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Image Courtesy: Sports Illustrated

College Football Playoff Top 6
1.Ohio State 8-0 (5-0) Big Ten This week: @ Rutgers (6-2) (12 PM ET, CBS)
2.Georgia 8-0 (5-0) SEC This week: @ 12.Missouri (7-1) (3:30 PM ET, CBS)
3.Michigan 8-0 (5-0) Big Ten This week: Purdue (2-6) (7:30 PM ET, NBC)
4.Florida State 8-0 (6-0) ACC This week: @ Pittsburgh (2-6) (3:30 PM ET, ESPN)
5.Washington 8-0 (5-0) Pac-12 This week: @ 20.USC (7-2) (7:30 PM ET, ABC)
6.Oregon 7-1 (4-1) Pac-12 This week: California (3-5) (5:30 PM ET, PAC12)

Biggest risers and fallers in the AP Top 25 this week (No previous CFP Top 25):

Risers
6.Oregon 7-1 (4-1) Pac-12 Week 9: #8 (Defeated 13.Utah, 35-6)
15.Louisville 7-1 (4-1) ACC Week 9: #18 (Defeated 20.Duke, 23-0)
19.Tennessee 6-2 (3-2) SEC Week 9: #21 (Defeated Kentucky, 33-27)
20.UCLA 6-2 (3-2) Pac-12 Week 9: #23 (Defeated Colorado, 28-16)

Fallers
11.Oklahoma 7-1 (4-1) Big 12 Week 9: #6 (Lost to Kansas, 38-33)
16.Oregon State 6-2 (3-2) Pac-12 Week 9: #11 (Lost to Arizona, 27-24)
18.Utah 6-2 (3-2) Pac-12 Week 9: #13 (Lost to 8.Oregon, 35-6)

Dropped Out
North Carolina 6-2 (3-2) ACC Week 9: #17 (Lost to Georgia Tech, 46-42)
Duke 5-3 (2-2) ACC Week 9: #20 (Lost to 18.Louisville, 23-0)

New
22.Kansas 6-2 (3-2) Big 12 Week 9: NR (Defeated 6.Oklahoma, 38-33)
25.Kansas State 6-2 (4-2) Big 12 Week 9: NR (Defeated Houston, 41-0)

Key games this weekend (Rankings based off of CFP Poll)
23.Kansas State (6-2) @ 7.Texas (7-1) (Saturday, 12 PM ET, FOX)
One of two huge battles in the Big 12 this weekend is in Austin between Texas and Kansas State. The Wildcats are red hot coming off of three dominant wins in a row over Texas Tech, TCU, and Houston. The next on the Texas slate for Kansas State is the Longhorns. Will Howard has thrown for 1,628 yards and 14 TDs and rushed for 313 yards and 6 more TDs. His overall play will be huge in determining the fate of this battle with the Longhorns. DJ Giddens may not be former Wildcat running back Deuce Vaughn but he has been great so far this season, rushing for over 700 yards and 7 TDs. Howard’s favorite targets over the first eight games for the Wildcats have been receiver Phillip Brooks (437 yards and 3 TDs) and tight end Ben Sinnott (364 yards and 3 TDs). Defensively for KSU, linebacker Austin Moore (43 tackles and 1.5 sacks) and safety Kobe Savage (43 tackles and 2 interceptions) will be important in stopping Longhorn back up quarterback Maalik Murphy and the Texas offense. In limited play against Houston after starter Quinn Ewers went out with an injury and a dominant win over new Big 12 foe BYU, 35-6, Murphy has thrown for 217 yards and 2 TDs. Running back Jonathan Brooks continues to shine for the Longhorns, nearly rushing for 1,000 yards and 7 TDs so far this season while receivers Xavier Worthy (572 yards and 4 TDs) and former Georgia Bulldog Adonai Mitchell (427 yards and 7 TDs) continue to shine for the Longhorns. Senior linebacker Jaylan Ford, who has accumulated 57 tackles, 2 interceptions, and 1 sack will look to lead his defense to a big Big 12 win to propel themselves inches closer to a Big 12 Championship game appearance. Projected Score: Texas 31, Kansas State 24

