College Football Picks 2017: Week Nine

Marcus Allen, Penn State

College Football Picks 2017: Week Nine
Current Record: 48-16

(7-0) 2 Penn State Nittany Lions vs. (6-1) 6 Ohio State Buckeyes
@Ohio Stadium (Columbus), 2:30 PM Saturday on FOX

Last season, Ohio State looked well on their way to another Big Ten title and possibly a National Championship berth before they headed to Happy Valley and were stunned by Penn State. For the Nittany Lions, it was the wakeup call they needed, as James Franklin's squad has gone 13-1 over their last fourteen games, and now themselves looks well on their way to a second consecutive conference title. Much like last year, Penn State will be led by their explosive offense, headlined by Heisman frontrunner Saquon Barkley, who can hurt defenses in so many ways. The junior can kill opponents on the ground with his cutting ability and breakaway speed, in the passing attack as a receiver, and on special teams, where he is a return demon. Barkley will give Ohio State their stiffest challenge in a long time, and it will be interesting to see how the Buckeyes' front seven, known as one of the nation's best, will deal with him. The Nittany Lions will also bring dangerous quarterback Trace McSorley to the table, along with a number of big-play receivers. Ohio State's secondary has struggled against good passing offenses (see Indiana, Oklahoma) so expecting a high-scoring game wouldn't be surprising. On offense, the Buckeyes have looked very good since a slow start to the season, but it has been against less-than-stellar defenses. Veteran quarterback J.T. Barrett is a proven dual threat who has looked better this year, but he has struggled in big games throughout his career, and will face a very aggressive and ferocious PSU defense. Barrett will be joined by dangerous running backs J.K. Dobbins, who is lethal in the open field, and Mike Weber, who excels between the tackles. Both running backs should be able to produce, but the Nittany Lions' defense is very skilled against the run. Ball-hawking defensive back Marcus Allen is one of the best in the country at getting into opponents' backfields and causing chaos, and underrated linebacker Jason Cabinda is an All-Conference stopper. Those two should be able to mitigate Dobbins/Weber enough to put Penn State in position to come away with a victory. Talent-wise this game appears to be very even, particularly if Barrett can keep playing the way he has over the past few weeks. That makes the finer points of the game very critical, including special teams, coaching and turnovers. Momentum and motivation should also be a huge factor. Both teams are extremely hot right now, but Ohio State wants revenge for last season. That, plus the fact that they are playing at home, puts the Buckeyes in a good spot to come away with a huge win. However, Barkley is a truly game-changing running back and I'm not sure an inconsistent OSU defense can deal with him. If he can take over this one (like he does all season long for Penn State) the Nittany Lions should once again be able to come out on top in another exciting finish.

The Pick: Penn State, 38 Ohio State, 34

(6-1) 9 Notre Dame Fighting Irish vs. (6-1) 14 NC State Wolfpack
Notre Dame Stadium (South Bend), 2:30 PM Saturday on NBC

Prior to this season, who could have predicted that this meeting between Notre Dame, who went 4-8 in 2016, and NC State, a mid-tier ACC team, would have such a big impact on the College Football Playoff chase. But, the 6-1 Irish have been one of the nation's biggest surprises and appear well on their way to a double-digit win campaign, while NC State has a chance to overcome Clemson in the ACC Atlantic. Notre Dame's offense is predicated on their fabulous ground attack, which is led by explosive back Josh Adams, who has put his name in the Heisman conversation after a dominant showing against USC. First-year starting quarterback Brandon Wimbush doesn't kill you with his arm, but he is a terrific runner that can really open things up for this offense. On the outside, possession wide out Equanimeous St. Brown is going to be able to give NC State's secondary plenty of issues. It will be interesting to see how successful ND's ground game will be going up against the Wolfpack D-Line, which has four senior starters and one of the country's top pass rushers in end Bradley Chubb. NC State offensively doesn't quite have the big-play threats that Notre Dame possesses, but they still find ways to move the ball. Former Boise State transfer Ryan Finley is rock-solid and keeps the offense humming, but he doesn't really scare you as a defense. Back Nyheim Hines and do-it-all offensive weapon Jaylen Samuels will help him out, but the Wolfpack are going up against a much-improved Notre Dame defense. The Irish are well-coached and have great gap discipline, which should help prevent big plays from NC State. Linebackers Te'von Cooney, Nyles Morgan and Greer Martini aren't the most hyped-up group of linebackers, but they are as good and as effective as anybody across the nation. While Penn State-Ohio State could turn into a shootout with how talented both of those offenses are, I would not be surprised to see this become a defensive battle. Both of these teams are well-rounded on both sides of the ball, and enter this game with significant momentum. I worry about Notre Dame running the ball against the Wolfpack's defensive front, but I don't have much confidence in NC State moving the ball against the flaming hot Irish defense. It should be a low-scoring battle, but at home, Notre Dame should be able to come out on top.

The Pick: Notre Dame, 24 NC State, 17

(7-0) 4 TCU Horned Frogs vs. (5-2) 25 Iowa State Cyclones
@Jack Trice Stadium (Ames), 2:30 PM Saturday on ABC

Few teams have surprised as much this season as Iowa State, who enters a pivotal Big 12 matchup with TCU 5-2 and 3-1 in the conference. The Cyclones have looked significantly improved on both sides of the ball, and are getting big-time production from converted quarterback Joel Lanning, who now plays linebacker. TCU comes to town as the favorite in the Big 12 sitting at 7-0 and fourth in the nation, but things could get interesting. Iowa State has a long history of upsets, particularly against conference foes with National Title hopes (see Oklahoma State 2011). For TCU to avoid the upset they will need QB Kenny Hill to play like he has all season. After struggling through a turnover-prone 2016 Hill has improved tremendously in his senior season. He has cut down on his interceptions a ton this season and is making better decisions. When paired with running back Darius Anderson and the ultra-versatile KaVontae Turpin, this Horned Frogs' offense can be very potent. Iowa State is much better on the defensive side of the ball, thanks in large part to Lanning's play in the middle and an aggressive secondary. However, the defense is still prone to the big play and has struggled to get consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks, which certainly does not bode well. The Cyclones' offense lost their starting quarterback, Georgia transfer Jacob Park, for the year a couple weeks ago but that has not slowed them down. Former walk-on Kyle Kempt engineered the big upset over Oklahoma, and has played with impressive poise and confidence. It also helps he has one of the conference's best receivers, veteran Allen Lazard, to throw to on the outside. TCU has long been a defensive-minded team under Gary Patterson, and that hasn't changed too much since their move to the Big 12. They may be slightly less stingy than they once were, but Patterson still does a marvelous job coaching up the defense and getting production from unlikely sources. This year's defense doesn't appear to be necessarily elite, but it could be the best in the conference. If the stout secondary can contain Lazard and make Kempt uncomfortable (something Oklahoma didn't do enough when they were upset), the Horned Frogs will be in a good spot. There is a ton of excitement about what Iowa State has done this season, and the fans should be out in full force for what could be a magical night in Ames. The Cyclones should be able to give TCU quite the game, but I don't see them pulling off the upset like they did against Oklahoma. TCU is a much more balanced team and if Hill plays well, they should stay undefeated.

