5. Maryland @ No. 4 Ohio State (11 a.m. on Fox)
Coming in at the five spot this week is an important early-morning clash in the Big Ten East.
The last three weeks, Maryland and senior quarterback Taulia Tagovailoa have been dominant against power-five competition in Virginia, Michigan State and Indiana. That’s not great competition, but it’s the way the Terrapins have played in those games that has people around the country taking notice.
Ohio State has handled their business, but other than the Western Kentucky game, they have not looked as dominant as other Buckeye teams in the past. They definitely could be sleep walking into this game and a team like Maryland could surprise them at home.
However, the Buckeyes’ roster is a more complete roster than Maryland’s and playing at home gives them a big advantage. This game will be close until the finish, but the Buckeyes will come out on top and spoil Maryland’s chances of causing chaos in the division.
Winner: Ohio State
4. No. 20 Kentucky @ No. 1 Georgia (6 p.m. on ESPN)
This weekend likely contains the biggest matchup in the SEC East for the rest of the year. Whoever comes out on top between No. 20 Kentucky and No. 1 Georgia will be the clear favorite to win the division.
While it hasn’t been as dominant of a season as fans from either side might have expected, there is still no doubt these two teams are at the top of the SEC East.
Georgia has had problems in the first half this season, allowing teams like Auburn, South Carolina and UAB to hang in there for two quarters.
On the other side, before last week’s dismantling of Florida, Kentucky has left more to be desired on the field. However, that game against the Gators showed that they have the ability to dominate quality competition.
It’s hard not to pick the Wildcats in this game, but the Bulldogs are still the reigning two-time national champions and get to play in Athens, Georgia so it’s even harder to pick against Georgia. The Bulldogs win by a touchdown on Saturday and continue their run for a third-straight SEC title.
Winner: Georgia
3. No. 23 LSU @ No. 21 Missouri (11 a.m. on ESPN)
Missouri has a real chance to cause chaos in the SEC this week. With LSU falling to Ole Miss last week, the Tigers will likely have to stay perfect the rest of the way to win the SEC West, especially since they still have to play Alabama and Texas A&M.
Mizzou is still a hard team to get a read on, as they have played close to every team they have faced this year. The thing is, they just keep winning.
LSU has dropped two games this season, and the defense needs some major fixing. Not only that, but an emotional game like the one they had last week can cause a major letdown the following week.
Mix that in with them being on the road at 11 a.m. and Mizzou has a good shot of pulling off the upset. Junior quarterback Brady Cook and sophomore wide receiver Luther Burden III are going to have a field day this week.
Missouri is going to secure their biggest win of the Eli Drinkwitz era, knocking off the LSU Tigers.
Winner: Missouri
2. No. 11 Alabama @ Texas A&M (2:30 p.m. on CBS)
It’s the battle of undefeated teams in the SEC West this weekend at Kyle Field. After this week, only one team will be sitting at 3-0 and will control their own destiny for the division crown.
These teams have been in similar situations all season, dropping their Week 2 matchups then responding with dominant wins in the SEC.
However, Alabama’s problem stems from the quarterback position. Sophomore quarterback Jalen Milroe will be the worst Crimson Tide quarterback the Aggies have faced since joining the conference.
It also doesn’t help that the Bama offensive line is failing to provide adequate protection for Milroe.
The Aggies appear to be better than the Tide on both sides of the ball. A&M proved last week that they can stop a mobile quarterback by forcing pressure with its numerous five-star defensive linemen.
Kyle Field is going to be rocking and there is no doubt that the 12th Man will play a huge factor in this game. The Maroon and White are going to win by double-digits and put everyone in the national media on high alert of what this Jimbo Fisher-led team can do the rest of the season.
Winner: Texas A&M
1. No. 12 Oklahoma vs. No. 3 Texas (11 a.m. on ABC)
It’s The Red River Showdown weekend, and this edition appears to be the most important one in a long time. The winner of this game will likely head to the College Football Playoffs as the rest of the Big 12 does not look like they can compete with either side.
Is Texas back? Maybe, but they are receiving too much credit so far this season, having faced three backup quarterbacks, Milroe and a JT Daniels-led Rice team.
Sure, they deserve credit for being undefeated, but get out of here with being the third-best team in the nation. Even if they come out on top in this one, No. 3 still seems a bit high, but it will be much more deserved.
Oklahoma has quietly been one of the better teams this season and senior quarterback Dillon Gabriel is looking better than he was a season ago. The Sooners are going to be coming out with a chip on their shoulder in this game.
Don’t be surprised to see the Longhorns go down in this one, because that is what’s going to happen at the Cotton Bowl on Saturday.
Winner: Oklahoma
Honorable Mention:
No. 24 Fresno State @ Wyoming (7 p.m. on Fox)
Let’s give the Group of Five some love. There is a reason Fresno State against Wyoming will be on primetime national TV this weekend. The winner will come out as the clear favorite in the Mountain West to contend for a New Year’s Six Bowl.
Both teams have looked good thus far but it will be the Bulldogs who continue to roll on Saturday.
Winner: Fresno State