 decades. The likely chance that Florida repeats like their conference championship performance seems unlikely, but Alabama’s linebackers and coverage may be tested against the Gators’ skills players. Otherwise, Bama wins this matchup.

9) MICHIGAN STATE AT #24 MIAMI – 9AM PT/12PM ET [ABC]

Miami is 4-0 against Michigan State, but the average margin of victory in four games were around seven points. It’s also the first meeting since 1989 and a big opportunity for Michigan State to return to the rankings and surprise the Big Ten. Miami can’t afford another loss or they’re out of playoff contention and their defense must come up big.

8) NEBRASKA AT #3 OKLAHOMA – 9AM PT/12PM ET [FOX]

First meeting since 2010 and the most anticipated game since then. Oklahoma has playoff expectations while Nebraska’s reeling on bowl-eligible opportunities while Coach Scott Frost tries to evade the hot seat. Oklahoma’s offensive consistency and defense, and Nebraska’s quarterback Adrian Martinez will be the focus of the weekend.

7) #15 VIRGINIA TECH AT WEST VIRGINIA – 9AM PT/12PM ET [FS1]

The first rivalry meeting in four seasons. Virginia Tech is ranked but struggled to maintain it for three seasons. This is a big game for them in a difficult environment in Morgantown. West Virginia has home field advantage but must back up their performance, especially on offense, to ensure an upset victory.

6) #19 ARIZONA STATE AT #23 BYU – 7:15PM PT/10:15PM ET [ESPN]

First meeting since 1998 and Arizona State is 20-7 all-time. BYU won the last two and is looking for another Top 25 run with dual threat quarterback Jaren Hall as the new quarterback replacing Zach Wilson. Arizona State has a lot on the line while their conference is collapsing quickly with only them, Oregon, and UCLA hanging on. Arizona State’s defense will be a factor.

5) #8 CINCINNATI AT INDIANA – 9AM PT/12PM ET [ESPN]

First meeting since 2000 and Indiana won the last five meetings. Cincy’s last win goes back to 1957 in a shutout (21-0). The Hoosiers bounced back against Idaho as a warm up, but they must prepare for one the biggest games of the season. Surprisingly, they won their last nine regular season games against non-conference foes. Cincinnati was successful in non-conference play in the past nine seasons. They come in with one of the nation’s best defense and an All-AAC quarterback in Desmond Ridder. Indiana was awful against Iowa a couple of weeks ago and they could repeat against Cincinnati despite being at home. Unless quarterback Michael Penix steps up and Indiana’s defense forces some turnovers, the Bearcats will dominate this game.

4) #22 AUBURN AT #10 PENN STATE – 4:30PM PT/7:30PM ET [ABC]

First meeting since 2003 and third meeting all-time with both teams having a win each. Auburn coach Bryan Harsin could make a name for himself this Saturday night. However, they’re facing Penn State that returns as a defensive juggernaut. The Nittany Lions have yet to allow a passing touchdown while allowing only two scores through two games. This is a potential low-scoring game and it’ll take the backfield to overcome those obstacles. Auburn has more success against non-conference Power 5 opponents than Penn State has with ranked non-conference opponents. Auburn could give Penn State a run for their money with an experienced roster and quarterback Bo Nix will play a big part in how this game shapes out, but Penn State barely comes away with a big win at home.

3) VIRGINIA AT #21 UNC – 4:30PM PT/7:30PM ET [ACC NETWORK]

Virginia currently owns four straight meetings against UNC and Bronco Mendenhall is 4-1 all-time against UNC since becoming the Cavaliers’ head coach. The Heels suffered a big loss to Virginia Tech but should have a better chance at home. However, they suffered the last two home losses to Virginia and their last home win against them was in 2015. No matter how good quarterback Sam Howell is or how great coach Mack Brown is, the team as a whole must mesh together to have a chance. Virginia showed a lot of progress after blowing out Illinois last week and quarterback Brennan Armstrong’s expected to be a difference maker at Chapel Hill. Expect this game to be a close one with some points allowed. Most expect North Carolina to win this game, but I suspect Virginia will hit their weak points and come away with an upset victory.

2) NEVADA AT KANSAS STATE – 11:05AM PT/2:05PM ET [BIG12-ESPN+]

Nevada plays their third Big 12 opponent since 2011 but are 0-3 all-time. Nevada’s playing to high standards and managed to get past one Power 5 opponent. They face another in the midwest that could be more challenging than Cal. The only difference is Kansas State has yet to throw a passing touchdown. Both Skylar Thompson and Will Howard threw three interceptions combined and Nevada’s defense are slowly improved against the pass. The Wildcats will rely heavily on running back Deuce Vaughn, and Kansas State’s defense is strong enough to challenge Nevada’s dangerous passing game. They allowed only one touchdown while intercepting teams three times. The passing game will play a huge factor but if Kansas State’s offense can’t go a step further, Nevada could win against two Power 5 teams in one season for the first time since 2010.

1) FRESNO STATE AT #13 UCLA – 7:45PM PT/10:45PM ET [PAC-12 NETWORK]

A very important game for both teams. Fresno State won the last three meetings, including a 38-10 blowout in Pasadena. UCLA is looking like an improved team that won’t back down. They look to equalize the situation with a strong run team and a much-improved defense. Fresno State’s no slouch either. They fought to the end with Oregon despite coming up short. Their offense proved to be dangerous and could really test UCLA’s defense for the full four quarters. It may be the most competitive game that UCLA has faced thus far, but a bye week gave them a chance to game plan for Fresno. It might be a close one, but the Bruins should edge out for the win.