We’ve hit double digits in our weekly previews, and as I’m typing this I’m getting sad the end of the season is approaching so let’s shut up and pick games now.
Games of Note:
#9 Ohio State @ #22 Nebraska
-Scott: And just like that, the Big Ten has become wide open. We knew the West was going to be just that, but given Ohio State’s defeat at the hand of the Nittany Lions last week, every game from here out is crucial. I think Nebraska will be catching a furious Buckeye team. The Huskers have impressed in 2021 thus far, and have won 3 of 4, and earning a ranking for the first time this season. However, OSU will get back on track by taking out some frustrations. Ohio State 47, Nebraska 24
-Gavin: Ohio State 54, Nebraska 21
#10 Texas @ #12 Iowa State
-Scott: While it’s not definitely a Big XII elimination game, this one will say a lot about who reaches JerryWorld for the title game come December. What I will say, is that this game is for sure a playoff eliminator game. Since Texas lost in the Red River Shootout, they’ve dominated a couple good teams in Oklahoma State and Baylor and look to be hitting their stride on both sides of the ball. ISU dropped a heartbreaker to OK State, but bounced back against West VA last week. If the Cyclones are going to make this Cinderella season a reality, they’re going to have to defend Jack Trice against an elite Texas team. I’ll take UT in a coinflip. Texas 27, Iowa State 24
-Gavin: Texas 35, Iowa State 28
#7 Auburn @ #2 Texas A&M
-Scott: In an absolutely massive SEC West game, the Auburn Tigers look to continue their winning ways under first-year coach Bryan Harsin as they travel to Kyle Field: a place where Auburn is 4-0 all-time. But this is no ordinary A&M team. The #1 defense in the land hasn’t allowed anything over 17 points in a single game. Auburn will put that to the test this weekend. I’m not saying this is an eliminator game quite yet, but this could very well decide the division, as a certain team in Tuscaloosa will be rooting hard for Auburn here. This is shaping up to be the game of the year in the SEC, but I’m not sure the final score will say likewise. I think TAMU will be too much to overcome for Bo Nix. Texas A&M 31, Auburn 14
-Gavin: Texas A&M 42, Auburn 17
#21 Oregon @ #17 Washington
-Scott: Did I mention we have a couple divisions on the line this weekend perhaps? Add the Pac-12 North to that category. In one of the most hate-filled rivalries in the sport, two evenly matched teams face off in Seattle this Saturday. Both teams have lost on the road to Big Ten blue bloods in Week 2 of the season. Since then, Oregon has won five of six, only tripping up to a UCLA team. Regardless, that’s a disappointment for Mario Cristobal’s squad given the expectations. UW, on the other hand, has run the table since losing to Michigan, and the offense has been pacing the opponent for the majority of the season. This game always is better when it matters, and Oregon seems to get up for the big ones typically. Give me the Ducks. Oregon 33, Washington 27
-Gavin: Oregon 35, Washington 17
Marshall @ Florida Atlantic
-Scott: If you’re surprised to see this one as a featured game, I understand. But on the other hand, don’t be. The C-USA East will almost certainly be decided this weekend, as the clear top two teams face off in Boca. FAU shockingly is being led by their defense thus far in conference play, and offense has started to pick it up a bit. Marshall is a game behind the Owls, but can tie them up should they win this one, and earn the tiebreaker in the process. Marshall has a lone blip to North Texas in conference, and have dominated the rest of the competition. While Marshall has won 7 of 8 all-time in the series, I think the Owls are much more battle-tested from non-conference games against Florida and Air Force. Florida Atlantic 34, Marshall 28
-Gavin: Marshall 24, Florida Atlantic 21
#1 Clemson @ Louisville
-Scott: Since the Cardinals laid a huge egg (pun) last week against NC state, they ruined an undefeated, ranked ACC Atlantic matchup between the two top dogs, and in the process spoiled a lot of potential hype about this game. Nevertheless, if UL can take down the current kings of college football, all will be forgiven and Louisville has the inside track to Charlotte. This is no Lamar Jackson and Petrino Louisville, but the offense under Malik Cunningham is scoring at quite the clip, averaging 41 points per game. And then there are the Tigers, leading the country, scoring over 47 points per game! Clemson hasn’t lost ever to Louisville, and they haven’t come too close to losing this season either. Is there a first for everything? Not this week. Clemson 42, Louisville 24
-Gavin: Clemson 38, Louisville 21
Baylor @ #18 TCU
-Scott: In one of the more competitive and intense rivalries of all time, Dave Aranda’s Bears clash up with Gary Patterson’s rival Horned Frogs in Fort Worth. While TCU has their work cut out for them if they wish to reach the Big XII title game, hope is not lost with this group. Don’t forget, this team beat Oklahoma by 10. They then promptly lost to WVU though, so we aren’t entirely sure how consistent this team is. Baylor is definitely in the middle tier of the Big XII this season, and that’s pretty good for Aranda in Year 2. He’d love to knock the Frogs from the ledge of that top tier though and join them with 3 conference losses. I think Texas found something last weekend, as BU finally got torched on defense. I like Max Duggan and Zach Evans to replicate it. TCU 36, Baylor 21
-Gavin: TCU 31, Baylor 28
Upset Picks:
-Scott: Iowa @ #23 Northwestern
Not only does NU struggle when they become a ranked team, but this seems like a bad matchup for Pat Fitzgerald’s bunch. Granted, they can knock off a good program like Iowa, and they’ve done it plenty of times before. While Northwestern has had some offensive outbursts, they’ve looked lost against good defenses. Iowa’s defense is pretty great, ranking 21st nationally. While the Cats have an even better defense statistically, I like Iowa to be able to generate more offensively. Iowa 20, Northwestern 6
-Gavin: Hawaii vs San Diego State
Hawaii 28, San Diego State 27
That’s all for the opening weekend this November! Be sure to check back in after the weekend for all of the updated scores, standings, and rankings!
NCAA 2020 Football Simulation 