As usual, all times Eastern and all predictions wrong.

Noon:

• Texas @ Baylor (ABC): Baylor’s not half bad this year and the ‘Horns are still trying to get better. This may be an upset, but I’ll take the Bears at home.
• Michigan @ Michigan State (FOX): This game is high-anxiety for Michigan fans, though apparently not so much for Sparty fans? Either way, while Michigan State has been exciting this year, I just feel like the Wolverines are the better team. I’m going with them.
• Iowa @ Wisconsin (ESPN): This game is going to be very, shall we say, offensively challenged. But in that case, the edge could well go to the better defense, and that’s where Iowa has an edge.
• Cincinnati @ Tulane (ESPN2): Cincy should be able to take care of business here.
• Texas State @ Louisiana (ESPNU): As should the Ragin’ Cajuns.
• Rutgers @ Illinois (BTN): Rutgers? Both of these teams are not good, but I think Rutgers is a bit more competent. Yes, I know Illinois beat Penn State last week, but I thought that was a pretty weird circumstance and Penn State is apparently just stuck in the mud offensively with their quarterback not at 100%.
• Indiana @ Maryland (BTN): Indiana should be able to pick up a win in College Park, at least.
• Bowling Green @ Buffalo (CBSS): Bowling Green is 0-4 in MAC play so far, and after this I suspect they’ll be 0-5.
• Miami @ Pittsburgh (ACCN): Pitt should be able to handle this miserable Miami team.
• Virginia Tech @ Georgia Tech (“Techmo Bowl”; ACC/RSN): It’s Tech v. Tech, though we’re still the real Tech. That said, this is a game where we’ve got to look like we have any sort of clue on defense. The secondary especially was supposed to be a strength and yet we seem to get burned multiple times a game.
  On another note, I’m in town for the World Series this weekend. I had considering braving the cold, blustery weather for Homecoming, but ultimately decided not to. I guess one place I’d like to get this program to is a place where I didn’t even think about it, as in, I’d be going for sure.
• Massachusetts @ Liberty (espn3.com)
• Central Florida @ Temple (ESPN+)

2:00:

• North Texas @ Rice (espn3.com)
• Iowa State @ West Virginia (ESPN+)

3:00:

• Washington State @ Arizona State (FS1): Wazzu was directionless as expected, so the Sun Devils should be able to take care of business.
• Missouri @ Vanderbilt (SEC): This is about as dire as it gets for the SEC. Vandy just can’t score points against SEC defenses though and I think even Mizzou will given them trouble.

3:30:

• Texas Tech @ Oklahoma (ABC): The Red Raiders fired their coach earlier this week. While not entirely unexpected, it’s still interesting to see a mid-season firing. Suffice it to say, I don’t think this helps their preparation for the Sooners.
• Georgia vs. Florida (“The World’s Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party” @ Jacksonville, FL; CBS): About the only scenario that could keep Georgia out of the playoffs at this point is multiple losses, and this is about their only chance to pick up a loss before facing Alabama in the SECCG. So go get ’em, Gators.
• Colorado @ Oregon (FOX): The Ducks seem to have a troubling tendency to play up or down to their competition, which probably means that this will be another game that should be a blowout be way too close for comfort and/or the playoff committee.
• Florida State @ Clemson (ESPN): Probably on big ESPN because of the logos on the helmets, because it’s certainly not the quality of the football that will be played. But Clemson’s defense can bring it, so they should still be able to hold off the Noles.
• Purdue @ Nebraska (ESPN2): If Nebraska is actually good, then they really, really need to win this game to have any shot at 6-6. And I think they will.
• Texas Christian @ Kansas State (ESPNU): This game just strikes me as kind of dire. I like K-State here.
• Minnesota @ Northwestern (BTN): Do we need to start talking about how Minnesota is 5-2 and will probably be bowl eligible after this game? I feel like they’ve been somewhat overlooked.
• Louisiana Tech @ Old Dominion (CBSS): Tech been bad, but Old Dominion has been… worse.
• Boston College @ Syracuse (ACC/RSN): Since starting 4-0 in non-conference play, BC is now 4-3. I suspect that will be evened to 4-4 after a visit to the Carrier Down.
• Florida International @ Marshall (Stadium)
• Southern Mississippi @ Middle Tennessee State (ESPN+)
• Louisiana-Monroe @ Appalachian State (ESPN+)

