Category: Week 5

Texas (2-0) vs TCU (0-1) Game Preview

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Why Texas Will Win

There are a whole lot of issues with Texas after the semi-miraculous comeback overtime win over Texas Tech, but Sam Ehlinger has been brilliant.

He threw an interception, but he’s hitting 71% of his throws for 688 yards and ten touchdowns with 81 rushing yards so far. He’s spreading the ball around well, and as he showed against the Red Raiders, having a veteran leader in tough games means everything.

TCU didn’t give up a ton of passing yards in the 37-34 loss to Iowa State, but Brock Purdy was sharp, hitting 18-of-23 passes. Ehlinger should be just fine, but it’ll be the running game that takes over.

The Horned Frog defensive front is okay, but it gave up a 75-yard run to Breece Hall as part of a 213-yard day on the ground by the Cyclones. Texas has hit the 200-yard rushing mark in each of the first two games.

Why TCU Will Win

Max Duggan was terrific coming off his health scare this offseason.

TCU head coach Gary Patterson said he was going to rotate quarterbacks for the Iowa State game, and Matthew Downing was okay. Duggan was great, completing 16-of-19 passes for 241 yards and three scores with a pick.

Duggan was brilliant in last year’s 37-27 win over the Longhorns, hitting 70% of his passes for 273 yards and three scores with 72 rushing yards and a score.

The change to Duggan was too late – TCU was down 16-7 going into the second half – but the offense started to work.

The Horned Frog defense really is stronger than it looked against the Cyclones, but the team has to clean up the problems overall in the first game. There were too many penalties, two turnovers, and too many empty trips. Gary Patterson teams usually fix the glitches.

What’s Going To Happen

Don’t assume the TCU that lost to Iowa State to be the same TCU that shows up to DKR, but on the other side, don’t assume Texas to be as flaky as it was against Texas Tech.

Expect a shootout, expect a whole lot of big plays from the quarterbacks, and watch out for Ehlinger to pull the team out of the fire for a second straight week to overcome a strong performance from the Horned Frogs.

Texas vs TCU Prediction, Line

Texas 40, TCU 34
Bet on Texas vs TCU with BetMGM
Texas -11.5, o/u: 63
ATS Confidence out of 5: 2.5

Must See Rating: 3.5

5: ANYTHING else
1: THAT debate

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Oklahoma State vs Kansas Prediction, Game Preview

Oklahoma State Cowboys vs Kansas Jayhawks prediction and game preview.

Oklahoma State Cowboys vs Kansas Jayhawks prediction and game preview.

Oklahoma State vs Kansas Broadcast

Date: Saturday, October 3rd
Game Time: 3:30 ET
Venue: David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium, Lawrence, KS
Network: ESPN

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Oklahoma State (2-0) vs Kansas (0-2) Game Preview

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Why Oklahoma State Will Win

Don’t overthink this. Start running, keep running, and don’t stop.

It’s possible starting QB Spencer Sanders could go on his injured ankle, but the offense figured it out with Shane Illingworth under center – have him hand it off.

The Cowboys still aren’t the explosive fun show they’re supposed to be, but in the 27-13 win over West Virginia they got 100-yard rushing days from Chuba Hubbard and LD Brown as the offense took over in the second quarter.

Kansas is giving up close to 200 yards per game on the ground with five scores. Just assume OSU will hit the 250-yard mark and average well over five yards per carry.

Why Kansas Will Win

So what’s going right so far in this 0-2 start?

Not a lot, but it’s not like the Oklahoma State offense is going anything amazing.

The Cowboys had the one big second quarter last week, and that’s been about it. The downfield passing game isn’t there, there have been too many penalties, and the team isn’t looking anything like the version that was supposed to rip through the season and be a sleeper contender for big things.

Kansas – for all of its problems – is running relatively well with Pooka Williams and Velton Gardner each averaging around six yards per carry. The Jayhawk offensive line has to be good from the start because …

What’s Going To Happen

Shhhhhhh, the Oklahoma State defense has been great.

