Each week, I, along with an assistant editor and a writer, predict the South Carolina game and the four biggest match-ups of the weekend.
Week 10 has an incredibly competitive slate of games, including four top-flight match-ups between teams with a combined one loss or fewer. These match-ups could have huge implications on the College Football Playoff rankings, which, at the moment, features a plethora of contenders.
Navy @ #13 Memphis
It’s not often that a Group of 5 game has national implications as early as Week 10, but undefeated Memphis is already making noise.
This year’s Cinderella cannot get caught looking ahead to a showdown with undefeated Houston next week, as the 6-1 Midshipmen are a dangerous team.
The only blemish on Navy’s record came on the road against No. 5 Notre Dame, and the Midshipmen boast the NCAA’s all-time rushing touchdown leader in quarterback Keenan Reynolds. The senior has run for 77 touchdowns in his four-year career, tied with former Wisconsin running back Montee Ball for most all time.
The match-up pits quarterback Paxton Lynch and Memphis’s seventh-ranked passing attack against Navy’s dangerous triple option.
Ultimately though, I think Memphis’s defense steps up late in a high-scoring affair.
Prediction: Memphis 41 Navy 27
#16 Florida State @ #1 Clemson
Last season, it was a lower-ranked Clemson team — three weeks removed from a loss to a team from Georgia — going on the road to face the top-ranked in the country.
This year, the script has flipped.
Clemson has looked like the most complete team in college football this year, ranking fifth in total defense and 19th in total offense. Quarterback Deshaun Watson has looked every bit like a Heisman contender this season and will lead a dynamic offensive unit against Florida State’s 13th-ranked scoring defense.
Seminole running back Dalvin Cook is expected back after missing a game with an ankle injury, and his presence should improve Florida State’s chances. However, the Seminoles’ uncertainty at quarterback coupled with Watson’s playmaking ability tilts this game in the Tigers’ favor.
Prediction: Clemson 31 Florida State 16
#9 TCU @ #14 Oklahoma State
The over/under on this game is set for 76.5 for these undefeated Big 12 foes, which actually seems low. The Horned Frogs and Cowboys are ranked second and seventh in scoring offense, respectively.
Of both teams' seasons so far, Oklahoma State has eclipsed 50 points in three games and TCU in five, so I expect both to put up big numbers on Saturday.
Lately, TCU quarterback Trevone Boykin has been the best player in college football, scoring at least four total touchdowns in each of his last seven games.
If the Cowboys are to have a shot in this one, they must slow down Boykin, whose productivity has allowed other offensive players to step up and make plays as well. Oklahoma State, like nearly every other team in the country, won’t be able to do that.
Prediction: TCU 56 Oklahoma State 45
#2 LSU @ #4 Alabama
The SEC’s playoff hopes may hinge on this game. 7-1 Alabama does not control its own destiny as LSU holds the head-to-head edge over the Crimson Tide.
Still, playing at home against an undefeated Tiger team that boasts Heisman frontrunner Leonard Fournette, the Tide are 6.5 point favorites.
The Tide defense ranks third against the run but has not faced anyone of Fournette’s caliber. The Tigers will pit their elite offensive line against the Crimson Tide’s formidable front seven.
However, the matchup to watch, in my opinion, is that of the quarterbacks. LSU signal-caller Brandon Harris has quietly put together a solid season and has yet to throw an interception. Harris has 12 total touchdowns and has been sacked just eight times.
Alabama has had issues at quarterback this season, as Jake Coker and Cooper Bateman have combined to throw nine interceptions.
LSU has the talent on both sides of the ball to pull off the upset in a close game.
Prediction: LSU 24 Alabama 23