No. 24 Illinois @ No. 22 Nebraska 

Friday, Sept. 20 — Memorial Stadium — Lincoln, Nebraska

7 p.m. on FOX

This Big Ten matchup might determine which team emerges as the front-runner for the conference title, and who gets the automatic bid into the new College Football Playoff format. 

The Fighting Illini have one ranked win over then No.19 Kansas in Week 2, provided by a rally in the fourth quarter led by sophomore running back Kaden Feagin. 

However, the highlight for Illinois were the four defensive takeaways produced by junior defensive backs Xavier and Miles Scott. Although unrelated, the Scotts had three interceptions between them, with Xavier garnishing a regular pick and a pick-six. 

The Fighting Illini have their hands full on offense with the Huskers coming off a dominant defensive performance against conference rival Colorado in Week 2.  

Nebraska forced two turnovers against Colorado, a fumble recovery and a pick-six from senior DB Tommi Hill. The Huskers also collected six sacks versus the lack-luster Buffalo offensive line. 

This will be a heavy defensive battle in Memorial Stadium, which Nebraska has won its last three games at. I predict the Huskers will get the best of the Fighting Illini in a low-scoring stalemate. 

Prediction: Nebraska 17, Illinois 12

No. 12 Utah at No. 14 Oklahoma State 

Saturday, Sept. 21 — Boone Pickens Stadium — Stillwater, Oklahoma

3 p.m. on FOX

Thanks to a mass conference exodus and a 7th-year QB, this mid-afternoon competition has powerful implications in the race for the Big 12 crown and a spot in the College Football Playoff. Oklahoma State and Doak Walker award winner, junior RB Ollie Gordon II aims to return to full form as Utah freshman QB Isacc Wilson looks to solidify himself as the starter after the injury to senior QB Cam Rising.

Trading the islands for tumbleweeds is Hawaii-native junior WR De’Zhaun Stribling, leads the Cowboys in yards and touchdowns through the air. If Stribling gets lost in the jet lag, the Cowboys still have experienced senior WRs Rashod Owens and Brennan Presley.

However, the Utes are fresh off a victory in the Battle of the Brothers and are determined to stay perfect on the season.

Utah brings a top five conference defense to the table, as well as current Big 12 sack leader senior defensive end Van Fillinger, who is sure to give the Pokes offensive line trouble. Defense wins championships, but who wins in a shootout and who plays to their strengths? Look for a close one in Stillwater.

Prediction: Oklahoma State 20, Utah 17

No. 8 Miami at South Florida

Saturday, Sept. 21 — Raymond James Stadium — Tampa, Florida

6 p.m. on ESPN

In the midst of upsets, injuries and surprise teams aiming to make a deep run in the postseason, a surprise  is Miami senior quarterback Cam Ward. The talented Washington State transfer has taken college football by storm, shooting up the ladder of the Heisman Trophy list and bringing excitement to the 305; a phenomenon that has yet to be seen in the Mario Cristobal era.

Skilled receivers like sophomore Isaiah Horton and senior Xavier Restrepo, have experienced Thanksgiving very early with Ward serving them yards and touchdowns on a platter. As a whole, Miami ranks as a top-three offense in the country, but it doesn’t stop there. The Hurricane defense is also sixth in the nation as a whole, showing little weakness as a unit.

However, South Florida is always a sleeper team come (near) upset time. 

The Bulls have always had its horns in Alabama’s side for these past two years, forcing the Tide to grind out fourth quarter wins instead of its usual domination. Coach Alex Golesh has changed the program in South Florida, with a weapon in dual-threat junior QB Byrum Brown. The Bulls have a chance to put a dent in Miami, if not make it a tightly-contested game.

Prediction: Miami 34, South Florida 24

No. 6 Tennessee @ No. 15 Oklahoma 

Saturday, Sept. 21 — Memorial Stadium — Norman, Oklahoma 

6:30 p.m. on ABC

This game just means more, not only because it is Oklahoma’s SEC debut but also because the head coaches know each other well. Tennessee coach Josh Heupel was the QB for the 2000 Sooners’ National Championship team, and he was an assistant coach for the Sooners for nine years. Oklahoma coach Brent Venables was a defensive assistant coach through Heupel’s playing and coaching career in Norman. 

The Volunteers head to Oklahoma after absolutely obliterating every team they have played, outscoring opponents 191-13 in just three games. Heupel’s offenses have been historically powerful so 191 points is not surprising. 

What is surprising is Tennessee has not allowed an offensive touchdown all season. Offensively, freshman QB Nico Iamaleava has been lighting it up for the Vols, placing himself in Heisman contention. Junior defensive lineman James Pearce Jr. has played his way onto numerous watchlists while leading that “gaudy orange” to the second best defense in the nation. 

The Sooners have also started the 2024 campaign undefeated and are coming off a 34-19 win over Tulane. Sophomore QB Jackson Arnold has proven that he can sling the rock and make plays with his legs, adding a level of difficulty to defending against Oklahoma’s offense. No team has been able to stymie Heupel’s huddle, but the Sooners have the best chance out of any team they have faced under Venables’ defensive identity.

Prediction: Tennessee 52, Oklahoma 21