College Football Picks 2021: Week Fourteen (Championship Week)

Stetson Bennett, Georgia

Current Picks Record: 77-40

Upset: 6-7

Superdogs: 7-6

SEC Championship: (#1) Georgia Bulldogs vs. (#3) Alabama Crimson Tide

Georgia has put together one of the best seasons in program history and are one victory away from their first SEC Title since 2017. The only thing that stands in their way? The program that has had their number over the course of the last decade-and-a-half, the Alabama Crimson Tide. The Bulldogs enter the game as a touchdown favorite, but can they finally get the monkey off their back and beat Nick Saban?

While their defense may get the attention (and for good reason), Georgia's offense has been no slouch. They're averaging nearly 41 points per game and have an abundance of weapons that can hurt you. The rushing attack is the obvious strength, as the Bulldogs can lean on four different options in Zamir White, James Cook, Kendall Milton, and Kenny McIntosh. Milton hasn't played since mid-October, but is listed as questionable for this game and has returned to practice, which could add another element to this Georgia offense. In fact, this entire UGA offense has been beat up all season long. Quarterback J.T. Daniels began the year as the starter, but has essentially ceded the job to former walk-on Stetson Bennett, who has been a tremendous story. Bennett could've easily transferred over the off-season but instead stuck around in Athens and has put together a 1,985-yard, 21 touchdown season. It helps that the Bulldogs have one of the deepest wide receiver corps in the country and a loaded offensive line helping him out. Tight end Brock Bowers has emerged as the most consistent weapon in the passing game, but there are so many more that can make plays. Ladd McConkey, Jermaine Burton, Adonai Mitchell, and a healthy Kearis Jackson give the Alabama secondary plenty of reason to worry. Jackson is yet another Bulldog that has dealt with injury problems this fall, but he's currently listed as probable for this weekend. Another name to watch is tight end Darnell Washington, who has taken a backseat to Bowers in 2021 but is a true matchup nightmare. He's 6'7", 265 pounds who moves incredibly quick for his size; even against the talented 'Bama linebacker corps, he's going to be a problem. In general, I am curious to see how UGA chooses to attack this Tide defense. This is clearly a run-first offense, but the receiver corps is one of the healthiest it's been the entire season and the Alabama pass defense has been shredded consistently all year long. They shouldn't be afraid to air it out, even if it isn't necessarily the program's style.

Compared to the Georgia offense, Alabama offers significantly less playmakers, but they've still been awfully effective. A lot of that can be credited to quarterback Bryce Young, who is hoping one more dominant performance will secure him the Heisman. Young has been brilliant all season and seems to be playing with even more confidence down the stretch. However, it has not been clear all season who else will show up for the Tide offense, behind Biletnikoff frontrunner Jameson Williams at wide out. Tailback Brian Robinson Jr. and receiver John Metchie have provided steady playmaking alongside Young and Williams, but you feel like Alabama will need more than just that quartet to score enough points against this historical Georgia defense. There's been the occasional flash from supporting pieces like Slade Bolden, JoJo Earle, and Trey Sanders, but 'Bama simply doesn't have the deep plethora of weapons they had on the 2019 and 2020 rosters. Overall, you have to wonder if the Alabama offense has the explosiveness to put up enough points against a Bulldog defense that is one of the best we've seen all-time. Georgia is loaded at every single level and has the type of depth that you only see at truly elite programs. They'll be just fine if Alabama wants to slow the game down, because this defense is going to make you work for every single yard. The greatest concern for Alabama, however, is whether the offensive line will be able to hold up. Simply put, this has been one of, if not the, worst offensive lines a Nick Saban-coached team has ever had. Do they have any chance against this relentless, particularly the interior of the group, which has to deal with Jordan Davis and company?

Although Alabama enters this game 11-1, it's not hyperbolic to say this is the weakest Tide team we've seen in a long time. With that being said, Saban teams always seem to put it together at the right time and they've owned this series for some time now. They're going to find a way to push the Bulldogs, but I think this UGA program has turned a corner. They're ready to not just compete, but beat, the truly elite programs of the college football landscape. It seems only fitting they continue their National Championship run by finally getting over the top against Saban and the Tide.

The Pick: Georgia, 31 Alabama, 24

Big 12 Championship: (#9) Baylor Bears vs. (#5) Oklahoma State Cowboys

For the first time in over a half-decade, we will have a new conference champion in the Big 12. Since 2015, Oklahoma has ruled the league with an iron fist, but now their in-state rival Oklahoma State and Baylor will square off, with a shot at the CFB Playoff still on the line. Not only will the two programs usher in a new era in Big 12 football, they play a completely different brand of football than the league is known for; there will be a whole bunch of defense and ball control, in contradiction of the wide-open, up-tempo offense the Big 12 was once synonymous with. 

Oklahoma State has put together a magical season, with an 11-1 record and a statement victory against OU. Impressively, they've done so with an offense that has been one-dimensional most of the season, leaning heavily on tailback Jaylen Warren all year. Warren has been held in check the last several weeks, meaning the Cowboys have had to open things up more. To Spencer Sanders' credit, he's playing some of the best football of his entire career in Stillwater over the last several weeks. Although his two turnovers threatened to turn the game against the Sooners, he's been extremely efficient down the stretch. Can he continue his hot play against possibly the best secondary he's seen all season? Sanders will need help from the Cowboy receiver corps, which has been injured most of the season but appears to be getting healthy at the right time. Senior Tay Martin is the playmaker Baylor has to be worried about the most, but he'll likely get matched up against Jim Thorpe Award finalist Jalen Pitre, who plays all over the field. Instead, expect names like Blaine Green and John Paul Richardson to continue to see their roles expand. The key will be Sanders' decision-making; at times, he's clearly felt forced to make plays. If this game remains close deep into the second half, he still has to show that he's able to play within himself and not take unnecessary shots against the ball-hawking Bears.

Baylor has also relied heavily on their ground game all year long, putting together one of the most effective rushing attacks in the nation. The leading rusher is Abram Smith, who is known as more of a power guy but is averaging over six yards per carry and has proven he can break games open. Trestan Ebner has proven to be an effective mate in the backfield with Smith, while QB Gerry Bohannon's ability to run adds another element to the offense. It will be interesting to see whether Bohannon is good to go for this game, as he did not play last week against Texas Tech. Freshman Blake Shapen took over in his place and threw for 254 yards, but the Cowboy defense is a significant step-up from the Red Raiders. Considering how stout Oklahoma State has been against the run all season long, thanks to a talented and deep D-Line and one of the game's best linebackers in Malcolm Rodriguez, you do figure Baylor is going to have to manufacture something through the air. Tyquan Thornton and R.J. Sneed have been an effective 1-2 punch all year long, but can they keep it going in the biggest game of the season? It would be nice if other supporting pieces could step into the limelight, such as tight end Ben Sims or senior receiver Drew Estrada, but the Cowboys might not be the team for that to happen against.

I don't envision this game being the most high-scoring or fun game of the weekend, but I actually think it may end up being one of the most interesting. Oklahoma State is looking to secure their first CFB Playoff berth in program history and become just the second Big 12 to do so, while Baylor has a good shot at a New Year's Six Bowl one year after going 2-7. Additionally, both of these teams have strengths that match up really well against each other; Oklahoma State's passing offense against the Bear secondary, Baylor's ground attack against the Cowboy defensive front. Oklahoma State won the last meeting 24-14 and I think they're the smarter pick with the way they've been playing, but it will be a tight one.

The Pick: Oklahoma State, 23 Baylor, 20

Big Ten Championship: (#2) Michigan Wolverines vs. (#13) Iowa Hawkeyes

Jim Harbaugh and Michigan finally did it. For the first time in a decade, they managed to topple Ohio State, putting them in a great position to secure their first-ever Playoff appearance. However, they must get past Iowa in Lucas Oil Stadium to do so. The Hawkeyes might not be the toughest Big Ten West representative to ever make it to Indianapolis, but they're a physical team that matches up well with the Wolverines. They'd love nothing more than to spoil UM's chances at making the four-team field.

Michigan showed last week that even though their offense is not among the most explosive in the country, they can still produce against defenses full of future NFL talent. Quarterback Cade McNamara didn't put together jaw-dropping numbers, but was good enough to get the Wolverines where they need to be. McNamara needs to do much the same in this one; he doesn't need to throw for 300 yards, but needs to take care of the ball and make the right reads on third downs. Iowa's ball-hawking secondary has slowed down quite a bit following their history-defining start to the season, but Riley Moss and Matt Hankins will still be hungry for turnovers. Hassan Haskins is coming off the game of his life, rushing for 169 yards and a gaudy five touchdowns against Ohio State. The Hawkeye defensive front isn't as athletic as Ohio State's, but still attacks downhill in much the same way. Haskins' powerful rushing ability should still put him in great position to move the ball, while a healthier Blake Corum provides the lightning to his thunder. I am interested to see how the Michigan offensive line performs in this game. They had a tremendous performance against the Buckeyes, but OSU doesn't quite have the same pass rushers they've had in past years. Iowa isn't dotted with four and five-stars along the D-Line like the Buckeyes, but they'll still find a way to get after you.

