It’s time for another week of college football and things are starting to heat up. There are several good games including a huge BIG 10 matchup in Ann Arbor. Let’s take a look at five games and my predictions.
No.24 Illinois Illini @ No.22 Nebraska Cornhuskers | Friday @ 7:00 P.M. CT on FOX
It’s another ranked matchup on Friday night this week as Illinois takes on Nebraska at home. Both of these teams are looking to continue their early momentum. Nebraska is the favorite at home coming off a dominating victory over Colorado. Meanwhile Illinois’ looks to slow down the Cornhusker offense led by Dylan Raiola. Both teams have strong defenses; allowing less than 30 total points over their first three games. I think this will be a closer game, but I see Nebraska’s offense and the home field advantage getting them the victory. Nebraska 28 | Illinois 17
No.11 USC Trojans @ No.18 Michigan Wolverines | Saturday @ 2:30 P.M. CT on CBS
It’s another massive game in the Big House for Michigan as they face USC in their first matchup as BIG 10 opponents. Michigan comes into the game needing a win after getting beaten by No. 1 Texas at home two weeks ago. The Wolverines will be starting backup quarterback Alex Orji this weekend. He’s been with the team since 2021, but has only gotten a lot of playing time this year.
USC is coming a bye week, but does have wins over LSU and Utah State. I see USC winning this game. I think the quarterback change and Michigan’s poor performances are not a good sign. USC 27 | Michigan 14
No.12 Utah Utes @ No.14 Oklahoma State Cowboys | Saturday @ 3:00 P.M. CT on FOX
Another pair of unbeaten teams face off in the BIG 12 looking for a statement win. This game could be preview of the BIG 12 Championship game. The Cowboys have already had a win over SEC opponent Arkansas this year in a tight overtime contest. Utah comes in undefeated after a wins over Southern Utah, Baylor, and Utah State. I think Oklahoma State’s offense will be the difference in this matchup. I expect points in this game, but look out for the Cowboys running back Ollie Gordon III to have a big game. Oklahoma State 34 | Utah 20
California Golden Bears @ Florida State Seminoles | Saturday @ 6:00 P.M. CT on ESPN2
This might be one of the most ironic matchups of the weekend. The 0-3 Florida State Seminoles face the 3-0 Cal Golden Bears in Tallahassee. Florida State continues down a dark path after losses to Georgia Tech, Boston College, and Memphis. Meanwhile Cal is on a roll after beating Auburn in week two. I am calling it now, Cal wins this game. I think things are not going to change for the Seminoles and that Cal will expose their defense just like they did against Auburn. California 27 | Florida State 21
No.13 Kansas State Wildcats @ BYU Cougars | Saturday @ 9:30 P.M. CT on ESPN
Kansas State has a tricky start to the BIG 12 season with a trip to Provo, Utah to face the BYU Cougars. Night games there are a tough task. Kansas State has had an impressive start to the season with wins at Tulane and Arizona. Now they look to prove themselves again on the road. BYU comes in 3-0 as well, but has yet to prove themselves against a quality opponent. I think this will be a tough, physical battle, but I do think the Wildcats will survive. Kansas State 28 | BYU 20
