12up's College Football Predictions for Week 7
By Thomas Carannante
Week 7 of the College Football season is already here and Saturday is headlined by the Red River Rivalry. Oklahoma and Texas -- two of the country's top teams -- will do battle in a game that could have major College Football Playoff implications.
But, the rest of the slate is pretty stacked, so let's take a look at the 12up Editorial Staff's predictions for the top games we picked.
Miami vs No. 20 Virginia
Adam Weinrib
The surprising 'Hoos are two-point road dogs coming off a dispiriting road loss to Notre Dame and a bye? They have more talent at QB and more fight nearly everywhere else. Virginia wins, and eliminates Miami from the ACC Coastal race.
Mark Powell
Virginia's defense is legit and Miami has no freaking clue what they're doing at quarterback. Expect a brief Hurricanes run, but UVA's defense will shut the door quickly, with Bryce Perkins providing enough of an offensive punch against a Miami defense which allowed 42 points to Virginia Tech just a week ago.
Karl Rasmussen
The Hurricanes have three losses to their name this year, but have played better than a 2-3 squad. All of their losses have been close-knit games, and this one should provided similar context. With Jarren Williams out with a shoulder injury, N'Kosi Perry will be tasked with handling the Virginia defense, which has surrendered just 21.4 points per game. Home-field advantage will play a big role for Miami, which should be able to pull off an upset win over the No. 20 Cavaliers.
Thomas Carannante
Virginia's only loss came on the road at Notre Dame, and we can't fault them for that. This is arguably the best all-around UVA team we've seen in a very long time, but we know this school's identity -- they're going to blow their chances at some point against an inferior opponent. You're looking at that game. They're road dogs for a reason. Miami inexplicably wins this one.
Minnesota vs Nebraska
Adam Weinrib
The sea was angry that day, my friends. And the boats? Oh, the boats, they did row. Adrian Martinez somehow found his way onto Heisman watch lists a few months ago, finally making the term "Lamestream Media" make some sense to me. Gophers at home.
Mark Powell
The Huskers performance in Minneapolis fully depends on whether Adrian Martinez is a full go, and right now it's too close to call. Whether playing at 50% or sitting out, the result for the Gophers will be the same. PJ Fleck has changed the culture, period.
Karl Rusmussen
Minnesota is undefeated, but they have not looked like a 5-0 team this year. Four of their five wins have come by a margin of one touchdown or less, including narrowly escaping Fresno State in double overtime. The Gophers will look to protect their home turf against the Cornhuskers, who will be hoping offensive catalyst Adrian Martinez is able to suit up. If he's in, Nebraska should take this one.
Thomas Carannante
I will pick against Nebraska as long as they're playing an FBS opponent. Analysts and pundits couldn't have overhyped this team any more. They are straight up bad. Scott Frost should've never left UCF. They'd still be undefeated right now. Minnesota isn't very good either despite their undefeated record, but they're good enough to beat the Cornhuskers.
Arizona vs Washington
Adam Weinrib
Jacob Eason has not been the homecoming superstar many foresaw in 2019, his struggles cresting on the road at Stanford last week, barely creating enough offense to keep it close. Arizona is surging, following a road win against the Buffs last week, returning home to a crowd that might carry them to the finish line.
Mark Powell
Alright, I'll say it: what the hell happened to Washington last week? Jacob Eason and the Huskies lost by two scores to a lowly Stanford team, but UW is far too talented to let such a disappointment happen twice, right? Khalil Tate is reinventing himself as a pocket passer, and Arizona is a weird team. Expect the Huskies to right the ship in #Pac12AfterDark or else I'm fully off the bandwagon.
Karl Rasmussen
Both teams boast strong offenses, but Arizona's defense may prove too leaky to contain the Huskies' offense. Khalil Tate can change a game on his own, but he has yet to shine in 2019 as fans had hoped. Jacob Eason's accuracy under center will ensure Washington's offense is on the field long enough to get the win.
Thomas Carannante
Washington! Another laughable, overrated team. Jacob Eason was supposed to take this squad over the top, and everyone sure evaluated that big performance against Eastern Washington properly! The Huskies have lost to Cal at home and a third-string Stanford team on the road. Kevin Sumlin and Arizona are about to hand Chris Petersen his third loss of the year.
No. 22 Baylor vs Texas Tech
Adam Weinrib
Texas Tech is on the road to face a ranked opponent, should be tight...hmm...oh, wait, Baylor's kicker is named John Mayers. His body is a wonderland. He drilled his first FG of the season two weeks back, and that's enough for me. 24-21. Why, Georgia?!
Mark Powell
Matt Rhule, you dog. In just his fourth season at Baylor, the former Temple coach has turned the Bears into a ranked team with Big 12 title aspirations. Charlie Brewer is more than capable and Denzel Mims is electric. Texas Tech gives up 414 yards-per-game, which is bad even for Big 12 standards. Expect some fireworks in Waco.