The Pick: TCU, 35 Iowa State, 25

Other Picks
(#22) West Virginia, 37 (#11) Oklahoma State, 31
(#3) Georgia, 38 Florida, 20
(#7) Clemson, 34 Georgia Tech, 24
(#13) Virginia Tech, 30 Duke, 14
(#5) Wisconsin, 44 Illinois, 17

Post-Week Eight College Football Playoff Power Rankings

Jalen Hurts, Alabama

The Four

1 Alabama Crimson Tide (8-0, 5-0 SEC)
As expected, Alabama had no issues this past weekend, punishing the struggling Tennessee Volunteers 45-7 in front of their home crowd. It wasn't much of a resume-boosting win for the Tide, but gave them plenty of momentum as they head into their bye week, right before their battle against LSU. The meeting with the Tigers very well could be the toughest remaining opponent for Alabama before their Iron Bowl matchup with Auburn, and then likely an SEC Championship Game meeting with Georgia. This team still has plenty to work on, including fixing a mediocre passing attack, and on special teams, but it is looking like 'Bama once again has a very good chance at running the table before they head into postseason play.


2 Penn State Nittany Lions (7-0, 4-0 Big Ten)
Outside of a tough road win over Iowa, Penn State's Playoff resume really paled in comparison to most of the other serious contenders up until this Saturday. The Nittany Lions were able to get vengeance against Michigan after losing 49-10 to them last year (a loss that ended their Playoff hopes), pounding the Wolverines 42-13. Penn State's offense continues to give defenses fits, as Trace McSorley and Saquon Barkley are a big play waiting to happen. On the other side of the ball, it is still unclear just how good PSU is, but the numbers speak for themselves. Up next for the Nittany Lions: a huge game against Ohio State in Columbus. The Buckeyes will be eager to get revenge after losing to Penn State last season, but the Nittany Lions know a victory there should put them on a clear track to a second straight conference title.

3 Georgia Bulldogs (7-0, 4-0 SEC)
Even though Georgia was on a bye this weekend, it was a great day for the Bulldogs. That is because UGA's signature victory, Notre Dame, who they beat in a thriller, beat USC to give them a real signature win. Notre Dame looking better in turn makes Georgia look better, who needs all the help they can get, considering they play in the notoriously weak SEC East. The Bulldogs get Florida this next weekend in their annual rivalry game that could be interesting but beyond that it looks like pretty smooth sailing for Georgia, before their likely SEC Championship Game berth.

4 TCU Horned Frogs (7-0, 4-0 Big 12)
Things went as planned for TCU over this weekend as well, as the Horned Frogs dominated Kansas 43-0 to stay undefeated. Not only did TCU look potent once more offensively, their defense was absolutely terrific, holding Kansas to a meager 21 yards of total offense. The continued success of that defense is a major advantage for TCU, particularly considering they play in the Big 12, a league that is well-known for it's big-time offenses. A road matchup against Iowa State in Ames could be a tough one for the Horned Frogs. The Cyclones are much-improved this season, have already beaten Oklahoma and have a history of stunning undefeated teams (see Oklahoma State, 2011).

Next Four Out

5 Wisconsin Badgers (7-0, 4-0 Big Ten)
The Badgers just keep on rolling, running past Maryland 38-13 on Saturday to stay flawless overall and in Big Ten play. It might have added another win to Wisconsin's total, but it didn't exactly increase their Playoff odds. The Badgers still lack a true signature victory to impress the Playoff Committee, and it is hard to see when they are going to get one. Their toughest remaining opponent prior to the Big Ten Championship Game is against Michigan, which may be a tough battle, but doesn't really qualify as a huge win. It is looking more and more like Wisconsin should run the table, but it is hard to know what the Committee will think of a team without a very impressive resume.

6 Notre Dame Fighting Irish (6-1)
Not a lot was expected of Notre Dame following a 4-8 2016, but there is no denying this team has been a notable surprise. The offense has been absolutely lethal on the ground and defensively, new coordinator Mike Elko has worked wonders. This past weekend really gave ND the signature win they needed, by blowing out USC, who still has a good chance to win the Pac-12. That plus a non-conference victory over Michigan State and plenty of remaining opportunities to even further impress the Committee (Stanford, NC State and Miami all await) gives the Irish a very good shot to make the Playoff, particularly if they can run the table.

7 Clemson Tigers 6-1 (4-1 ACC)
Clemson had a week off to ponder what went wrong in the team's stunning loss to unranked Syracuse, which could be a huge blessing. It may help quarterback Kelly Bryant get healthy once more, and also prepare the team for a tough end-of-the-year stretch, which includes facing a tough triple-option attack in Georgia Tech, a dangerous NC State squad and a bitter rival in South Carolina. What also helps the Tigers is the fact that Syracuse went out and gave undefeated Miami a very tough game on Saturday, making that loss look a lot better. The loss still won't look great in front of the Committee but if Clemson can still run the table and win the ACC, it's hard to imagine a team with such a solid resume missing out on the four-team field.

8 Ohio State Buckeyes 6-1 (4-0 Big Ten)
This Ohio State team is looking more and more like the 2013-2014 Buckeyes, and that should strike fear into the rest of the country. That team lost a non-conference game early on (like the Buckeyes did this year against Oklahoma) before playing like mad the rest of the season and using a great second half of the season to find their way into the Playoff. However, Ohio State still has yet to get a signature win on the year. They've absolutely pounded lesser competition in the conference, but this week against Penn State could give the team the big win they desperately need. A win there, in front of the home crowd in Columbus, makes OSU not only the favorite in the Big Ten East, but also likely puts them in the forefront of the Playoff race.

