Thursday Slate
Thursday, September 24
4:30 PM PT — ESPN
Liberty at Coastal Carolina
Location: Brooks Stadium — Conway, SC
Prediction: Liberty 34–24
Friday Slate
Friday, September 25
1:00 PM PT — ESPN
Army at Temple
Location: Lincoln Financial Field — Philadelphia, PA
Prediction: Army 27–21
4:00 PM PT — ESPN
Navy at UAB
Location: Protective Stadium — Birmingham, AL
Prediction: Navy 35–24
4:00 PM PT — Big Ten Network
Howard at Rutgers
Location: SHI Stadium — Piscataway, NJ
Prediction: Rutgers 49–21
5:00 PM PT — FOX
Northwestern at No. 5 Indiana
Location: Memorial Stadium — Bloomington, IN
Prediction: Indiana 42–14
7:30 PM PT — ESPN
Clemson at California
Location: California Memorial Stadium — Berkeley, CA
Prediction: Cal 31–28
The Golden Bears have an opportunity to make some noise in the ACC if they can beat the Tigers at home. They have a young quarterback in Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele who is developing into a star. He can make any throw and can change the game at the drop of a hat. Cal has a couple of other stars, their running back Adam Mohammed and safety Kingston Lopa, who will cause problems for the Tigers all night long. Clemson has the talent to beat Cal, but that depends on if their freshman quarterback Tait Reynolds can play well and how they handle the long travel. Clemson could struggle adapting to the long cross-country trip, especially later in the game as they deal with a three-hour time difference. With that being said, Cal should perform well and win a close one at home.
Saturday Morning Slate
Saturday, September 26
9:00 AM PT — TNT
Sam Houston State (1–2) at No. 11 Texas Tech (3–0)
Location: Jones AT&T Stadium — Lubbock, TX
Prediction: Texas Tech 45–10
9:00 AM PT — ACC Network
Bucknell at Pittsburgh (3–0)
Location: Acrisure Stadium — Pittsburgh, PA
Prediction: Pittsburgh 63–7
9:00 AM PT — ESPN2
Colorado (2–1) at Baylor (2–1)
Location: McLane Stadium — Waco, TX
Prediction: Baylor 34–30
9:00 AM PT — ESPNU
Colorado State (2–1) at UTSA (2–1)
Location: Alamodome — San Antonio, TX
Prediction: Colorado State 30–24
9:00 AM PT — FOX
Illinois (2–1) at No. 7 Ohio State (2–1)
Location: Ohio Stadium — Columbus, OH
Prediction: Ohio State 42–21
9:00 AM PT — ESPN+
Ball State (1–2) at Kent State (1–2)
Location: Dix Stadium — Kent, OH
Prediction: Kent State 24–21
9:00 AM PT — CBS Sports Network
San Diego State (1–2) at Toledo (2–1)
Location: Glass Bowl — Toledo, OH
Prediction: Toledo 27–20
9:00 AM PT — ABC
No. 1 Texas (3–0) at No. 14 Tennessee (3–0)
Location: Neyland Stadium — Knoxville, TN
Prediction: Texas 35–28
The game between Texas and Tennessee features two top-15 ranked teams in the country. Texas has already experienced playing a top-ranked team this year in their win against Ohio State. However, this is their first road game of the season, and Neyland is a tough place to play for anyone. Arch Manning will make his first appearance at the stadium where his uncle Peyton played, adding some interesting familial ties. He and the rest of the star-studded team will need to bring their best to beat the Volunteers, who have an explosive offense led by their freshman quarterback, Faizon Brandon. This will be their first major test as they host a ranked team for their conference opener. The Volunteers will need their defense to step up if they hope to win. Ultimately, I expect the Longhorns to win this highly anticipated game 35-28.
