Some Week 7 games were played before this article was published. Those games are listed as Results rather than Predictions and will not count toward the prediction record. All other games are official Week 7 predictions.
Week 7 — Tuesday, October 13
4:00 PM PT — CBS Sports Network
Delaware (2–3) at Middle Tennessee (2–3)
Location: Johnny “Red” Floyd Stadium — Murfreesboro, TN
Result: Middle Tennessee 33–30
5:00 PM PT — ESPNU
FIU (3–2) at Jacksonville State (4–2)
Location: AmFirst Stadium — Jacksonville, AL
Result: Jacksonville State 27–24
Week 7 — Wednesday, October 14
4:30 PM PT — CBS Sports Network
Kennesaw State (1–4) at Missouri State (1–4)
Location: Robert W. Plaster Stadium — Springfield, MO
Result: Missouri State 24–21
5:00 PM PT — ESPN2
Western Kentucky (2–4) at Sam Houston (1–4)
Location: Elliott T. Bowers Stadium — Huntsville, TX
Result: Western Kentucky 16–3
Week 7 — Thursday, October 15
4:30 PM PT — ESPN
East Carolina (3–2) at UAB (3–3)
Location: Protective Stadium — Birmingham, AL
Prediction: East Carolina 35–28
4:30 PM PT — ESPN2
Georgia Southern (2–4) at Old Dominion (2–4)
Location: Kornblau Field at S.B. Ballard Stadium — Norfolk, VA
Prediction: Georgia Southern 27–21
5:00 PM PT — CBS Sports Network
Colorado State (2–3) at Texas State (2–3)
Location: UFCU Stadium — San Marcos, TX
Prediction: Texas State 42–21
Week 7 — Friday, October 16
4:30 PM PT — ESPN
Memphis (5–1) at Tulane (2–3)
Location: Yulman Stadium — New Orleans, LA
Prediction: Memphis 38–27
5:00 PM PT — FOX
Washington (3–3) at Purdue (3–3)
Location: Ross-Ade Stadium — West Lafayette, IN
Prediction: Washington 27–20
5:00 PM PT — ESPN2
Appalachian State (3–2) at Coastal Carolina (2–4)
Location: Brooks Stadium — Conway, SC
Prediction: Appalachian State 31–28
Week 7 — Saturday Morning, October 17
9:00 AM PT — ABC
Florida (4–2) at #7 Texas (4–1)
Location: Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium — Austin, TX
Prediction: Texas 30–21
9:00 AM PT — FOX
#4 Ohio State (5–1) at #5 Indiana (6–0)
Location: Memorial Stadium — Bloomington, IN
Prediction: Ohio State 42–31
In a rematch of last year’s Big Ten Championship, fans should anticipate a hard-fought battle between two of the best teams in the country. Ohio State is traveling into one of the toughest environments in college football. Indiana has been unbeatable at home under coach Curt Cignetti, as made evident by its 19-game home winning streak. The Hoosiers have plenty of talent and experience; additionally, they have shown the ability to beat the Buckeyes in the biggest games. However, I expect this game to be different from last year. Ohio State has already played a top team on the road and will use that experience to win this game. No one has been able to slow down Jeremiah Smith, and the Hoosiers will not be the ones to do it. With revenge on their minds and Jeremiah Smith leading the charge, it’s hard to doubt the Buckeyes in this one.
9:00 AM PT — ESPN
#16 Mississippi State (4–1) at #22 LSU (4–2)
Location: Tiger Stadium — Baton Rouge, LA
Prediction: LSU 35–31
After last week’s loss, LSU will look to bounce back against the Bulldogs, as the fate of its season hangs in the balance. Another loss would make it nearly impossible for the Tigers to make the College Football Playoff, even after signing Lane Kiffin and assembling a pricey roster. They have turned the ball over too much this season, and they have been susceptible to allowing big plays. With that being said, I expect LSU to improve its ball security this week. Mississippi State has a tough game ahead of it. If Kamario Taylor is unable to play, expect the Bulldogs to struggle and the score to heavily favor LSU. If he can go, he will have to be exceptional if the Bulldogs hope to win on the road in Death Valley. People seem down on Mississippi State after getting demolished by Alabama; however, I think they have a strong team, especially with Taylor, and can be competitive among the upper echelon of the SEC. They will not beat LSU, but the Bulldogs will show grit and toughness in a close road loss.