Tulsa has an offense, and West Virginia’s attack is better than it looked in last week’s loss to the Cowboys. OSU lived behind the Mountaineer line, and it’ll be dominant against a Jayhawk offensive front that’s allowed nine sacks and 22 tackles for loss in two games.

Oklahoma State vs Kansas Prediction, Line

Oklahoma State 40, Kansas 16
Bet on Oklahoma State vs Kansas with BetMGM
Oklahoma State -21.5, o/u: 54
ATS Confidence out of 5: 3

Must See Rating: 2

5: ANYTHING else
1: THAT debate

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Oklahoma vs Iowa State Prediction, Game Preview

Oklahoma Sooners vs Iowa State Cyclones prediction and game preview.

Oklahoma Sooners vs Iowa State Cyclones prediction and game preview.

Oklahoma vs Iowa State Broadcast

Date: Saturday, October 3rd
Game Time: 7:30 ET
Venue: MidAmerican Energy Field at Jack Trice Stadium, Ames, IA
Network: ABC

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Oklahoma (1-1) vs Iowa State (1-1) Game Preview

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Why Oklahoma Will Win

Oklahoma really was good against Kansas State. Now it has to clean things up.

Spencer Rattler and the passing game were terrific, the run defense held the Wildcats to just 66 yards, and the team gained 117 more yards, but being -4 in turnover margin was a killer along with the ten penalties. Tighten things up, and everything changes.

OU collapsed. It was up 35-14 before it all fell apart, but that’s part of the deal in this weird year. It was a straight up gack by the Sooners – it’s good enough to get it all back in a hurry and get even sharper as Rattler gets more time in the system.

Why Iowa State Will Win

Oklahoma doesn’t have a running game yet.

Rattler can run, but he’s not Jalen Hurts or Kyler Murray when he gets on the move – he finished with -5 yards – and the absence of the key backs from last year is a problem. Seth McGowan ran for 73 yards, but the offensive line that’s supposed to be terrific hasn’t been good enough.

Iowa State didn’t exactly get its groove back after the Louisiana loss, but the offense was balanced and effective enough to survive the 37-34 win over TCU.

Breece Hall ran for 155 yards and three scores, Brock Purdy was back on track with a solid day, and the passing game should work just fine against an OU secondary that was torched by Kansas State’s Skylar Thompson when the team was in comeback mode.

It’s been a shaky start, but there’s more than enough experience in place to pull this off.

What’s Going To Happen

It’s been three years since the Cyclones pulled off the shocker against the Sooners, and they’re going to press hard at home.

Rattler might be brilliant, and he might have the upside to be the next great Oklahoma quarterback, but he’s got to prove he can shake off a bad fourth quarter against Kansas State, and he has to process things faster – that’s just a function of inexperience.

Iowa State got hit for 400 passing yards by TCU and survived. It’ll get hit by a huge day from Rattler and won’t be able to come through in the fourth quarter like Kansas State did.

Oklahoma vs Iowa State Prediction, Line

Oklahoma 41, Iowa State 31
Bet on Oklahoma vs Iowa State with BetMGM
Oklahoma -7, o/u: 63
ATS Confidence out of 5: 3

Must See Rating: 3

5: ANYTHING else
1: THAT debate

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Baylor vs West Virginia Prediction, Game Preview

Baylor Bears vs West Virginia Mountaineers prediction and game preview.

Baylor Bears vs West Virginia Mountaineers prediction and game preview.

Baylor vs West Virginia Broadcast

Date: Saturday, October 3rd
Game Time: 12:00 ET
Venue: Mountaineer Field at Milan Puskar Stadium, Morgantown, WV
Network: ABC

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Baylor (1-0) vs West Virginia (1-1) Game Preview

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Why Baylor Will Win

With the “it was against Kansas” caveat, Baylor was terrific in the opener of the Dave Aranda era after getting into a groove in the second half.

Yes, the passing game could’ve been a little crisper, and yes, the running game wasn’t amazing, but the defense lived in the Jayhawk backfield and clamped down on everything after getting down 7-0 in the 47-14 win.