It's actually miraculous Iowa managed to win ten games and the Big Ten West Title with an offense that is among the most inept in Power Five football. They rank low in just about every offensive category you could think of, including passing yardage, rushing, total yardage, and of course, points per game. Running back Ty Goodson has been their main source of offense all season long, but is averaging a mediocre 4.6 yards per carry. Iowa has worked two other tailbacks, Ivory Kelly-Martin and Gavin Williams, into their offense more in the season's second half, but the ground game is not explosive. As for the passing game, it's unclear who will even start at quarterback. Spencer Petras started all 2020 and most of this fall, but Alex Padilla started against Nebraska and has played more down the stretch. The fact that neither has been able to grab control of the offense should tell you everything you need to know about how effective they've been in 2021. The thing is, the Hawkeyes actually have a nice collection of pass-catchers, beginning with tight end Sam LaPorta. Nico Ragaini, Tyrone Tracy, and Charlie Jones can all open up the game on the perimeter, especially the ultra-versatile Jones, but it's just a matter of getting them the football. As for the offensive line, the typical strength of the Iowa program has been stout once again, but faces easily their toughest test of the fall. Aidan Hutchinson has been arguably the best player in college football over the past month, but he shouldn't overshadow fellow future NFL Draftee David Ojabo. In fact, Hutchinson shouldn't overshadow this entire Michigan defense, which has seen a major turnaround after a down 2020. This is a defense that not only executes much better than past Wolverine units, but plays with significantly more energy and fight.

This is the type of game that should perfectly fit the Big Ten's brand. Two teams that rely on their run and play tough, physical defense will likely result in a field position battle, at least early. With that being said, I feel much more confident about what this Michigan offense can do, particularly with McNamara coming off such a strong showing. They won't need to play perfect, but as long as they can score three touchdowns against the Hawkeyes, that should probably be enough for this defense.

The Pick: Michigan, 24 Iowa, 10

Other Picks

Pac-12 Championship: (#10) Oregon, 27 (#17) Utah, 21 -- The Utes might have blown out Oregon just a few weeks ago, but this Ducks team will be ready with a response. They are way too talented to lose multiple games to the Utes in 2021. 

ACC Championship: (#15) Pittsburgh, 41 (#16) Wake Forest, 31 -- Could be a fun little shootout between two of the best offenses in the league. Pittsburgh's slight edge at both QB and defensively gives them the nod in this one.

AAC Championship: (#4) Cincinnati, 31 (#21) Houston, 24 -- I don't see Cincinnati tripping on the goal-line of an undefeated season here. They'll get a test from Houston, but the Bearcat defense is too much for the Cougars.

Sun Belt Championship: (#24) Louisiana-Lafayette, 35 Appalachian State, 30 -- On a neutral site, this game is a true coin flip. But, considering the game will be played at Cajun Field, I like the Ragin' Cajuns to win the conference.

Mountain West Championship: Utah State, 28 (#19) San Diego State, 27 -- Brady Hoke and the Aztecs have had a marvelous 11-1 season, but Utah State's explosive passing offense helps them pull off the upset.

C-USA Championship: UTSA, 37 Western Kentucky, 34 -- UTSA won't complete a perfect season, but they should still have enough left in the tank to overcome Bailey Zappe and the Hilltoppers.

College Football Picks 2021: Week Thirteen (Rivalry Week)

Blake Corum, Michigan

Current Picks Record: 73-35

Upset: 6-6

Superdogs: 7-5

(#2) Ohio State Buckeyes @ (#5) Michigan Wolverines

Although there is plenty of football on Thursday and Friday this week, "Rivalry Week" really gets rolling with this year's iteration of "The Game". There are plenty of reasons to tune in; not only is the rivalry one of the greatest in sports, but the Big Ten East and a possible Playoff berth are on the line in Ann Arbor. Is this the year Michigan finally gets back on top and beats Ohio State for the first time since 2011?

The Ohio State offense is playing at a terrifying level right now, fresh off two consecutive weeks of dropping 50-plus points. They made it look easy against Michigan State last weekend, with QB C.J. Stroud likely asserting himself as the Heisman favorite with a dominant 432-yard, six touchdown performance. It helps that Stroud has the best collection of receivers in the country and perhaps one of the best we've seen in recent college football memory. The trio of Chris Olave, Garrett Wilson, and Jaxon Smith-Njigba is a load to handle for any secondary, but even guys further down the Buckeye depth chart have proven they can make plays, such as Julian Fleming and Marvin Harrison Jr. The explosive OSU aerial attack is not only a pain to stop, but it does a great job opening up the ground game for TreVeyon Henderson and Miyan Williams, who are operating behind a strong offensive line. As I mentioned last week, you add in one of the game's best play-callers and offensive minds in Ryan Day, and you have the nation's best offense that can legitimately go toe-to-toe with the fearsome units boasted by 2020 Alabama and 2019 LSU. With all that being said, this Michigan defense may be the best defense they've seen all season, with Oregon coming in as a close second. New DC Mike MacDonald deserves a bunch of credit for turning around this group, which plays with an aggressiveness and confidence they didn't have during the shortened 2020 campaign. Not only do they have a fearsome pass rush, led by future high NFL Draft selection Aidan Hutchinson, but Michigan's pass defense has been vastly improved. I'm not sure if they can completely shut down the Buckeyes in this one, but they have the best shot of anyone on OSU's schedule.

Offensively, Michigan clearly plays a different brand of football than Ohio State. This remains a power-run, physical offense that will occasionally take a shot or two to keep defenses honest. Hassan Haskins and Blake Corum have been an overpowering 1-2 punch all season, with Haskins providing the thunder and Corum the lightning. Corum has been beat up as of late, missing the last several weeks and is listed as questionable. The Wolverines absolutely need him to play in this game, even if he's not 100 percent, as he's one of the few consistent big-play threats on the roster. The passing game is what it is; it's never going to throw for 400 yards per game, but QB Cade McNamara has been steady and has taken care of the football all year. Junior Cornelius Johnson has stepped up and emerged as the team's most consistent weapon on the perimeter, as has tight end Erick All and veteran Mike Sanristil. However, it's the young playmakers that might be the most critical for the Wolverines here. Freshman Andrel Anthony and sophomore Roman Wilson have been two of their most explosive weapons all season and may be the type of players necessary to open up this offense. Anthony had a huge game in the tight loss to Michigan State and has superstar potential. However, most critical for Michigan is their offensive line, which absolutely has to hold up if they want to survive this one. Ohio State dominated at the point of attack all last Saturday against MSU; Michigan's O-Line has been a strength all season, but can they handle all the athletes the Buckeyes can throw at you? They need to not only keep McNamara upright, but open up new lanes for Haskins, Corum, and youngster Donovan Edwards.

Michigan has been a superb story in 2021, as they've responded to last season's disappointment with a nearly perfect season up to this point. At some point, they're going to turn the tide in this rivalry, even if it's just for one season. This is not going to be the year, as Ohio State is just playing too well and has too many weapons to slip up. A close game is a possibility in Ann Arbor, but the Buckeyes come out on top once again.

The Pick: Ohio State, 34 Michigan, 24

(#10) Oklahoma Sooners @ (#7) Oklahoma State Cowboys

"Bedlam" has earned a reputation as one of the craziest rivalries in the entire sport, but rarely has the series had this important of implications. Both Oklahoma and Oklahoma State sit on the outside of the CFB Playoff field right now, but if one were to sweep the series, they could sneak their way into the four-team field. With so much on the line and two teams with different strengths, it should be a thriller in Stillwater.

Oklahoma has been shaky all season long, but they still enter this game 10-1 with a legitimate shot at another Playoff berth. The switch at quarterback to Caleb Williams has dominated the headlines, but the key for the Sooners will be getting more production elsewhere. Williams has had his ups-and-downs, as you would expect from a freshman QB, but so too have Oklahoma's other top skill position talent. Tailback Kennedy Brooks has had moments where he looks like an All-American, but has had a quiet few weeks before a nice day against Iowa State. Marvin Mims is always a threat to go yard, but he's had just three catches for 39 yards in their last two games. Supporting players such as Eric Gray, Mario Williams, Jeremiah Hall, and more have had their flashes in 2021, but simply have not put it together for consecutive weeks. The offensive line has been playing better, which will be crucial against the Cowboys, but the offense has to develop some consistency. They face an Oklahoma State defense that is disciplined, physical up front, and great at tackling in space. This is one of the best defenses Oklahoma has seen during the Lincoln Riley era; I'm not sure how confident I am this is the week they put it all together.

As streaky as Oklahoma's offense has been in 2021, Oklahoma State's has arguably been even more inconsistent and uneven. To be fair, the Cowboys have dealt with a rash of injuries at both quarterback and receiver, but the long-time strength of Mike Gundy-coached teams just has not been there. The Cowboys average roughly 31 points per game and while they have a decent ground game, the aerial attack has been pedestrian all season. This may just be the game QB Spencer Sanders needs to finally put it all together, as he faces an Oklahoma secondary that is beat up and has been decimated all season long. Sanders has always had a big arm, but his decision-making has been suspect at times. If he can take some deep shots but still not give Williams and the Sooners extra chances, OSU will be in good shape. It helps that Cowboy back Jaylen Warren has been a revelation all year. The workhorse has essentially been Oklahoma State's entire offense at times this fall, but needs to get back on track after a quiet game against Texas Tech last weekend.

This rivalry series over the last two decades has become synonymous with high-scoring, up-tempo affairs. Don't expect to be the case in 2021; both offenses are much more methodical and conservative than past groups they've had and both defenses are some of the best each program has had in awhile. There will some shots down the field and a few big plays, but the X-factor may be who controls the line of scrimmage. I think Oklahoma is the more talented team top-to-bottom, but that talent hasn't shown up this year. I think the best bet is that these two evenly matched foes split the series, with one winning here and the other taking home the Big 12 Title. Considering the game is at Boone Pickens, the Cowboys seem like the smart bet for this initial meeting.