4:00:

• Wyoming @ San Jose State (FS2): Wyoming appears to have pulled off the same trick BC did above, and I think they’ll suffer a similar fate in San Jose.
• Duke @ Wake Forest (ACCN): Wake will remain undefeated after this. They put up 70 on Army last week, and they could do it again against Duke.
• Charlotte @ Western Kentucky (ESPN+)

6:00:

• Texas-El Paso @ Florida Atlantic (ESPN+)
• Georgia State @ Georgia Southern (“Modern Day Hate”; ESPN+)

7:00:

• Mississippi @ Auburn (ESPN): Ole Miss is having a perfectly fine season, which means that Bo Nix and company are poised to get in and start wrecking it. I’m going to stop short of picking Auburn here, but I like their chances for sure.
• Southern Methodist @ Houston (ESPN2): This is the kind of game they wanted between these schools in the American. SMU is 7-0 and Houston is 6-1. Both these teams are playing well, and this should determine who the second best team in the conference is after Cincy. I like Houston’s chances, honestly.
• Kansas @ Oklahoma State (FS1): Oklahoma State is no longer undefeated, but this is the mother of all “get right” games.
• Arizona @ Southern California (ESPNU): This game should not be as dire as it’s going to be, but USC should be able to win this one.
• Kentucky @ Mississippi State (SEC): Miss State’s been better, but not better enough to stop the Wildcats.
• Boise State @ Colorado State (CBSS): Boise is a bit of a wounded animal rolling into this one, and I don’t see it getting better for them at the hand of the Rams.
• Oregon State @ California (Pac12): Cal can’t score points, so they’re pretty much toast in this one.

7:30:

• Pennsylvania State @ Ohio State (ABC): Well, this was supposed to be the Game of the Week probably, but with Penn State’s quarterback situation and the way Ohio State is playing across the board these days means that this will probably be lopsided. Plus, it’s in Columbus.
• North Carolina @ Notre Dame (NBC): Notre Dame should roll here.
• Louisville @ North Carolina State (ACCN): I keep hearing that Louisville might be good, but I don’t buy it. I like NCSU to get to 6-2 here.

10:00: California-Los Angeles @ Utah (ESPN): This game will go a long way toward figuring out control of the Pac-12 South. It’s a classic matchup of stingy defense meets good offense. Who prevails? I like the Bruins, honestly, but hey, maybe Salt Lake will get weird on All Hallow’s Eve.

10:15: Virginia @ Brigham Young (ESPN2): Speaking of Utah locales on the weekend when most will be getting their Halloween on, UVA is going out to Provo in the middle of the season. Good like with that y’all!

10:30:

• Washington @ Stanford (FS1): You may think UDub has “figured some things out”, but look deeper and see that only beat Arizona 21-16. Yeah, I’ll take Stanford.
• Fresno State @ San Diego State (CBSS): This one should be worth saying up for. SDSU maybe “Iowa on a coast” (complete with the best punter in the country!), but if there’s a Mountain West team that can challenge them it’s Fresno. I think the Aztecs can play field position and keep it low scoring enough to win, but watch out if Fresno breaks containment.

As usual, all times Eastern and all predictions wrong.

Noon:

• Illinois @ Pennsylvania State (ABC): Yes, Penn State lost to Iowa, but I don’t think they’ll lose to Illinois.
• Northwestern @ Michigan (FOX): Michigan should be okay here,
• Oklahoma @ Kansas (ESPN): Look, y’all, I’m going to be level with you. Week 8 is… not amazing. We only get a handful of college football weekends each year and we should aim to enjoy all of them. But hey, if there’s a weekend where maybe you just watch your own team, or maybe you mow the lawn one last time to mulch the leaves… this might be it.
• Cincinnati @ Navy (ESPN2): So, on that note. LIGNTNING ROUND! Cincy.
• Kansas State @ Texas Tech (FS1): Tech.
• Northern Illinois @ Central Michigan (ESPNU): Huskies!
• Arkansas-Pine Bluff @ Arkansas (SEC)
• Wake Forest @ Army (CBSS): Wake!
• Massachusetts @ Florida State (ACCN): FSU
• Eastern Michigan @ Bowling Green (ESPN+)

12:30: Syracuse @ Virginia Tech (ACC/RSN): VPI?

