Ohio State (-14 ½) travels to face Illinois at noon (FOX) in a highly anticipated matchup. The Buckeyes have dominated the Illini, winning their last nine encounters since 2007 and maintaining an impressive 11-game winning streak against them that dates back to a loss in 1991. However, the No. 1 ranked Ohio State could encounter a formidable challenge from the No. 17 Illinois, led by veteran QB Luke Altmyer, especially with a spirited Orange-Out crowd expected at Memorial Stadium. After suffering a crushing 63-10 defeat against Indiana, Illinois rebounded with impressive victories over USC and Purdue. Despite their recent successes, the Illini's defense has shown vulnerabilities, allowing 63, 32, and 27 points in their last three games. This creates opportunities for Ohio State QB Julian Sayin and his talented receivers. The prediction for this matchup leans towards Ohio State winning 34-17.
UCLA visits Michigan State (-7 ½) at noon (Big Ten Network), as the Spartans (3-2) seek their first Big Ten victory after tough road losses to USC and Nebraska. In contrast, UCLA (1-4) achieved a breakthrough win last week, overcoming Penn State 42-37 at the Rose Bowl. Expect the Spartans to capitalize on home-field advantage, with a predicted score of Michigan State 31-21.
No. 8 Alabama (-3 ½) heads to Missouri at noon (ABC) for an exciting clash. Alabama (4-1) comes off back-to-back wins against ranked teams, including a notable win at Georgia and a home victory over Vanderbilt. Facing No. 14 Missouri (5-0), who has a challenging road ahead with a matchup against No. 12 Tennessee next week, Alabama aims to extend their dominance, having won the last six meetings with Missouri and remaining undefeated in Columbia. The previous year's encounter saw Alabama triumph 34-0. This matchup features an intriguing QB duel between Alabama's Ty Simpson and Missouri's Beau Pribula. Although Missouri is seeking an upset, the prediction favors Alabama with a score of 32-26.
Pittsburgh faces Florida State (-10) at noon (ESPN), both teams sporting a record of 3-2. No. 25 Florida State is eager to rebound after last week's loss to Miami (Fla.), while Pittsburgh halted a two-game losing streak with a resounding 48-7 victory over Boston College. Expect a close contest, with Florida State edging out Pittsburgh 33-30.
Central Florida visits Cincinnati (-10 ½) at noon (Fox Sports 1). Cincinnati improved to 4-1 after last week's 38-30 win over Iowa State, while UCF stands at 3-2, struggling with an 0-2 record in Big 12 play following losses to Kansas State and Kansas. Cincinnati is predicted to win decisively with a score of 34-20.
Toledo (-10 ½) faces Bowling Green at noon (ESPNU) in an intense I-75 rivalry game, where BG (2-3) will host Toledo (3-2). Expect a competitive matchup with Toledo projected to win 29-26.
Washington State meets Ole Miss (-31 ½) at 12:45 p.m. (SEC Network). After conceding 59 points in back-to-back games against North Texas and Washington, Washington State (3-2) managed a defensive turnaround with a 20-3 victory over Colorado State. Ole Miss, currently ranked fourth nationally with a 5-0 record, is enjoying its best ranking since 2015 after defeating LSU 24-19. Ole Miss is expected to dominate this game, with a predicted score of 51-13.
Indiana faces Oregon (-7 ½) at 3:30 p.m. (CBS) in a clash of undefeated teams. Both No. 7 Indiana and No. 3 Oregon are 5-0, with Oregon opening as a 9-½ point favorite, which has since decreased to 7-½. The teams last met in 2004, resulting in an upset victory for Indiana. This matchup is crucial for both teams in their quest for the Big Ten championship game. With strong QB performances expected from Oregon's Dante Moore and Indiana's Fernando Mendoza, this game could come down to the wire, with Oregon likely winning 30-27.
Northwestern visits Penn State (-21 ½) at 3:30 p.m. (Fox Sports 1). After suffering back-to-back losses, Penn State (3-2) is looking to regain momentum at home against Northwestern (3-2). The Nittany Lions are determined to overcome their recent struggles and are expected to win convincingly, with a score of 37-19.
Nebraska (-7) takes on Maryland at 3:30 p.m. (Big Ten Network), both teams holding 4-1 records. This matchup features a strong QB duel, with Nebraska's Dylan Raiola and Maryland's Malik Washington leading their respective teams. With Nebraska's historical edge over Maryland, the prediction leans towards the Huskers winning 30-27.
Oklahoma (-1) faces Texas in the annual Red River Rivalry at the Cotton Bowl at 3:30 p.m. (ABC). This marks the 121st meeting between the schools, with Texas holding a slight edge in the all-time series. After a disappointing loss last week, Texas (3-2) is in desperate need of a win, while Oklahoma (5-0) is ranked sixth nationally. With both teams in different states of disarray, the prediction favors Texas in a close matchup, 34-31.
Virginia Tech visits Georgia Tech (-14 ½) at 3:30 p.m. (ACC Network), where No. 13 Georgia Tech is favored to win 29-20.
N.C. State faces Notre Dame (-23 ½) at 3:30 p.m. (Peacock), with No. 16 Notre Dame looking to secure a dominant 42-24 victory.
Iowa State (-2 ½) travels to Colorado at 3:30 p.m. (ESPN), with No. 22 Iowa State aiming for a bounce-back win after last week's loss, predicted to win 30-23.
Arkansas visits Tennessee (-10 ½) at 4:15 p.m. (SEC Network), as No. 12 Tennessee seeks a solid win against the struggling Razorbacks, projected to win 33-17.
Florida visits Texas A&M (-7 ½) at 7 p.m. (ESPN), with the Aggies looking to maintain their winning streak against the Gators, predicted to win 31-21.
Kansas faces Texas Tech (-14) at 7:30 p.m. (FOX), as the No. 9 ranked Texas Tech seeks to continue its winning ways against Kansas, projected to win 36-20.
Georgia (-3 ½) travels to Auburn at 7:30 p.m. (ABC) in the 130th edition of the Deep South's Oldest Rivalry. Georgia, currently ranked No. 10, must remain vigilant against Auburn, projected to win 29-23.
Clemson (-14) takes on Boston College at 7:30 p.m. (ACC Network), with Clemson expected to dominate and win 40-17.
Iowa visits Wisconsin (-3) at 7 p.m. (Fox Sports 1), where Iowa aims to continue its recent success against Wisconsin, predicted to win 27-19.
Michigan clashes with USC (-2 ½) at 7:30 p.m. (NBC). This matchup is significant as Michigan's first trip to USC since 1957, with USC seeking revenge after last year's narrow loss. The prediction favors USC in a close game, 27-22.
Purdue faces Minnesota (-7 ½) at 7:30 p.m. (Big Ten Network), with Minnesota projected to rebound and win 31-20.
South Carolina visits LSU (-9) at 7:45 p.m. (SEC Network), where No. 11 LSU is favored to win 34-19.
BYU (-1 ½) travels to Arizona at 8 p.m. (ESPN2), with No. 18 BYU expected to secure a 30-24 victory.
Arizona State visits Utah (-8) at 10:15 p.m. (ESPN), with Utah projected to win a close match, 34-31.