The Pick: Oklahoma State, 28 Oklahoma, 25

(#3) Alabama Crimson Tide @ Auburn Tigers

"Rivalry week" is full of intense hatred between opposing programs, but they don't come a lot more heated than the Iron Bowl. This game means more to the state of Alabama than just about anything else and despite the Crimson Tide's dominance over the last decade, it's been fairly evenly matched. The Tide once again enter as the favorite, but don't be surprised if the Tigers give them another tough one in Bryan Harsin's debut in the series.

Alabama's offense continues to operate as it has all season long, with a core group of players leading the charge. QB Bryce Young remains in serious Heisman consideration after going for 559 yards and five touchdowns against Arkansas last Saturday. Nobody has ever questioned Young's arm talent, but his growth as a complete quarterback has made him lethal. He's making better decisions with the ball and playing with significantly more poise than previously. Along with Young, the core of back Brian Robinson Jr. and wide outs Jameson Williams and John Metchie remain the only consistent sources of offense. Tight end Cameron Latu has also proven to be an effective piece to the puzzle, particularly as of late. They face an Auburn defense that isn't elite, but is solid across the board. The Tigers aren't as physical up front as past teams, but are really strong in the back seven and tackle well. They're unlikely to get killed by the big play the way that past Auburn teams occasionally have in this series. A point I raised last week that will be worth a watch is Alabama's lack of depth. This not an Alabama team that can boast four and five-stars off the bench in much the same way they have in past years. You have to wonder if that begins to be a factor late in the year against a rival, especially after a hard-fought meeting with a tough Arkansas team last weekend.

Auburn jumped out to an impressive 6-2 start with Harsin at the helm but the offense has ground to a halt over the last three weeks without starting QB Bo Nix. His replacement, former LSU transfer T.J. Finley, hasn't been terrible but can't create with his legs quite the way that Nix can, or doesn't have the chemistry with the Tiger receivers. Auburn has been forced to lean particularly heavy on their ground game in recent weeks, especially with talented tailback Tank Bigsby. Bigsby has done his best, but the one-dimensionality of the offense is a real problem. The Tigers desperately need new faces to emerge on the perimeter and strike some fear into the Tide defense, whether it be Shedrick Jackson, Demetris Robertson, Kobe Hudson, or somebody else. Hudson has been one of their most consistent weapons all season but is listed as questionable in this game. If he isn't able to go, the Auburn aerial attack becomes even more of a concern. It's an interesting matchup with the Alabama defense, which simply has not lived up to expectations this year. While the front seven, particularly the linebacker corps, is full of talent and has All-SEC pieces in Henry To'o To'o and Will Anderson, the secondary has not been very good. They allowed over 300 passing yards to K.J. Jefferson and the pedestrian Arkansas passing attack, which doesn't bode well for potential future matchups in the SEC Championship or CFB Playoff. 

A fully healthy Auburn team would be a stiff challenge for this Alabama squad, especially at home. But with Nix out and the receiver corps a little thin, I'm not sure they have the offense to compete with the Tide over four quarters. However, it is the Iron Bowl and the intensity of this game should create sixty minutes of compelling football.

The Pick: Alabama, 30 Auburn, 21

Other Picks

(#14) Wisconsin, 21 Minnesota, 17 --  P.J. Fleck has beaten Wisconsin just once during his tenure in Minneapolis. This Badger team is definitely beatable, but the Gophers just don't have the offense to get over the top.

(#23) Clemson, 38 South Carolina, 24 -- This Clemson-South Carolina game could be one of the most competitive in recent series history. Clemson still finds a way to come out on top, as their ground game leads the way offensively once again.

(#15) Texas A&M, 27 LSU, 21 -- The Aggie offense has been struggling as of late, but their stingy defense helps them finish off an LSU sleepwalking towards the conclusion of their season.

(#11) Oregon, 34 Oregon State, 30 -- The Ducks are looking to not only get back on track after last week's debacle, but get vengeance against Oregon State after losing in 2020. The Beavers will be a tough out, but Oregon's superior depth gives them the advantage.

Upset: Penn State, 28 (#12) Michigan State, 27 -- Michigan State is a better team than what we saw last weekend, but Penn State is better than their 7-4 record may indicate. Sean Clifford and Jahan Dotson pick apart the nation's worst pass defense.

Superdog (covers > 21 spread): Duke +21.5 vs. Miami -- Neither of these teams have a ton to play for at this point in the season. This may be the final game for David Cutcliffe at Duke, and the emotions surrounding that likely departure could galvanize the Blue Devils.

College Football Picks 2021: Week Twelve

C.J. Stroud, Ohio State

Current Picks Record: 66-33

Upset: 6-5

Superdogs: 7-4

(#7) Michigan State Spartans @ (#4) Ohio State Buckeyes

Michigan State has been one of the best stories in college football this season, making the jump to 9-1 on the season and in serious CFB Playoff contention. Now comes their toughest test of the entire fall, as they travel to Columbus to square off against the fourth-ranked Ohio State Buckeyes. The Buckeyes have been unstoppable since an early-season loss to Oregon and are fresh off a four-touchdown domination of 19th-ranked Purdue.

Few offenses in college football can match Ohio State's talent and their balance makes them especially tough to contain. Quarterback C.J. Stroud leads one of the nation's best aerial attacks and is helped out by a host of characters on the perimeter, chief among them Chris Olave, Garrett Wilson, and Jaxon Smith-Njigba. Stroud has proven himself to be more than just a capable QB or game manager; his play over the last two months has pushed him to the forefront of the Heisman conversation. On the ground, freshman TreVeyon Henderson has exceeded the lofty expectations placed on him preseason, as he has already eclipsed 1,000 yards and is looking for more. He's joined by big-play threat Miyan Williams in the backfield, who averages 7.5 yards per carry. The vast amount of playmakers Ohio State can throw at you is overwhelming, and made even more dangerous by having one of the nation's best offensive minds, Ryan Day, calling plays. Michigan State's defense has been decent this season, but they're one of the worst in the country in pass defense. They're not necessarily a very aggressive defense, but they still get pressure on the opposing quarterback and play downhill. Do they have the defensive backfield they need to slow down this receiver group? Oregon managed to do just enough to survive, but no team has done it since. With the way the Buckeyes are rolling, I'm not sure the MSU defense will be able to slow it down for an entire four quarters.

Considering what Ohio State can do offensively, the Spartans are going to have to counter. They have the pieces to put up points, as this big-play offense has shown considerable growth from Year One to Year Two under Mel Tucker. The star of the offense is undoubtedly Kenneth Walker III, who is hopeful that a huge day against the Buckeyes will be just what he needs to take home the Heisman. He's been dominant just about every game this season, crossing the 100-yard threshold seven times and hitting 200 nearly three times. The Buckeyes do have a strong defensive line, but the linebacker corps is fairly susceptible, which could give Walker the opportunity he needs to make a huge impact. The passing game is inconsistent but effective, as Payton Thorne has been a major improvement at the quarterback position. On the outside, the trio of Jayden Reed, Jalen Nailor, and Tre Mosley will test the Buckeye secondary, as will matchup nightmare Connor Heyward underneath. This is an aerial attack that absolutely relies on the big play, as both Reed and Nailor average nearly 19 yards per catch. However, Ohio State has done a good job stopping the home run balls this season, a notable improvement over the 2020 edition. 

Ohio State and Michigan State enter the weekend both 9-1, but those records don't tell the whole story. MSU has been a tremendous story, but their ability to win tight games and rely so heavily on huge plays doesn't seem sustainable. On the other hand, OSU is decimating their competition right now and looks like the best National Title bet not named Georgia. The Spartans still have the weapons to keep things interesting, but you'd be a fool to bet against OSU in Columbus right now.

The Pick: Ohio State, 38 Michigan State, 24

(#3) Oregon Ducks @ (#23) Utah Utes

Ranked third nationally and with an impressive victory over Ohio State still to their credit, Oregon has a legitimate shot at their second CFB Playoff appearance in program history. However, they get one of their toughest matchups of the entire season as they travel to Salt Lake City to face Utah. The Utes started off the year 1-2 but have now won six of their last seven and present a stiff challenge to the Ducks.

You can never be quite sure what offense you're getting from Oregon week-in, week-out. Quarterback Anthony Brown has been a source of great frustration amongst Oregon fans; he has had some moments this season but overall, the aerial attack has been lacking. Brown did have a strong finish to October, but has struggled in the month of November, which have accelerated questions about whether he really is the best signal-caller to lead the program. At the very least, Oregon needs him not to turn the ball over against a hungry Utah defense and add playmaking with his legs. Obviously, the offense would flow quite a bit better if they could get some big plays through the air, but that just doesn't seem like much of an option given the limitations of the current scheme. Instead, the Ducks will lean heavily on the ground game, where Travis Dye has stepped up in a huge way since the injury to C.J. Verdell. He ran for over 200 yards against Washington several weeks ago and remains their best source of offense. More and more, the Ducks have also featured freshman Byron Cardwell in the offense, their best source of big plays on the season. He's averaging nearly eight yards per rush, which they're hopeful can give them some electricity they need to move the ball against the Utes. Utah is a notoriously well-coached defense that fills gaps extremely well and tackles in space. It's going to be a real tough time for Oregon if they can't find some fresh sources of offense in this one.

Since the slow start to the season, Utah's offense has been among the most efficient in the Pac-12. They've been particularly strong as of late, hitting 38 or more in three straight weeks. Quarterback Cam Rising is not the most accurate QB the Utes have had, but he's effective. He can fit throws into tight windows, doesn't turn the ball over often, and can make things happen with his legs when needed. It's an interesting cast of characters surrounding Rising in this offense. The backfield has three players that can lead the way, but Tavion Thomas has emerged as the team's top weapon. He's not only averaging over six yards per carry but also has 14 touchdowns on the season and is a beast when he gets near the goal line. Unfortunately, he's been beat up over the last several weeks, which may mean more of former Oklahoma transfer T.J. Pledger and veteran Micah Bernard. Thomas is officially listed as doubtful and did not play last weekend in the win over Arizona. The group of pass-catchers doesn't have a signature star but several guys who can make things happen, including tight end Brant Kuithe and ultra-veteran Britain Covey. It will be interesting to see how the Ute offense matches up against the Ducks. Oregon has had a rash of injuries in the back-seven, but they still have one of the premier defenders in college football in Kayvon Thibodeaux. It's an incredibly talented defense that does a lot of creative things, which should be a good test for Rising and the Utes.

