No. 4 Ohio State (5-1) vs. No. 5 Indiana (6-0), noon ET
Indiana keeps winning. Curt Cignetti always finds a way. I probably promised not to face the Hoosiers until they In fact lose a game. But that impenetrable aura faded during close calls at Northwestern and Nebraska — and Ohio State’s scorching offense won’t be kind.
Prediction: Ohio State 23, Indiana 20
No. 6 Alabama (5-1) at No. 14 Tennessee (5-1), 3:30 p.m.
Tennessee gave Texas a scare a few weeks ago, limiting the Longhorns to just 262 yards despite losing 20-17. This is clearly positive. The problem is that the offense mustered 221 yards while making 12 tackles for loss. We don’t yet know if Faizon Brandon or George MacIntyre will start for Tennessee, but Bama should make it difficult for either young QB.
Prediction: Alabama 30, Tennessee 20
No. 13 Missouri (5-1) vs. No. 9 Ole Miss (4-1), 3:30 p.m.
The storyline is amusing. Trinidad Chambliss rose to prominence at Ole Miss after replacing an injured Austin Simmons, who then transferred to Missouri this offseason. However, Mizzou’s defense could be the deciding factor: It struggled in a road loss to Mississippi State, but dominated at home against Florida and Texas A&M. This first trend leans in favor of Ole Miss.
Prediction: Ole Miss 34, Missouri 27
No. 2 Notre Dame (6-0) at No. 8 BYU (5-0), 7:30 p.m.
To be frank, I’m not convinced BYU will move the ball effectively. The offense is built on the running game. Notre Dame ranks third nationally, allowing 2.1 yards per carry. Still, thanks to its own strong defense, BYU should stay close in the fourth quarter. That’s not a comfortable position for a road favorite, although ND remains the deserving pick.
Prediction: Notre Dame 23, BYU 16
No. 18 Oklahoma State (4-1) at No. 20 Houston (5-1), 7:30 p.m.
On the other hand, expect a high-scoring affair in this Big 12 contest. Both programs feature well-balanced offenses, averaging over 38 points. In this style of match, it is therefore essential to capitalize on scoring opportunities. Houston ranks 28th in the FBS with a red zone touchdown rate of 71.4, while OSU ranks 117th with 51.7 percent. Benefit to hosts.
Prediction: Houston 34, Oklahoma State 30
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