Texas A&M (5-3) @ 10.Ole Miss (7-1) (Saturday, 12 PM ET, ESPN)
Ole Miss can still make the SEC Championship if they win out and Alabama loses two more SEC games. If the Rebels can beat Texas A&M on Saturday afternoon, they will be cheering for LSU, a team they beat earlier in the season to knock off the Crimson Tide on Saturday night. Rebels running back, the talented Quinshon Judkins (691 yards and 9 TDs), has had a resurgent last few weeks after struggling out of the gates this season. His level of play has helped his quarterback, Jaxson Dart (2,080 yards and 14 TDs), continues to shine through eight games this season. Receivers Jordan Watkins (580 yards and 2 TDs), Trey Harris (536 yards and 6 TDs), and Dayton Wade (522 yards and 3 TDs). Ole Miss’ high scoring offense has helped their underwhelming defense throughout the season. Facing an up and down Texas A&M team entirely out of SEC Championship game contention makes this match up interesting. Since replacing starting quarterback Connor Weigman because of an injury, Max Johnson has thrown for 1,147 yards and 8 TDs but has thrown 4 interceptions. Those four turnovers have proved costly in losses to Texas A&M and Tennessee over the last month. The Aggies receiver duo of the veteran Ainias Smith (569 yards and 1 TD) and the younger Evan Stewart (506 yards and 4 TDs) has proved huge for Texas A&M this year. Attacking the Rebels’ secondary is a must if the Aggies want to go on the road and pull off the upset. The Texas A&M, headed by terrific linebackers Edgerrin Cooper (52 tackles and 7 sacks) and Taurean York (47 tackles and 1 sack) lead a talented Aggie defense that must not only defend the Jaxson Dart’s passing game but his legs (326 yards and 7 TDs). Score: Ole Miss 38, Texas A&M 27

9.Oklahoma (7-1) @ 22.Oklahoma State (5-2) (Saturday, 3:30 PM ET, ABC)
The final Bedlam football game before Oklahoma leaves Oklahoma State and the rest of the Big 12 for the SEC. The final battle between the Sooners and Cowboys has huge Big 12 Championship game implications after Oklahoma took their first loss of the season to Kansas in Lawrence last Saturday. Oklahoma State would love to end their run playing the Sooners with a big win. Alan Bowman (1,580 yards and 8 TDs and 5 interceptions) must avoid turning the ball over against an improved Oklahoma defense. The running game Ollie Gordon II must continue to help his quarterback out, already rushing for over 1,000 yards 10 TDs. The Cowboys’ passing game will be necessary to beat Oklahoma with receivers Jaden Brady (349 yards and 1 TD), Brennen Presley (318 yards and 5 TDs), and Rashod Owens (308 yards and 1 TDs). If the Oklahoma State gets to Sooners QB Dillon Gabriel (2,302 yards and 19 TDs), led by Nickolas Martin (83 tackles and 5 sacks) they can rattle their offense like Kansas did last weekend to win that game. Oklahoma also must get their running game going, with tailbacks Tawee Walker (385 yards and 5 TDs) and Marcus Major (308 yards and 1 TD) to set up the Gabriel passing game with receivers Jalil Farooq (449 yards and 2 TDs), Andrel Anthony (429 yards and 1 TD), Nic Anderson (429 yards and 8 TDs), and Drake Stoops (394 yards and 5 TDs). Linebacker Danny Stutsman (73 tackles and 2 sacks) will look to stop the Oklahoma State offense and help his team move to 8-1 on the season. Projected Score: Oklahoma 28, Oklahoma State 27