I've gone back-and-forth on my pick for this game. Salt Lake City is one of the toughest venues to play anywhere in the West and the Utes are no joke. With that being said, Oregon has proven they can win ugly games and talent-wise, they have a clear advantage. I lean Utah here in the upset (they technically are favored), but the Ducks are good enough to come out on top as well.

The Pick: Utah, 31 Oregon, 28

(#21) Arkansas Razorbacks @ (#2) Alabama Crimson Tide

Even though a three-game losing streak in early October cast a shadow over the season, Arkansas has still been an awesome story in 2021. They've already tied for their most wins in a season since 2016 but are looking to add even more to the resume. They won't get a better shot at doing so than taking down the mighty Alabama Crimson Tide, who are hoping to fight their way to an SEC Championship Game meeting with Georgia equipped with just one loss.

It's all about the run game for the Arkansas offense, as they are Top 10 nationally in rushing yards per game. What's fascinating about their ground attack is that they really don't have a feature guy; while Trelon Smith leads the Razorbacks in yardage, there are as many as three to four other tailbacks who can handle the load. This keeps the Arkansas offense fresh deep into games, which is a massive advantage in the physical SEC West. It also gives them a nice mix of speed and power on the ground, and it helps that QB K.J. Jefferson has proven he can break games open with his legs when needed. Jefferson leaves a lot to be desired as a passer, but he doesn't turn the ball over and has proven to be a to pain to bring down when running. If there is one particular player Alabama has to be concerned about, it's wide out Treylon Burks, who has had a marvelous 2021 campaign. Although he's been held in check the last few weeks, Burks is the type of playmaker that can change the game every time he touches the ball. I'm sure Nick Saban and defensive coordinator Pete Golding will have a game-plan specifically to focus on Burks, while being creative with how they choose to deal with Jefferson. The thing is, this Tide defense has been a major disappointment this year. Sure, there have been injuries, but beyond superstar Will Anderson, Alabama has not produced defensively the way we expected heading into the year. They do match up very well against this Arkansas offense, but the defense has to get rolling if this team wants to repeat as National Champions.

Alabama's offense this season is certainly quite a bit different than the veteran-laden unit that dominated college football in 2020. Obviously, there's no shortage of talent, but this offense is much more methodical and controlled in what they do than last season's group, which decimated anything that stood in their way. Quarterback Bryce Young continues to have a marvelous season in his first full season as starter and remains in the Heisman conversation. He has several trusty playmakers around him, mainly wide outs Jameson Williams and John Metchie, as well as workhorse back Brian Robinson Jr. That trio has led the Tide offense all season and remains a real problem for opposing defenses. With that being said, there are two notable differences between this Alabama offense and past editions; for one, the depth just isn't there. The receiver corps is talented but lacks much proven commodities beyond Williams, Metchie, and the ultra-versatile Slade Bolden. The running back situation is even worse; beyond Robinson, there's the oft-injured Trey Sanders and then two emergency backs, converted linebacker Demouy Kennedy and converted wide out Christian Leary. Usually a position of strength for the Tide is the thinnest it has ever been in the Saban era. Then there's the offensive line woes; this unit is full of future NFL blockers, including potential Top 10 selection Evan Neal, but it just hasn't performed. You get the feeling that Doug Marrone, who was hired as their OL coach after coaching the Jacksonville Jaguars, will probably only spend one season in Tuscaloosa. The lack of depth and the inconsistency on the O-Line is actually worrying, not just long-term but in this matchup. Arkansas has the type of physical defense that wears you down over the course of four quarters and Alabama doesn't have the usual four and five-star phenoms coming off the bench they typically have.

Alabama is still a good bet to finish the regular season with one loss and give Georgia a game in the SEC Championship Game, but this team is clearly beatable. Arkansas matches up nicely against them, and Sam Pittman will have the boys fired up. In a road or neutral setting, I would be very intrigued by the upset potential, but in Tuscaloosa it's a different story. I see 'Bama adding to their win streak against Arkansas, which will extend to 14 after this one.

The Pick: Alabama, 30 Arkansas, 20

Other Picks

(#13) Oklahoma, 34 Iowa State, 27 -- I like Oklahoma's chances to rebound in Norman if they can get their run game figured out. Iowa State's offense just hasn't been good enough and doesn't have the explosiveness needed to sink the Sooners.

Clemson, 35 (#10) Wake Forest, 34 -- This is an absolute coin flip for me. Wake Forest continues to chug along, but Clemson is the far and away more talented team. I think the Clemson defense finds a way to slow down Wake just enough to secure the home win.

(#5) Cincinnati, 31 SMU, 24 -- For much of the season, SMU has looked like the greatest threat to Cincinnati in the American Athletic. However, they've slowed down considerably as of late and the Bearcats get them at home.

(#6) Michigan, 27 Maryland, 17 -- Underrated upset potential here as Michigan travels to College Park, but the Terrapins have no answer for the physical Michigan ground attack.

Upset: Texas Tech, 27 (#9) Oklahoma State, 24 -- Don't be surprised if Oklahoma State is already looking ahead to their huge "Bedlam" tilt with Oklahoma and this is not a bad Texas Tech team. They pull off the stunner in Lubbock.

Superdog (covers > 21 spread): South Alabama +28 @ Tennessee -- South Alabama was my superdog pick last week and came up just short against Appalachian State. I like their chances in Knoxville, but they need to find a way to slow down Hendon Hooker.

College Football Picks 2021: Week Eleven

David Bell, Purdue

Current Picks Record: 60-30

Upset: 6-4

Superdogs: 7-3

(#8) Oklahoma Sooners @ (#13) Baylor Bears

Despite being one of the few remaining undefeated Power Five teams in the country, Oklahoma remains well outside the current CFB Playoff field at No. 8. However, they have three great opportunities to boost their resume as they wrap up their regular season, beginning with Baylor. The Bears have been one of the league's biggest surprises after a strange 2020, but they need to get back on track after losing to TCU last weekend.

The Sooners have looked night-and-day offensively since Caleb Williams took over for Spencer Rattler at quarterback. There's something magical about the way Williams is able to sling the ball over the field in a controlled manner, and his running ability adds another element to the Oklahoma offense. The fact that defenses have to keep him honest have opened up other avenues for the Sooner offense; their ground attack has been more potent in recent weeks and the offensive line has been playing better with a more mobile QB to protect. This has always been an extremely talented offensive group, but Williams has been able to unleash it in different ways. Marvin Mims is one of the best receivers in the nation, Mario Williams is a threat to score every time he touches the ball, and under-appreciated players like H-back Jeremiah Hall and steady veteran Drake Stoops can have their presence felt. What's been particularly impressive about Williams is not just his ability to get everybody in the offense so involved, but how smart he's been with the ball despite being a true freshman. He has an extremely impressive 14-1 TD-INT ratio, while completing nearly 72% of his passes. The thing is, you always wonder how sustainable those types of numbers are. At the end of the day, true freshman quarterbacks are true freshman quarterbacks; even superstars like Williams will have off days. Could the Baylor defense be the one to capitalize? It's an experienced Baylor secondary, but they're coming off a week in which they were absolutely obliterated by Chandler Morris and TCU. Perhaps that was a wakeup call for the entire group, but how quickly can they pull a 180 this weekend?

Baylor is a run-first offense, even though quarterback Gerry Bohanon has impressed me with how well he has played for a first-year starter. Bohanon's solid play is overshadowed by the two-headed monster the Bears have in the backfield in Abram Smith and Trestan Ebner. Smith has already surpassed 1,000 yards on the year and is looking for more, while Ebner is not only a great runner, but has proven in the past he can make plays out of the backfield as a receiver. Add in Bohanon, who is pretty nimble for being 6'3", 220 pounds, and Baylor's rushing attack is enough to keep Alex Grinch and the Oklahoma defense up at night. But, the larger concern for the Sooners is unquestionably their pass defense. With their secondary banged up, Oklahoma has been getting absolutely killed through the air over the past month and if something is going to keep them from finishing the year undefeated, it will be the pass defense. It's not in Baylor's nature to take too many deep shots, but you get a feeling that they have to be aggressive if they want to pull off the upset in this one. Tyquan Thornton and R.J. Sneed are an effective 1-2 punch out wide, and Thornton's deep threat ability is a real concern. If the Bears are able to play ball control and then take and make the occasional home run, you have to be very intrigued about the upset potential.

Going into McLane Stadium in Waco is never easy and it's particularly rowdy when the Bears are playing well. Obviously, Dave Aranda and the Bears would love nothing more than to play spoiler to Oklahoma's undefeated campaign. It's one with serious upset potential, but I'm wary about going with Baylor just one week after their performance against TCU. The Horned Frogs might have played inspired football, but it was shocking to see just how terrible the Bear defense looked. I'm not sure they can figure it out in just one week when they have to face Caleb Williams and this fearsome Sooner attack.

The Pick: Oklahoma, 37 Baylor, 28

(#19) Purdue Boilermakers @ (#4) Ohio State Buckeyes

Purdue has beaten two Top 5 teams en route to a 6-3 start, and they're looking to add another prize to their collection in Ohio State. It's a really concerning matchup for Ohio State, even in "The Shoe" and will be the first time the two programs square off since 2018, when the Boilermakers pounded the Buckeyes by four touchdowns.

