Boston College travels to face Pittsburgh this Saturday at noon on the ACC Network. The Eagles, with a record of 1-3, have secured only one victory against FCS Fordham. Unfortunately, they are on a three-game losing streak, having lost to Michigan State, Stanford, and California by a narrow margin of just 16 points combined. Meanwhile, the Panthers stand at 2-2, suffering back-to-back defeats against West Virginia and Louisville. Last season, Boston College defeated Pittsburgh with a score of 34-23. This time, I predict a close game with Pittsburgh edging out a win, final score: Pittsburgh 26-21.
Wisconsin heads to Michigan this Saturday, also kicking off at noon on FOX. Ranked 20th, No. 20 Michigan (3-1) and Wisconsin (2-2) both come into this contest after a week off. The Badgers desperately need to turn their season around after suffering heavy losses to Alabama and Maryland. Michigan managed a hard-fought 30-27 victory at Nebraska in their Big Ten opener on September 20. Wisconsin's offense has struggled recently, averaging just 12 points over their last two games. The Badgers are hopeful to have quarterbacks Billy Edwards Jr. and Danny O'Neil back from injury. This matchup marks the first meeting between the teams since 2021. While I expect Wisconsin to improve, I doubt it will be enough for a win at The Big House. Final score prediction: Michigan 31-20.
The Illinois Fighting Illini take on Purdue at noon on the Big Ten Network. Purdue (2-2) was idle last week, while No. 22 Illinois (4-1) rebounded from a tough loss at Indiana by narrowly defeating USC 34-32 at home. Last season, Illinois secured a thrilling 50-49 overtime victory against Purdue in Champaign. This year, I predict Illinois will come out on top with a score of 34-24.
In another noon kickoff, Kentucky faces off against Georgia, with the Bulldogs currently favored by 20.5 points on ABC. Georgia (3-1) saw a drop in the AP poll after losing to Alabama 24-21 at home. Meanwhile, Kentucky enters the game with a 2-2 record, having lost both of their SEC games against Ole Miss and South Carolina. Georgia has dominated this series with 15 consecutive wins over Kentucky, including a nail-biting 13-12 victory last year. My prediction for this matchup: Georgia 29-17.
Iowa State travels to Cincinnati for a noon kickoff on ESPN2. The No. 14 ranked Iowa State (5-0) comes off a commanding home win against Arizona (39-14), while Cincinnati improved to 3-1 with a close 37-34 victory over Kansas last week. Iowa State has defeated Cincinnati in their last two meetings, with scores of 30-10 and 34-17. I anticipate that Iowa State will maintain its undefeated record, winning 26-23 in a competitive matchup.
Clemson visits North Carolina at noon on ESPN, with Clemson favored by 14.5 points. Both head coaches, Dabo Swinney for Clemson and Bill Belichick for North Carolina, have had a rough year, with Clemson sitting at 1-3 and North Carolina at 2-2. A victory here could provide hope as both teams head into the heart of their ACC schedules. Although I'm unsure why Clemson is such a strong favorite, my prediction leans toward Clemson winning 27-20.
In a noon kickoff on CBS, Navy (4-0) will face Air Force (1-3) in a non-league matchup that contributes to the Commander in Chief Trophy standings. Air Force enters the game after consecutive losses, while Navy hopes to continue their winning streak after a 34-7 victory over Air Force last season. I predict Navy will secure another victory, with a final score of 35-14.
No. 9 Texas (3-1) looks to bounce back against Florida at 3:30 p.m. on ESPN. Coming off a bye week, Texas aims for a strong performance in The Swamp. Florida, however, is struggling with a 1-3 record after losses to South Florida, LSU, and Miami. Last year, Texas dominated Florida with a 49-17 victory. This will be Texas' first trip to Gainesville in 85 years, and I believe the Longhorns will win this matchup decisively, 34-21.
Vanderbilt (5-0) visits No. 10 Alabama (3-1) at 3:30 p.m. on ABC. Alabama has regained momentum after a significant victory over Georgia (24-21) last week. Vanderbilt, enjoying their best start since 2008, will face a tough challenge against Alabama. The matchup features standout quarterbacks Ty Simpson for Alabama and Diego Pavia for Vanderbilt, the latter coming off a five-touchdown game against Utah State. Alabama seeks revenge after a prior loss to Vanderbilt last season. I predict a close contest, with Alabama narrowly winning 34-31.
