SMU at No. 22 Louisville – Braxton Dore’
Saturday, Oct. 5 — L&N Federal Credit Union Stadium — Louisville, Kentucky
11:30 a.m. on ESPN
In a tight race for the Atlantic Coast Conference title, two candidates in Southern Methodist and Louisville are vying against the likes of previously ranked Boston College and current No. 8 Miami.
SMU is in need of a huge resume boost in order to compete down the stretch against the Hurricanes and Eagles. High-scoring wins over in-conference opponent Florida State and Big 12 member TCU are the only true tests the Mustangs have faced. On the other end, the Cardinals have a close 31-24 loss to Notre Dame and a 31-19 win over Georgia Tech to show for their season so far.
Expect a high-scoring game with both teams averaging at least 40 points a game. While both passing attacks are similar, SMU leans on the run game more behind senior running back Brashard Smith who leads the Mustangs with 509 yards and seven touchdowns on 70 carries.
Both the passing defense and rushing defense for Louiville rank in the top 35, matching up well for a back-and-forth bout against the Mustangs. SMU has the ability to pull off the upset over the Vegas-odds if they continue to feed Smith and hold off the Cardinals in the air.
Prediction : SMU 35, Louisville 27
Iowa at No. 3 Ohio State – Mathias Cubillan
Saturday, Oct. 5 — Ohio Stadium — Columbus, Ohio
2:30 p.m. on CBS
After watching elite offensive pieces waste away, losing to Michigan for the third straight year in 2023, Ohio State donors delved into the pocketbooks for an influx of talent. With freshman phenom wide receiver Jeremiah Smith and junior RB Quinshon Judkins leading the way, the Buckeyes have rolled to a 4-0 start.
Coming off a season where former punter Tory Taylor was the team’s best weapon on offense, Iowa has retooled that side of the ball and boasts the 10th-best rushing attack in the nation, spearheaded by junior RB Kaleb Johnson. Holding a 3-1 record with the only loss being a 20-19 stumble against rivals Iowa State, it’s safe to say that new offensive coordinator Tim Lester was a godsend.
In a classic Big Ten matchup, the Buckeyes face their first test of the season. Averaging 227 yards per game on the ground, Ohio State’s backfield has been dynamic but will face a defense only allowing 62 yards per game. The Hawkeyes will attempt to force Ohio State to play one dimensional and put the game in QB Will Howard’s hands. Ultimately, the Buckeyes have too many playmakers and will generate enough offense to pull away and cruise to victory.
Prediction: Ohio State 38, Iowa 14
Baylor at No. 16 Iowa State – Andrew Paredes
Saturday, Oct. 5 — Jack Trice Stadium — Ames, Iowa
6:30 p.m. on FOX
The Cyclones are celebrating their first 4-0 start since 2000, while the Bears face an uphill battle to turn their 2-3 start around. Iowa State has a new all-time winner in head coach Matt Campbell, and on the other side there are calls for coach Dave Aranda’s job in Waco.
This game might seem like an easy prediction but I believe that Baylor is going to put up a strong fight. In its last two games, Baylor has lost heartbreakingly. Against Colorado, the Bears lost in the last seconds in overtime. Last week against BYU, Baylor mounted a comeback down three scores and missed out on multiple opportunities to take the lead over the Cougars before a game-ending interception cost Baylor the game. If there is one game to give this roster and coaching staff hope, it’s this one.
As for Iowa State, their defense is ranked at the top of the nation. Their offense has remained consistent, but the Cyclones have shown they can struggle to score early in games against tough opponents. The Bears have the opposite problem, struggling to close out games. My prediction is the same as the consensus, as I think the Cyclones have more momentum going into the game. The Bears make this game scary close for Iowa State.
Prediction: Iowa State 27, Baylor 21
No.10 Michigan at Washington – Youngchan Kang
Saturday Oct. 5 — Husky Stadium — Seattle, Washington
6:30 p.m. on NBC
Michigan comes into this matchup after a scrappy win over the Minnesota Golden Gophers. The power run style has been carrying the Wolverines offense, with senior RB Kalel Mullings producing a breakout season. He totaled 111 yards on 24 attempts along with two touchdowns against the Golden Gophers. The Wolverine defense also continues to impact games with junior defensive back Will Johnson and junior linebacker Ernset Hausmann leading the way.
Junior quarterback Alex Orji hasn’t found his passing rhythm, only completing 10 passes on 18 attempts for 133 yards with three touchdown passes and one interception.
The Huskies are 3-2, including a tough loss to undefeated Rutgers last week. 5th year senior QB Will Rogers continues to lead the Huskies with 26 completions for 306 yards, along with two touchdowns against the Scarlet Knights. Junior RB Jonah Coleman has been electric on the ground with 521 total yards on 72 carries.
The Huskies’ defense is ranked No. 12, allowing 4.07 yards per play. This match is going to be a defensive showdown in Seattle, but which offense will be the deciding factor?
Prediction: Washington 30, Michigan 20