9:00 AM PT — The CW
Virginia (4–2) at #24 SMU (4–1)
Location: Gerald J. Ford Stadium — Dallas, TX
Prediction: SMU 28–24
9:00 AM PT — ESPN2
Pittsburgh (5–1) at Boston College (2–3)
Location: Alumni Stadium — Chestnut Hill, MA
Prediction: Pittsburgh 24–14
9:00 AM PT — TNT
Cincinnati (4–1) at West Virginia (3–3)
Location: Milan Puskar Stadium — Morgantown, WV
Prediction: West Virginia 35–31
9:00 AM PT — FS1
Kansas (2–3) at Kansas State (3–2)
Location: Bill Snyder Family Stadium — Manhattan, KS
Prediction: Kansas State 38–17
9:00 AM PT — ACC Network
Charleston Southern at Clemson (3–2)
Location: Memorial Stadium — Clemson, SC
Prediction: Clemson 52–7
9:00 AM PT — Peacock
#25 Northwestern (4–1) at Michigan State (2–4)
Location: Spartan Stadium — East Lansing, MI
Prediction: Northwestern 35–20
9:00 AM PT — CBS Sports Network
Florida Atlantic (4–1) at Army (3–2)
Location: Michie Stadium — West Point, NY
Prediction: Army 31–24
9:00 AM PT — ESPN+
Ball State (1–5) at Bowling Green (2–4)
Location: Doyt L. Perry Stadium — Bowling Green, OH
Prediction: Bowling Green 24–21
9:00 AM PT — ESPNU
Georgia State (4–1) at James Madison (6–0)
Location: Bridgeforth Stadium — Harrisonburg, VA
Prediction: James Madison 38–24
9:30 AM PT — Big Ten Network
Rutgers (1–4) at Maryland (2–4)
Location: SECU Stadium — College Park, MD
Prediction: Maryland 28–27
10:00 AM PT — SEC Network+
The Citadel at Texas A&M (3–3)
Location: Kyle Field — College Station, TX
Prediction: Texas A&M 52–7
10:00 AM PT — ESPN+
Charlotte (0–6) at Temple (2–4)
Location: Lincoln Financial Field — Philadelphia, PA
Prediction: Temple 35–14
10:00 AM PT — ESPN+
UMass (4–2) at Buffalo (3–3)
Location: University at Buffalo Stadium — Amherst, NY
Prediction: UMass 31–27
10:30 AM PT — ESPN+
Western Michigan (4–2) at Central Michigan (3–3)
Location: Kelly/Shorts Stadium — Mount Pleasant, MI
Prediction: Western Michigan 24–17
Week 7 — Saturday Afternoon, October 17
12:30 PM PT — CBS
Penn State (3–3) at Michigan (3–2)
Location: Michigan Stadium — Ann Arbor, MI
Prediction: Michigan 21–20
12:30 PM PT — FOX
Arizona State (3–2) at #10 Texas Tech (5–0)
Location: Jones AT&T Stadium — Lubbock, TX
Prediction: Texas Tech 38–21
12:30 PM PT — ABC
#6 Alabama (5–1) at #14 Tennessee (5–1)
Location: Neyland Stadium — Knoxville, TN
Prediction: Alabama 30–21
Heated rivals go head-to-head as Alabama travels to Knoxville to face the Volunteers. Alabama is coming off a tough loss against Georgia, while Tennessee is coming off a victory that did cost them their starting quarterback. The Crimson Tide offense has been playing well, even against the best competition in the country. They head into a hostile environment, but with the way they are playing, it would be hard to go against the Tide. Right now, I have questions about how the Volunteer offense performs with a new man under center and whether their defense can contain Alabama. Tennessee has plenty of weapons to lessen the burden on George MacIntyre, who will be making his first start at home against a top-10 team. I expect Alabama to get ahead early and not look back, as Tennessee’s offense will struggle to handle the pressure early on.