9:00 AM PT — ESPN+
UNLV (1–2) at Akron (1–2)
Location: InfoCision Stadium — Akron, OH
Prediction: UNLV 42–17
9:00 AM PT — ACC Network
Virginia Tech (3–0) at Boston College (2–1)
Location: Alumni Stadium — Chestnut Hill, MA
Prediction: Virginia Tech 38–21
9:00 AM PT — ESPN
Wake Forest (2–1) at No. 16 Louisville (2–1)
Location: L&N Federal Credit Union Stadium — Louisville, KY
Prediction: Louisville 35–20
9:45 AM PT — SEC Network
South Alabama (2–1) at Kentucky (2–1)
Location: Kroger Field — Lexington, KY
Prediction: Kentucky 45–14
10:00 AM PT — ESPN+
Lindenwood at Eastern Michigan (1–3)
Location: Rynearson Stadium — Ypsilanti, MI
Prediction: Eastern Michigan 38–7
10:30 AM PT — Big Ten Network
UCLA (3–0) at Maryland (2–1)
Location: SECU Stadium — College Park, MD
Prediction: UCLA 35–27
11:00 AM PT — ESPN+
Northern Illinois (0–3) at Georgia State (2–1)
Location: Center Parc Credit Union Stadium — Atlanta, GA
Prediction: Georgia State 30–27
11:00 AM PT — Peacock
No. 3 Notre Dame (3–0) at Purdue (1–2)
Location: Ross-Ade Stadium — West Lafayette, IN
Prediction: Notre Dame 45–14
Saturday Afternoon Slate
12:00 PM PT — The CW
Hawai‘i (1–2) at Wyoming (1–2)
Location: War Memorial Stadium — Laramie, WY
Prediction: Hawai‘i 28–17
12:00 PM PT — ACC Network
Central Arkansas at Florida State (1–2)
Location: Doak Campbell Stadium — Tallahassee, FL
Prediction: Florida State 45–10
12:30 PM PT — ESPN
Oklahoma (2–1) at No. 2 Georgia (3–0)
Location: Sanford Stadium — Athens, GA
Prediction: Georgia 35–21
12:30 PM PT — ABC
No. 4 Ole Miss (3–0) at No. 21 Florida (3–0)
Location: Ben Hill Griffin Stadium — Gainesville, FL
Prediction: Ole Miss 38–28
Plenty of people might assume that Ole Miss will have an emotional letdown against the Gators, but not me. After their performances against two ranked opponents this year, I have no reason to doubt them in a third game. Florida won a tough road game last week and will be looking to ride the momentum. Florida will have a tough time defensively as they will have to deal with arguably the best quarterback in the country and the Rebels’ explosive offense. Trinidad Chambliss will put up huge numbers against a defense that has been suspect at times. Jadan Baugh must have a huge game; otherwise, Florida will lose in the Swamp. I anticipate Ole Miss winning and having control throughout the game.
12:30 PM PT — FOX
No. 15 Utah (3–0) at Iowa State (2–1)
Location: Jack Trice Stadium — Ames, IA
Prediction: Utah 38–20
12:30 PM PT — CBS
No. 17 Iowa (3–0) at No. 18 Michigan (3–0)
Location: Michigan Stadium — Ann Arbor, MI
Prediction: Iowa 24–21
Expect an elite defensive matchup between two top-20 ranked teams. Both teams have had some struggles offensively, but they each have elite defenses that can stop anyone. Iowa has been searching for consistency on offense for years, but against weaker teams this season, the Hawkeyes’ offense has looked better than it has in years past. Luckily, they have a great receiver in Tony Diaz who they can rely on. If Diaz can get open and have a big game, it will help the Hawkeyes effectively run the ball. Michigan has struggled offensively all year long. The Wolverines have had high expectations for Bryce Underwood, and thus far he has not lived up to them. His numbers have been solid, but he has yet to prove he can perform at a high level against an elite defense. In a game where the defenses are incredibly strong, any big play or opening can change the game. I expect the Hawkeyes to squeak this one out in a tough road environment.