Others in the Mix
Miami Hurricanes
Oklahoma Sooners
Washington Huskies
Oklahoma State Cowboys
Virginia Tech Hokies
Washington State Cougars
Michigan State Spartans
South Florida Bulls
UCF Knights
Stanford Cardinal

College Football Picks 2017: Week Eight

Brandon Wimbush, Notre Dame

College Football Picks 2017: Week Eight
Current Record: 40-16

(6-1) 11 USC Trojans vs. (5-1) 13 Notre Dame Fighting Irish
@Notre Dame Stadium (South Bend), 6:30 PM Saturday on NBC

Since we are halfway through this college football season, we have a pretty good idea at how the Playoff picture is shaping up. There are the clear-cut favorites (Alabama, Penn State, Georgia, even Clemson) but there is a longer list of teams on the outside-looking in looking for opportunities to impress the Committee. That is the case for both teams in this one, as this Week Eight rivalry clash is essentially an elimination game in the Playoff chase, as both teams already have one loss. The Trojans may still have the best shot of any Pac-12 team at this point, as they appear to be the clear favorite in the South Division and own a solid non-conference victory over Texas (something Washington nor Washington State can boast). Sam Darnold will once more be behind center, as he hopes to continue to impress onlooking NFL scouts. Darnold has limited his turnovers over the past few weeks and has played very well, but ND's defense may be the most improved unit in the country this season. After the group consistently allowed big play after big play a season ago, new D-coordinator Mike Elko has completely revamped the group. They should be able to apply some pressure on Darnold, especially with USC's offensive line not known for being very good. The Irish rush defense is also terrific, and has only allowed one rushing touchdown all year long. That puts them in great position against a USC ground attack still figuring things out. On the offensive side of the ball, ND will turn to quarterback Brandon Wimbush, who hasn't been 100 percent, but is ultra-talented. Wimbush isn't a terrific passer, but makes up for it with his impressive running ability, which will give this Trojans' defense plenty to think about. Wimbush will be aided by big-play running back Josh Adams, who is averaging a whopping nine yards per carry. Add in possession receiver Equanimeous St. Brown, who can also break things open when he gets in the open field, and the Irish have plenty that can threaten a USC defense that can be susceptible to the big play. This game should be a battle, not only because both are intense rivals, but because it is a game that has so much on the line. For 'SC, a victory not only makes them 7-1, but makes running a table a distinct possibility. For the Irish, a victory gives them important momentum for a tough end-of-the year stretch that includes NC State, Miami and Stanford. I think USC may be the slightly more talented team, but I like Notre Dame in an "upset". Their defense has been impressive all season long, and Wimbush and Adams should be able to make enough plays to get the job done.

The Pick: Notre Dame, 31 USC, 26

(6-0) 2 Penn State Nittany Lions vs. (5-1) 19 Michigan Wolverines
@Beaver Stadium (State College), 6:30 PM Saturday on ABC

It has been a magical first half of the season for Penn State, as the Nittany Lions have jumped out to a 6-0 start and have Heisman favorite Saquon Barkley running all over. But, they've done most of their work against a pretty weak schedule, with their best win to this point being on the road against Iowa, a good, not great team. The Nittany Lions now take on a daunting stretch that includes this game against Michigan, Michigan State and Ohio State. Winning all three would essentially clinch the Big Ten East, but that is much easier said than done. Electrifying quarterback Trace McSorley, Barkley and talented pass-catchers Saeed Blacknall and Mike Gesicki give OC Joe Moorhead tons of firepower to work with, and the unit has been absolutely dominant all season long. However, they didn't play great offensively against Iowa, and you could make the argument that UM's defense is even stronger than the Hawkeyes. The Wolverines have depth and talent everywhere on that side of the ball, particularly up front, where they feature a D-Line composed of future NFL starters, such as Rashan Gary, Chase Winovich and Mo Hurst. Defensive coordinator Don Brown loves to pressure opponents, and he will definitely try and get in McSorley's face and beat him. The bigger question is how Brown and Jim Harbaugh will choose to shut down Barkley, because he is so versatile. If they take away the ground attack, he can catch the ball and break one open. If they shut him down in both, he can still dominate on special teams. That is quite a tall order for Michigan, but they should be up for it. On offense, the Wolverines are still searching for their offense. QB John O'Korn has done an okay job running the offense, but his arm doesn't really scare you on defense. It would not be surprising to see Penn State stack the box, especially with the speed they have in the back, which includes All-Conference defenders such as safety Marcus Allen and linebacker Jason Cabinda. Michigan will lean heavily on their ground game, where youngsters Karan Higdon and Chris Evans have impressed. That may move the ball pretty well, but there is no way Michigan is going to be able to keep up with PSU's offense unless O'Korn can make some big plays through the air. I am not saying that the veteran won't be able to do that, but he just hasn't proven himself enough. I really think this game is going to be similar to the Iowa-PSU one, except the Nittany Lions will have home-field this time around. It shouldn't be a shootout, but more of a classic Big Ten clash, with plenty of big hits and not a ton of offense. Even so, Barkley and the rest of this Penn State offense should still find a way to break through and give the home folks plenty to cheer about.

The Pick: Penn State, 27 Michigan, 17

(5-0) 20 UCF Knights vs. (5-1) Navy Midshipmen
@Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium (Annapolis), 2:30 PM on CBSSN

While USC-Notre Dame and PSU-Michigan will garner plenty of attention, if you're looking for a more under-the-radar game that has important implications look no further than this AAC brawl. UCF has been a pleasant surprise early on this season, jumping out to a 5-0 mark under the leadership of coach Scott Frost, who is sure to get plenty of job offers this off-season. They look like perhaps the most complete Group of Five team in the nation, but they still need to overcome 6-0 South Florida in the tough AAC East. For Navy, the Midshipmen continue to be as consistent as ever, getting off to a flawless 5-0 start before their loss this past weekend to Memphis. As usual, Navy will feature their triple-option offense that given more than a few defenses fits. Underrated quarterback Zach Abey has led the offense to near perfection early on, and the Midshipmen always have other runners that can burst things open, which includes Malcolm Perry and Chris High this year. UCF spent the whole week preparing for that triple-option, with Frost even filling in as scout-team quarterback but it is still a tough transition to face Navy going full speed. That could put more pressure on the Knights' offense, but don't expect that to be a huge problem. UCF has been superb offensively all season long, thanks in large part to sophomore QB McKenzie Milton. Milton, a Hawaiian native, is only 5'11" but has a rocket for an arm. He can break open games with that arm, or get out in space and hurt you running the football. Along with Milton, UCF will look for big games from a number of other offensive weapons, which includes running back Adrian Killins Jr., receiver Tre'Quan Smith and the ultra-versatile true freshman Otis Anderson, who does both. The Navy defense is well-coached and disciplined, but it is prone to the big play and doesn't have the speed on that side of the ball that UCF possesses offensively. Another major key for the Midshipmen will be not turning the ball over. If not for their five turnovers against Memphis, there is a very good chance they would have won that game and we'd be talking about a Top 25, undefeated matchup. These are two great programs, with two great head coaches on the sideline and it would not be surprising to see them square off once more in the AAC Championship Game (as of right now, UCF is second in the East, Navy first in the West). It should be exciting and include plenty of fireworks, but I have slightly more confidence in the Knights. Their defense is in for quite the challenge, but their offense should be able to help them secure the victory.