12:30 PM PT — ACC Network
Georgia Tech (2–3) at Virginia Tech (4–2)
Location: Lane Stadium — Blacksburg, VA
Prediction: Virginia Tech 28–17
12:30 PM PT — The CW
Northern Illinois (0–5) at Wyoming (3–3)
Location: War Memorial Stadium — Laramie, WY
Prediction: Wyoming 31–21
12:30 PM PT — ESPN2
North Carolina (3–2) at Duke (4–1)
Location: Wallace Wade Stadium — Durham, NC
Prediction: Duke 38–24
12:30 PM PT — ESPN+
Akron (1–5) at Miami (Ohio) (3–3)
Location: Yager Stadium — Oxford, OH
Prediction: Miami (Ohio) 35–17
12:30 PM PT — ESPN
Auburn (3–2) at #1 Georgia (6–0)
Location: Sanford Stadium — Athens, GA
Prediction: Georgia 45–24
12:30 PM PT — ESPN+
Toledo (4–2) at Eastern Michigan (4–3)
Location: Rynearson Stadium — Ypsilanti, MI
Prediction: Toledo 30–28
12:30 PM PT — SEC Network
#13 Missouri (5–1) at #9 Ole Miss (4–1)
Location: Vaught-Hemingway Stadium — Oxford, MS
Prediction: Missouri 35–31
The primary story line focuses on the impact that Ole Miss transfer and Missouri starting quarterback Austin Simmons can have against his former team. Missouri has great balance on offense, as the Tigers can move the ball effectively through the air and on the ground. Their defense has looked great aside from their loss to Mississippi State. Tiger fans may find sweat on their brows when they realize they are playing against another explosive unit led by an elite quarterback in Trinidad Chambliss. However, the Rebels struggled against Florida, a team Missouri beat, and have been poor defensively in multiple games this year. This feels like a game that could come down to the final possession. I think both teams will move the ball well, yet the Missouri defense will step up and secure the win.
12:30 PM PT — CBS Sports Network
UNLV (4–2) at Air Force (4–1)
Location: Falcon Stadium — U.S. Air Force Academy, CO
Prediction: UNLV 28–27
1:30 PM PT — ESPN+
Tulsa (3–3) at Rice (1–5)
Location: Rice Stadium — Houston, TX
Prediction: Tulsa 31–17
2:00 PM PT — ESPN+
Troy (3–2) at Louisiana (4–2)
Location: Cajun Field — Lafayette, LA
Prediction: Louisiana 28–20
3:00 PM PT — USA Network
Washington State (1–5) at Oregon State (4–2)
Location: Reser Stadium — Corvallis, OR
Prediction: Oregon State 30–14
Week 7 — Saturday Evening, October 17
4:00 PM PT — ESPN
Florida State (3–3) at #3 Miami (5–0)
Location: Hard Rock Stadium — Miami Gardens, FL
Prediction: Miami 42–21
4:00 PM PT — ESPN+
Kent State (2–4) at South Florida (4–2)
Location: Raymond James Stadium — Tampa, FL
Prediction: South Florida 35–17
4:00 PM PT — ESPN+
Arkansas State (2–4) at Southern Miss (1–4)
Location: M. M. Roberts Stadium — Hattiesburg, MS
Prediction: Arkansas State 24–21
4:00 PM PT — FS1
TCU (2–3) at Baylor (4–1)
Location: McLane Stadium — Waco, TX
Prediction: Baylor 38–30
4:00 PM PT — CBS Sports Network
Nevada (2–3) at North Dakota State (5–1)
Location: Fargodome — Fargo, ND
Prediction: North Dakota State 27–17
4:00 PM PT — ESPN2
Arkansas (2–4) at Vanderbilt (3–3)
Location: FirstBank Stadium — Nashville, TN
Prediction: Vanderbilt 28–20
4:30 PM PT — FOX
#18 Oklahoma State (4–1) at #20 Houston (5–1)
Location: TDECU Stadium — Houston, TX
Prediction: Houston 35–31
Whichever defense holds firm will win this game, as both offenses can make an explosive play at the drop of a hat. Oklahoma State has been somewhat inconsistent at times this year, but when the Cowboys are rolling, they can really go. If Mestemaker can limit the turnovers, the Cowboys have a great chance to win. Unfortunately for Cowboy fans, Houston has a tough defense that will make it difficult for him and Oklahoma State’s playmakers. Additionally, Houston is no slouch on offense. The Cougars have experience, reliable playmakers, and a great scheme. This could be a classic Wild West-style shootout that Big 12 fans are accustomed to seeing. Even if the teams score more than I predicted, I am picking Houston to continue its winning ways.