It’s still going to be a process with all of the new parts, but as last week’s West Virginia loss to Oklahoma State showed, the other side isn’t exactly rolling, either.

There’s little to no Mountaineer running game to worry about. Leddie Brown ran for 104 yards against the Cowboys, but that was offset by a whole slew of sacks and other issues. As long as Baylor can keep QB Jarret Doege from getting into a comfortable groove, the D will be just fine.

Why West Virginia Will Win

West Virginia has to come out slinging.

Kansas was able to get a wee bit of a passing game going, but not enough of one. The Mountaineers have the receivers and Doege is a decent veteran passer, and at home they all have to click from the start.

Winston Wright and TJ Simmons are a strong receiving tandem, and for all the problems the O line had against Oklahoma State, Leddie Brown really was strong.

This is a better West Virginia team than the one that showed up in Stillwater last week.

What’s Going To Happen

Can the West Virginia offensive line hold up? It was swarmed over by Oklahoma State last week, there were way too many penalties, and the defensive front had too many problems against the run.

It’ll be a fun, tight game with West Virginia coming up with just enough explosive plays to offset all the problems against the Bear defensive front.

Baylor vs West Virginia Prediction, Line

West Virginia 27, Baylor 24
Bet on Baylor vs West Virginia with BetMGM
Baylor -3, o/u: 53.5
ATS Confidence out of 5: 2

Must See Rating: 3

5: ANYTHING else
1: THAT debate

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Texas Tech vs Kansas State Prediction, Game Preview

Texas Tech Red Raiders vs Kansas State Wildcats prediction and game preview.

Texas Tech Red Raiders vs Kansas State Wildcats prediction and game preview.

Kansas State vs Texas Tech Broadcast

Date: Saturday, October 3rd
Game Time: 3:30 ET
Venue: Bill Snyder Family Stadium, Manhattan, KS
Network: FS1

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Texas Tech (1-1) vs Kansas State (1-1) Game Preview

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Why Texas Tech Will Win

Alan Bowman is back, but he’s not alone.

This isn’t the normal Texas Tech offense that wings it around the yard 60 times. It’s the Texas Tech offense that wings it around 52 times a game, but there’s a decent running game to go along with the all the big throws.

RB SaRodorck Thompson has been terrific, running for over 100 yards and two scores in each of the two games while also being used a bit as a receiver out of the backfield.

Bowman was hurt in each of the last two seasons, but the sophomore QB has been good so far and should be able to bomb away on a Kansas State defense that was ripped apart through the air by both Arkansas State and Oklahoma. However …

Why Kansas State Will Win

The Wildcats are picking off passes and making big plays. There weren’t enough of them against Arkansas State – the secondary gave up five touchdown passes – but the three picks of Spencer Rattler in the win over Oklahoma made all the difference.

Bowman has been strong so far for the Red Raiders, but he has thrown four picks – granted one was in desperation in the overtime loss to Texas – and he wasn’t razor-sharp last week.

On the offensive side. Skylar Thompson threw for 334 yards last week, was in command when he needed to be, and he’s playing like the veteran starter he is. He’s been great against the Red Raiders over the last two years.

What’s Going To Happen

Can the Kansas State secondary at least hold serve?

It’s going to get hit for over 300 yards through the air, but the defense will own the turnover battle. The team is +6 in turnover margin with no giveaways so far.

Kansas State vs Texas Tech Prediction, Line

Kansas State 38, Texas Tech 34
Bet on Kansas State vs Texas Tech with BetMGM
Kansas State -2.5, o/u: 64
ATS Confidence out of 5: 3.5

Must See Rating: 3

5: ANYTHING else
1: THAT debate

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Clemson vs Virginia Prediction, Game Preview

Clemson Tigers vs Virginia Cavaliers prediction and game preview.

Clemson Tigers vs Virginia Cavaliers prediction and game preview.

Clemson vs Virginia Broadcast

Date: Saturday, October 3rd
Game Time: 8:00 ET
Venue: Memorial Stadium, Clemson, SC
Network: ACC Network

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Clemson (2-0) vs Virginia (1-0) Game Preview

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Why Virginia Will Win

What can the Cavaliers do to slow down the Clemson machine?

