North Carolina at Cal

Friday, October 17
7:30 PM PT, ESPN

The Golden Bears are not who we thought they were. After a hot start to the season, they’ve looked more like their preseason expectations in their last three outings.

If California wants to make a run in the ACC this year, it must beat North Carolina. The Tar Heels are 2-3, but they haven’t been competitive against Power Four teams.

Cal should be able to exploit North Carolina’s porous offense. UNC ranks 119th in points scored per game. This is important because the Bears’ defense has struggled recently.

Over the last three games, they’ve allowed 103 points; in the three games prior, they allowed 32.

Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele will also need to improve his form slightly. He should be able to do so against a Tar Heels defense that ranks 106th in pass yards allowed per game.

Sagapolutele will also need support from Kendrick Raphael, who may struggle against UNC’s rush defense, which ranks 40th in yards allowed per game.

It feels like Cal’s starting to slip into their Justin Wilcox ways, and that can prove dangerous. The Golden Bears will know where they stand after this contest, and hopefully, it’s with their heads held high.

To keep things right in Berkeley, Wilcox has gotta beat Bill Belichick, and he should do so.

California 28, North Carolina 17

Washington at Michigan

Saturday, October 18
9:00 AM PT, FOX

This is one of the more interesting matchups in the Big Ten this year. Washington enters this contest with two reputable wins against Maryland and Rutgers, but they haven’t had a defining road victory since entering the Big Ten.

Michigan enters this contest after being handled by USC a week ago. This contest should feature a contrast of styles as the Wolverines feature the 19th-ranked rushing offense, while the Huskies have the 24th-ranked passing offense.

USC was able to limit UM to 109 yards rushing, which is more than 100 yards below their yearly average. Washington ranks eighth in rushing yards allowed per game, which may bode well for them.

Michigan’s pass offense ranks 93rd in the country, and they’ve struggled when their run game stymies. Bryce Underwood’s a decent quarterback, but hasn’t proven himself in a big game yet.

Underwood has thrown for 1,210 yards, five touchdowns, and two interceptions. He’s also added 177 yards and three touchdowns on the ground. Justice Haynes is the Wolverines leader on offense, he’s rushed for 705 yards and ten touchdowns.

UM’s defense allows 18.7 points per game. This is a tough matchup to predict, but Michigan is too one-dimensional on offense.

Dawgs in the house.

Washington 31, Michigan 27

Arizona at Houston

Saturday, October 18
9:00 a.m. PT, FS1

This is a crucial matchup for Arizona.

The Wildcats lost a heartbreaker against BYU in Tucson last Saturday, and they need to get right immediately. If they can knock off Houston, they’ll keep themselves in the Big 12 title race.

For the Cougars, a win here would be vital because they travel to Tempe next week. The key to this contest should be whether or not Noah Fifita can take over.  He can, but he needs help.

Fifita made a perfect throw on the final play a week ago, but Javin Whatley dropped the pass.

Houston probably has a slightly better team due to the emergence of Conner Weigman. The Cougars have historically been good defensively, but Weigman has provided them stability on offense.

Last year, they ranked 133rd in points scored per game, and this season they’ve moved up to 66th nationally. Weigman has thrown for 1,216 yards, eight touchdowns, and two interceptions. He’s also added five touchdowns on the ground.

Both teams have solid defenses. UA ranks 27th in points allowed per game, while UH ranks 23rd. Arizona has a good secondary, ranking 11th nationally in pass yards allowed per game.

The Wildcats got beat down in the blue-and-white Cougar attack, and unfortunately, they may not have time to recover.

Shasta and Sasha catch a wildcat.

Houston 24, Arizona 21

UNLV at Boise State

Saturday, October 18
12:30 PM PT, FS1

In a rematch of last year’s Mountain West title game, UNLV has a chance to rectify two of its three losses from last season. A win in this contest for either team gives them a clear path to the Mountain West Championship.

The biggest key should be whether the Rebels can protect the ball. UNLV ranks 5th nationally with a +1.2 turnover margin. The Broncos are ranked 97th in turnovers, so the Rebels may be able to capitalize.

