2026 College Football Picks: Week Nine

Gunner Stockton, Georgia

 

📊 THE RECORD

🏆 PICKS 40-23 | ⚡ UPSETS 2–5 | 🐕 SUPERDOGS 3–2 | 🔒 LOCKS 7–2

(17) Florida Gators vs. (3) Georgia Bulldogs

📍 Atlanta

🏈 Georgia -12.5 | O/U 55.5

The "World's Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party" will have a bit of a different feel this year, moving from it's long-running roots in Jacksonville to Atlanta, just for this fall. In that sense, it should feel more like a home game for Georgia, which will be important as they fend off the upset-minded Gators. With both teams fresh off a bye and with the stakes higher in this rivalry than they've been in several years, it should be a fun battle in Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

The bye week was exactly what the Bulldogs needed after a shocking loss to Auburn, dropping them from their No. 1 perch. The Tigers played well, but it did have a feel of a game that Georgia let slip away. Veteran QB Gunner Stockton had an uncharacteristic two interceptions, and the Bulldogs had three turnovers total. Auburn made the plays in the high leverage moments Georgia didn't, which is a rarity for this program. Yet, it does feel like after these types of games is where Kirby Smart is at his best. He knows how to motivate his teams, and laying a midseason stinker like this is the perfect excuse for the coaching staff to turn it up a notch. Stockton is a better quarterback than what we saw against the Tigers, but he will need more support if this Bulldogs team is to accomplish their goals on the season. The ground game has been okay on the season, but it does feel like it's missing the pop it has had in the past. Dwight Phillips Jr. and Nate Frazier are a talented duo, and they are likely to spearhead the ground game again with Chauncey Bowens listed as questionable. But, is this really the best we can get from those two? There's pressure on the offensive line and receiver corps to also step up - those two groups have far more potential than what we've seen so far in 2026. Nobody beyond Craig Dandridge has been able to consistently make things happen on the outside, and the tight ends have not played at the Georgia standard. Could this be the week things change? The Gator defense had perhaps their best outing of the season last time they were out against Texas, but this is still a group with notable questions. They've really struggled with the big play in the secondary, and the defensive front is not yet at the level Jon Sumrall expects it to be. That's not to say we are going to see Georgia come out and chuck the ball all around the field, this is a Kirby team after all. But you do wonder if Mike Bobo and the Bulldogs may open up their playbook a bit right after a bye and script some shots, especially early on to test the waters against these Gators.

The Texas win may not have been pretty from Florida, but that's the type of game this team is built to win, and that Sumrall wants to be in. They made the most of their opportunities on offense, even if they weren't very explosive, played tough defense, and took care of the football. They'll look to play a similar strategy in this game, but hope to get more a bit more from the quarterback position. Tramell Jones Jr. was serviceable filling in as starter, but the hope is that starter Aaron Philo will be back in action. Both were listed on the injury report heading into the weekend, meaning Florida will almost certainly have to lean on Jadan Baugh and the ground game. Baugh started off this season on fire, looking like a real Heisman candidate, but he's been held in check in recent weeks. If he regain his form after the bye and this Gator offense can find some balance, this is a group that can put up points. You have to consider, this is not the best Georgia defense we've seen under Kirby, and Florida offensive coordinator Buster Faulkner has had their number in the past in his time at Georgia Tech. Even with all the uncertainty that clouds the quarterback position for Florida, I would not be surprised if this offense puts up more points than expected.

Rivalry games can always get a bit weird, and this feels like a bit like picking between the safer option, or taking a swing. Even after the Auburn loss, we have a fairly good idea who Georgia is - Kirby is as consistent as they come, Stockton may win them a few games late, and they are still top-to-bottom one of the most talented teams in the nation. Florida may be more volatile, but this team can really impress when they are at their best. I still am taking the Bulldogs in this spot given some of the major questions surrounding the Gators, but this is definitely an upset alert heading into Saturday.

