After a week that blew up the college football playoff landscape, expect more fireworks this week. A marquee Big Ten matchup is on tap. Is Syracuse actually good? Chancellor Jeffrey Vitter joins us this week to predict the big games on the college football slate.
Syracuse versus No. 8 Miami
Alex: Coming off an unforeseen upset of Clemson a week ago, the Orange will look to capitalize on yet another upset opportunity against Miami. Syracuse will keep it competitive in the first half, but The U should pull away in the second half and win comfortably.
Josh: Syracuse is riding a wave of momentum after two straight ACC wins, including the upset of Clemson. Miami is undefeated, but it has won the last two games by a combined five points. The Hurricanes will not take the Orange lightly and will get a big win that proves they truly are a top 10 team.
Chancellor Vitter: Syracuse is on a roll, but it’s not used to hot weather. Miami is at home and will prevail 35-24.
No. 10 Oklahoma State versus Texas
Alex: Texas nearly completed a comeback last week against Oklahoma and has been playing well lately. A home game in Memorial Stadium will give the Longhorns a shot, but there will be too much firepower on the opposing sideline. Oklahoma State stays on the road to the Big 12 Championship.
Josh: Oklahoma State cannot afford to lose another game if it hopes to be a playoff team. Texas is showing a resurgence under new head coach Tom Herman, and after dropping two late-lead games to USC and Oklahoma, the Longhorns get their big win.
Chancellor Vitter: I have to go with Texas — Pistol Pete is kind of lame as mascot; he is definitely no Landshark! Hook ’em Horns! 24-21.
No. 19 Michigan versus No. 2 Penn State
Alex: This is the matchup running back Saquon Barkley has been looking for, a chance to prove himself against a top-10 defense. Michigan will do its best to limit him, but Barkley, alongside quarterback Trace McSorley, will have a solid game and lead the Nittany Lions to victory.
Josh: Michigan has one of the toughest defenses in the country. Penn State running back Saquon Barkley can takeover a game in many facets. With the Wolverines focusing on stopping the run, Nittany Lion quarterback Trace McSorley will make plays and lead his team to victory.
Chancellor Vitter: I could never bring myself to pick Michigan or Jim Harbaugh (much less both). The Nittany Lions all the way 45-24.
No. 11 USC versus No. 13 Notre Dame
Alex: These teams are even across the board. Notre Dame’s only loss came to now-No. 3 Georgia, and it was only by one point. However, USC will win the game solely because of quarterback Sam Darnold.
Josh: Notre Dame is getting quarterback Brandon Wimbush back at full health off of a bye week. Notre Dame will cause turnovers and run the ball effectively to beat the Trojans.
Chancellor Vitter: I was there as a freshman to watch ND beat USC 23-14 en route to a national championship. This year will be doubled: ND 46, USC 28.
No. 24 LSU versus Ole Miss
Alex: A.J. Brown and Shea Patterson will continue to torch defenses in the Vaught, and Matt Luke will lead his Rebels to a win over an extremely inconsistent LSU team.
Josh: After going through rough patches, both the Tigers and the Rebels seem to be on the rise. The Rebels will treat this game as a bowl game and give LSU their best shot. The Rebels will win a back-and-forth game to bring the Magnolia trophy back to Oxford.
Chancellor Vitter: Rebs and coach Luke make it two wins in a row with decisive 38-17 victory. Just like two years ago! #FinsUpRebels
