FAVORITE TEAMS

5) ILLINOIS AT #3 MICHIGAN – 9AM PT/12PM ET [ABC]

The Fighting Illini is declining after their last two losses, which puts them in a dire situation with only two games left. Running back Chase Brown’s injury is bad timing when they’re in a boat race with three other Big Ten West teams for the division title. Michigan is flying through their schedule despite a little turbulence with Maryland. Their defense is as good as last year’s team, but their offense is becoming the best in the Big Ten under Jim Harbaugh. What’s even better is that Harbaugh FINALLY HAS A QUARTERBACK in J.J. McCarthy. McCarthy’s passing percentage is one of the best in this program and will go a long way when they compete with Ohio State for the Big Ten East title.

Is Michigan overlooking Illinois towards next weekend’s matchup with Ohio State? It remains to be seen. For how great the Wolverines looked, Illinois will try to punish and potentially ruin their playoff opportunity and put them in a pinch with Ohio State for the Big Ten East title. Despite Chase Brown’s injury, he should be available, but there’s no way quarterback Tommy DeVito will carry the team. Both Michigan and Illinois rank top two in the Big Ten in defensive categories and are close in turnover margin. Unfortunately, Illinois’s offense won’t keep up with Michigan.

MY PICK: MICHIGAN

4) #4 TCU AT BAYLOR – 9AM PT/12PM ET [FOX]

This rivalry lately has been a doozy since TCU joined the Big 12 and Baylor rose thanks to Robert Griffin III. What’s more interesting is that both teams tie in fourth for points allowed per game (25.2). The only difference is TCU can score on the fly except last week against Texas. The Horned Frogs managed to hold Texas under 200 total yards though, which is a feat not many can pull off. They move north from Austin to Waco to deal with rival Baylor, but this could be one of those sneaky games that TCU must be aware of. Baylor is a good, balanced team that plays physical football and will smack you in the mouth. Quarterback Blake Shapen improved his passing percentage despite his touchdown/interception ratio dipping this season. His running backs will punish defenses up front and drag the game on.

TCU defeated three Texas counterparts (SMU, Texas Tech, Texas) and has one more waiting for them in Waco. This could be the rivalry matchup that either makes or breaks TCU’s playoff opportunity. Baylor will challenge TCU’s big play passing and slow them down just like Texas did last week. It won’t be like last week, but if TCU can grind out Baylor on all sides, TCU should own the Lone Star State in 2022.

MY PICK: TCU

3) #2 OHIO STATE AT MARYLAND – 12:30PM PT/3:30PM ET [ABC]

Many expect the Buckeyes to tear up Maryland, but are they focused on this team or are they looking towards next week’s matchup with Michigan? Maryland is on a two-game losing streak and Taulia Tagovailoa looked inept throwing for 151 yards passing yards total in two games after averaging 286 yards per game. Ohio State’s defense must tread lightly, or Taulia will drag this game out. There’s definitely no shortage of talent at the receiver position but if Tagovailoa struggles again, then freshmen running back Roman Hemby must put the team on his back.

Maryland deserves plenty of info going into this matchup, but what about Ohio State? They are two games away from a conference title return and could be a win away from returning to the playoffs after coming up short last season. Again, their defense will be tested, and the offense must rely on quarterback CJ Stroud much more since running backs Miyan Williams and TreVeyon Henderson are both injured. The Buckeyes are under a lot more pressure and even a minor slip up could turn into a dogfight with Maryland that’s similar to the 2018 meeting. That game came down to Maryland’s two-point conversion that came up short in overtime. Ohio State should survive this game and third running back Dallan Hayden will play a key part if Williams can’t play.

MY PICK: OHIO STATE

2) #10 UTAH AT #12 OREGON – 7:30PM PT/10:30PM ET [ESPN]

Oregon is eliminated from playoff contention after their loss to rival Washington last weekend. However, they are still in conference title bid but must bounce back quickly. Utah comes into Eugene with Pac-12 title aspirations and have the quarterback and the offense to challenge any team that gets in their way. Their defense had a good last three weeks keeping opponents under 21 points, but that may come to an end since Oregon loves to score points behind Bo Nix and company.

Oregon and Utah met every season since 2013 with plenty of drama that added to this underrated rivalry since 2016. This is one of the two Pac-12 Final Four elimination games for this matchup next to USC and UCLA. Oregon is at home for their second straight game and must put the lights out on Cam Rising. But here’s the thing, Utah doesn’t have Britain Covey to be the difference maker on offense or special teams anymore. It should be Oregon’s night to conquer, but Bo Nix’s injury could darken Oregon’s chances. I’ll take a healthy Cam Rising over an injured Bo Nix.

MY PICK: UTAH

1) #7 USC AT #16 UCLA – 5PM PT/8PM ET [FOX]

This is not the situation I was hoping for after UCLA lost a stunner to Arizona at home and looking towards the in-state rivalry with USC may have a lot to do with it. They got their wish and must play lights out football on primetime against Caleb Williams and the Fighting Trojans. Despite the loss, UCLA is a good football team and Dorian Thompson-Robinson and Zach Charbonnet carry the weight of the offense on their shoulders, which they can handle. USC has a stellar offense led by their elusive and intelligent quarterback Caleb Williams. The receivers are about as stellar as well and will torch, burn, and carve defensive backs weekly. However, the run game may be hindered due to Travis Dye’s season-ending injury. Stanford transfer back Austin Jones now carries the load.

This should be an epic matchup that could overshadow and drain fans by the time the Utah/Oregon game starts. This is also another one of the Pac-12 Final Four elimination games for both teams. USC holds the top spot, but a loss drops them below the Top 3 and could drop below Washington too. UCLA is in a win or go home situation and must make-up to their home fans with a massive victory. USC dominates in turnover situations and will put D.T.R. on the spot for it. But him and Zach will break through this defense and put Caleb on the spot to respond. It’ll look similar to the USC/Utah matchup and likely comes down to the final possession, but UCLA should prevail by winning the turnover battle.

MY PICK: UCLA