The Pick: Georgia, 34 Florida, 24

(22) Arizona Wildcats @ (13) Texas Tech Red Raiders

2026 College Football Picks: Week Eight

Devon Dampier, Utah

 

📊 THE RECORD

🏆 PICKS 34-20 | ⚡ UPSETS 1–5 | 🐕 SUPERDOGS 3–2 | 🔒 LOCKS 6–1

(14) Houston Cougars @ (10) Utah Utes

📍 Salt Lake City

🏈 Utah -6.5 | O/U 56.5

The best game of the weekend is a late night duel at elevation in Salt Lake City, as the Houston Cougars travel to take on the undefeated Utah Utes. The game not only has significant Big 12 implications but could have an outsized impact on the College Football Playoff race - particularly now that the league is likely looking at multiple bids.

No team in the Top 10 of the polls is as great of a mystery at this point in the season as the Utah Utes. They've done their job, cruising past a weak schedule to get a 6-0 start on the season. But, it's hard to take too much away from beating up on Arkansas in the non-conference, and beating up on the three worst teams in the Big 12. The Colorado game last weekend may give some reason to concern, as the Utes got all they could handle from a Buffaloes team that is 2-4 on the year. The game did expose weaknesses Houston will almost certainly exploit. The Buffaloes stacked the box and forced Utah QB Devon Dampier to make some tough throws. He did still manage to go for 278 yards through the air, but a pair or interceptions kept Colorado in the game. Given all the activity at the line, it's no surprise Utah had a tough time running the ball, and it will not get easier against Houston. Wayshawn Parker has been solid all season for the Utes, but the lack of depth at the position has been interesting to watch the deeper we get into the season. Dampier and backup quarterback Byrd Ficklin may be able to create with their legs, but you have to wonder how this offense will handle against the better defenses they play if they can't get more consistency across the board on the ground. Out wide, Utah has more they can throw at you than you may expect, as Creed Whittemore and Braden Pegan have formed a very effective 1-2 punch. The Cougars did a good job containing an explosive Oklahoma State offense last weekend, but the Utes can get creative in the passing game. They'll find a way to manufacture some yardage, and one or two big plays could split this one wide open.

A two-point loss on the road to Texas Tech is the only blemish on the Cougar schedule up to this point in the season, a game that came down to a failed two-point conversion. This 2026 team very much epitomizes what Willie Fritz has done here at Houston overall - they're well-coached, fundamentally sound, and often don't beat themselves. The offense is all about balance, and has numerous different playmakers. Quarterback Conner Weigman remains at the controls, but he was beat up last weekend in the win over Oklahoma State. It sounds like he should still start as normal, but the veteran QB not being 100 percent is a storyline worth watching. In the backfield, the Cougars rely on the combo of Makhi Hughes and Re'Shaun Sanford II, and Weigman can further create with his legs. The Utes have long been a team that is tough to run against, but the rush defense has taken a bit of a slip this fall. You have to feel like the Cougars keep it on the ground and see how successful they are before going back to the air game. This is a team not short of weapons on the perimeter, but Weigman's health may impact the gameplan. 

This has the looks of a fun late night Big 12 battle between two evenly matched teams. Houston is almost certainly the trickiest opponent that the Utes have seen on the year, but Utah does get them in Rice-Eccles Stadium at elevation. It does feel like a game that could come down to the last possession, but between the homefield advantage and the fact they are likely fresher, I think the Utes are the safer bet.

The Pick: Utah, 28 Houston, 21

(7) Ole Miss Rebels @ (19) Texas Longhorns

2026 College Football Picks: Week Seven

Charlie Becker, Indiana

 

📊 THE RECORD

🏆 PICKS 29-16 | ⚡ UPSETS 1–4 | 🐕 SUPERDOGS 2–2 | 🔒 LOCKS 5–1

(4) Ohio State Buckeyes @ (5) Indiana Hoosiers

📍 Bloomington, IN

🏈 Ohio State -3.5 | O/U 50.5

A rematch of last year's Big Ten Championship Game, and perhaps a preview of this year's will be on display in Bloomington on Saturday. Vegas seems to believe Ohio State has recovered from their defeat to Texas a month ago and is now resorted back to being the league frontrunner. The Hoosiers will relish the underdog role once again, out to prove the conference race still runs through Bloomington.