Karl Rasmussen
Baylor's defense will be the X-factor in this one, as they've surrendered on average just 15.4 points per game. The Red Raiders will be Baylor's toughest challenge of the season thus far, so their defense will be put to a test against a team that averages 31.6 points per game. Still, playing on their home turf will be a big advantage. Baylor should pull it off.
Thomas Carannante
Baylor continues to surprise and that streak will continue this Saturday. Texas Tech is terrible on the road and they're definitely about to overlook the Bears after upsetting Oklahoma State last week. Baylor keeps finding a way and an unbalanced Tech team will help them push forth on that path.
No. 13 Oregon vs Colorado
Adam Weinrib
It's about that time of year when we all start circulating back to fluffing up Justin Herbert's draft status, I guess? I'm still not a believer, and do not think he can cover the 22 points on Colorado here. He wins, it's meh, Draft Twitter still starts boosting his case.
Mark Powell
Justin Herbert and the Ducks are on a roll after completely blowing it against Bo Nix and Auburn in Week 1. Oregon will win their fifth straight at home against a pesky Buffs team with an explosive offense. Mario Cristobal and the Ducks head into Week 8 with a stranglehold on the Pac-12 North.
Karl Rasmussen
The Ducks haven't looked dominant on offense, but they still own the top spot in the Pac-12. Oregon's offense will look to bounce back after being held to just 38 points over the past two weeks combined. With Justin Herbert under center, the Buffs' defense will have their hands full and Herbert will look to exploit any opening in the secondary. The Ducks defense should handle the Buffs easily, while the offense has a chance to run up the score.
Thomas Carannante
Another overrated Pac-12 team. The Ducks blew their Week 1 game against Auburn and have looked largely unimpressive since. However, Colorado's defense isn't Cal's and won't be able to keep the Buffs in this game for very long. Expect Justin Herbert to finally put up good numbers against a somewhat real team in a win.
No. 8 Wisconsin vs Michigan State
Adam Weinrib
I'm of the mindset Michigan State will allocate so many resources towards slowing down Jonathan Taylor that they're likely to let Wisconsin cook in all other aspects of the game (and still won't hold Taylor under 100 yards).
Mark Powell
Traveling to Columbus and Madison in back-to-back weeks is a tough draw for the Spartans. Jonathan Taylor's Heisman Trophy campaign continues, as the Badgers running game makes another statement.
Karl Rasmussen
The Badgers' defense has been impenetrable to start the year, having surrendered just 5.8 points per game. Wisconsin's offense, led by Heisman candidate Jonathan Taylor, has also been exceptional. Even against a strong MSU defense, the Badgers' offense should be able to get the job done and help them improve to 6-0.
Thomas Carannante
I'm loving Wisconsin this year and I cannot wait to watch this defense eviscerate Michigan State. The Spartans are one of the most boring teams to watch -- they're pretty much the Badgers, just a really, really, bad version of them. Wisconsin might have to move the ball in the air to score in this one because Michigan State is going to clamp down on Jonathan Taylor, but there's no shot Brian Lewerke is going to be a difference maker. Badgers in an easy one.
No. 2 Clemson vs Florida State
Adam Weinrib
Few things give me more joy than FSU failing to live up to expectations, but what if the expectations are low?! Oh no! Clemson, 38-14, but it won't provide the same level of joy.
Mark Powell
All this talk about Clemson's lack of dominance HAS to be getting to Trevor Lawrence, Travis Etienne and Dabo Swinney. Expect an easy win, at home, against an FSU team which looks lost under Willie Taggart. This shouldn't be close.
Karl Rasmussen
Willie Taggart's tenure with the Seminoles has been ugly, and it's about to get a lot worse when the 'Noles take on Clemson. The Tigers should easily be able to thrust aside Florida State's defense. I'm predicting a bounce-back game for Trevor Lawrence, who has struggled in comparison to his prolific 2018 campaign.
Thomas Carannante
Clemson 49, Florida State 7.
No. 24 Texas A&M vs No. 1 Alabama
Adam Weinrib
God, I hope A&M keeps it close for a half. That'll buy six more years of pundits telling me Jimbo Fisher's turning it around! Bama by two TDs.
Mark Powell
The Aggies play up to the level of their competition in College Station, even pushing Clemson to the brink last season. This is Bama's first real road test of the season. Kellen Mond will keep it close, but the Crimson Tide wideouts finally get some separation late to win by double-digits.
Karl Rasmussen
Alabama is as close to unstoppable as they come, and even against one of their tougher opponents in Texas A&M, the Tide should have no problems finding the end zone. Tua Tagovailoa already has 23 passing touchdowns under his belt, and with the trio of devastatingly talented wideouts in his arsenal, Bama should cruise to victory once again.
Thomas Carannante
Alabama can't afford to falter at this point because they still have to face LSU and Auburn on the road. The good news is that Jimbo Fisher and the Aggies aren't nearly as good as everyone thought they would be, and after we saw Clemson punish them wire to wire and Auburn waltz into College Station and win a relatively easy one, Nick Saban should get a comfortable win here.
No. 17 Iowa vs No. 10 Penn State
Adam Weinrib
I thought Iowa beating Michigan was the lock of the year, and the end result was probably the most surprised I've been by both teams in several seasons. I'll take Iowa at home for the bounce back.