No. 21 Notre Dame (2-2) hosts Boise State (3-1) at 3:30 p.m. on NBC. Notre Dame recently evened its record with a commanding win against Arkansas (56-13). Boise State rebounded from an earlier loss to South Florida and secured a victory over Appalachian State (47-14). This will be the first meeting between these two schools, and I expect Notre Dame to get their run game going early. My prediction: Notre Dame 36-19.
This Saturday also features an exciting ACC matchup between Virginia (4-1) and Louisville (4-0) at 3:30 p.m. on ESPN2. Virginia is coming off an impressive upset against Florida State (46-38 in two overtimes), while Louisville opened their ACC play with a win over Pittsburgh (34-27). With both teams in good form, I anticipate a competitive game. I predict Louisville will win 34-30.
Penn State (3-1) is set to face UCLA (0-4) at 3:30 p.m. on CBS. After a recent drop in the AP poll, Penn State needs to bounce back from a home loss to Oregon (30-24 in two overtimes). UCLA has struggled this season, averaging just 14.3 points per game. As Penn State travels to Los Angeles for the first time since 1968, I expect their strong defense to take control. My prediction is Penn State winning decisively, 41-20.
The Washington Huskies (3-1) visit Maryland (4-0) at 3:30 p.m. on the Big Ten Network. After a disappointing home loss to Ohio State (24-6), Washington faces a tough challenge against an unbeaten Maryland team that is coming off an impressive victory over Wisconsin (27-10). Given the circumstances, I predict that Maryland will pull off the upset with a close win, final score: Maryland 27-24.
Louisiana-Monroe will take on Northwestern at 3:30 p.m. on the Big Ten Network. Northwestern (2-2) will host the Warhawks (3-1), who have had mixed results this season. After a tough outing against Alabama (73-0), Louisiana-Monroe has secured wins against FCS Saint Francis, UTEP, and Arkansas State. I expect Northwestern to come out on top, winning 34-20.
Michigan State faces Nebraska at 4 p.m. on Fox Sports 1. Both teams enter the game with a 3-1 record and are looking to make a statement in Big Ten play. Michigan State has won the last two meetings, including a nail-biting 20-17 victory last season. I anticipate a high-scoring affair with Nebraska edging out a win, final score: Nebraska 32-27.
The matchup between Kent State and No. 5 Oklahoma follows at 4 p.m. on SEC Network. Oklahoma (4-0) is enjoying its highest ranking since 2021, although they will be without starting quarterback John Mateer due to recent surgery. Kent State (1-3) has faced tough losses this season, and I expect Oklahoma to dominate this matchup, winning 51-10.
Later in the evening, No. 11 Texas Tech (4-0) will visit Houston at 7 p.m. on ESPN. Both teams are undefeated in Big 12 play, with Texas Tech coming off a strong win against Utah. Houston also secured a close victory over Oregon State last week. Given Texas Tech's recent success against Houston, I predict a close game but lean toward Texas Tech winning 38-31.
The Miami Hurricanes (4-0) face off against Florida State (3-1) at 7:30 p.m. on ABC. This matchup holds significant importance, as it is the first meeting between the teams as ranked opponents since 2016. Miami looks to secure a statement win on the road, while Florida State aims to bounce back after a recent overtime loss. With Miami holding a slight edge in the all-time series, I predict Florida State will manage to win this encounter, final score: Florida State 27-23.
In another evening matchup, Mississippi State will visit No. 6 Texas A&M (4-0) at 7:30 p.m. on SEC Network. Texas A&M is off to a strong start, having narrowly defeated Auburn last week. Mississippi State (4-1) comes off their first loss of the season. With Texas A&M's recent success, I predict they will win this game with a score of 31-23.
Finally, Colorado travels to face TCU at 7:30 p.m. on FOX. Colorado has struggled this season with a 2-3 record, while TCU stands at 3-1. Both teams faced tough losses last week, setting the stage for a competitive matchup. I foresee TCU coming out ahead, with a final score of 34-26.
Lastly, Minnesota visits No. 1 Ohio State (4-0) at 7:30 p.m. on NBC. Ohio State has won 29 of the last 30 meetings, including 13 consecutive victories. With Minnesota struggling to establish a running game, I predict Ohio State will dominate, winning 41-10.
For those staying up late, Duke (3-2) takes on California (4-1) at 10:30 p.m. on ESPN. Both teams are coming off impressive road wins last week, and this game could shape the early ACC standings. I predict Duke will win this encounter with a final score of 29-23.
In the nightcap, Nevada faces Fresno State (4-1) at 10:30 p.m. on CBS Sports Network. Fresno State has shown strong form this season, and I expect them to continue their success against Nevada, winning decisively 44-20.