4:30 PM PT — ABC
#2 Notre Dame (6–0) at #8 BYU (5–0)
Location: LaVell Edwards Stadium — Provo, UT
Prediction: Notre Dame 38–31
A matchup between two top-10 teams will always catch the eye, but this one has the chance to change the entire landscape of the playoff picture. The Irish are looking to remain undefeated, as a second loss would likely put their College Football Playoff hopes in serious jeopardy. As an independent program, Notre Dame has no conference championship to win to strengthen its résumé, making every regular-season game that much more important. Notre Dame has an elite offense, effectively dominating its opponents through the air and on the ground. Additionally, the Irish have arguably one of the most talented defensive units in the country. CJ Carr, Notre Dame’s quarterback, is one of the nation’s best and will need to prove that against an elite Cougar defense. The home crowd will be loud and will look to make the Irish players’ night miserable. BYU’s offense has been effective even after the injury to LJ Martin. More of the burden has been placed on Bear Bachmeier, and he has delivered. He has been pivotal in keeping BYU’s record blemish-free and its postseason aspirations afloat. A loss here would hurt the Irish much more than the Cougars. I think Notre Dame is aware of the consequences and will answer the call, winning a tight but high-scoring game in Provo.
4:30 PM PT — ACC Network
Louisville (3–3) at Syracuse (2–3)
Location: JMA Wireless Dome — Syracuse, NY
Prediction: Louisville 35–27
4:30 PM PT — NBC
Wisconsin (4–1) at #12 UCLA (5–0)
Location: Rose Bowl — Pasadena, CA
Prediction: UCLA 38–28
4:30 PM PT — SEC Network
#15 Kentucky (5–1) at Oklahoma (3–2)
Location: Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium — Norman, OK
Prediction: Kentucky 35–21
4:30 PM PT — ACC Network Extra
Elon at Stanford (2–4)
Location: Stanford Stadium — Stanford, CA
Prediction: Stanford 42–20
5:00 PM PT — ESPN+
Louisiana Tech (3–2) at ULM (0–5)
Location: Malone Stadium — Monroe, LA
Prediction: Louisiana Tech 30–20
5:00 PM PT — ESPNU
Navy (2–3) at UTSA (5–1)
Location: Alamodome — San Antonio, TX
Prediction: UTSA 35–17
6:00 PM PT — Mountain West Network+
San José State (3–3) at UTEP (1–5)
Location: Sun Bowl — El Paso, TX
Prediction: San José State 38–24
Week 7 — Saturday Night, October 17
7:00 PM PT — ESPN+
Ohio (4–2) at Sacramento State (1–5)
Location: Hornet Stadium — Sacramento, CA
Prediction: Ohio 38–21
7:15 PM PT — ESPN
#11 Utah (5–0) at Colorado (2–3)
Location: Folsom Field — Boulder, CO
Prediction: Utah 42–17
7:30 PM PT — ESPN2
#21 Wake Forest (5–1) at California (3–3)
Location: California Memorial Stadium — Berkeley, CA
Prediction: Wake Forest 38–24
7:30 PM PT — FS1
New Mexico (4–1) at Hawaiʻi (1–5)
Location: Clarence T. C. Ching Athletics Complex — Honolulu, HI
Prediction: New Mexico 35–20
7:30 PM PT — CBS Sports Network
Fresno State (4–2) at San Diego State (2–4)
Location: Snapdragon Stadium — San Diego, CA
Prediction: Fresno State 30–20
8:00 PM PT — FOX
Nebraska (5–1) at Oregon (3–2)
Location: Autzen Stadium — Eugene, OR
Prediction: Oregon 30–27