It's no secret what has fueled Ohio State's 5-1 start to the season: wide receiver Jeremiah Smith. The junior seems to be the Heisman favorite where we stand at the midway point of the regular season, with 48 receptions, 916 yards and 11 touchdowns to his credit on the year. If he continues on his current pace, he at least has a chance to get within range of the all-time single-season leader, Nevada's Trevor Insley in 1999. Indiana presents perhaps a greater challenge than he's seen in several weeks, but this is not a Hoosier secondary that has played up to the standard they did a season ago. They have lacked the D'Angelo Ponds character in the secondary, the fearless leader who goes up against the best receiver each and every week and relishes the opportunity to shut him down. If you're the Hoosier defense, the best strategy here is to somewhat contain Smith - you're not going to hold him to no damage, but you have to limit the game-breaking plays. If they can do that and force other Buckeyes to beat you, there's a chance to slow down this offense. Quarterback Julian Sayin has been good, but not particularly great. The rush offense has been a bit of a disappointment. The offensive line is banged up. And the receiver corps is really lacking much beyond Smith, with their next best target, Devin McCuin, listed as questionable. There are some real questions here Indiana could exploit, especially as their own defense seems to be progressing nicely after some early season woes. Yet, Ryan Day and the Buckeyes are inevitable in many ways, and there are factors that could be looking up. Getting Phillip Daniels healthy at right tackle is going to be huge against this Indiana pass rush. The ground game, while disappointing, has seemed to find its footing last week, albeit against Maryland. I do still wonder what we see out wide from the Buckeyes, because this has to be more than just Smith if this team genuinely wants to compete for a National Title. Could McCuin stay healthy and show up as the Robin to Smith's Batman? Is this finally the Brandon Inniss game? I do think this Ohio State team is going to try and be aggressive vertically, in a way they weren't in last year's Big Ten Championship. You have to believe they learned their lesson in that game, and also want to exploit this Hoosier back-end.

There's a much different feel to this Indiana offense, which is expected given just how much turnover occurred over the offseason. TCU transfer Josh Hoover may not be Fernando Mendoza, but he's actually been really solid across the board. Two things jump out at you with Hoover and this Hoosier offense: he's taking care of the ball in a way he didn't with the Horned Frogs, and this team relies heavily on explosive plays in a way they didn't last year. Indiana's offense last fall sure hit some big shots, but it was more of a methodical, prodding offense that made the big plays in high leverage moments. This team needs the big shots to be successful, and they've gotten them this season. Charlie Becker and Nick Marsh have been an elite duo on the perimeter, and Hoover has formed quick chemistry with both. It's a real concern for an Ohio State secondary that has also been finding themselves. There's no Caleb Downs back here this season, and it has certainly shown. That's not to say Ohio State can't stop anyone through the air, but this is a big opportunity for the likes of Jermaine Matthews and Devin Sanchez. Sanchez in particular is a big-time talent who was considered a surefire breakout candidate, but has had an up-and-down campaign thus far. Up front, the Buckeyes lack the star-power they've had in years past, but Matt Patricia has still found a way to manufacture pressure, and the rush defense matches up fairly well against the Hoosiers. In fact, that seems to be the description of this Ohio State defense - there's no Bosa brother, or Chase Young, or Downs but they find a way to get the job done. They may be okay giving up yardage, if they can create a turnover or two and make the plays in high leverage situations.

As silly as it sounds, it does feel like Indiana is being a bit overlooked on the year. This may not be the 2025 team, but it's still a great football team and Ohio State has real questions. Yet, it seems to be in the games and moments on the schedule where the Buckeyes have the most questions, we see their most dominant performances. And when your difference-maker is Jeremiah Smith, that's an awfully important deciding factor.