In a weird season when it seems like everyone is struggling to get down the timing and the crispness of their offenses, Clemson hasn’t had so much as a blip. However, it helps to play Wake Forest and Citadel to start out.

There haven’t been any issues so far for the Tigers, and there weren’t a whole lot of problems for Virginia in the 38-20 win over Duke that was even more dominant than the final score.

The three Cavalier turnovers were costly, but the defense taking the ball aways seven times made up for that.

The pressure was coming from all sides from the Virginia defense, and that has to kick in from the start. Trevor Lawrence is taking target practice so far.

Why Clemson Will Win

Yeah, that Trevor Lawrence guy.

He was flawless in the ACC Championship win over Virginia last season – throwing for 302 yards and four scores as the Tigers put the game out of its misery in a hurry – and he started out this year connecting on 30-of-37 passes for 519 yards with four touchdowns and no interceptions with three rushing scores.

Remember early last year when it seemed like something was wrong? Lawrence was trying to play a little too much hero ball and was forcing things a bit, giving up eight interceptions in the first seven games. Over his last ten games has has thrown 26 touchdown passes and no picks.

The Virginia secondary came up with five interceptions last week against Duke – former Clemson QB Chase Brice had a rough day. That’s not happening this week.

What’s Going To Happen

Virginia isn’t going to get steamrolled.

Clemson will be in control from the start, but Virginia will be just plucky enough to make everyone try in the second half.

Virginia’s 1-2 rushing punch of transfers Khalil Herbert (Kansas) and Raheem Blackshear (Rutgers) will come up with a few nice scoring drives, but not enough of them in the second half.

Clemson vs Virginia Prediction, Line

Clemson 45, Virginia 17
Bet on Clemson vs Virginia with BetMGM
Clemson -28.5, o/u: 55
ATS Confidence out of 5: 2

Must See Rating: 3

5: ANYTHING else
1: THAT debate

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Virginia Tech vs Duke Prediction, Game Preview

Virginia Tech Hokies vs Duke Blue Devils prediction and game preview.

Virginia Tech Hokies vs Duke Blue Devils prediction and game preview.

Virginia Tech vs Duke Broadcast

Date: Saturday, October 3rd
Game Time: 4:00 ET
Venue: Wallace Wade Stadium, Durham, NC
Network: ACC Network

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Virginia Tech (1-0) vs Duke (0-3) Game Preview

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Why Virginia Tech Will Win

Duke has been a hot mess.

There are just enough decent parts on both sides to be better – the defense is giving it that old college try – but the offense can’t stop screwing up.

The O couldn’t bust through in the opening game loss to Notre Dame, and ie managed just six points to a Boston College team that got pushed by Texas State in the final seconds.

Last week against Virginia there was nothing happening on the ground, and one big overarching problem kept on going.

Turnovers.

The Blue Devils have given the ball away 14 times in three games with five against BC and seven – five of them picks – against Virginia.

Virginia Tech was +2 in turnover margin in its 45-24 win over NC State.

Why Duke Will Win

Just how healthy is Virginia Tech?

It might have rolled by NC State last week, but it was missing 23 player including star QB Hendon Hooker. He’s expected to be in the mix against the Blue Devils, but this still isn’t a deep team at the moment.

Duke just has to stop screwing up.

The defense is getting behind the line, it’s generating decent pressure, and it’s been good enough against the run to get by. Now the offense has to stop giving the ball away with its seven fumbles and seven interceptions.

Hold on against the Virginia Tech pressure, and the Blue Devils have a shot to push this late into the second half and keep it close.

What’s Going To Happen

When fully healthy, Virginia Tech belongs in the discussion of top four ACC teams. It’s still not close to 100% overall, but Duke isn’t getting a thing out of its passing game on a consistent basis, ad the defense – for all of its positives – is getting hammered too hard by everyone’s passing attack over the first three weeks.

Virginia Tech needs a settled quarterback situation with backup Braxton Burmeister leaving the NC State game hurt, but the lines will do their part to carry the team.