The Pick: UCF, 40 Navy, 31

Other Picks
(#1) Alabama, 49 Tennessee, 14
(#8) Miami, 34 Syracuse, 24
(#9) Oklahoma, 35 Kansas State, 31
(#24) LSU, 27 Ole Miss, 20
(#15) Washington State, 38 Colorado, 23

College Football Midseason Awards 2017

It may be hard to comprehend but we are deep into October now, which means the college

Saquon Barkley, Penn State

football season has reached its halfway point. There are still plenty of great moments sure to happen over the coming months and plenty of further developments. But, as we sit right now here is my predictions for some of the sport's biggest awards:

National Champion: Alabama Crimson Tide

We have seen a healthy dose of upsets over the first seven weeks of this season, but that has not changed my National Champion pick. In a world where No. 2 can lose to unranked Syracuse, Oklahoma can beat Ohio State then loss to Iowa State, and the Pac-12 divulges into complete chaos, Alabama has stayed constant. The Tide have dominated opponent after opponent en route to a flawless start and still own one of the biggest wins of the year, over Florida State when they were at full strength. Only helping Alabama's chances at winning the National Title is the fact that their route there is not super tough. LSU and Auburn are enough to challenge them, but neither look ready to overtake 'Bama at least at this point. Georgia out of the East looks to be quite the battle, but if Alabama is able to enter the SEC Championship Game undefeated, they could realistically lose it and still get into the four-team field.

Finalists: TCU, Ohio State, Clemson (projected field)

Coach of the Year: Gary Patterson, TCU

After winning 23 games in two seasons behind the play of Trevone Boykin, TCU slipped off last year, falling to 6-7. They were clearly more talented than their record may have indicated, but the prognosis for 2017 wasn't much better, considering the talent at the top of the Big 12. However, the Horned Frogs are now the conference favorite seven weeks into the season, and Patterson looks to have his first ever Playoff team. Much of the success this season can be attributed to the improvement of former Texas A&M transfer Kenny Hill at quarterback but also Patterson's job defensively. A unit that was wildly inconsistent a year ago has looked much more disciplined and well-rounded, which gives TCU a significant advantage in the pass-happy Big 12.

Finalists: Dabo Swinney (Clemson), Brian Kelly (Notre Dame), Kirby Smart (Georgia), Mark Dantonio (Michigan State)

Biletnikoff Award: James Washington Jr., Oklahoma State

It isn't a banner year for receivers across the country, as few names jump out at you at the receiver position. That should make James Washington's route to a Biletnikoff (given to the nation's best receiver) even easier. Washington opted to stay his senior season in Stillwater after flirting with the idea of the NFL and it has paid off, as the veteran has 34 receptions for 882 yards and six touchdowns, while Oklahoma State is still in the Big 12 title hunt. With his big-play ability and fabulous hands, Washington should be able to lock down this award over the season's second half.

Finalists: David Sills V (West Virginia), Michael Gallup (Colorado State), Darren Carrington II (Utah), Anthony Miller (Memphis)

Doak Walker Award: Saquon Barkley, RB, Penn State

No player in college football has been even close to Saquon Barkley in terms of dominance in 2017. The powerful Penn State rusher has 649 yards and six touchdowns but that doesn't take in to account his ability to create as a receiver (29 catches, 395 yards). Barkley is almost surely to get pushed for this award by a wonderful group of running backs, including Stanford's Bryce Love, San Diego State's Rashaad Penny and Colorado's Phillip Lindsay, but if he keeps up his pace, this won't be the only hardware he is adding to his collection.

Finalists: Bryce Love (Stanford), Rashaad Penny (San Diego State), Kerryon Johnson (Auburn), Josh Adams (Notre Dame), Phillip Lindsay (Colorado)

Davey O'Brien Award: Baker Mayfield, Oklahoma

Baker Mayfield made quite the Heisman statement with his victory over Ohio State early on in the year, and while a loss to Iowa State hurt his chances, he still has played like the nation's best quarterback. The senior is absolutely fearless and supremely confident, and he backs it up, as he has 1,937 yards and 17 touchdowns through the air on the season. In order to get back into the Heisman forefront, Mayfield will need a huge second half and likely need Oklahoma to run the table. Even if that doesn't happen, Mayfield should be able to lock this one down.

Finalists: Luke Falk (Washington State), Lamar Jackson (Louisville), Mason Rudolph (Oklahoma State), Josh Rosen (UCLA), Nic Shimonek (Texas Tech)

Breakout Player of the Year: Bryce Love, Stanford

There were plenty of people across the country that believed Bryce Love would have a big season replacing the departed Christian McCaffrey, but the junior's play so far this season has been even more transcendent than expected. Love leads all FBS running backs with 1,387 yards, along with 11 touchdowns, and he showed just how good he can be by running for over 300 yards against Oregon State. If not for Love, it is worrying to imagine where Stanford, who sits at 5-2 and 4-1 in the Pac-12, would be. 

Finalists: Shea Patterson (Ole Miss), Jonathan Taylor (Wisconsin), Justin Reid (Stanford), Will Grier (West Virginia), Austin Bryant (Clemson)

Chuck Bednarik/Bronco Nagurski Award: Bradley Chubb, NC State

Bradley Chubb was another player who seriously considered going pro following an impressive junior campaign, but he decided to stay for one final year in Raleigh. Much like Washington, it has worked out extremely well for the explosive defensive end. Chubb has asserted himself as the most dominant defensive player in the land, as he has 37 tackles and seven sacks. That production and NC State's quick improvement with Chubb at the helm has to convince NFL scouts he is worthy of a first-round selection, and voters he deserves the award given to the Defensive Player of the Year.

Finalists: Josey Jewell (Iowa), Jalen Davis (Utah State), Minkah Fitzpatrick (Alabama), Austin Bryant (Clemson), Ogbonnia Okoronkwo (Oklahoma)

Heisman: Saquon Barkley, Penn State

As I mentioned previously, Barkley has been an absolute stud all season long for Penn State, who just happens to be in the lead in the Big Ten and ranked second nationally. Barkley's ability to run people over, jump over them or break things open in the middle of the field is truly special, and there is no doubt he'll be a high pick in the NFL Draft next spring. But, in order to truly lock down the Heisman, Barkley still has work to do. He faces a stretch that includes Michigan, Ohio State and Michigan State. The trio presents a stiff defensive challenge but big-time performances by Barkley in primetime might be enough to cement himself as the newest member of the Heisman club.