The Pick: Ohio State, 35 Indiana, 31

(2) Notre Dame Fighting Irish @ (8) BYU Cougars

College Football Coaching Carousel Predictions 2026

Manny Diaz

Now a month-and-half into the 2026 college football season, we have a good sense of what teams are going to be this fall. There have been fun stories and some pleasant surprises, but several notable programs are already looking ahead towards the offseason and what they hope are brighter days ahead in 2027. No power conference jobs have opened just yet, but it's only a matter of time until the coaching carousel starts spinning. Here's who I see taking over at each projected opening this offseason.

Colorado Buffaloes

(Fire Deion Sanders?)

For as controversial as Deion Sanders has been through his playing days and coaching career, he was the right hire at the right time for Colorado. The program desperately needed some excitement after the uninspired Karl Dorrell era in Boulder, and a reason for fans to buy in as they made the jump to the Big 12. Deion brought energy, and for a short period of time, success. The Buffaloes went 9-4 in 2024 and won their first Heisman Trophy in three decades. Since those highs, they have has gone 5-12, and the prognosis for the remainder of this fall does not look promising. The staff changes over the offseason have not moved the needle in the way Deion had hoped and perhaps most frustrating has been the quarterback situation. Julian Lewis was the type of big-name prospect coming out of high school that Colorado was hoping would lead them into the post-Shedeur Sanders future. Instead, he has been benched, with control of the offense handed to Utah transfer Isaac Wilson - at least for now. When you also consider the health problems Deion has also dealt with over the last several years, you do wonder if this is a situation where both decide to mutually part ways, with "Prime" finding a new endeavor away from the Rockies. He is owed a $26 million buyout if he is fired this fall, so perhaps CU brass doesn't have the money they need to make this move directly. But it just feels increasingly difficult to imagine a scenario in which "Prime" is again head man next fall, especially with the way the rest of the season is shaping up.

Hire: Ryan Walters, Washington Defensive Coordinator

This may not be a super popular hire in Boulder at face value given what happened with Ryan Walters during his stint as Purdue head man. Walters took over a Purdue program riding high after a superb run under Jeff Brohm and proceeded to go 5-19 over the course of two seasons. But Walters does offer almost the complete opposite of what Colorado has been under Deion, and that's appealing for a program that will be hungry for change. He's not the loud, sometimes abrasive personality of Deion, but instead a soft-spoken, old school football coach. He's an alum who played safety at the school from 2004-2008, so he has a deep understanding of Colorado football and an appreciation for the university. He is the type of coach that would want to be here and build something for the long haul, which just never felt like the case for Deion and the current regime. And, for as frustrating as the Purdue tenure was, there was a reason Walters was immediately hired on by Washington run their defense - he's an elite football mind. He has risen up the coaching ranks quickly and still has a bright future, as he is only 40 years old. I do believe coaches often learn a lot from their first head coaching gig, even it wasn't successful, and the lessons he takes with him could be just what Walters needs to turn things around this time. Another point in his favor? He's likely to be one of the more affordable options Colorado can realistically get, which may be extra important given the financial pressure the athletics department is under.

Other Names to Watch: Dan Mullen (UNLV Head Coach); G.J. Kinne (Texas State Head Coach); Brennan Marion (Colorado Offensive Coordinator); Jason Eck (New Mexico Head Coach); Brian Kelly (former Notre Dame and LSU Head Coach)

Florida State Seminoles

(Fire Mike Norvell?)

2026 College Football Picks: Week Six

Ryan Coleman-Williams, Alabama

 

📊 THE RECORD

🏆 PICKS 26-10 | ⚡ UPSETS 1–2 | 🐕 SUPERDOGS 1–2 | 🔒 LOCKS 5–1

(2) Georgia Bulldogs @ (6) Alabama Crimson Tide

📍 Tuscaloosa, AL

🏈 Alabama -1.5 | O/U 51.5

For as much has changed in the SEC and college football over the years, Georgia and Alabama have remained constants - and the two are set to square off again on Saturday night in a matchup that has the feelings of another instant classic. Both are undefeated and have their sets sight on National Titles. The weather could be complete chaos. Future NFLers will line up all over the field. And only one team will come away with the win.