Another factor to consider in this game is whether UNLV’s defense can stop Boise’s offense. The Broncos scored 21 points in the fourth quarter last week, and average 465 yards per game of total offense, so they’ll be ready.

Vegas allows 445 yards on defense per game, ranking 118th in rushing yards allowed per game and 69th against the pass. This should prove troublesome because Boise State has a balanced offensive attack.

The Broncos rank 29th in passing yards allowed per game and 50th in rushing.

UNLV comes into this matchup undefeated, but they are projected to lose by two touchdowns. If they’re gonna pull off the upset, they’ll need Anthony Colandrea to overperform.

Boise State’s battle-tested, and on the blue.

The Rebels won’t find “Blue’s Clues.”

Boise State 38, UNLV 24

No. 7 Texas Tech at Arizona State

Saturday, October 18
1:00 p.m. PT, FOX

Arizona State can save its season with a win on Saturday, but it won’t be easy.

Texas Tech is arguably the most improved team in the country, and already has blowouts against Utah, Houston, and Kansas.

Last week wasn’t an accurate example of the Sun Devils, due to the Sam Leavitt injury, but they now have a loss on their Big 12 resume. The health of Leavitt could be the key to the game. If his foot doesn’t hold up, ASU might get rocked.

On the other foot, the Red Raiders are in a similar situation.

They’re unsure if Behren Morton, their starting signal caller and a pivotal part of their offense, will play. He’s thrown for 1,501 yards, 13 touchdowns, and three interceptions. If he doesn’t play, Will Hammond will get the nod.

Tech’s still dangerous, even in the absence of Morton. Cameron Dickey’s an excellent running back who rushed for 263 yards last week. He’s rushed for 591 yards, eight touchdowns, and is averaging 6.5 yards per carry on the year.

Dickey should still prove effective, because the Raiders have a mammoth offensive line averaging 6-foot-5 and 309 pounds.

Tech’s defense is also stout, ranking seventh in the nation in points allowed per game. Arizona State needs this one, but Texas Tech is seeking a ring.

Lubbock burns down the mountain.

Texas Tech 31, ASU 28

No. 8 Oregon at Rutgers

Saturday, October 18
3:30 PM PT, Big Ten Network

Oregon underestimated Indiana. We all did.

The key for the Ducks in this one is to get off to a fast start in Piscataway. If they fall behind early against Rutgers, they give themselves a chance of landing in a Penn State-esque situation.

UO can avoid this by taking advantage of a weak Scarlet Knights defense. RU ranks 94th in points allowed per game. Washington scored 38 points against them a week ago.

We’re also about to find out what Dante Moore is made of after throwing for 186 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions against Indiana. Anyone can play when things are going well, but a superstar comes back stronger after a bad loss.

The running backs will also look to get their two-step in form. Oregon only ran for 81 yards against Indiana.

The Scarlet Knights rely heavily on the arm of Athan Kaliakmanis, who has improved tenfold this year, throwing for 1,785 yards, 11 touchdowns, and three interceptions.

Last season he relied heavily on slants. This year, Rutgers averages the 12th-most passing yards per game nationally. Antwan Raymond is also a solid piece at halfback, he’s rushed for 560 yards and nine touchdowns.

Dan Lanning’s fiery gaze will scare the Scarlet out’ve Piscataway.

The Ducks win big.

Oregon 42, Rutgers 17

Hawai’i at Colorado State

Saturday, October 18
4:00 PM PT, Spectrum

Hawai’i is quietly putting together an impressive campaign. The Rainbow Warriors have won back-to-back games to boost their record to 2-1 in the Mountain West.

The Bows probably won’t win the conference title, but they could make the championship game if they continue to win. They also miss Boise State on their slate.

For Colorado State, it should prove interesting to see if they can repeat the result from last Saturday. The Rams lambasted Fresno State, which surprised everyone.

Jackson Brousseau may be starting to find his rhythm as the quarterback for the Rams. He threw for 144 yards, three touchdowns, and no interceptions a week ago. He’ll need to have a good outing because their leading rusher Jalen Dupree is out for the season.

Lloyd Avant will probably get the majority of the carries at backup, he’s rushed for 278 yards and three touchdowns. Justin Marshall should also see touches. He finished with 93 yards and a rushing touchdown last week.