After a relatively slow start to the season, Ohio State's offense has been humming over the past month-and-a-half. C.J. Stroud in particular is playing with a lot more confidence running the Buckeye offense and has not shied away from taking the down-the-field shots he seemed hesitant about early in the season. It does help that Ohio State has the nation's best receiver corps top-to-bottom. We entered the year knowing all about Garrett Wilson and Chris Olave, but it is second-year phenom Jaxon Smith-Njigba who is leading OSU in receiving yardage. Smith-Njigba is fresh off a 15-catch, 240 yard showing in the win against Nebraska and will be at the front of every Purdue defender's mind. True freshman TreVeyon Henderson leads the Buckeye ground game, and is on pace so smash countless Ohio State freshmen records. He's been one of the best running backs anywhere in the country the last few weeks, let alone freshmen. It will be an interesting battle between this Ohio State offense and the Purdue defense. Quietly, the Boilermakers' improvement defensively has been one of the better stories of the Big Ten season and is a big reason why they're bowl eligible in mid-November. They've been particularly good against the run, but does the pass defense have the pieces in place to hold up? It's one thing to shut down an Iowa or Michigan State offense, but the athletes Ohio State can throw at you are completely different.

Purdue obviously doesn't trout out the same athletes as Ohio State, but David Bell is one of the best receivers anywhere in the nation and is a serious candidate for the Biletnikoff Award. He's had a couple of games this season where he was so clearly the best player on the field it was tough to keep your eyes off of him. His play, along with continued growth from QB Aidan O'Connell, has evolved the Purdue offense into one of the more explosive in the Big Ten. The Boilermakers are currently averaging over 330 yards of passing per game, which is Top 10 nationally. That's a real concern for a Buckeye secondary that is still awfully talented, but hasn't quite lived up to that potential over the past year-and-a-half. Bell could be in store for a field day, but the X-factors for Purdue lie in tight end Payne Durham and their ground game. Durham hasn't been 100 percent and was barely on the field for the Michigan State upset, but it's hard to explain his value to the offense. He's a dangerous possession receiver underneath, and his work in the blocking game is pivotal to what Purdue wants to do on offense. The Boilermaker run game has lagged behind for years at this point, but they have to bring some balance to the table if they want to hang with the Buckeyes. They don't need 200-plus yards of offense from the ground attack, but they need something to keep OSU honest. 

Despite the fact Purdue is playing great football right now, Ohio State enters this one as a three-touchdown favorite. The fact the game is in Columbus obviously plays into that, but the assumption is that Ohio State is playing too well at this point to avoid this type of slip-up. I'm not entirely sure about that; the Buckeyes have looked very beatable over the last two weekends, albeit against quality foes. Purdue has the tools to give OSU a game, but will need to create turnovers and probably engineer some luck to win. It's too much to ask for me to pick Purdue outright, but I definitely like their chances at covering.

The Pick: Ohio State, 38 Purdue, 24

(#16) NC State Wolfpack @ (#12) Wake Forest Demon Deacons

Although they match up every single year, it's been awhile (perhaps never) that this game between in-state rivals NC State and Wake Forest meant this much. With both teams first and second in the ACC Atlantic, this game essentially operates as a de-facto Atlantic Division Title Game, especially since Wake Forest's loss last weekend didn't count against their conference record. 

Even though the Demon Deacons came up short against North Carolina last Saturday, their offense remains one of the funnest to watch anywhere in college football. It's an aggressive, fast-paced offense with playmakers at every single level and a quality veteran QB, Sam Hartman, leading the way. Hartman is coming off a five-touchdown performance against UNC, but his two interceptions in that game proved to make all the difference in a three-point defeat. Considering he did throw the ball 51 times against the Tar Heels, a pair of turnovers isn't anything to be very disappointed about, but he has to prove he can take care of the ball against a ball-hawking NC State defense. Hartman is joined by a trio of efficient tailbacks in Christian Beal-Smith, Justice Ellison, and Christian Turner and two of the ACC's best wide outs in Jaquarii Roberson and A.T. Perry. Roberson is the possession receiver that will be a pain to stop, but it's Perry that could blow the game wide open; he leads Wake with 10 touchdown receptions on the season, and he's averaging over 20 yards per reception. With so many different weapons, the Demon Deacons can pound you with a physical run attack or a short passing game, but they'll take the necessary shots down-the-field when they want to. As long as they don't turn the ball over, they should be set up nicely against this NC State defense. This is a veteran-laden Wolfpack defense, but one beat up throughout their entire roster. It's tough to imagine them being the ones to slow down Hartman and company enough.

NC State's offense isn't quite as explosive as Wake Forest, instead leaning on a more balanced approach that uses QB Devin Leary's strengths. Leary has been a great story after missing most of 2020 with a leg injury, as he's thrown for 2,475 yards and 25 touchdowns, with just three interceptions. He's been especially impressive as of late, crossing the 300-yard threshold in three consecutive games, with a 10-1 TD-INT ratio in that span. Joining him are running backs Zonovan "Bam" Knight and Ricky Person Jr., a powerful 1-2 combo, as well as a solid receiver corps that includes Emeka Emezie, Thayer Thomas, and Devin Carter. There's not quite as much pure speed in the lineup as Wake, but it's still a productive group that has proven it can move the ball. Knight and Person are a load to handle over four quarters and it's hard to imagine this atrocious Wake Forest secondary being able to handle the trio out wide, particularly if Carter can get back on track after a quiet few weeks. 

This game has all the makings of a shootout, and should be a fun one. Wake Forest has a slightly better offense than NC State, but they can't stop absolutely anyone. The Wolfpack offense isn't quite as aggressive as Wake's, but Leary's play over the last several weeks allows them to compete with anyone. Their defense also happens to be one of the better units Wake Forest has seen so far in 2021, even if they are dealing with injuries. Top to bottom, I think NC State is probably the best team in the division, and they've put together a strong season for head coach Dave Doeren. However, they've also had bouts of maddening inconsistency, such as in losses to Mississippi State and Miami and a stinker against Louisiana Tech. Wake Forest at home makes a lot more sense to me than NC State, even if they lost last weekend. As I said previously, this Wake team isn't a Playoff-good team, but one I believe capable of winning the weakest ACC we've seen in awhile.

The Pick: Wake Forest, 49 NC State, 40

Other Picks

(#1) Georgia, 35 Tennessee, 21 -- At some point, Georgia's going to get a real test from somebody this season and why that can't be the Volunteers? They at least have the offense to make things interesting, but their terrible defense erodes any upset chances.

(#15) Ole Miss, 42 (#11) Texas A&M, 34 -- Can A&M keep their magical run going? Even though Ole Miss isn't fully healthy, I still think Matt Corral gives them a clear upper hand, as does getting the Aggies in Oxford.

(#18) Wisconsin, 24 Northwestern, 10 -- Don't look now, but Wisconsin looks like they're going to play themselves back into another Big Ten West Title. The 3-6 Wildcats officially lose out on a bowl with a road loss here.

(#20) Iowa, 21 Minnesota, 13 -- Fresh off a frustrating loss to Illinois, can the Gophers rebound? Iowa's not exactly playing good football right now, but they've absolutely owned this series for some time now. I just don't see this Gopher team going into Iowa City and flipping the script.

Upset: Penn State, 31 Michigan, 28 -- This might not be much of an upset, but I like the chances of a fully healthy Sean Clifford leading Penn State to a win over sixth-ranked Michigan. These are the types of games Jim Harbaugh has lost too often at Michigan, and it's in Happy Valley.

Superdog (covers > 21 spread): South Alabama +22.5 @ Appalachian State -- Kane Wommack has had a solid debut campaign with South Alabama, who is off to a 5-4 start and searching for bowl eligibility. They won't go into Appalachian State and pull off the upset, but they should be able to keep it close deep into the second half.

College Football Picks 2021: Week Ten

Zach Calzada, Texas A&M

Current Picks Record: 55-26

Upset: 6-3

Superdogs: 7-2

(#13) Auburn Tigers @ (#14) Texas A&M Aggies

With a relatively weak slate of games this weekend, Auburn-Texas A&M takes the cake as the only ranked matchup of Week Ten. A&M is hoping to continue their recent hot streak, which began by beating Alabama and then adding two more to their win column over Missouri and South Carolina. Auburn could be heading towards a collision with Alabama in the Iron Bowl for the SEC West crown, but must go into College Station and beat the Aggies first.

Zach Calzada was thrown into a very difficult situation when A&M starting QB Haynes King went down with a season-ending injury, but Calzada has acclimated to the role nicely. He is not going to be a quarterback that is going to throw for 500 yards a game, but he's shown increased confidence and decisiveness since taking down 'Bama. He leads an Aggie offense that isn't super explosive, but has found a way to move the ball. Of course, it helps that they still have a potent combination in the backfield, with Isaiah Spiller and Devon Achane, plus one of the nation's best tight ends in Jalen Wydermyer. Spiller and Achane have both topped 100 yards in consecutive weeks, and will be a load to handle for this Auburn rush defense. With that being said, Auburn does have a strong pass defense and will be creative in how they operate against Calzada. Does A&M have the weapons they need to have some semblance of balance in this game? Beyond Wydermyer and and do-it-all Ainias Smith, this offense desperately needs a playmaker or two to really get rolling.