1:00: Kent State @ Ohio (ESPN+)

2:00: Texas State @ Georgia State (ESPN+)

3:00: Wisconsin @ Purdue (BTN): Feels like Purdue used all their bullets taking down Iowa; I don’t think they can pull that same trick twice.

3:30:

• Oregon @ California-Los Angeles (ABC): Oregon should win on all around talent, but it might be weird that such a big game kick off at 12:30 local time. It should be a fun watch regardless, but I’m picking the Ducks.
• Oklahoma State @ Iowa State (FOX): We’re heading for 11-0 vs. 11-0 in Bedlam, aren’t we? Iowa State is a bit of a “failure to launch” team this year, and while I hope they get it going here, I don’t think they will.
• Louisiana State @ Mississippi (CBS): Coach O’s on the way Out. It feels like they already did everything they could for him getting the big win at Florida last weekend. I suspect Ole Miss is going to put up many points on them.
• Clemson @ Pittsburgh (ESPN): Pitt’s favored here, and I favor them too. That said, Clemson’s defense is still pretty good, and a good defense is the one thing Kenny Pickett still hasn’t really faced yet this year.
• Maryland @ Minnesota (ESPN2): Gophers?
• Brigham Young @ Washington State (FS1): BYU’s on a bit of a skid, but Wazzu just canned like half of their coaching staff—including the head coach—for not getting the COVID vaccine. I like the Stormin’ Mormons here.
• Western Michigan @ Toledo (CBSS): Rockets?
• Colorado @ California (Pac12): … Cal?
• New Mexico @ Wyoming (Stadium): Wyoming
• Miami @ Ball State (ESPN+)
• Buffalo @ Akron (ESPN+)
• Rice @ Alabama-Birmingham (ESPN+)

4:00:

• East Carolina @ Houston (ESPNU): Cougers!
• Mississippi State @ Vanderbilt (SEC): Bulldogs!
• Boston College @ Louisville (ACCN): Golden Eagles!
• Liberty @ North Texas (ESPN+)

7:00:

• Tennessee @ Alabama (“Third Saturday in October”; ESPN): Bama!
• Nevada @ Fresno State (FS2): Fresno.
• San Diego State @ Air Force (CBSS): This could be a sneaky good game. The Aztecs are legitimately good on defense, and Air Force has a funky triple option-style offense. I think I like the Aztecs though.
• Texas-San Antonio @ Louisiana Tech (Stadium): Meep meep!
• South Alabama @ Louisiana-Monroe (espn3.com)
• Temple @ South Florida (ESPN+)
• Western Kentucky @ Florida International (ESPN+)

7:30:

• Southern California @ Notre Dame (NBC): USC could well play up to this game, but I think Notre Dame makes that moot early.
• Ohio State @ Indiana (ABC): Buckeyes are rolling now, even if they shouldn’t really be ranked ahead of the Oregon team that beat them.
• North Carolina State @ Miami (ESPN2): NC State.
• West Virginia @ Texas Christian (ESPNU): No clue. WVU?
• South Carolina @ Texas A&M (SEC): TAMU.
• Georgia Tech @ Virginia (ACCN): So we needed a comeback against a pretty awful Duke team. While I acknowledge the conditions were super weird, didn’t do a whole lot to inspire confidence. I’m still essentially looking for reasons to look forward to the future of the program at the moment, but the results are still so inconsistent it’s hard to know what to make of it. We’ve ultimately got everything in front of us to erase those doubts, but the team will need to prove to us, and themselves, that they can do it.
• Utah @ Oregon State (Pac12): Utah. Also, look below. No Pac-12 After Dark tonight, folks. And that’s a shame, because I probably will need something soothing after the Braves game.

As usual, all times Eastern and all predictions wrong.