Mark Powell
Penn State dominated their only road test of the season at Maryland, but Iowa is a different team at Kinnick Stadium. Expect Nate Stanley and the Hawkeyes to play with a sense of desperation and get after Sean Clifford, but the Nittany Lions are rounding into form at the right time, especially defensively with Micah Parsons leading the way.
Karl Rasmussen
Two of the best defenses in college football are set to square off, as neither Penn State or Iowa have surrendered more than 17 poitns in a single game this year. That means it will be up to the offense to try to make some magic happen, and the Nittany Lions offense, led by Sean Clifford, should prove superior. This will be defense all the way, and it will reflect in the score.
Thomas Carannante
Nate Stanley is holding this team back, plain and simple. His performance against Michigan was downright awful and they only lost by a touchdown. He wasn't great against Iowa State either, which was a one-point win for the Hawkeyes. Another tough test awaits in Penn State, a balanced team that has a better offense and arguably a better defense than Iowa. While Kinnick Stadium is a tough place to play, the Nittany Lions should out-pace Stanley and the slow Iowa offense.
No. 9 Notre Dame vs USC
Adam Weinrib
Can USC circulate their fourth, fifth, sixth, and seventh-string QBs in here, playing around with various messed-up offensive packages? If not, I think Notre Dame takes the home edition of this rivalry.
Mark Powell
Kedon Slovis is back for the Trojans, who should get a chance to show out on a national stage. When healthy, Slovis has shown a gunslinger mentality, and ought to keep this one close heading into the second half. Notre Dame's rushing attack, however, is far too elite for a group which gives up on average 175 yards on the ground per game.
Karl Rasmussen
After stunning Utah, USC regressed back to the mean in a loss to Washington. The Trojans' defense has been ineffective, surrendering 24.8 points per game, so look for Ian Book and the Irish to try to exploit that. USC's quarterback carousel does little to help their cause in this one, and Notre Dame should be able to take advantage of the team's inconsistencies.
Thomas Carannante
I'd love to pick the Trojans here, but the back-and-forth between QBs on offense is just too much. The Fighting Irish are at home and need this win heading into the bye before facing Michigan on the road. Should be relatively easy.
No. 5 LSU vs No. 7 Florida
Adam Weinrib
Most enjoyable game! Of the weekend! For my money, LSU is the only genuine SEC threat to Alabama this year, and Joe Burrow has proven, given enough time, he can lead an SEC Champion offense. Naturally, they'll prove me entirely wrong, clear a path for 'Bama, and fall at home to the Gators.
Mark Powell
Tiger Stadium at night is a difference animal. Joe Burrow and Co. are coming off a nice tune-up against Utah State last week, while the Gators notched an emotional win over Auburn. Ed Orgeron's group is an offensive juggernaut, and Burrow won't make the same mistakes as Bo Nix did last week on his own turf.
Karl Rasmussen
Kyle Trask vs Joe Burrow will be one of the most intriguing quarterback battles of Week 7, but this game will truly be decided by the defense. The Gators are holding opponents to just 9.5 points per game, but Burrow's Tigers have scored 54.6 points per game. LSU's secondary will look to contain Trask and the Gators, while Florida hopes to put an end to Burrow's Heisman campaign. Expect the Tigers to pull out ahead in this one.
Thomas Carannante
LSU is my team this year, and although I like Florida, the Gators have gotten extremely lucky and have shown zero consistency on offense. Kyle Trask has filled in nicely, but this defense has propped up Florida thus far. That won't be enough to take down a high-powered Tigers offense led by Joe Burrow. Trask against this defense will also be an insurmountable challenge in Death Valley.
No. 6 Oklahoma vs No. 11 Texas
Adam Weinrib
The! Red! River! Showdown! I'd like to pick Sam Ehlinger, and so...I'm going to do that. Jalen Hurts has been spectacular this year, but the rivalry's just so much more ingrained in Ehlinger's Longhorn fandom, from childhood until this moment. Is this a stupid reason to pick him? Sure. Is it also why I think sports are special? Yeah.
Mark Powell
Texas has done far too much talking for my liking ahead of another rendition of the Red River Rivalry. Jalen Hurts has a big day and DC Alex Grinch does just enough defensively to hold Sam Ehlinger and the Longhorns late thanks to some clutch d-line play.
Karl Rasmussen
The Red River Rivalry will feature two of the game's best quarterbacks, and ultimately it will come down to what defense can make stops. Heisman hopeful Jalen Hurts will look to continue his dominance on offense, as Oklahoma is averaging 53.4 points per game. The Longhorns defense won't be able to contain Lincoln Riley's squad, and Oklahoma should improve to 6-0.
Thomas Carannante
Horns Down, Sunday through Saturday. Texas might actually be back, but this is Jalen Hurts' year with the Sooners. He's on a revenge tour and Lincoln Riley is going to put him in the best position possible to further exploit a weak Longhorns defense. It'll be a shootout, but Oklahoma will pull away by a few scores in the fourth.