No. 1 Texas at No. 18 Oklahoma
Saturday, Oct. 12 — Cotton Bowl Stadium — Dallas
2:30 p.m. on ABC
Both of these programs were on a bye last week, allowing them to sit back and watch the upset-ridden chaos that was Week 6 of college football. This rendition of the Red River Rivalry sees the Longhorns enter as the No. 1 team in the country while the Sooners come in at No. 18.
Texas has outscored its previous five opponents 225-35 despite losing redshirt junior quarterback Quinn Ewers in Week 3, leaving redshirt freshman QB Arch Manning with the keys to this Longhorns team. Oklahoma, now led by freshman QB Michael Hawkins Jr., had to rely on a comeback to defeat the lowly Auburn Tigers. The Longhorns are going to knock the Sooners right off their wagon.
Prediction: Texas 28, Oklahoma 6
No. 9 Ole Miss at No. 13 LSU
Saturday, Oct. 12 — Tiger Stadium — Baton Rouge, Louisiana
6:30 p.m. on ABC
Ole Miss bounced back from its loss to Kentucky by rolling over South Carolina 27-3 in enemy territory last week. Meanwhile, the LSU Tigers enjoyed resting up during their bye week. When these two programs faced off with each other in 2023, it was a shootout that saw the Rebels come out on top 55-49.
We’re on track for another offensive masterclass this year as Ole Miss and LSU average 44 and 35 points per game, respectively. However, the Rebels’ stacked defense only allows 7.5 points per game, meaning the Tigers will need to shift into another gear for success on offense. The Rebels are going to turn the Tigers into pussycats.
Prediction: Ole Miss 28, LSU 21
Florida at No. 8 Tennessee
Saturday, Oct. 12 — Neyland Stadium — Knoxville, Tennessee
6 p.m. on ESPN
This historic matchup between two legendary teams once referred to as the “The Third Saturday in September” now finds itself being played on the second Saturday in October. Tennessee was upset by the Arkansas Razorbacks, and Florida took down the UCF Knights in Week 6 for their third win of the season. Needless to say, both programs have a lot riding on this annual meeting.
Redshirt freshman QB Nico Iamaleava’s unawareness cost the Volunteers their undefeated record, so he’ll need to bounce back fast if he wants to etch his name in the history of this legendary feud. Despite its 3-2 record, Florida has looked uninspiring and defeated several times this season. Steve Spurrier, cover your eyes — because this one might get ugly for the Gators.
Prediction: Tennessee 35, Florida 20
Vanderbilt at Kentucky
Saturday, Oct. 12 — Kroger Field — Lexington, Kentucky
6:45 p.m. on SEC Network
The Vanderbilt Commodores had the greatest Week 6 in the country after earning the program’s first-ever win over a top-five team when they defeated the then-No. 1 Alabama Crimson Tide, 40-35. Kentucky was on a bye and presumably used that extra week of practice to prepare for Vanderbilt’s unorthodox offense.
The Commodores and coach Clark Lea have their guy under center in graduate QB Diego Pavia who led the way for the Black and Gold versus Nick Saban-less Alabama. Pavia will be the key focus for the Wildcats’ fifth-ranked total defense which also allows the 11th fewest points per game. Captain Pavia is ready to lead his Commodore fleet into Kroger Field and to victory.
Prediction: Vanderbilt 21, Kentucky 17