Noon:

• Oklahoma vs. Texas (“Red River Shootout” @ Dallas, TX; ABC): Okay well, my audio debut last week mostly seems to me kind of a cheap cop out. It’s definitely easier—all I need to do it is stream-of-consciousness into a microphone for 20 minutes. Whereas with this I have to care about “proper spelling” and “grammatically correct English”. Which, look, the Braves lost earlier today and I’ve had a few drinks, okay? The other thing would be easier. Alas. Anyway, we got Oklahoma and Texas playing about six hours from now! That’s real early! But yeah, Oklahoma is still the favorite in the Big 12 until I’m aware of any other alternative.
• Maryland @ Ohio State (FOX): Buckeyes.
• Arkansas @ Mississippi (ESPN): I kind of have the Razoracks WHOMPIN’ their way to a win in Oxford?
• South Carolina @ Tennessee (ESPN2): Vols, not because they’re good, but because South Carolina is bad.
• West Virginia @ Baylor (FS1): Baylor’s kind of good this year, I guess? Still getting used to this college football thing with baseball going on, I have to admit.
• Vanderbilt @ Florida (SEC): Gators.
• Michigan State @ Rutgers (BTN): Sparty.
• Northern Illinois @ Toledo (CBSS): Toledo?
• Akron @ Bowling Green (ESPN+)

12:30: Georgia Tech @ Duke (ACC/RSN): So much for “hope” and “progress”. Look, I can accept that Kenny Pickett is a really good quarterback. But maybe this is our lot for this year? With an easier schedule maybe we could luck our way into a bowl game, but it looks like at this point it’s just gonna be weird and Geoff Collins is gonna be here another year.

2:00: Old Dominion @ Marshall (Facebook)

3:00: Virginia @ Louisville (ACCN): T

3:30:

• Georgia @ Auburn (“The Deep South’s Oldest Rivalry”; CBS): I hope, against all hope, that the usual shenanigans happen and Auburn wins. The problem? I just don’t believe it will happen.
• Boise State @ Brigham Young (ABC): Boise just doesn’t seem that good this year, and the Stormin’ Mormons do. That makes this an easy choice.
• Florida State @ North Carolina (ESPN): FSU is still terrible, even though they did beat Louisville after all last week, I’m still going with UNC.
• Wake Forest @ Syracuse (ESPN2): Wake until proven otherwise definitely a thing I am typing in this, the Year of Our Lord Two-Thousand Twenty-One.
• San Jose State @ Colorado State (FS1): Neither of these MWC teams have inspired a lot of confidence for me so far, but I’ll still go with the San Jose Spartans on the road.
• Ball State @ Western Michigan (ESPNU): WMU?
• Wisconsin @ Illinois (BTN): The Badgers should have no issues here.
• Southern Methodist @ Navy (CBSS): Ponies.
• Florida Atlantic @ Alabama-Birmingham (Stadium): Well, I said “Go Blazers” last week for the first weekend of UAB’s first ever non-Legion Field stadium, and they got pretty much blown out by Liberty. Plus, FAU seems good this year, so I gotta pick the Owls.
• Connecticut @ Massachusetts (NESN/Flofootball)
• Middle Tennessee State @ Liberty (espn3.com)
• Central Michigan @ Ohio (ESPN+)
• Miami @ Eastern Michigan (ESPN+)

4:00:

• Pennsylvania State @ Iowa (FOX): This is the game of the day. The issue is that I have no idea who to favor here. This definitely seems to be one of those Iowa teams that cruises their way to a comfortable Orange Bowl win, but I also think that this edition of Penn State is pretty good. I’m not sure way to do, but elsewhere i’ve picked the Hawkeyes, so I guess my hands are tied.
• North Texas @ Missouri (SEC): Mizzou should manage to win this one, at least.
• Oregon State @ Washington State (Pac12): Is anyone good in the Pac-12,who knows? I’ll go with the Beavers here, though.

6:00: East Carolina @ Central Florida (ESPN+)

7:00:

• Texas Christian @ Texas Tech (ESPN): LIGHTNING ROUND. Red Raiders!
• Buffalo @ Kent State (ESPNU): Bulls!
• Wyoming @ Air Force (CBSS): Cowboys!
• Texas-San Antonio @ Western Kentucky (Stadium): Meep meep!
• Texas-El Paso @ Southern Mississippi (espn3.com)
• Georgia Southern @ Troy (ESPN+)
• South Alabama @ Texas State (ESPN+)

7:30:

• Michigan @ Nebraska (ABC): Wolverines!
• Louisiana State @ Kentucky (SEC): Wildcats!
• Notre Dame @ Virginia Tech (ACCN): Irish!