12:30 PM PT — FS1
TCU (2–1) at UCF (2–1)
Location: FBC Mortgage Stadium — Orlando, FL
Prediction: TCU 30–20
12:30 PM PT — ACC Network Extra
William & Mary at Duke (3–0)
Location: Wallace Wade Stadium — Durham, NC
Prediction: Duke 45–7
12:30 PM PT — ESPN2
Boise State (2–1) at Western Michigan (2–1)
Location: Waldo Stadium — Kalamazoo, MI
Prediction: Boise State 38–17
12:30 PM PT — ESPN+
UConn (2–1) at Miami (OH) (1–2)
Location: Yager Stadium — Oxford, OH
Prediction: UConn 28–24
12:30 PM PT — CBS Sports Network
New Mexico (2–1) at New Mexico State (1–2)
Location: Aggie Memorial Stadium — Las Cruces, NM
Prediction: New Mexico 38–21
12:30 PM PT — ESPN+
Robert Morris at Buffalo (1–2)
Location: UB Stadium — Amherst, NY
Prediction: Buffalo 38–10
12:30 PM PT — ESPN+
Stonehill at Ohio (1–2)
Location: Peden Stadium — Athens, OH
Prediction: Ohio 41–7
12:30 PM PT — ESPN+
Gardner-Webb at Marshall (2–1)
Location: Joan C. Edwards Stadium — Huntington, WV
Prediction: Marshall 49–7
1:00 PM PT — ESPNU
No. 25 Houston (2–1) at Georgia Southern (1–2)
Location: Allen E. Paulson Stadium — Statesboro, GA
Prediction: Houston 45–10
1:00 PM PT — ESPN+
North Carolina Central at East Carolina (1–2)
Location: Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium — Greenville, NC
Prediction: East Carolina 42–10
1:15 PM PT — SEC Network
Vanderbilt (3–0) at Auburn (2–1)
Location: Jordan-Hare Stadium — Auburn, AL
Prediction: Vanderbilt 35–27
2:00 PM PT — Big Ten Network
Nebraska (3–0) at Michigan State (2–1)
Location: Spartan Stadium — East Lansing, MI
Prediction: Nebraska 31–27
2:00 PM PT — Peacock
Wisconsin (2–1) at No. 13 Penn State (3–0)
Location: Beaver Stadium — University Park, PA
Prediction: Penn State 38–21
2:00 PM PT — ESPN+
South Florida (3–0) at Bowling Green (0–3)
Location: Doyt L. Perry Stadium — Bowling Green, OH
Prediction: South Florida 42–17
3:00 PM PT — ACC Network
Delaware (2–1) at Virginia (2–1)
Location: Scott Stadium — Charlottesville, VA
Prediction: Virginia 42–14
3:00 PM PT — USA Network
Incarnate Word at Texas State (1–2)
Location: UFCU Stadium — San Marcos, TX
Prediction: Texas State 52–7
3:00 PM PT — ESPN+
James Madison (3–0) at Old Dominion (1–2)
Location: S.B. Ballard Stadium — Norfolk, VA
Prediction: James Madison 38–14
3:00 PM PT — ESPN+
Long Island at FIU (1–2)
Location: Pitbull Stadium — Miami, FL
Prediction: FIU 48–14
3:30 PM PT — The CW
Central Michigan (2–1) at No. 6 Miami (3–0)
Location: Hard Rock Stadium — Miami Gardens, FL
Prediction: Miami 52–10
3:30 PM PT — ESPN+
Louisiana (2–1) at Charlotte (0–3)
Location: Jerry Richardson Stadium — Charlotte, NC
Prediction: Louisiana 38–13
Saturday Evening Slate
4:00 PM PT — ESPN+
Kennesaw State (1–2) at Arkansas State (1–2)
Location: Centennial Bank Stadium — Jonesboro, AR
Prediction: Arkansas State 30–21
4:00 PM PT — ESPN2
Kansas State (3–0) at Cincinnati (3–0)
Location: Nippert Stadium — Cincinnati, OH
Prediction: Kansas State 35–20
4:00 PM PT — FS1
Oklahoma State (2–1) at West Virginia (3–0)
Location: Milan Puskar Stadium — Morgantown, WV
Prediction: West Virginia 38–35
If you love defense, do not watch this game because it will be a shootout. These teams can put up video game-like numbers, yet they do so in a different way. Oklahoma State will sling it all over the yard, as evident by them averaging over 300 passing yards a game. On the other hand, West Virginia will rely on their potent rushing attack led by Michael Hawkins Jr. and Cam Cook. These are two top-15 rushers in the country and will look to drive home that point in what should be a high-scoring affair. Both defenses need to improve if these teams want to make some noise later in the year, but in this matchup, I think the Mountaineers will make crucial stops and win a close one.
4:00 PM PT — ESPN+
Southern Miss (1–2) at Tulane (1–2)
Location: Yulman Stadium — New Orleans, LA
Prediction: Tulane 33–24
4:00 PM PT — ESPN+
Mercyhurst at Western Kentucky (0–3)
Location: Houchens Industries–L.T. Smith Stadium — Bowling Green, KY
Prediction: Western Kentucky 52–10
4:00 PM PT — ESPN+
Middle Tennessee (2–1) at Jacksonville State (2–2)
Location: AmFirst Stadium — Jacksonville, AL
Prediction: Middle Tennessee State 28–21
4:00 PM PT — ESPN
South Carolina (2–1) at No. 8 Alabama (3–0)
Location: Bryant-Denny Stadium — Tuscaloosa, AL
Prediction: Alabama 38–17
4:30 PM PT — ABC
No. 23 Texas A&M (2–1) at No. 10 LSU (2–1)
Location: Tiger Stadium — Baton Rouge, LA
Prediction: LSU 31–24
With both teams coming off a loss, expect them to come out hungry and do anything to secure the win. Texas A&M was upset last week by Kentucky, while LSU lost a tough one against Ole Miss. Neither of these teams looked like themselves last week as they had defensive struggles and started slowly. I am looking forward to this quarterback duel as Marcel Reed can light it up and Sam Leavitt has been able to run wild. Coming off a tough week, both defenses will look to bounce back and return to form. Whichever team can limit the other team’s quarterback production will have a huge advantage in this game. I expect the Tigers to beat the Aggies in a one-score game at home.