On the flip side, Bo Nix entered this season with serious questions about him and his future leading the Tigers, but has had a better year than most expected. Although his numbers don't jump out the page at you, he's been much better on the road than in the past and has improved his decision-making. Sure, it helps that Auburn has leaned more on a ground-and-pound approach under Bryan Harsin than they did under Gus Malzahn, but Nix has displayed real growth as a quarterback. He's also aided by a nice 1-2 punch in the backfield, as Tank Bigsby and Jarquez Hunter pave the way. Bigsby hasn't been 100 percent for most of the season, but has built on his impressive 2020 freshman campaign, while Hunter has come out of nowhere to run for 530 yards, averaging 7.7 yards per carry. The passing attack has lagged behind for most of the year, but seems to be hitting their stride. Former Georgia transfer Demetris Robertson in particular has emerged as a go-to deep threat. My most important question for the Tigers actually has to do with their offensive line. This group has had a strong 2021 and handled two great pass rushing teams in consecutive weeks, but Texas A&M is a stiff challenge. Their front seven is loaded with future NFL Draftees, and Mike Elko is one of the best defensive coordinators in the game. There's no way they go into A&M and win if the O-Line can't keep Nix upright and comfortable in the pocket.

Both of these teams have been great stories in 2021. A&M could have folded after starting off 0-2 in conference, but they've rebounded and still own the biggest win of the year so far by beating the Crimson Tide. Auburn was breaking in a new head coach and faced serious offensive questions, but are now 6-2 on the season. I've been a Tiger doubter for most of the year, but there's little denying the fact they've beaten two quality ranked foes in consecutive weeks. Making it three is a tough ask, even with the way they've been playing on both sides of the ball. Auburn still has a real shot to play for an SEC Championship Game, but a loss in College Station here would likely doom that.

The Pick: Texas A&M, 28 Auburn, 24

LSU Tigers @ (#2) Alabama Crimson Tide

Since LSU beat Alabama in 2019, the two programs have gone in opposite directions. The Tide keep chugging along and just put out one of their most dominant teams in program history last fall en route to another National Title. LSU won the 2019 National Title and then has proceeded to 9-9 over their next 18 games. Although Ed Orgeron is officially not coming back in 2022, does he have one more magical upset left in the tank?

It's pretty apparent that this Alabama offense is not quite as good as the 2020 group, but it's still an awfully elite unit. Quarterback Bryce Young doesn't put up crazy numbers, but he's one of the most efficient and accurate signal-callers in college football. He remains a Heisman favorite as we push into November, and will likely be invited to New York at the very least. He's helped out by an offense full of veterans, including workhorse tailback Brian Robinson Jr. and wide outs John Metchie and Jameson Williams. That group has been more than enough to overpower most opponents this season, but I am curious to see whether another younger playmaker or two starts to emerge. The Tide have a load of talented young freshmen offensively, but are still waiting for them to adjust. One name to keep an eye on is Traeshon Holden, a sophomore who has seen his role expand in recent weeks and appears to be ready for more. Additionally, we still aren't sure what we're getting from the Alabama O-Line week-in, week-out. It's a unit that is full of future NFL players, but hasn't always played up to their talent in 2021. They have an advantage in the trenches against LSU, but not a particularly huge one.

LSU's offense has been strange all season, and now faces their toughest test against Alabama. It looked like they might be turning a corner when the Tigers went out and dropped 49 on Florida, but they followed that up with a 17-point showing against the lowly Ole Miss defense. QB Max Johnson continues to show potential, but turnovers continue to be a problem, and he simply doesn't have a ton of proven pieces around him. Star wide out Kayshon Boutte is done for the year and the list of receivers behind him is fairly underwhelming for a school with the talent of LSU. At least the ground game has shown improvement in recent weeks after a disastrous showing to begin the year, but how productive will they be against the Tide? While Alabama's rush defense hasn't always played up to their talent level, this may be the most talented linebacker corps anywhere in America. Without too much to worry about over-the-top, they shouldn't fear stacking the box.

A fully healthy 2021 LSU team would have trouble going into Bryan-Denny Stadium and pulling off this upset? But, an injured team with little reason to play hard the rest of the year? I don't see any chance of the Tigers winning this game, or even keeping it close. Perhaps we could see the Tide backups in by early second half.

The Pick: Alabama, 45 LSU, 14

(#9) Wake Forest @ North Carolina

Although this weekend slate is weak in comparison to others, Wake Forest-North Carolina may be one of the more intriguing ACC games of 2021. Wake Forest has been a tremendous story, jumping off to an 8-0 start and their highest ranking in program history. North Carolina, on the other hand, might be the most disappointing team in the nation, as the preseason Top 10 team is just .500. Even so, the Tar Heels enter this one as slight favorites, as they get the Demon Deacons in Chapel Hill.

If you haven't got a chance to watch this Wake Forest offense this fall, tune into this game. It's an explosive group that spreads defenses thin and attacks for an entire sixty minutes. They're averaging 43.4 points per game but offer great balance, with a potent passing attack and effective ground game. Quarterback Sam Hartman runs the show, but he's far from the only Demon Deacon that can hurt you. The trio of Christian Beal-Smith, Justice Ellison, and Christian Turner lead the rushing attack, while wide outs Jaquarii Roberson and A.T. Perry may be two of the best in the ACC. No team has been able to slow down this Wake attack for an entire game, and it doesn't seem likely that the Tar Heels are the ones to do it. While this is an awfully talented defense, it's one that has struggled to tackle and stop the big play all season long. I have a hard time believing that this flaming hot Wake Forest offense is the offense that North Carolina figures it out against. 

While their offense might be one of the best in the nation, Wake Forest's defense is certainly susceptible against the Tar Heels. The question is, can Sam Howell and the Heels take advantage? Howell has done the best he can on the season, but he's been well short of what we expected heading into 2021. The offense as a whole doesn't seem to have the same rhythm or flow that it had the last two seasons. Much of that can be accredited to the lack of experience at both running back and receiver, as well as the fact the offensive line has not lived up to expectations. Wide out Josh Downs has been a superstar on the perimeter for the Heels, but beyond him, UNC lacks any proven commodities. In the backfield, former Tennessee transfer Ty Chandler has had a strong campaign, but is not the same type as 2020, when the Tar Heels could turn to the pairing of Javonte' Williams and Michael Carter. I do expect UNC to try and attack Wake aggressively through the air; Howell still has a huge arm, but there just isn't enough beyond Downs to get the job done. The Demon Deacons have also done a fairly good job all season forcing turnovers, and they'll be ready for Howell.

Vegas doesn't seem to have a ton of respect for Wake Forest just yet, but I was still surprised at this line. I certainly don't think the Demon Deacons are Playoff good, but there's no denying how impressive this team has been en route to the 8-0 start. There's nothing I've seen from North Carolina in 2021 that inspires a lot of confidence, even if they are at home. I like the Demon Deacons to keep on rolling, taking down a big in-state rival at this spot.

The Pick: Wake Forest, 40 UNC, 28

Other Picks

(#6) Cincinnati, 28 Tulsa, 13 -- The Bearcats take out their frustrations over their CFB Playoff ranking on the Tulsa Golden Hurricane, who are a shell of the team that was the greatest challenge to Cincy in the AAC in 2020.

(#5) Ohio State, 41 Nebraska, 27 -- After so many close losses does Nebraska have a chance to finally finish the job this time around? Winning in Lincoln is never easy, but the Buckeyes are too hot to slip up here.

(#3) Michigan State, 24 Purdue, 21 -- Serious upset potential here, but I think Michigan State keeps their magical season rolling for at least one more week. The Boilermaker rush defense has absolutely no response for Kenneth Walker III, who might just be the Heisman favorite.

(#4) Oregon, 34 Washington, 21 -- Another game that has primetime upset potential right here, but Washington's offense just hasn't been good enough to believe they can compete with the Ducks for four quarters.

Upset: West Virginia, 27 (#11) Oklahoma State, 20 -- Oklahoma State may hope to enter the "Bedlam" game with just one loss, but West Virginia is a tough place to enter and win. The Mountaineers are fresh off two impressive wins over TCU and Iowa State and should do just enough offensively to win.

Superdog (covers > 21 spread): Kansas +24 vs. Kansas State -- I haven't had much luck picking Kansas as a "Superdog" so far in 2021, but this matchup is a nice one. The Jayhawks are a feistier group than past KU editions and rivalry games are always tight.

College Football Picks 2021: Week Nine

Kenneth Walker III, Michigan State

Current Picks Record: 49-23

Upset: 5-3

Superdogs: 6-2

(#6) Michigan Wolverines @ (#8) Michigan State Spartans

Two of the nation's biggest surprises of the 2021 season collide this Saturday, with rivals Michigan and Michigan State meeting up in East Lansing. It could very well be the biggest rivalry game between the two in recent memory and may finally help deliver some clarity to a loaded Big Ten East.

Even though Jim Harbaugh hired OC Josh Gattis prior to 2019, a decision that was supposed to open up the Wolverine offense like never before, this team still plays a similar brand of football to the ones Harbaugh has trotted out for years. They have a conservative passing attack, a powerful ground game, and physical offensive line. QB Cade McNamara has been serviceable on the year, completing 63% of his passes and only throwing one interception. However, the real strength of this offense is undoubtedly the two-headed monster in the backfield in Hassan Haskins and Blake Corum. They really are the perfect 1-2 punch; Haskins is the power one who dominates in short yardage situations, while Corum is the big-play threat, who is averaging 6.3 yards per carry. It will be interesting to see how the Michigan State defense plays these two; sure, they'll stack the box, but so have many teams on the 2021 season and Corum has still found a way to get loose. Part of that has to do with a Wolverine offensive line that has had a resurgent season after a down 2020. Going up against Jacub Panasiuk and a stout Spartan front, I'm curious to see if they'll keep that going. Also, keep an eye on the role of J.J. McCarthy in this one; the true freshman has rotated in this season, but could this be the game where he's featured even more heavily? He gives Michigan a true wild card offensively.

