No. 21 Colorado @ Texas Tech – Youngchan
Saturday, Nov. 9 — Jones AT&T Stadium — Lubbock, TX
3:00 p.m. on Fox
The Colorado Buffaloes come into this matchup after a bye week tied with Iowa State for second place in the Big-12 conference. Meanwhile, the Texas Tech Red Raiders are tied for the fourth spot in the conference after putting up one of the biggest upsets in college football this year.
Senior quarterback Shedeur Sanders is having a fantastic year, throwing for 323 yards and two touchdowns against the Cincinnati Bearcats in Colorado’s last matchup. Junior two-way specialist and Heisman candidate Travis Hunter has continued his dominance with spectacular plays on both the offensive and defensive sides of the ball. As a wide receiver, he totaled 757 total yards and eight touchdowns and as a defensive back, 20 tackles with two interceptions so far this season.
Meanwhile, Texas Tech pulled off one of the biggest upsets of the week, defeating No. 11 Iowa State at Jack Trice Stadium. The Red Raiders converted a game-winning touchdown by 5th-year running back Tahj Brooks, who has 925 total rushing yards and nine rushing touchdowns this season.
This game has a chance to become the game of the week in the Big 12, with major conference standings implications, but I say Colorado will win this offensive shootout in Lubbock.
Prediction: Colorado 38, Texas Tech 35
Maryland @ No. 1 Oregon – Roman
Saturday, Nov. 9 — Autzen Stadium — Eugene, Oregon.
6:00 p.m. on BTN
Coming into this week’s game with a perfect 9-0 record, No. 1 Oregon is full of momentum. After a 38-17 beatdown against Michigan, the Ducks are fired up to return home. Last week, senior QB Dillon Gabriel looked confident under center as he threw for 294 yards and a touchdown. Junior RB Jordan James added 117 yards on the ground with a touchdown, and senior WR Traeshon Holden had six receptions for 149 yards.
In its last game, Maryland looked flustered as they were blown out by Minnesota, 48-23. The Terrapins were led by redshirt junior QB Billy Edwards Jr., as he threw for 201 yards and a pair of interceptions in the loss. Redshirt sophomore QB MJ Morris made the most of his time on the field as he threw eight passes that included two touchdowns. Senior WR Tai Felton tallied nine receptions for 104 yards, and junior WR Shaleak Knotts added 70 yards on two receptions and a touchdown in the loss.
The Terrapins will be heavily tested as they have a losing record on the road, while the Ducks play best on their home field. The crowd at Autzen Stadium will be sure to pose a hostile environment for Maryland, and it will be interesting to see if it can keep up with Oregon.
With all things pointing toward a Duck win, I am going to take Oregon in this game.
Prediction: Oregon 42, Maryland 14
No. 9 BYU @ Utah – Kolton
Saturday, Nov. 9 — Rice Eccles Stadium — Salt Lake City, Utah
9:15 p.m. on ESPN
Entering Salt Lake City, No. 9 BYU is set on maintaining first place in the Big 12. The Cougars currently control their destiny to the Big 12 Championship Game and possibly punch a ticket to the College Football Playoff. It will not come easy after having had three one-possession games thus far, but a road win would certainly boost their confidence down the stretch.
Utah lost its star senior QB Cam Rising early in the year after having a sensational 2023 season. Freshman QB Issac Wilson had to step into the starting role unexpectedly and learn the system that coach Kyle Whittingham built. Coming off of four straight losses, Wilson will need to figure out how to score more efficiently since they have yet to break over 20 points during the losing streak. Utah needs to win this game to keep pace with the six wins required to become bowl eligible. With No. 21 Colorado and No. 17 Iowa State next up on the schedule before closing the season out against UCF, the Utes are in trouble if they don’t solve their lingering problems fast.
The Cougars’ dynamic offense is led by junior QB Jake Retzlaff, who is having a fantastic year with 1,872 yards in the air, 18 touchdowns and 7 INTs. He has shown the confidence needed to lead his team to Arlington — with all the weapons by his side to distribute the ball to — including sophomore RB LJ Martin, senior WR Darius Lassiter and junior WR Chase Roberts.
Many eyes will be on the last game of the evening due to the heavy implications in the playoff picture. Expect BYU to put up a lot of points and Utah to struggle to find the end zone. Utah’s fans will definitely prove to be a home-field advantage in this game, and if there’s one thing that college football fans have learned, it is to expect the unexpected every Saturday.
Prediction: Utah 37, BYU 34
