5) BALL STATE AT EASTERN MICHIGAN – 9AM PT/12PM ET [ESPN+]

Eastern Michigan escaped a crazy game with a one-point victory over Miami (OH) while Ball State redeemed themselves with a big win over Western Michigan. This matchup is big for both squads as they’re battling for the West division. Ball State gains momentum offensively with two wins over 28 points while Eastern Michigan fights to control the West division for their first title ever. There should be plenty of points scored, but Ball State has the advantage with more experienced players than Eastern Michigan.

4) #18 ARIZONA STATE AT UTAH – 7PM PT/10PM ET [ESPN]

Arizona State and Utah are cozy in the Pac-12 South’s two spots. Interestingly enough, both lost to BYU and yet they’re handling business ever since. Arizona State’s defense has improved in four seasons under coach Herm Edwards. They allowed over 20 points twice, and has 21 sacks (8th in the nation) and eight interceptions (3rd in Pac-12). Utah lost two games to non-conference opponents (BYU and San Diego State), but those opponents were formidable and ranked. Then, the Utes picked apart Washington State and USC. Texas transfer quarterback Cam Rising has rose to the occasion for the Utes and threw seven touchdowns to no interceptions through three games. Utah played tough competition but are 0-2, while Arizona State lost to BYU but handled UCLA and Stanford back-to-back. Games at Salt Lake City were difficult for opposing teams since 2018, and happens to be Utah is 16-2 at home during that stretch. Arizona State has fallen for this issue before when they were off to a 5-1 start. They lost to Utah at Salt Lake City and it’s likely to happen again.

3)#22 NC STATE AT BOSTON COLLEGE – 4:30PM PT/7:30PM ET [ACC NETWORK]

NC State’s major upset over Clemson opened the door to conference title opportunities for other ACC teams. Wake Forest has the early advantage with a 4-0 edge in the ACC. Boston College tries to stay in the race while NC State looks to capitalize before their November 13th meeting with Wake. Back in 2019, quarterbacks Devin Leary and Dennis Grosel made their first starts against each other in this matchup. Both were then replaced by Phil Jurkovec and Bailey Hockman last season due to injury and/or being outperformed. Since Hockman retired from Mid Tenn and Phil is out for the season, Grosel and Leary make their reunion. This game could go either way, but the edge goes to NC State. Devin Leary is a year better and healthier with a balanced roster on both sides.

2) HAWAI’I AT NEVADA – 7:30PM PT/10:30PM ET [CBS SPORTS NETWORK]

Nevada should take down Hawai’i with no problem right? Possibly, but not exactly. Since playing each other annually in 2000 (WAC and Mountain West), Nevada barely leads the meeting 11-10. Hawai’i won three of the last five meetings, including the last two meetings. Nevada may have the better roster, but Hawai’i enjoys playing spoiler and Fresno State was the first victim. Nevada can’t underestimate them, especially since coach Todd Graham is in charge of the Rainbow Warriors. Nevada must come out playing and not look back…no matter what. One little slip up is enough to shift momentum to Hawai’i.

1) PITT AT VIRGINIA TECH – 12:30PM PT/3:30PM ET [ESPN2]

Pitt and Virginia Tech are the remaining top Coastal teams currently undefeated in the ACC. Unfortunately, one will be up there. Pitt turned into the nation’s best scoring offense and probably in program history under coach Pat Narduzzi. Virginia Tech suffered a close loss to Notre Dame, but they went down fighting. They host their second game and hope to bounce back for their second win against a ranked opponent this season. The last three meetings involved home teams winning in blowouts. That event probably ends as Pitt looks offensively superior with some help by their defense. Virginia Tech’s defense will have their hands full since their offense may not keep up. The fans in Blacksburg should play a part in helping Virginia Tech’s defense shave off Pitt’s scoring average, but it might not be enough to slow them down.

UNDERRATED TEAM MATCHUPS

This will be based on my underrated teams that matchup on any given week. I must avoid giving each a point just because they played each other. Someone must win to earn a point. If I pick a winner, they receive two points. If my pick loses, the opposing team earns one point. If they played a ranked team and won, they receive an additional two points to add to their score. You can check the rules through the link here: https://lonewolf1225.com/2021/08/09/the-2021-underrated-team-rules/

KENT STATE AT WESTERN MICHIGAN

MY PICK: WESTERN MICHIGAN

TCU AT OKLAHOMA

MY PICK: OKLAHOMA