It's been smooth sailing over the first five weeks of the season for Georgia, who has taken advantage of one of the weakest schedules in the SEC up to this point to get to 5-0. Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Vanderbilt may genuinely be the worst three teams in the league this fall, and the Bulldogs cruised over all three. Even so, the Bulldogs still have to be excited about what the offense has been able to achieve, averaging 51.4 PPG entering the weekend. There is real balance to this group and some explosiveness, with quarterback Gunner Stockton at the controls. Stockton is completing 76% of his passes and keeping the ball out of opponent's hands, while still being willing to take the shots down the field. His supporting cast is a bit light on star power, as compared to some of the past Kirby Smart teams we've seen, but Nate Frazier and a deep backfield power the run, and there are real weapons at receiver. Craig Dandridge is the team's leading receiver, despite just nine catches on the campaign. His big play ability is something that has been missing at times for Georgia over the years and he does so by creativity after the catch. We saw Ryan Coleman-Williams become a household name with a dominant showing of his own against the Bulldogs a few years ago - could this be the type of moment for Dandridge, too? More than likely given the potential for inclement weather, it's going to be the old ground-and-pound for Georgia. It's good news they are so deep in the backfield, per usual, but the chess match against Kane Wommack and this Alabama defense is a fun storyline. Wommack is awfully creative with what he is able to do on the defensive side, and he seems to elevate his performance for the big games. The Tide are going to be aggressive and it's worth noting this is still a very young Georgia offensive line. The Bulldogs have held up on the line all season, but this is a different animal than they've seen and games like these often have a way of coming down to the war in the trenches.

There's not an overwhelming favorite in the Heisman race just yet, but if you said it was Alabama quarterback Keelon Russell, I don't think anyone could argue with you. Russell simply does not look like a first-year starter - his comfortability and feel for this offense is well beyond his years. He's able to make things happen in a variety of ways, whether it's sitting back and picking apart a defense from the pocket, or going out and improvising. It has helped that Alabama's great weakness last fall, the O-Line play and the ground game, have both been much improved so far on the season. That's allowed Russell a bit more of a margin for error and not forced him to create the entire offense, as was often a problem for Ty Simpson in 2025. I'm curious what Glenn Schumann and this Georgia defense draw up to try and stop him. You almost wonder if they're going to sit back and not apply as much pressure as usual given Russell's excellent improvisation skills. When he can get out of the pocket and find openings with the big play threats the Tide possess on the perimeter, that's when he's especially dangerous. More so than anything, this feels like a mental game for this Georgia defense. Who is the toughest quarterback they've faced so far this fall, Vanderbilt freshman Jared Curtis? They're probably going to take a punch or two, potentially early, from Russell and this Alabama offense, and it's going to be about how they respond. If Alabama is able to steal away the early momentum and get the crowd fully into this one, mounting a comeback is going to be that much harder. 

Alabama has owned the regular season series between these two in recent years, and they do get the homefield advantage. Yet, Kirby is going to have his boys up for a game like this, and you almost wonder if Georgia will be fresher given the light schedule. The weather throws another wrench to consider. I don't think you can go wrong either way, but we just know Alabama more at this juncture in the season and going into Bryant-Denny Stadium and coming away with a victory is an arduous process for any opponent - especially a rival like Georgia.