Michigan State's offense offers significantly more balance, and both can go for huge plays at any moment. Kenneth Walker III has been the biggest surprise of the 2021 season, as the former Wake Forest transfer has come out of seemingly nowhere to put together a Heisman campaign. He's joined by a rock-solid, steady hand at QB in Payton Thorne and an underrated receiver corps that includes Jayden Reed and Jalen Nailor. That pairing is really going to test this Wolverine secondary, as they're both averaging over 19 yards per reception and can hit a home run each time they step on the field. The question I have about MSU's offense is different than Michigan's. I think the Spartans offer more balance and playmakers than the Wolverines, but can they win the war in the trenches? Michigan has one of the best pass rushes in the nation, headlined by future All-American Aidan Hutchinson. Can the Spartan offensive line get enough push to survive four quarters? Walker is an awfully shifty tailback, but even he can't create magic when Michigan is living in their backfield.

Even though the game is in East Lansing, Michigan enters as the higher-rated team and the slight favorite. In some ways, it's understandable; the Wolverines have built a slightly better resume and are generally considered the premier program in the state. With that being said, I think the Spartans are actually the smarter bet. They have more ways they can hurt you offensively than the Wolverines, and while the defense isn't great, it's still awfully athletic. Getting them at home only makes this selection easier, in my mind.

The Pick: Michigan State, 27 Michigan, 24

(#20) Penn State Nittany Lions @ (#5) Ohio State Buckeyes

Penn State's nine overtime loss to Illinois last weekend spoiled what could have been the game of the week, but this matchup still has plenty of intrigue. For one, Ohio State is playing well and desperate to prove they're still the team to beat in the league. Just as important is the fact that these two programs have played some of the best games in the Big Ten over the last half-decade and I'd be shocked if this wasn't an exciting one.

Ohio State's offense took some time to really get rolling, but they've been on fire over the last month. TreVeyon Henderson has been of the best running backs anywhere in the nation as a true freshman, C.J. Stroud has taken command of the quarterback position, and the Buckeyes have always had the dangerous receiver combination of Garrett Wilson and Chris Olave. To be fair, the Buckeyes haven't exactly been playing dominant defenses during this recent run. They've played a five-game stretch of Tulsa, Akron, Rutgers, Maryland, and Indiana over the last month-plus. Penn State's defensive group is quite a bit different; they have the athletes to compete with the Buckeyes for an entire four quarters. The linebacker corps is quick and athletic and the secondary has one of the sport's most under-appreciated stars in do-it-all Jaquan Brisker. I think the Nittany Lions have a chance to contain the running game, even with the way Henderson has been playing as of late, but the passing game will be a difficulty. It's not just Olave and Wilson, but the fact Ohio State can throw so many different receivers at you and break open a monster play. I'm not sure there's a secondary that can contain this group, unless they're able to force turnovers like Oregon and contain Stroud. 

I actually like the Penn State defense and their chances to slow down the Buckeyes. The much larger questions are all on offense. Sean Clifford has having a resurgent 2021 before getting injured in the Iowa game and proceeding to look dreadful against Illinois. The coaching staff says he's back to 100 percent, but he looked like a complete shell of himself against the Illini. It's pretty obvious the Nittany Lions are so down on the rest of the quarterbacks on this roster that they're sticking with a beat-up Clifford, as he's still their best chance to win. It would help if the running game was able to be any help. The rush offense has had flashes where it looks like it's going to step up, but it hasn't been able to put it altogether. Former Baylor transfer John Lovett has seen a real increase in carries over the last several weeks, but it's still unclear who the feature guy is there. Perhaps this could be the week to figure it out, as this is the weakest OSU linebacker group I can remember. The good news for PSU is that Jahan Dotson and Parker Washington give them a chance no matter what. They'll have to do even more this weekend with the Clifford health question, but Dotson is known as a wide out whose always able to step up in the limelight.

Ohio State seems to be playing well at the right time and the fact they get PSU in "The Shoe" is huge. However, I don't think this one has the makings of a blowout. Penn State's going to give Ohio State a game, especially if Clifford can return to form. It will be tough to slow down this offense for an entire sixty minutes, but they'll keep it close to the very end. Unfortunately, I think the quartet of Stroud, Henderson, Olave, and Wilson is just too much.

The Pick: Ohio State, 31 Penn State, 24

(#1) Georgia Bulldogs vs. Florida Gators (Jacksonville)

One of the sport's greatest rivalries takes center stage in Jacksonville, with the latest edition of "The World's Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party." Georgia has been dominant all season long, but could a rivalry game with the Gators be their kryptonite on this National Championship run?

The expectation is that Georgia will roll with a two quarterback system in this one, with both J.T. Daniels and Stetson Bennett playing. It's an interesting strategy, but one you have to believe Kirby Smart has reason for. Bennett has been a tremendous story, as the former walk-on continues to make the most of his moment on the big stage, but Daniels clearly has more natural arm talent. Either way, Georgia is going to run the ball first and foremost, thanks in large part to a loaded running back room. James Cook, Zamir White, Kenny McIntosh and Kendall Milton have put together a special 2021 season. Milton is out for this one and McIntosh is slightly banged up, but Cook and White are more than enough to take advantage of an average Gator rush defense. It does help that the Bulldogs are the healthiest they've been in a long time at pass-catcher. Arian Smith, Jermaine Burton, and Marcus Rosemy-Jacksaint are all expected to be 100 percent, giving whoever the QB is plenty of options. Beyond corner Kaiir Elam, I'm not supremely confident Florida has the pieces to stop this Georgia passing attack. It's not an air raid offense, but more of a methodical unit that takes its chances when they're presented to them. The fact that the offense has so many dangerous weapons healthy means that we could see plenty of those chances.

Florida has been a baffling team this fall. They went toe-to-toe with Alabama in "The Swamp" and looked like they could be a serious factor in the SEC East. Since then, they've lost to Kentucky and LSU, and are in danger of being .500 going into the month of November. The offense has shown flashes, but hasn't been able to put in anything consistent for most of the year. It doesn't help that the quarterback situation such a mystery, with Emory Jones and Anthony Richardson both expected to play. Jones is the veteran in the room, but the Gator offense much more dynamic when Richardson is on the field. I think this is the game that Dan Mullen finally unleashes Richardson as the full-time starter, but how successful will he be against the Bulldogs? UF desperately needs some new faces to emerge elsewhere, but there's not any obvious possibilities. Richardson and Jones are No. 1 and 2 in rushing yards and beyond Jacob Copeland, the receiver group doesn't give you much reason to fear. Additionally, can the offensive line hold up? They played great against Alabama, but have looked worse each week. Now, they face one of the best front sevens we've seen in years, led by Jordan Davis. Davis has been the most dominant interior defensive linemen since Ndamukong Suh, and gets an opportunity to cause chaos against a primary rival.

Neutral site rivalries always give reason to tune in, but I don't know who could pick against UGA. They've been unstoppable all season and that's been with a beat up offense. The healthiest they've been in awhile, I expect them to rip apart a flimsy Gator defense. It shouldn't matter whether it's Jones or Richardson running the show offensively; the 'Dawgs roll either way.

The Pick: Georgia, 35 Florida, 21

Other Picks

(#10) Ole Miss, 42 (#18) Auburn, 31 -- Auburn has been a feel good story under first-year head coach Bryan Harsin, but they simply don't have the offensive firepower to keep up with Matt Corral and the Rebels over four quarters.

(#9) Iowa, 17 Wisconsin, 13 -- An absolute coin flip in Madison. Neither offense is even close to decent, and these two defenses are some of the best anywhere in the nation. Iowa's slight, and I mean slight, edge at QB gives them the edge.

(#11) Notre Dame, 27 UNC, 21 -- North Carolina may be the most disappointing team in the country this year. Sam Howell has given it his best shot, but the rest of the offense is bad, and the defense may be worse. I don't think they go into South Bend and pull off an upset.

(#17) Pittsburgh, 37 Miami, 24 -- My upset pick of Miami over NC State hit last weekend, but I don't think that turns the Hurricanes season around. They don't have the defense to contain Kenny Pickett, who is quietly playing himself into serious Heisman consideration.

Upset: Fresno State, 34 San Diego State, 31 -- San Diego State is the lone undefeated left in the Mountain West and gets the Bulldogs at home, but this is a sneaky Fresno team. As long as Jake Haener takes care of the football, I like Fresno's chances.

Superdog (covers > 21 spread): Colorado (+24) @ Oregon -- Oregon may be 6-1, but this is not a team blowing the doors off opposing foes. The Buffaloes don't have the offense to pull off an upset, but they can keep it tight.

College Football Picks 2021: Week Eight

 

Bryce Young, Alabama

Current Picks Record: 42-21

Upset: 4-3

Superdogs: 6-1

(#8) Oklahoma State Cowboys @ Iowa State Cyclones

Oklahoma State has been one of the nation's biggest surprises, jumping out to a 6-0 mark and Top 10 ranking. They've now beaten three straight ranked foes, but could be in store for their toughest game of the month. They travel to Ames to face an Iowa State team who went through some early struggles, but appears to be finding their momentum in late October.