Finalists: Baker Mayfield (Oklahoma), Bryce Love (Stanford), Rashaad Penny (San Diego State), Lamar Jackson (Louisville), Bradley Chubb (NC State)

College Football Picks 2017: Week Seven

Jarrett Stidham, Auburn

College Football Picks 2017: Week Seven
Current Record: 33-15

(4-1) 12 Oklahoma Sooners vs. (3-2) Texas Longhorns
@Cotton Bowl (Dallas), 2:30 PM Saturday on ESPN

While their loss last week to Iowa State may have significantly hurt their Playoff chances, Oklahoma hopes to recover in a big way in the newest edition of the Red River Rivalry. This will be the first time on the sidelines for both Lincoln Riley at Oklahoma and Tom Herman at Texas in this hard-fought rivalry. The Sooners' plan of attack should be simple: let star quarterback Baker Mayfield attack a Texas defense that is known for their inconsistency. The loss last week hurt Mayfield's Heisman Trophy odds, but the veteran QB is still a major difference-maker, and seems to come alive in the biggest of games. Mayfield would certainly love to beat UT for the second time in his career. He'll be helped offensively by an underrated Sooners' ground game, led by speedsters Abdul Adams and Trey Sermon, along with one of the country's best offensive lines. The Longhorns strength on the defensive side of the ball is up front, where they bring impressive size and solid experience. However, that D-Line will be in store for quite a battle, and it is hard to imagine UT having much of a chance at containing Oklahoma if the Sooners are able to control the line of scrimmage. On offense, Texas has taken big steps forward after an uneven start. Sam Ehlinger was forced into action as true freshman when starter Shane Buechele went down with injury, and Ehlinger has seemingly stolen the job. Despite his youth, Ehlinger has shown excellent command of the offense, and this is a unit that can still put up points in a hurry. Running back Chris Warren has dealt with injuries throughout his career but he's a real load to handle when healthy, and on the outside, Texas has enough that they should be able to challenge an Oklahoma secondary that still struggles to defend the long ball. The key could be how Texas' O-Line holds up against a relentless OU pass rush. Ogbonnia Okoronkwo is one of the best pass rushers in the conference (9 tackles for loss, five sacks so far this year) and Oklahoma loves to play aggressive defensively. The Longhorns will have to keep Ehlinger upright, or the offense will struggle to find its rhythm, which has been an issue at times this season for UT. This game might have the major National Title implications it once had, but it is still a pretty big conference battle. The Sooners are probably the most talented team in the Big 12, but that loss to Iowa State was a real back-breaker. On the other side, the Longhorns are playing very good football right now, and have jumped out to a 2-0 conference start. That momentum they've built might be able to keep this one very competitive, but I'm just not confident that Texas will be able to slow down Mayfield enough.

The Pick: Oklahoma, 38 Texas, 30

(5-1) 13 USC Trojans vs. (4-1) Utah Utes
@Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum (Los Angeles), 7 PM on ABC

Both Washington schools might be the teams to beat in the Pac-12 as a whole right now, but the conference's South Division is still wide open. USC and Utah will battle in this one to see who can take control of the South, and put themselves in position to play for the Pac-12 title. The Trojans looked great this past Saturday in their first game since losing to Washington State, as they handled Oregon State by four touchdowns. Sam Darnold hasn't exactly been the preseason Heisman favorite so far this year, but he still is a masterful signal-caller who should be in store for another big day. The Trojans' ground game should also continue to improve as they are the healthiest they've been since the start of the season. Going up against Utah's stingy defense is not an easy task. The Utes rarely are stocked with superstars on that side of the ball, but they are very disciplined and cover their assignments as well as anybody. Even so, this USC offense has enough weapons that the scoreboard operators should be awfully busy in this one. The Utes reinvented their offense this off-season and for most of 2017, it has been a major success. Tyler Huntley beat out a number of others to win the quarterback job and played well early on, before hurting his ankle. He is doubtful in this one, so expect head coach Kyle Whittingham to turn to veteran Troy Williams. Williams is a proven veteran who can move the ball down the field, but he doesn't quite have Huntley's arm strength. Williams will be in store for quite the battle against a fiery USC defense. The Trojans are very strong in the back, and cornerback Iman Marshall is always ready to make a big play. Up front, 'SC is led by linebacker Cameron Smith, one of the premier rush defenders in the country, and Porter Gustin, a powerful pass rusher off the edge. In order for the Utes to find success on offense in this one, not only will Williams have to play well, Utah will need some other offensive weapons to contribute in a big way. Back Zack Moss is solid but isn't a major difference-maker. Former Oregon wide out Darren Carrington II (kicked off the team this past off-season) has emerged as the team's top receiver, and he'll need to play well in this one. Utah is a very tough team, and one that knows how to pull off upsets. However, with Huntley out, on the road and playing a USC team that seems very motivated, I just don't see them winning here.

The Pick: USC, 34 Utah, 21

(5-1) 10 Auburn Tigers vs. (4-2) LSU Tigers
@Tiger Stadium (Baton Rouge), 2:30 PM on CBS

Early on this season, things were not looking good for Auburn. The Tigers were absolutely slammed by defending National Champ Clemson and allowed ten sacks. They then followed that up with a number of lethargic performances, including a close victory over FCS foe Mercer. However, the Tigers have been able to climb back into the Playoff picture, and now look like the clear-cut biggest threat to Alabama in the SEC West. Former Baylor transfer Jarrett Stidham has come back from a shaky start to play like very well, and his huge arm presents a major challenge to any defense he goes up against. Add in running back Kerryon Johnson, who is quietly putting together a Heisman-level season, and an offensive line that is starting to play a lot better, and Auburn looks pretty scary. On the other side, LSU is looking to get back on track, now two weeks removed from an embarrassing Homecoming loss to Sun Belt opponent Troy. LSU played a lot better this past week in a big victory over Florida, and the defense was a big part of the reason. The unit still is prone to allowing big plays (which is concerning, playing an offense that loves the home run throw), but it is starting to figure things out once again under coordinator Dave Aranda, and still has one of the nation's most feared pass rushers in Arden Key. The key for LSU will be getting their offense going, which has been a notorious issue for this team for years. New OC Matt Canada promised an improved passing attack, but so far that has not been the case in 2017. QB Danny Etling can run the offense well and knows how to make the right read, but he just doesn't have the arm to make this offense very scary. True freshman Myles Brennan has seen significant action so far this year, and I wouldn't rule out seeing him in this game. The Tigers are going to have to hope for a big day from running back Derrius Guice, a fearless runner who excels through contact (and was my preseason Heisman pick). Guice hasn't been 100 percent the past few weeks, but he should still be able to find some success against a very inconsistent Auburn rush defense. LSU doesn't appear to be a serious SEC West title threat especially with their offense still being amazingly one-dimensional, but this team is always going to compete and the players will run through a wall for head coach Ed Orgeron. Guice would have to have a career day and the defense would have to be absolutely superb, but I wouldn't rule out an LSU victory. Even so, with the way they are playing right now and the weapons they have on offense, Auburn is my pick in this one.