The Pick: Alabama, 31 Georgia, 28

(21) UCLA Bruins @ (13) Oregon Ducks

2026 College Football Picks: Week Five

 

Kamario Taylor, Mississippi State

📊 THE RECORD

🏆 PICKS 20-7 | ⚡ UPSETS 1–1 | 🐕 SUPERDOGS 1–2 | 🔒 LOCKS 3–1

(5) Ohio State Buckeyes @ (14) Iowa Hawkeyes

📍 Iowa City

🏈 Ohio State -14.5 | O/U 45.5

It took until the very last play of the game, but Iowa found a way to overcome Michigan in a thriller in Ann Arbor last weekend. Now they welcome the Big Ten favorite to Kinnick, which has long been where ranked teams go to die. Can the Hawkeyes continue the magic, or is this the type of game that will bring them back down to Earth?

In many ways, Iowa's upset of Michigan was peak Iowa football. They found a way to make it ugly, kept it close the entire way, and then made the big play when it counted to steal away the win. But, the way they did it was not a typical Iowa effort. The Hawkeyes never found a way to get anything going on the ground limping to just 58 yards total on 24 carries. Instead, it was Hank Brown and the passing attack that stepped up most when it was needed, as Brown threw for 227 yards and two touchdowns, including an excellent throw to the sideline in the end zone to seal the win. That's not to say we can expect Iowa to suddenly became a team that is going to sling the ball all over the field, but there is some actual balance to this offense this fall. Brown is a rock-solid quarterback who can make the big play when it counts, and there is real pass-catchers to throw the ball to. Tony Diaz made waves in the offseason and has impressed early on, Reece Vander Zee had the two touchdown catches last weekend, and tight end Addison Ostrenga will move the chains over the middle. Most importantly, offensive coordinator Tim Lester has worked hard to add just enough creative elements to this offense to keep defenses honest. To pull off an upset, the Hawkeyes are still probably going to have to play the field position game and rely heavily on the defense. Even the fact that there's any passing game to speak of is a far cry from some of the units Kirk Ferentz has thrown out there in recent years. Throughout the week, you have to imagine the priority for Lester and this Iowa offensive staff has been figuring out what they can do to revive the rushing attack, especially against a Buckeye defensive front that has some questions of their own. I'm of the belief Michigan has one of the best defenses in the nation, but the Hawkeyes will need more from Kamari Moulton and this entire backfield to play the type of game they are capable of.

Ohio State has recovered nicely from their shocking defeat on the road to Texas, pounding Kent State 59-3 and then running past Illinois in their opener. For as large as the offseason storyline was around the hire of Arthur Smith as offensive coordinator, there has not been a major difference to the way this team has operated so far this fall. The second half against Texas was ugly, but they've looked in complete command in every instance. Now, Iowa will give them the toughest test they've seen since the Longhorns. Phil Parker-coached defenses may not have the athletes of a Texas, but they're tough, disciplined, and fundamentally sound. They're going to force Ohio State to work in a way they have not for a large chunk of the season so far. The Buckeyes will need several things to put points on the board: the ground game to find a rhythm, and somebody else, anyone else, to emerge beyond Jeremiah Smith out wide. We know how good Smith is, he has a chance to take over this game, too. But against the other elite teams on the schedule, the Buckeyes need to find somebody else to take pressure off No. 4. Devin McCuin was the big-name transfer, Brandon Inniss was the former high-profile recruit and the veteran. There's even Chris Henry Jr., the prize of this year's recruiting class, who has been held to just three catches on the year. Somebody else is going to need to start making plays - we saw how limited the offense could be when Smith was held in check. Parker and this entire coaching staff are experts at throwing difficult looks at offenses and taking them out of their comfort zones. They have had all week to prepare for Smith and may have just enough to challenge the Buckeyes to look elsewhere.

I was a believer in Iowa all offseason, and there's always an energy in Kinnick when they welcome top teams to Iowa City. Yet, I fear this has the makings of a game where Ohio State has the potential to roll. There are still questions about this roster, but the athletes they have on the field will just look completely different than Iowa. They also face a Hawkeyes team riding an emotional high after last weekend, a team primed for a letdown. It may not be a pretty game from the Buckeyes, but I think they come away with a fairly comfortable victory.