8:00:

• Alabama @ Texas A&M (CBS): Tide!
• Utah @ Southern California (FOX): Trojans?
• Georgia State @ Louisiana-Monroe (espn3.com)

9:00:

• Memphis @ Tulsa (ESPN2): Tigers!
• New Mexico @ San Diego State (FS1): Aztecs!

10:30:

• California-Los Angeles @ Arizona (ESPN): Bruins!
• New Mexico State @ Nevada (CBSS): Wolf Pack!

As usual, all times Eastern and all predictions wrong.

Noon:

• Michigan @ Wisconsin (FOX): So this is fun. I took a fall from a scooter on Tuesday on the way home from a Giants game. My left hand and chin took the brunt of the damage, with my left hand in particular being scraped, swollen, and bruised. In anticipation of not being sure I could type out the whole column this week, I recorded a podcast-esque type thing that I’ll go ahead and attach to this post. As it turns out, though, my hand is good enough to type up the post, so I’ll go ahead and do it. The even more fun part is if it can pick consistent winners. Anyway, I like Michigan here.
• Texas @ Texas Christian (ABC): As I referenced in the audio, I think that Texas fans don’t wanna hear it, but they’re definitely favorites here.
• Arkansas @ Georgia (ESPN): Well, I’d sure like the WHOMPIN’ to continue, but Georgia just figures to be too much of a match for the Hogs.
• Duke @ North Carolina (ESPN2): Well, I already used the basketball jokes for Duke-KU last week, so anyway this figures to be a good “get right” opportunity for the Tar Heels.
• Memphis @ Temple (ESPNU): I’m not sure what kind of season Temple is having, but Memphis is the favorite here.
• Tennessee @ Missouri (SEC): Mizzou? Sure. Tennessee doesn’t seem that good, and I’m sure the Tigers are recovered from their trip to Chestnut Hill by now.
• Minnesota @ Purdue (BTN): Both these teams have suffered bad losses this year. I view this as pretty much a coinflip. Boilermakers I guess?
• Charlotte @ Illinois (BTN): Charlotte is a spunky Sun Belt team for sure, but I think the Illini can get this one.
• Western Michigan @ Buffalo (CBSS): Buffalo? Yeah, Buffalo.
• Pittsburgh @ Georgia Tech (ACCN): Well, dang, where’d that come from? 45 points? Of offense? And a defense that seems to continue wreaking havoc? Is this team… competent? Okay, let’s not get ahead of ourselves. We still lost to Northern Illinois. Nonetheless, there is this odd feeling of hope. But my eyes are clear – this team is still young, and they may not handle some success well. I suspect this will still be an up-and-down season, and I won’t be surprised by whatever happens.

12:30: Louisville @ Wake Forest (ACC/RSN): Wake Forest is… good? What a weird thing to say, but you know, it happens sometimes.

2:00:

• Southern California @ Colorado (Pac12): Colorado isn’t that good, but USC is a disaster. I’m going to go ahead pick the Buffs.
• Appalachian State @ Georgia State (ESPN+)

2:30:

• Cincinnati @ Notre Dame (NBC): This is the game of the day, probably. Cincy needs this win, and so does Notre Dame. Both are after relevance and playoff chances, and Cincy’s odds are nil without this win, and so are ND’s. I think the Bearcats are that good and will be plenty motivated, so I like them here.
• Louisiana-Monroe @ Coastal Carolina (ESPN+)
• Eastern Michigan @ Northern Illinois (ESPN+)

3:30:

• Oklahoma @ Kansas State (FOX): The Sooners will likely prevail here.
• Oregon @ Stanford (ABC): Stanford is competent this year, in the same way Wake Forest kinda is. The Ducks haven’t quite matched their performance in Columbus as of yet, but they’re still the favorites in the Pac-12 North until further notice.
• Mississippi @ Alabama (CBS): This game will be tons of fun and high-flying offense, but at the end I suspect it’ll be like last year and Alabama will win by multiple scores despite the game being in doubt late into the third quarter.
• Texas Tech @ West Virginia (ESPN2): Texas Tech is… kinda bad. I’ll take the ‘Neers here.
• Nevada @ Boise State (FS1): Boise? Nevada is apparently good this year, but it’s tough to pick against Boise even if they haven’t looked like themselves so far. If they don’t get this one, though…
• Troy @ South Carolina (SEC): South Carolina is bad… but not this bad. Right?
• Ohio State @ Rutgers (BTN): Buckeyes.
• Central Florida @ Navy (CBSS): UCF.
• Syracuse @ Florida State (ACCN): Syracuse. Wow that feels weird to say, but I’ve already given up on FSU.
• Florida International @ Florida Atlantic (“Shula Bowl”; Stadium): This doesn’t look like FIU’s year. I’ll take FAU at home.
• Ohio @ Akron (espn3.com)
• Bowling Green @ Kent State (ESPN+)
• Central Michigan @ Miami (ESPN+)
• Tulane @ East Carolina (ESPN+)

4:00:

• South Florida @ Southern Methodist (ESPNU): The Mustangs are good, and USF is… not. Figures to be a walkover for the Ponies.
• Arkansas State @ Georgia Southern (ESPN+)

5:00: Army @ Ball State (ESPN+)

5:30: Washington State @ California (Pac12): Cal’s defense should just be too overwhelming for Wazzu.

6:00:

• Florida @ Kentucky (ESPN): Sure, the winning streak is long over, the Gators should be well on their way to starting another one.
• Louisiana Tech @ North Carolina State (ACCNX): Obviously the Wolf Pack need to avoid a hangover from finally beating Clemson last week, but they should be able to do so.
• Nevada-Las Vegas @ Texas-San Antonio (ESPN+)

6:30:

• Air Force @ New Mexico (FS2): New Mexico is still terrible when they aren’t playing New Mexico State, so taking Air Force here.
• Southern Mississippi @ Rice (espn3.com)

7:00:

• Kansas @ Iowa State (FS1): KU might not be better than the UNLV team Iowa State whalloped last week.
• Mississippi State @ Texas A&M (SEC): Oh, the Aggies are gonna win, but I’m pretty sure in a way that will create as much drama for them as possible.
• Liberty @ Alabama-Birmingham (CBSS): Go Blazers.
• Marshall @ Middle Tennessee State (Stadium): Marshall seems like a solid team this year, and I think this should be at least a test for them.

7:30:

• Indiana @ Pennsylvania State (ABC): Well, the dream of #9Windiana is likely dead for this year, and I don’t like their odds to pip one in primetime in Happy Valley, either. Could be a good game though.
• Connecticut @ Vanderbilt (ESPNU): Just… this gonna be dire. Watch Indiana-Penn State or see if the proprietors of the Shutdown Fullcast can get on TV or something. (After all, they are the stars of “the Internet’s ONLY college football podcast.) Oh, and yeah, even Vandy can win this one.
• Western Kentucky @ Michigan State (BTN): Still not equipped to deal with good Sparty.
• Northwestern @ Nebraska (BTN): Or that Nebraska might win this one? You know, I’ll give ’em this one.
• Boston College @ Clemson (ACCN): Will Clemson lose two in a row? When was the last time that even happened? I’ll still pick them just on talent, but eventually they’re going to enter USC or FSU territory at this rate.

8:00: Louisiana @ South Alabama (ESPN+)

9:00:

• Auburn @ Louisiana State (ESPN): Tigers-Tigers! Auburn seems not real good though? Neither does LSU? Ordinarily this would be appointment viewing, but oof. I’ll take the Tigers at home.
• Washington @ Oregon State (Pac12): Washington showed a semblance of an offense last weekend, and I’ll take them over a scrappy Beavers team, but I’ll definitely be keeping an eye on this one.
• Old Dominion @ Texas-El Paso (ESPN+)

10:30:

• Montana @ Eastern Washington (ESPN2): I’m going go ahead safely assume that this will be the only game on TV that features a blood-red field.
• Arizona State @ California-Los Angeles (FS1): These two have surprisingly similar season so far, but can UCLA prevail at home? I’m thinking yes but could see this going either way.
• New Mexico State @ San Jose State (NBC Sports/MWC)

11:00: Fresno State @ Hawaii (CBSS): Well, Fresno’s good and Hawaii’s not, but hopefully this can stay competitive into the small hours of the evening.