The Pick: Auburn, 31 LSU, 20

Other Picks
(#11) Miami, 35 Georgia Tech, 28
(#6) TCU, 28 Kansas State, 17
West Virginia, 40 (#24) Texas Tech, 34
(#7) Wisconsin, 28 Purdue, 23
(#9) Ohio State, 33 Nebraska, 21

Coaching Carousel 2017: Who Should Replace Coaches on Hot Seats?

Butch Jones, Tennessee

This past week, we saw our first domino of the 2017 coaching carousel fall, as UTEP head coach Sean Kugler stepped down following the team's 0-5 start (he will be replaced by interim Mike Price). The move by Kugler likely won't have a major impact on the college football landscape, but there are a number of other head coaches across the nation that could also soon be unemployed that certainly will. Where should athletic directors and fans turn in situations where there team isn't performing? Here's a look at some coaches who could soon be gone, and some of their possible replacements:

Butch Jones, Tennessee
Current Record: 33-23
Why He's On the Hot Seat: Jones excited the fans on Rocky Top with a 7-6 2014 and 9-4 2015 in which Tennessee dominated their respective bowl games. Jones also raised the talent level in a big way in Knoxville, landing a number of Top 25 recruiting classes. However, the Volunteers have struggled to take the next step under Jones, going a disappointing 9-4 last season and limping to a 3-2 stretch so far in 2017. To make matters worse, Jones' tenure has been marked by consistent roster turnover and drama, and it seems like he has overstayed his welcome with the Vols.
Likely Replacement: Mike Norvell, Memphis HC
Norvell has done a wonderful job at Memphis after taking over for Justin Fuente, who ended up at Virginia Tech. Norvell is 11-6 with the Tigers, and has had them in the AAC Championship hunt (assuming they stay in the mix this year) both seasons. He recruits very well and knows the area, plus his innovative offensive mind would be greatly welcomed at Tennessee.
Other Names to Watch: Jim Bob Cooter (Detroit Lions OC), Tee Martin (USC OC), Chip Kelly (former Oregon HC, former NFL HC), Dan Mullen (Mississippi State HC)

Mike Riley, Nebraska
Current Record: 18-14
Why He's On the Hot Seat: Mike Riley was not a very popular hire in the first place in Lincoln, and Nebraska's performance over the past couple seasons was only made the doubters louder. Riley had a rough debut season of 6-7 (which included a number of tight losses), but did recover to finish off a respectable 9-4 in 2016. However, the 'Huskers have slipped to 3-3 to start this season, with an embarrassing loss to Northern Illinois to boot. For a fanbase that constantly has rabid expectations, Riley just doesn't seem like the man to turn the program back into the powerhouse they once were.
Likely Replacement: Scott Frost, UCF HC
As Riley and Nebraska struggles, Scott Frost is doing special things in Orlando, where he has UCF undefeated and ranked 25th. What is even more impressive about that is that the UCF team inherited prior to 2016 was coming off a winless '15 campaign. Frost, the former starting quarterback on the undefeated 1997 Nebraska team, would love to come back to Lincoln, and he would inject this program with an energy Riley never quite did.
Other Names to Watch: Jason Candle (Toledo HC), Craig Bohl (Wyoming HC), Rocky Long (San Diego State HC)

Matt Luke, Ole Miss (interim)
Current Record: 2-2
Why He's On the Hot Seat: When Hugh Freeze suddenly resigned amid allegations of multiple NCAA violations over the summer, OL coach Matt Luke was thrown into the head coaching job at Ole Miss. Luke has done an okay job given the circumstances (no time to prepare, lack of motivation for a team that is banned from the postseason) but unless he is unable to completely clean up the program, it is likely that he won't be brought back on a permanent basis.
Likely Replacement: Scott Satterfield, Appalachian State HC
Satterfield has done a masterful job taking over Appalachian State as they transition from FCS to FBS football. After a 7-5 mark in 2014, Satterfield and Appalachian State have won two straight Sun Belt titles, winning 21 games in '15 and '16 combined. They've struggled to a 2-2 record so far in 2017, but there is no denying how great of a job Satterfield has done in Boone, North Carolina. It would be a short trip across the Southeast to take over things at Oxford.
Other Names to Watch: Les Miles (former LSU HC), Blake Anderson (Arkansas State HC), Neal Brown (Troy HC), Willie Fritz (Tulane HC)

Kevin Sumlin, Texas A&M
Current Record: 48-23
Why He's on the Hot Seat: Much like Butch Jones, Kevin Sumlin's tenure began very well, as his debut season, the Aggies went 11-2 and beat Alabama behind the play of Johnny Manziel. Since then, Texas A&M has managed over eight wins just one time, which just so happened to be Manziel's final season in College Station. Over that span, A&M has seen a number of late-season collapses, along with a ton of roster turnover. Considering how much money boosters and the University have put into the program, 8-5 seasons aren't going to get it done. Unless Sumlin can work some magic over the second half of the year, it could be his last stand at A&M.
Likely Replacement: Chad Morris, SMU HC
Morris first made a name for himself as the offensive coordinator at Clemson and since taking over at SMU, he has done a terrific job. His 11-19 record with the Mustangs doesn't jump out at you, but it is impressive considering the mess he took over when June Jones abruptly left the program, and SMU has shown progress each year he has been there. Morris' offensive expertise and ability to recruit would also make him an ideal fit in College Station.
Other Names to Watch: Mike Gundy (Oklahoma State HC), Chip Kelly (former Oregon HC, former NFL HC), Willie Fritz (Tulane HC)

Oregon State
Gary Andersen and Oregon State parted ways this week after two and a half years at the helm in Corvallis. Andersen had proven he could win out West before (he was highly successful at Utah State) but he faced a tough rebuild with the Beavers, and the fit just never seemed quite right. The Beavers will now be searching for a replacement that can keep them on pace in the ultra-competitive Pac-12 North.
Likely Replacement: Jonathan Smith, Washington OC
There is no obvious candidate to replace Andersen, but Oregon State likely will zero in on Jonathan Smith, who has worked wonders for Washington's offense. Smith is just 38, and has no head coaching experience, but he is well-respected on the West Coast and seems like an ideal fit. Smith is also a former record-setting QB at Oregon State, and returning to his alma mater seems to be in the cards.
Other Names to Watch: Mike Riley (Nebraska HC), Ken Niumatalolo (Navy HC), Jedd Fisch (UCLA OC)

Coaches With Warming Seats
Bret Bielema, Arkansas
Steve Adazzio, Boston College
Jim Mora, UCLA
Ed Orgeron, LSU
Barry Odom, Missouri
Rich Rodriguez, Arizona

Post-Week Six College Football Playoff Power Rankings

Jake Fromm, Georgia

The Four

1 Clemson Tigers (6-0, 4-0 ACC)
For the first time in 2017, a new team takes over the No.1 spot in the Playoff power rankings. Clemson overtakes Alabama here not because the Tide are playing bad, but because to this point in the season, Clemson has a much stronger resume. The Tigers went out and beat Auburn in the non-conference and followed it up with two quality road victories over Louisville and Virginia Tech. Their path to the Playoff is very clear; with Florida State struggling, likely the only ranked team they will see before the ACC Championship would be NC State. The fact Kelly Bryant was beat up this past week is relatively concerning, but the Tigers still look like a team that should be able to run the table. If that is the case, there will be absolutely no doubt that Clemson deserves their third straight Playoff berth.