4:30 PM PT — NBC
No. 20 Oregon (2–1) at No. 12 USC (4–0)
Location: United Airlines Field at LA Memorial Coliseum — Los Angeles, CA
Prediction: Oregon 42–38
This will be the most highly anticipated game on the West Coast as it features two programs that are synonymous with being West Coast powers. While USC is 4-0, I have serious concerns about their defense. Thus far, they have not faced the most difficult schedule, yet they allow more points than they should. However, the Trojans’ offense has looked fantastic this season, led by Jayden Maiava’s 12 touchdown passes and a complementary running game. On the other hand, the Ducks have struggled with slow starts. This almost cost them against Boise State and did cost them against Oklahoma State. In a blowout against Portland State, it seemed like they were making a statement. I expect this game to come down to the wire, with Oregon coming out on top.
4:30 PM PT — CBS
Arizona (2–1) at Washington State (1–2)
Location: Gesa Field — Pullman, WA
Prediction: Arizona 28–20
4:30 PM PT — CBS Sports Network
Troy (2–1) at Utah State (0–3)
Location: Merlin Olsen Field at Maverik Stadium — Logan, UT
Prediction: Troy 31–21
4:30 PM PT — ESPN+
Houston Christian at North Texas (1–2)
Location: DATCU Stadium — Denton, TX
Prediction: North Texas 56–10
4:30 PM PT — ESPNU
Appalachian State (3–0) at NC State (1–2)
Location: Carter-Finley Stadium — Raleigh, NC
Prediction: NC State 34–20
4:45 PM PT — SEC Network
No. 19 Missouri (3–0) at No. 24 Mississippi State (3–0)
Location: Davis Wade Stadium — Starkville, MS
Prediction: Missouri 35–30
I expect this game to be incredibly competitive, led by each team’s elite quarterback. Austin Simmons, the Ole Miss transfer, will not be afraid of this environment as he has been there before. He has been excellent so far this season, as has the whole offense. The rushing attack opens up space for their explosive receivers to find openings, and Simmons has found them constantly. Their defense will have their hands full with Mississippi State’s Kamario Taylor. He has been electric this season, showcasing his dual-threat ability. He will have to do everything he can to pull this off, largely due to my lack of trust in their defense. The balanced offense of Missouri and the questionable defense of the Bulldogs will ultimately help the Tigers win.
5:00 PM PT — ESPN+
Florida Atlantic (2–1) at ULM (0–3)
Location: Malone Stadium — Monroe, LA
Prediction: Florida Atlantic 38–14
5:00 PM PT — SEC Network+
Tulsa (3–0) at Arkansas (1–2)
Location: Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium — Fayetteville, AR
Prediction: Arkansas 34–24
6:00 PM PT — Mountain West Network+
Oregon State (1–2) at UTEP (1–2)
Location: Sun Bowl — El Paso, TX
Prediction: Oregon State 38–20
6:00 PM PT — ESPN+
UMass (3–0) at Sacramento State (1–3)
Location: Hornet Stadium — Sacramento, CA
Prediction: Sacramento State 24–21
6:00 PM PT — ACC Network
Missouri State (1–2) at No. 22 SMU (2–1)
Location: Gerald J. Ford Stadium — Dallas, TX
Prediction: SMU 45–13
Saturday Night Slate
7:00 PM PT — The CW
Rice (1–2) at Fresno State (2–1)
Location: Valley Children’s Stadium — Fresno, CA
Prediction: Fresno State 30–17
7:30 PM PT — ESPN
Georgia Tech (1–2) at Stanford (1–2)
Location: Stanford Stadium — Stanford, CA
Prediction: Stanford 27–24
7:30 PM PT — FS1
Air Force (1–1) at Nevada (1–2)
Location: Mackay Stadium — Reno, NV
Prediction: Air Force 34–10
8:00 PM PT — FOX
Minnesota (2–1) at Washington (3–0)
Location: Husky Stadium — Seattle, WA
Prediction: Washington 35–21