Virginia Tech vs Duke Prediction, Line

Virginia Tech 34, Duke 13
Bet on Virginia Tech vs Duke with BetMGM
Virginia Tech -10.5, o/u: 54
ATS Confidence out of 5: 3

Must See Rating: 2

5: ANYTHING else
1: THAT debate

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Florida State vs Jacksonville State Prediction, Game Preview

Florida State Seminoles vs Jacksonville Gamecocks prediction and game preview.

Florida State Seminoles vs Jacksonville Gamecocks prediction and game preview.

Florida State vs Jacksonville Broadcast

Date: Saturday, October 3rd
Game Time: 4:00 ET
Venue: Doak Campbell Stadiu, Tallahassee, FL
Network: ESPN3

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Florida State (0-2) vs Jacksonville State (0-0) Game Preview

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Why Jacksonville State Will Win

Florida State has been awful.

The offense scored early against Georgia Tech, and lost 16-13.

The defense gave up the most points ever in a game against Miami, losing 52-10.

The O isn’t moving the ball, the D can’t seem to come up with a big stop in a meaningful moment, and the program just seems – for lack of a better word – deflated.

Jacksonville State QB Zerrick Cooper – a former big recruit for Clemson – is a big, dangerous runner who can also push the ball down the field. He might throw too many interceptions, but he has 60 touchdown passes and 12 rushing scores in his two years. After struggling against D’Eriq King last week, the FSU defense needs a break it’s not going to get.

Why Florida State Will Win

The FSU offensive line should be able to give everyone time to work.

The Noles have allowed nine sacks so far – Miami spent most of last week in the backfield – but Jacksonville State isn’t going to bring enough of a pass rush to matter.

And yes, Cooper is great, but the offense that was a turnover machine last year should have a few problems early on. The Noles need easy chances to get this thing going, and they should be +3 in turnover margin.

What’s Going To Happen

FSU head coach Mike Norvell is back after missing last week with the coronavirus. Finally, after a miserable start to his era, the program is about to have a little bit of fun.

It’s not going to be anything to get fired up over, but at least the Seminoles will finally start scoring before going to Notre Dame.

Florida State vs Jacksonville State Prediction, Line

Florida State 44, Jacksonville State 15
Bet on FSU vs JSU with BetMGM
No Line, o/u: No Line

Must See Rating: 1.5

5: ANYTHING else
1: THAT debate

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North Carolina vs Boston College Prediction, Game Preview

North Carolina Tar Heels vs Boston College Eagles prediction and game preview.

North Carolina Tar Heels vs Boston College Eagles prediction and game preview.

North Carolina vs Boston College Broadcast

Date: Saturday, October 3rd
Game Time: 3:30 ET
Venue: Alumni Stadium, Chestnut Hill, MA
Network: ABC

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North Carolina (1-0) vs Boston College (2-0) Game Preview

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Why North Carolina Will Win

Silver lining … at least the Tar Heels are rested.

They were shaky early on against Syracuse before rolling to a 31-6 win, but that seemed like months ago – it was three weeks.

This is still a strong team with a dangerous passing game that clicked – Sam Howell hit 74% of its passes for 303 yards – and the defense held down an Orange attack with stop after stop. Granted, there were a few too many air mail passes from Tommy DeVito, but the Orange only converted 4-of-19 third down chances.

It’s early, but the Boston College running game isn’t working. Duke and Texas State aren’t Alabama and Clemson, and the Eagles were only averaging 2.5 yards per pop against the two.

Why Boston College Will Win

Call the 24-21 close-call win over Texas State part of the process.

The Eagles didn’t play well, but they managed to hang on for the win when the offense wasn’t quite clicking. No, the running game didn’t work, but the passing game has been solid.

Under new head coach Jeff Hafley, Notre Dame transfer QB Phil Jurkovec has hit 71% of his throws for 510 yards and three touchdowns. He’ll connect on the throws that Syracuse missed on in UNC’s opener.

Yes, the Tar Heels won 31-6, but it was a whole lot close than that against the Orange until late, surviving several missed opportunities.