The Pick: Ohio State, 35 Iowa, 17

(6) Alabama Crimson Tide @ (17) Miss. State Bulldogs

2026 College Football Picks: Week Four

Jayden Maiava, USC

 

📊 THE RECORD

🏆 PICKS 11-7 | ⚡ UPSETS 0–1 | 🐕 SUPERDOGS 0–2 | 🔒 LOCKS 2–1

(1) Texas Longhorns @ (14) Tennessee Volunteers

📍 Knoxville, TN

🏈 Texas -5.5 | O/U 55.5

A come-from-behind win at home over Ohio State in Week Two has Texas fans dreaming of a National Title run. The only thing standing in their way? Seven ranked matchups the rest of the regular season, not including the Red River game with Oklahoma. First up is a trip to Knoxville to face off with Tennessee, who has rolled to a 3-0 start but is short on resume wins.

Statistically, there isn't one thing that jumps off the page at you about Texas. They've had three strong offensive showings, with the Buckeye win particularly special given the strength of the opponent. But what they make up for with gaudy stats is just how many different ways they can approach a defense. Arch Manning has thrust himself firmly into the thick of the Heisman race, but the Longhorns have spent major money to give him the right support. Hollywood Smoothers and Raleek Brown have been a very effective 1-2 punch out of the backfield. Cam Coleman is the big name outside, but Ryan Wingo and Emmett Mosley V have been just as valuable. And even though they've taken their lumps, the offensive line has been good enough to put Texas in position to win games. Perhaps most importantly, Steve Sarkisian has been on fire from a play-calling perspective, in the midst of one of his best runs since he was Alabama offensive coordinator. He'll be in store for a battle against one of the best defensive coaches in the game in Jim Knowles, who has engineered a quick turnaround for the Volunteer defense. This is a group that also spent big money this offseason, and it's obvious Knowles represents an upgrade over the departed Tim Banks. Tennessee believes they are good enough now on this side of the ball to compete with the big boys of the SEC and the early results are encouraging. With that being said, how much can we really take away from shutting down Furman, Georgia Tech, and Kennesaw State? This will tell us a lot about just how much those offseason changes can change things here in Knoxville.

There's a lot of great young quarterbacks in the SEC right now, and Tennessee's Faizon Brandon is playing as well as any of them. Brandon emerged from a crowded quarterback room and is off to a start that includes nearly 700 yards of total offense and nine total touchdowns. The most important stat, however, is the zero interceptions, quite an achievement for a quarterback playing his first three games of live college action. Again, the competition is not at the highest level it will be, but it has provided Brandon the momentum he needs to hit the meat of the schedule running. Still, this is going to be a Volunteer offense that is going to need to rely on the ground in these big games, at least early on. For all the talk of Josh Heupel playing a wide-open attack, a power-run game has been a key element in setting up everything they do out wide. He's been patient with his young quarterbacks, including Nico Iamaleava, and Brandon so far. It helps that they've held a superior edge in the trenches against all three of their opponents so far on the year, all of whom are leaky against the run. That's allowed DeSean Bishop, Daune Morris, and Brandon himself to feast against the early non-conference. This is a Texas defense with entirely different athletes, who are fast, twitchy, and physical. I am still quite a bit curious how this Longhorn defense shapes up the rest of the way this fall, and this game will give us some key indications. Will Muschamp was a big-name hire, and a bold move by Sark. The Longhorns have real star power, including Colin Simmons and Rasheem Biles, but will the consistency be there? Texas is going to have to win some ugly ones given the schedule, and that will be on the defense to get the job done.

Neyland Stadium is the type of home atmosphere that can close apparent gaps between teams, and the Volunteers will need the crowd in full tilt on Saturday afternoon. But, it's just so hard to gauge Tennessee at this point in the year, and I would need more justification if I were to go for an upset here. This has the chance to be a tough one, because this is a good Volunteer team... I think. Yet, the Longhorns look to be just too much at the end of the day.

The Pick: Texas, 38 Tennessee, 24

(20) Oregon Ducks @ (12) USC Trojans