The key to this matchup, however, should be whether CSU can stop Hawaii’s passing attack. The Bows are 16th in passing yards per game nationally, and Colorado State is 76th in passing yards allowed per game.

Micah Alejado’s holding it down in Manoa, and the Rams are gonna learn on Saturday.

Shaved ice for everyone.

Hawai’i 38, CSU 20

Maryland at UCLA

Saturday, October 18
4:00 PM PT, FS1

If UCLA were to win the Big Ten, it would be the College Football storyline of the year.

After a 0-4 start, the Bruins have won their last two contests, including a shocking victory over Penn State, which marked the beginning of the end for the Nittany Lions.

Maryland is in the opposite lifeboat. After a 4-1 start, and jumping out to a 20-0 lead against Washington, they’ve fallen out’ve Big Ten contention. They lost to Nebraska last week and blew the game against UW 24-20.

If the Terrapins are going to compete against the Bruins, they’ll need someone to support Malik Washington. UMD only has 185 combined rushing yards in their last two contests. They rank 124th nationally in rushing yards per game.

Washington has thrown for 1,506 yards, 10 touchdowns, and two interceptions. He’s also added three touchdowns on the ground.

For UCLA, it’s simple: play like the new you. Nico Iamaleava has started to find his rhythm the last two outings, throwing for 346 yards and five touchdowns. He’s also added three touchdowns on the ground.

Anthony Woods and Jaivian Thomas also need to provide consistency at halfback.

It feels like Iamaleava’s rewriting the Bruins script right now.

It’s time to flip it and reverse it.

UCLA 42, Maryland 27

No. 20 USC at No. 13 Notre Dame

Saturday, October 18
4:30 PM PT, NBC

If this is the last time these two teams play each other, this is the right way to go out. Both squads need a victory to keep their College Football Playoff hopes alive.

If Notre Dame loses, they’ll likely be knocked out of contention. As for USC, a loss puts them in a near-impossible situation based on their remaining schedule.

The key to this matchup should is whether the Trojans can pressure CJ Carr, who is tied for seventh nationally in quarterback sacks, averaging 3.33 per game. Carr’s a freshman, and constant pressure may force him into a few bad throws.

Another factor to consider in this contest is the Trojans rushing attack. Jeremiyah Love and ND’s unit probably get more love, but USC ranks higher in rushing yards per game. The Trojans rank 16th while the Irish rank 50th.

Notre Dame will also have to contain SC’s passing attack. The Trojans average the second-most passing yards per game, and has playmakers all over the field.

This should be an area of concern because the Fighting Irish rank 104th in the nation in pass yards allowed per game. The Trojans aren’t much better, ranking 102nd nationally.

All stats aside, this is what college football used to be about, two bitter rivals fighting for postseason aspirations. But there’s only one movie about Rudy.

Notre Dame keeps their dreams alive.

Notre Dame 35, USC 30

No. 23 Utah at No. 15 BYU

Saturday, October 18
5:00 p.m. PT, FOX

It feels to me like this winner of this contest could have a special season ahead. Utah enters this matchup with their only loss coming against Texas Tech. BYU enters this game, after a double overtime scare in Tucson a week ago.

The key to this contest should be which quarterback can make some big throws. Both signal callers rely heavily on their feet, with Devon Dampier proving more explosive.

The Cougars rank 36th in rushing yards allowed per game, while Utah ranks 76th. But the Cougs lack explosive playmakers, which should allow the Utes to stack the box.

Utah doesn’t have game changers in their own right, but they feel a bit deeper on the offensive side of the ball. Ryan Davis is an emerging wideout and Dallen Bentley is a formidable tight end.

They also have a solid halfback duo in Wayshawn Parker and NaQuari Rogers. The Utes rank 16th in points scored per game, while BYU ranks 21st nationally.

In terms of defense, both squads are comparable, with U of U holding the slight advantage in points allowed per game. Utah ranks 11th, while BYU ranks 12th.

The Cougars need to find productivity out of a player like Parker Kingston, to balance out their offense. Morgan Scalley has seen more explosive playmakers than what BYU has this year.

“With parting breath we’ll sing that song: A Utah Man Am I.”

Utah 35, BYU 21