Sup Guys! It’s Shawn. Apparently, I’m only doing these on odd numbered weeks. Real talk though, even numbers can’t be trusted. Any number that is easily divided into another number will probably kill your dog. Okay maybe not that far, but I wouldn’t ask an even number to pick up an Amazon delivery. (Wow, that tangent got strange real fast.) Enough of that, so we all know why we’re here. Week 9 is upon us and at this point, the College Football Playoff is starting to come together, but there’s still time for teams to make a strong case for their participation in the playoff. Let’s take a look at what games you should watch this weekend and maybe toss some schmeckles at. (Yup, definitely a “Rick and Morty” reference. Wubba lubba dub dub!) Here’s our Week 9 College Football Preview.
All games on Saturday unless noted. All times ET.
Tulsa at SMU (-9.5) (Friday, 9:00pm, ESPN2/WatchESPN)
If you’re a cool cat and don’t have plans Friday night, you should check this game out. I’ve seen the O/U at 77 on this one and both of these teams are very capable of putting up numbers. Pair that with two defenses allowing over 30 ppg, this one seems like a lock to bet the over. If points aren’t your thing (and realistically, why aren’t they?!? Points are great), then you should consider it your duty as an American to watch this one as Tulsa’s Sophomore Quarterback Chad President heads into Gerald J. Ford Stadium. Expect another “President” to be assassinated in Dallas on Friday night (timely reference! JFK Assassination files were released on Thursday!!!).
Prediction: SMU wins 45-35
(5) Wisconsin (-26.5) at Illinois (Noon, ESPN/WatchESPN)
Last week, Paul Chryst sent the FG unit onto the field with under 2 minutes left and completely flipped Vegas on this one. Needless to say, hysterical laughter overtook me as I didn’t expect the Badgers to cover the spread. Well Pauly, consider myself on notice. Never again will I bet against you. You’re on a mission this year. Clearly, the precedent has been set that the Badgers are out to make a statement to the rest of the country the rest of the season leading up to the Big Ten Championship game. Badgers roll on this one on the back of JTD (Jonathan Taylor).
Prediction: (5) Wisconsin wins 38-3
(11) Oklahoma State (-7.5) at (22) West Virginia (Noon, ABC/WatchESPN)
This game is going to be intriguing on many levels. From a Heisman standpoint, on one side, you have one of the preseason favorites OK State’s Mason Rudolph looking to continue his stellar season (NCAA leading 2,650 yds, 19 TDs, 4 INTs). On the other side, Junior Will Grier has opened a lot of eyes heading into Saturday who comes into this one with 2,467 yards and an NCAA leading 26 TDs. From a team perspective, they both carry a 3-1 conference record and are still very much in the running for to advance to the Big 12 title game. The result of this one will go a long way in determining the Big 12 title and this one will be decided at the QB position. Expect this to be the game that Grier surpasses Rudolph.
Prediction: (22) West Virginia wins 45-41
Rutgers at Michigan (-24) (Noon, Big Ten Network)
Michigan is struggling. (Understatement of the century). After losing to little brother Michigan State, they struggled to close out a very game Indiana team. Follow that up with the schelacking at the hands of the Nittany Lions in Primetime a week ago, Jimmy Khaki’s needs to right the ship and quickly. Rutgers brings to Ann Arbor and glorious opportunity for that to happen. Let’s be realistic and say that this Rutgers team had no right beating Purdue last week, but that’s the beauty of college football folks. Wolverine’s will take a step in the right direction as they hope to build momentum heading into a very difficult late November.
Prediction: Michigan wins 21-10
GAME OF THE WEEK (2) Penn State at (6) Ohio State (-6.5) (3:30pm, FOX)
Whoever drafts Saquon Barkley in April is going to be very lucky because this dude is a monster on the field. Barkley, paired with Trace “That Baseball Swing Thing Is Growing On Me” McSorley have become one of the most dangerous backfields in College Football. On Saturday, these two will lead Penn State into a very tough test in Columbus. On the other side, if the Buckeyes want to see playoff football this year, this is the game to make their case. A glance at the rest of their schedule and no games will scream “resume builder”. The only ranked opponent on the schedule at this point is Michigan State, and that game is in Columbus. Urban Meyer needs his dynamic duo of Senior J.T. Barrett and Freshman J.K. Dobbins to impress this Saturday. Unfortunately, I think Penn State is out for blood after the Iowa game two weeks ago.
Prediction: (2) Penn State wins 17-14
And there ya go. Another short and sweet preview. Have a good weekend guys!
#TeamNobody