2 Alabama Crimson Tide (6-0, 3-0 SEC)
For the first time since the opening week of the season, Alabama was tested, but was still able to come out with a 27-19 win over Texas A&M. The victory wasn't super impressive, but the Aggies aren't a bad football team, and they played some of their best football they've played all year. The Tide still look like the team we expected them to be: a solid, not great offense, but a punishing defense with depth everywhere. The good news for Alabama is that while they may be here at the No. 2 spot right now, they have a very good chance to still end up being the top seed by the time the Playoff Committee makes their decision. They play a suddenly-dangerous Auburn team still and Georgia looks like it could be a huge victory if they do indeed meet in the SEC Championship Game.

3 Georgia Bulldogs 6-0 (3-0 SEC)
We are only halfway through the season and plenty is still likely to happen, but so far, Georgia may be the most surprising team of the 2017 season. Sure, expectations are always high in Athens and this team was considered the SEC East favorite by many during the pre-season, but the way the Bulldogs have played with their starting QB injured has been astounding. Their most impressive win to date is certainly their victory over Notre Dame (which is looking better and better as the weeks go by) but their other wins are just as impressive, because they have looked utterly dominant. True frosh QB Jake Fromm has run the offense with impressive composure, and defensively, Georgia is as good as anyone. Like I said, it's still early in the season but UGA looks like they have a decent shot at running the table before they likely meet 'Bama in the SEC Championship, which will have huge Playoff implications.

4 Penn State Nittany Lions 6-0 (3-0 Big Ten)
Penn State continues to roll through the early portion of their schedule without any issues, as they ran past Northwestern 31-7 this weekend. As usual, the Nittany Lions' offense was the difference, as dynamic QB Trace McSorley was wonderful through the air, and running back Saquon Barkley continues to strengthen his Heisman campaign. However, things get very difficult for Penn State over the next couple weeks. After a bye this next week, the Nittany Lions go on a stretch where they meet Michigan, Ohio State and Michigan State, with OSU and MSU both on the road. That will really give us an indication of whether this team is truly the Big Ten's best team, or just a pretender.

Next Four Out

5 TCU Horned Frogs 5-0 (2-0 Big 12)
With Oklahoma choking at home against Iowa State this past weekend, TCU takes over as the clear-cut Big 12 favorite. The Horned Frogs bring a solid resume to the table, as they've opened up conference play with consecutive Top 25 victories, over Oklahoma State and West Virginia. The win over WVU wasn't very pretty, but QB Kenny Hill continues to play terrific football and while the defense still is prone to letting up the big play, it is still likely the best in the conference. The schedule lightens up significantly for TCU over the next few weeks, with their next three being Kansas State, Kansas and Iowa State. As long as TCU is able to avoid a trap game, they should be in very good Playoff position by the time they meet the meat of their schedule, in early November.

6 Washington Huskies 6-0 (3-0 Pac-12)
With USC losing, the Pac-12 is likely to fall to either Washington school. The Huskies are a slight favorite at the moment, as they continue to pour it on, albeit against meager competition. Washington hasn't had a close game so far in 2017 but on the flip side, they have the weakest resume of any major Playoff contender. Their most impressive win to this point is still Colorado, but the Buffaloes have lost three straight and their defense was absolutely shredded by Arizona this past Saturday. That weak resume hurts UW right now, but they still have more than enough time to make up for it. Wins against Stanford and Washington State should be enough to convince the Committee this team deserves a second straight Playoff bid.

7 Wisconsin Badgers 5-0 (2-0 Big Ten)
After a pretty slow start, Wisconsin poured it on to beat Nebraska handily this week, improving the Badgers to 5-0. The win doesn't exactly boost Wisconsin's resume considering how much Nebraska has struggled this year, but it gave the Badgers important momentum as they enter the bulk of conference play. The really good news for Wisconsin is that their remaining regular season slate is very easy. Their toughest remaining opponent is Michigan, who has struggled with serious offensive issues all season long. Beyond that, Wisconsin has enough defensively to be able to roll past the rest of their conference slate and likely clinch another Big Ten West title.

8 Washington State Cougars 6-0 (3-0 Pac-12)
He may be incredibly unorthodox, but there is no denying Mike Leach has done a special coaching job in Pullman. The Cougars, once a Pac-12 cellar dweller, have developed into quite the threat in the Pac-12 and now look like a legit Playoff threat six weeks into 2017. Quarterback Luke Falk has led Leach's Air Raid system wonderfully, but what has been even more impressive has been Washington State's defense. Once among the conference's worst, it has played with terrific energy and confidence so far this season and absolutely shut down Oregon on Saturday. The Cougars' schedule is interesting going forward; it is relatively easy before a three-game stretch to end the year that is certainly precarious: against Stanford, Utah and on the road against Washington.

Others in the Mix
Miami Hurricanes
Auburn Tigers
Ohio State Buckeyes
USC Trojans
Oklahoma Sooners
Oklahoma State Cowboys
South Florida Bulls
Notre Dame Fighting Irish
Michigan State Spartans
Michigan Wolverines
NC State Wolfpack
UCF Knights
Virginia Tech Hokies

College Football Picks 2017: Week Six

Christian Kirk, Texas A&M

College Football Picks 2017: Week Six
Current Record: 27-13

(4-0) 8 TCU Horned Frogs vs. (3-1) 23 West Virginia Mountaineers
@Amon G. Carter Stadium (Fort Worth), 2:30 PM Saturday on FS1