The Cowboys have been successful this season despite their worst offense of the Mike Gundy era. To be fair, they've dealt with a rash of injuries throughout the offense, most notably at receiver. However, the unit doesn't have the same explosiveness it once did, instead leaning on a steady ground attack and methodical passing game. The ground game is led by Jaylen Warren, a rock-solid tailback who has taken over workhorse duties for the 'Pokes. But, the fact of the matter is that Oklahoma State desperately needs more from QB Spencer Sanders. Sanders has a huge arm and will make one or two throws every game that wow you. Aside from that, he's just not consistent enough to strike fear into opposing defenses on a regular basis, particularly with how beat up the Cowboy receiver corps has been. I don't see any reason why Iowa State doesn't stack the box with an elite front seven and force Sanders to make tough throws. A fully healthy Tay Martin and Brennan Presley give the Cyclones something to think about, but the X-factor is Sanders. 

The good news for Oklahoma State is that their defense is probably the Big 12's best. They're a disciplined group that fills gaps very well, but they also bring more athleticism and speed to the equation than people give them credit for. Does Iowa State have the offensive firepower themselves to put up points? Quarterback Brock Purdy and tailback Breece Hall are two of the most accomplished players in the entire conference and have had quality 2021 seasons. But, the same issue for ISU has remained all season: do they have a game-changer on the perimeter that can stretch defenses vertically? Tight ends Charlie Kolar and Chase Allen are two of the best in the business, but the pass-catchers have been pretty underwhelming beyond them. Senior Xavier Hutchinson is their top receiver on the year, but has disappeared in their two losses as defenses have keyed in on him. Names like Tarique Milton or freshman Jaylin Noel have to give Oklahoma State some reason to worry over-the-top, or they'll pace it in much like the Cyclones. You would also like to see Iowa State's offensive line play better; it's a veteran group that is by no means bad, but will have their hands full working against an athletic Oklahoma State front.

It's interesting how these two programs have evolved over time. In the past, you might expect somewhat of a shootout between these two sides, especially considering they both have veteran quarterbacks. But it's clear this is not going to be a Big 12 game of old; these two are going to play tough defense, ball control, and force the opponent to beat them. I think the Cyclones have the edge at quarterback, but the Cowboy defense is more athletic and agile than the ISU group. It's a tough decision to make, but I lean Cyclones here, only because of the Ames factor. Even though it won't be a night game, there's something about the atmosphere in Jack Trice Stadium that makes it especially worrying for opposing Top 10 teams.

The Pick: Iowa State, 21 Oklahoma State, 17

(#10) Oregon Ducks @ UCLA Bruins

Although there's still lots of football left to be played and you can be certain of nothing in the Pac-12, there's a chance that this could be a Pac-12 Championship Game preview. Oregon hasn't exactly been dominating opponents since their Stanford loss, but they are 5-1 and the prohibitive favorite in the North. UCLA received a lot of attention early after their LSU win, but has lost two games and will have to fend off Utah and Arizona State in the South.

It's hard to know what you're going to get from the Oregon offense at this point in the season. Quarterback Anthony Brown has had some genuinely good moments, but he's been underwhelming since the Ohio State game. There's still questions around the program about whether it might be time for youngsters Ty Thompson or Jay Butterfield, but Brown will run the show for the time being. It doesn't help that Oregon's top running back, C.J. Verdell, is now done for the season. What was once a multi-pronged Duck ground game will be forced to lean heavily on Travis Dye to carry the load, with more of freshman Byron Cardwell sprinkled in (at least until Sean Dollars gets healthy). The receiver corps is talented enough to keep things afloat, even if there's not a clear signature guy. Veteran Johnny Johnson III is their leader in most receiving categories, but Jaylon Redd and Mycah Pittman are able to used in different ways. Then there's the offensive line, which had a tremendous game against Ohio State, but hasn't lived up to expectations since then. The UCLA defensive front isn't full of big names, but it's proven it can be a load to handle when opposing teams aren't prepared. If the Ducks don't block better and open up lanes for Dye, the pressure on Brown continues to build.

UCLA's offense has been slightly more consistent than Oregon's this season, but they're extremely one-dimensional. They rely heavily on a ground game that includes the two-headed monster of Zach Charbonnet and Brittain Brown. The pair is both averaging 6.4 yards per carry and are former transplants from Power Five making the most of their opportunity in Westwood. But like Oregon, quarterback play is going to be the game-changer for the Bruins. Dorian Thompson-Robinson's entire Bruin career has been a rollercoaster ride. He's had moments where he looks like one of the Pac-12's best and plenty of other times where you wonder why he's the starter. Simply look at this last two games to get an understanding of his streakiness; against a terrible Arizona team he couldn't hit anything, going 8-19 for just 82 yards. A week later against a vastly superior Washington pass defense, he had more zip on his ball and went 21-26 with a pair of touchdowns. Obviously, it's difficult to know which "DTR" is going to show up for this one against a Duck secondary that is extremely talented, but fairly beat up. It would also help if more pieces could step up on the perimeter for UCLA; tight end Greg Dulcich is a stud and Kyle Phillips can make things happen, but there's not a ton of playmaking between those two. It definitely looks like DTR feels like he has to make plays happen at times, which can get him into trouble in a hurry.

With a fairly underwhelming slate of games this week, "College GameDay" is setting up camp between these two Pac-12 programs. While that may add to the excitement, neither team is playing their best football of the season and need a momentum changer to get back on track. Common logic would dictate that Oregon going on the road with their current situation is going to be a tough one, but I'm sticking with the Ducks. I think the offense will eventually right the ship and there's way too much talent on this roster for them to have two losses going into November.

The Pick: Oregon, 28 UCLA, 20

Tennessee Volunteers @ (#4) Alabama Crimson Tide

Alabama has won 14 straight games in the "Third Saturday of October" rivalry and enter the game as the heavy home favorite. Yet, this is not the same Tennessee team as past Alabama teams have seen. Josh Heupel has done a real stellar job in Year One considering all the uncertainty still lingering around the program. They have a strong enough offense to give Nick Saban and the Tide a real test, even in Tuscaloosa.

Alabama has still yet to reach their true peak offensively, but Bryce Young has earned himself serious Heisman consideration as a first-year starter. Although his stats aren't necessarily gaudy, he's proven to be incredibly consistent and reliable for someone of his age, and he rarely makes mistakes. He's still waiting on others to emerge in this offense; Ohio State transfer Jameson Williams and John Metchie have been productive, but the ground game is still looking for a real feature guy. Brian Robinson Jr. is their most reliable ground option but don't be surprised if Roydell Williams continues to see his role grow, especially now that Jase McClellan is injured. Williams went for 78 yards against Mississippi State last weekend and is currently averaging 6.4 yards per rush, making him one of the true big play threats on this offense. We will also have to see which version of Alabama's offensive line comes out; this group is incredibly talented and loaded with future NFL linemen, but they were completely outplayed by both Florida and Texas A&M. I suspect they still have the edge in this spot, but this Volunteer pass rush has been much improved in 2021.

Since making the switch from Joe Milton to Hendon Hooker, the Tennessee offense has been incredibly productive. They're currently averaging nearly 40 points per game and went toe-to-toe with one of the SEC's best offenses in Ole Miss last Saturday. Hooker's the type of quarterback that has shown he can give the Tide troubles; he isn't super accurate, but has a rocket of an arm and can make plays with his legs. The Alabama secondary could be susceptible, as we saw with their showing against Zach Calzada and A&M, so I'm curious how aggressive Hooker and the Vols will be down the field. Either way, their ground game is going to provide them the rhythm they need to move the ball against the Tide. It is currently the nation's No. 5 rush offense, totaling nearly 250 yards per game. However, their breakout star on offense, Tiyon Evans, is currently listed as questionable. He missed the Ole Miss game and even if he does come back for this one, you have to wonder how effective he'll be. That puts even more of the playmaking load on Hooker and backup Jabari Small. It's not necessarily a death sentence, but against a defense with the talent of Alabama's, you need all the weapons you can get. In fact, I'm very curious to see how the Tide defense performs here. Going into the season, I thought this had a chance to be the best 'Bama defense since the early Saban days, but they've been a disappointment. If they struggle against Tennessee, there will be a very serious conversation about Pete Goulding and his future as defensive coordinator.

It goes without saying that Alabama has dominated this rivalry since Nick Saban arrived in Tuscaloosa, but this has a chance to be interesting. This is not a great Tennessee team, but they're fun-to-watch and play with a lot more attitude than past Volunteer groups. They'll keep it close against Alabama, especially if Evans is able to go. The Tide are certainly still the smarter pick, but this team clearly is not invincible, and Tennessee will be motivated.

The Pick: Alabama, 38 Tennessee, 27

Other Picks

(#6) Michigan, 28 Northwestern, 14 -- I like the Wolverines to keep it going as the powerful pass rush overwhelms a struggling Northwestern offense.

Clemson, 27 (#23) Pittsburgh, 24 -- Kenny Pickett's transformation into upper echelon ACC quarterback has been a great story, but people seem to forget how well the defense has played this season. They just need the offense to find some sort of rhythm.

(#5) Ohio State, 37 Indiana, 20 -- Indiana gave Ohio State quite the scare in 2020, but this offense is a shell of what it was a year ago. Ohio State goes into Bloomington and comes away unscathed.

(#12) Ole Miss, 35 LSU, 21 -- How does LSU wrap up the season? The starting lineup is riddled with injuries and it's confirmed Ed Orgeron won't be back. I don't envision them going into Oxford and upsetting the Rebels. 

Upset: Miami, 29 NC State, 21 -- Although the Hurricanes sit at 2-4, their last two losses have come on a combined five points. This is a better football team than they've shown so far this season, even with a true freshman, Tyler Van Dyke, steering the offense. I'll take my chances with the 'Canes down in Coral Gables.

Superdog (covers > spread): UMass (+35.5) vs. Florida State -- UMass is a bad football, but are we so confident Florida State has turned a corner that they beat the Minutemen by more than five scores? That's a large line for a Florida State that has 0-4 two weeks ago.