All times Eastern
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3:30 pm #22 Texas A&M at #1 Alabama (-27, 61 1/2) - Two weeks ago, the Aggies nearly upset the Clemson Tiger, losing at Clemson, 28-26.
Now, A&M travels to meet the Crimson Tide, who are fresh off a 62-7 thumping of Ole Miss. Getting nearly four TDs, one might be tempted to take a flyer on the visitors, though that would probably be a mistake. Alabama is playing on a different level, eighth on defense, at 9.3 points per game allowed, and #1 offensively, scoring at a 56.7 points per game clip.
Coin Flip: Alabama
PREDICTION: Crimson Tide 45 Aggies 14
3:30 pm #3 Clemson (-16 1/2, 52 1/2) at Georgia Tech - The Yellow Jackets have been stung twice in the past two weeks, losing on the road at South Florida, 49-38, and Pitt, 24-19. They don't appear to be ready for the Tigers, who are seeking another shot at not just an ACC title, but a national championship. A big win here would go a long way towards those goals.
Coin Flip: Clemson
PREDICTION: Tigers 49 Yellow Jackets 21
3:30 pm Kansas State at #12 West Virginia (-16, 60) - The Mountaineers were supposed to have played at NC State last week, but that was precluded by Hurricane Florence and will be rescheduled. Thus, West Virginia is 2-0, with lopsided wins over Tennessee and Youngstown State.
This being their first conference game, both teams will be geared up for big efforts. The Wildcats suffered a 31-10 loss to Mississippi State, and are 2-1, but are still good enough to make a game of this. Possible upset in a close one.
Coin Flip: Kansas State
PREDICTION: Mountaineers 31 Wildcats 24
4:30 pm #17 TCU (-3, 51) at Texas - The Longhorns looked like the Texas teams of old last week, whipping up on USC, 33-17, after an opening loss to Maryland (34-29) and topping Tulsa, 28-21, in week two. While the Longhorns are an improving lot, TCU brings a different level of expertise to the field.
The Horned Frogs are fresh off a 40-28 loss to Ohio State, but held their own against a high quality opponent. They're likely to regain some Texas swagger here, as experience and talent are strongly in their favor.
Coin Flip: Texas
PREDICTION: Horned Frogs 38 Longhorns 24
7:00 pm #14 Mississippi State (-10, 54) at Kentucky - The Wildcats got an early lift when they put on a clinic at Florida, ripping the Gators, 27-16. They started last season with a similar 3-0 beginning, but lost to Florida, 28-27, and, later in the season, were thumped by the Bulldogs, 45-7. This game, however will be on their home turf, and much is expected as their defensive abilities are improving.
The Bulldogs have the look of an SEC powerhouse, but down the road are games against Auburn, A&M, LSU, and Alabama, so they may not be taking this road trip with the requisite seriousness. Any slip-ups may be compounded against the Wildcats and a home team upset win is a distinct possibility.
Coin Flip: Kentucky
PREDICTION: Wildcats 27 Bulldogs 21
-7:00 pm Texas Tech at #15 Oklahoma State (-12 1/2, 79) - Break out the calculators for this Big 12 clash. The Red Raiders are the #3 scoring team in the country at 55.7 points per game; the Cowboys are #8 (52.3). There easily could be over 100 points scored in this border war.
Texas Tech was handled on opening weekend by Ole Miss, losing 47-27, but after whipping little Lamar, 77-0, they proved they have more than enough offensive skills in a 63-49 win over Houston. The Cowboys are 3-0 and looking for more respect after topping Boise State, 44-21, last week. This is their fourth straight home game, but the Raiders may make them a little uncomfortable with their fast-strike offense.
Coin Flip: Oklahoma State
PREDICTION: Cowboys 63 Red Raiders 54
8:00 pm #7 Stanford (-2, 55) at #20 Oregon - After going 7-6 last season, the Ducks are looking for re-entry into the college football elite ranks, and a win over the Cardinal would be a huge feather in their coifs. What the Ducks lack, however, is defense, having allowed lesser teams to put up a collective 60 points in three wins.
They won't need a lot of defending, though, as Stanford isn't exactly an offensive powerhouse, scoring just 78 points in their three victories while allowing 23. Stanford has a huge edge on defense, which should be enough to come away with a win.
Coin Flip: Stanford
PREDICTION: Cardinal 28 Ducks 21
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