While Oklahoma has jumped out to an impressive start so far in 2017, the Big 12 title race is still far from over. After a superb win over Oklahoma State two weeks ago, TCU looks like they are now a serious Playoff threat, but they face a team that is playing very well right now, West Virginia. The Mountaineers recovered from a season-opening loss to Virginia Tech to win their next three, led by Florida transfer Will Grier at quarterback. Grier has quietly put together a Heisman-level season, with 13 touchdowns to just three interceptions early on, and the West Virginia offense overall has looked efficient and methodical. However, TCU may bring the conference's best defense, as head coach Gary Patterson has long been known as an innovative defensive mind. Versatile defender Travin Howard (the team's leading tackler, with 26) and D-Linemen Ben Banogu and Mat Boesen will be tasked with getting pressure on Grier, well also containing a very underrated WVU rushing attack. It should be very interesting to see how Dana Holgorsen chooses to attack a TCU defense that has talent and experience at all three levels. On the other side of the ball, the Horned Frogs are led by QB Kenny Hill and a quality ground game. Hill had an up-and-down 2016 in his first season since transferring from Texas A&M, but he has taken big steps forward this year, with 965 yards and nine touchdowns early on, but more importantly, just three picks (he led the conference last year). Sophomore running back Darius Anderson has picked up the TCU's rushing attack after veteran Kyle Hicks dealt with injuries. Anderson's speed and explosiveness gives the Horned Frogs' another dynamic weapon to work with, along with home run threat KaVontae Turpin, who has had a great start to 2017 after missing most of last season. The Mountaineers have taken big steps defensively over the past few years, and the unit is very turnover-hungry. Unfortunately, the defense is full of injuries, as safety Kyzir White and cornerback Mike Daniels are just two of a number of Mountaineers questionable for this weekend. The hope for TCU is that Hill's huge arm can exploit some of the weaknesses in the back and really open up the game. It should be an interesting battle in Fort Worth between these Top 25 opponents, and very competitive. I wouldn't be surprised to see the Mountaineers come out and pull an upset, but the Horned Frogs look like one of the nation's most complete teams, although it's still early. If Hill can stay under control and the defense can play the way they did against Oklahoma State, TCU should stay undefeated.

The Pick: TCU, 34 West Virginia, 24

(5-0) 1 Alabama Crimson Tide vs. (4-1) Texas A&M Aggies
@ Kyle Field (College Station), 6:15 PM Saturday on ESPN

If not for the team's epic choke-job at the hands of UCLA in their opener, Texas A&M would enter this game undefeated with a decent chance at an SEC West title. Even so, the Aggies are 4-1 and seem to have found their rhythm behind the play of young quarterback Kellen Mond and a big-play offense. Mond, a true freshman, has displayed impressive accuracy and the ability to run the ball very well, but there is no denying that Alabama is the best defense he has seen in his collegiate career. He will have to deal with a swarming front seven, and an opportunistic secondary that includes turnover-machine Minkah Fitzpatrick, shutdown corner Anthony Averett and underrated Levi Wallace. Mond will be supported by superstar wide out Christian Kirk, who is also a special teams demon, but it should still be quite the challenge for the youthful signal-caller. On defense, Texas A&M will have to deal with one of the nation's most efficient and balanced units. The Tide continue to improve through the air with the play of sophomore QB Jalen Hurts and receivers Calvin Ridley and Jerry Jeudy, but their main source of offense is still on the ground. There, they feature probably the nation's premier backfield, which includes Bo Scarbrough, Damien Harris, Joshua Jacobs and newcomer Najee Harris. That foursome, plus the running ability of Hurts, is almost sure to give the Aggies' defense, certainly not known for their rush defense abilities, plenty of issues. It will be interesting to see how aggressive A&M D-coordinator John Chavis is going up against the Crimson Tide, considering how much his units have struggled against them in the past. Will he bring the heat (which must go up against Alabama's top-botch offensive line) or play more conservative? Whatever he chooses to do, he'll have to deal with a Tide unit that has been absolutely unstoppable over the past few weeks and is playing with ultra confidence. The good news for Texas A&M is that they will be playing at Kyle Field, which is obviously one of the toughest places in the entire nation to walk into and come away with a win. Hurts has shown impressive poise and composure even in hostile environments, but it's not unreasonable to think he could be slightly overwhelmed by what College Station has to offer. However, even if the crowd can keep the Aggies in the game, it will take somewhat of a miracle for a team this young to overtake an Alabama team playing insanely good football right now. I don't think this will be a blowout, but the Tide should be able to roll to a 6-0 start.

The Pick: Alabama, 38 Texas A&M, 21

(4-0) 7 Michigan Wolverines vs. (3-1) Michigan State Spartans
@Michigan Stadium (Ann Arbor), 6:30 PM Saturday on ABC

So far, it has been an interesting year in the Big Ten East. Penn State looks very good but has yet to beat a signature opponent, Ohio State lost to Oklahoma but is still extremely talented, Michigan beat Florida but still has their issues, and Michigan State has looked solid but their offense is still figuring things out. This week should help figure some things out, as the Michigan rivals square off in Ann Arbor. The Wolverines' offense has had a tough 2017, and to make matters worse, they will be without starting quarterback Wilton Speight, who will be out for a couple weeks. Former Houston transfer John O'Korn has seen action last year and early this season, and he should take over the offense. Expect Michigan to keep it on the ground heavily, as they've done often early on. Sophomore Chris Evans, Ty Isaac and Karan Higdon should lead the charge, but must go up against a very solid MSU rush defense. In the passing game, the Wolverines will hope O'Korn can simply not turn the ball over and possibly hit wide out Grant Perry or tight end Sean McKeon for a big gain. For the Spartans, they are hoping their offense can hit its stride after an inconsistent start to the year. Sophomore QB Brian Lewerke has quietly had a pretty good year, leading the team in passing and rushing. He isn't going to be a player that can single-handily win football games, but he has proven that he can make plays. He will be helped by running back L.J. Scott and underrated receiver Felton Davis (21 receptions, 256 yards). Unfortunately for Michigan State, they'll have to deal with perhaps one of the nation's top defenses. The Wolverines have astounding speed and depth throughout the D, and coordinator Don Brown is great at dialing up exotic blitzes and getting after opponents. Michigan also has the advantage of going up against an unproven MSU offensive line, with a defensive line that includes studs Rashan Gary, Chase Winovich and Mo Hurst. Another name to watch is aggressive outside linebacker Devin Bush, one of the nation's best pass rushers off the edge. This rivalry doesn't quite have the bad blood of the Michigan-Ohio State game, but that doesn't mean there isn't plenty of motivation for both these squads. UM still is a Playoff threat and as long as their defense continues to play well, they'll be tough to beat. On the other side, the Spartans are trying to climb back into Big Ten relevancy after their dreadful 2016. I am tempted to pick an upset here because the conditions are there: a hard-fought rivalry game with Michigan's starting QB out, but going on the road and doing that is just too much to ask for of a still very-unproven MSU team.

The Pick: Michigan, 24 Michigan State, 20

Other Picks
(#2) Clemson, 35 Wake Forest, 20
(#12) Auburn, 44 Ole Miss, 27
(#21) Florida, 23 LSU, 14
(#11) Washington State, 37 Oregon, 33
Stanford, 30 (#20) Utah, 24