12.Missouri (7-1) @ 2.Georgia (8-0) (Saturday, 3:30 PM ET, CBS)
Georgia QB Carson Beck (2,462 yards and 14 TDs) proved he is a great quarterback when he dominated the Florida defense in Jacksonville last Saturday in the World’s Largest Cocktail Party. Without star tight end Brock Bowers due to injury, Beck got the ball to receiver Ladd McConkey, who had six catches, 135 yards, and a touchdown in his return from injury. Daijun Edwards continues to pace the Bulldogs on the ground, running for nearly 100 yards and 2 TDs against the Gators defense. The Bulldog defense continues to be great under Kirby Smart, being led by linebacker Smael Mondon Jr. (37 tackles and 2 sacks0) and Tykee Smith (33 tackles, 4 interceptions, and 1 sack). The Bulldogs will face their toughest test this season against a Missouri team who is two spots higher than LSU, a team they lost to head to head in the first College Football Playoff. Brady Cook has been phenomenal this season, throwing for almost 2,300 yards and 15 TDs while tailback Cody Schrader has rushed for over 800 yards and 9 TDs. Their backfield duo makes it easier for Luther Burden III, one of the top wide receivers in the country, has 905 yards and 6 TDs and Theo Wease Jr. (440 yards and 5 TDs). If the Missouri offense does their job, the Missouri defense must get off the field on third down to give their offense as many opportunities to score on the Bulldogs defense as possible. So, linebacker Tyron Hopper (43 tackles and 2 sacks) and defensive back Joseph Charleston (41 tackles) will be huge for the Tigers in this battle for first in the SEC East. Projected Score: Georgia 34, Missouri 24

5.Washington (8-0) @ 20.USC (7-2) (Saturday, 7:30 PM ET, ABC)
Despite back to back losses in weeks 7 and 8 for USC, they came back to beat California in week 9 and are still a game back of first place in the Pac-12. Beating Washington, deemed to be the best team in the conference, will surely help them, even with Lincoln Riley’s team being out of the College Football Playoff with two losses. Washington has truly been amazing during the 2023 season due to its offensive playmakers. Quarterback Michael Penix Jr. has thrown for nearly 3,000 yards and 24 TDs while his favorite targets Rome Odunzie has over 900 yards and 7 TDs and Ja’Lynn Polk who has almost 850 yards and 7 TDs as well this season. Tailbacks Dillon Johnson (430 yards and 6 TDs) and Will Nixon (153 yards and 1 TD) have helped set up Penix’s passing game. Having to deal with tremendous quarterback Caleb Williams (2,646 yards and 25 TDs) is the up and down Washington defense, led by linebacker Edefuan Ulofoshio (57 tackles, 2 sacks, and 1 interception) and defensive back Dominique Hampton (54 tackles and 1 interceptions). The unit will have to be fantastic on Saturday night to stop the Trojan offense, that goes up and down the field with ease. Following two consecutive losses to terrific defenses at Notre Dame and at home versus Utah, the Trojans came back from down 14 in the second half and beat rival California, 50-49. That win kept them at #24 in this week’s AP Poll, but they are ranked __ in the first College Football Playoff poll of this season. USC’s playmakers on offense, running back Marshawn Lloyd (766 yards and 8 TDs), Tahj Washington (711 yards and 5 TDs), and receiver Brenden Rice (519 yards and 9 TDs), are phenomenal but it will be up to the Trojan defense to stop Penix and the Husky offense. Safety Jaylin Smith, who has 56 tackles and 1 forced fumble and linebacker Mason Cobb has 55 tackles. They will be huge in determining if the Trojans can win this game and keep their small hopes of returning to the Pac-12 Championship Game for a second consecutive season. The Pac-12 needs Washington to win this game to keep themselves undefeated and in good placement for the College Football Playoff. Projected Score: Washington 45, USC 35

14.LSU (6-2) @ 8.Alabama (7-1) (Saturday, 7:45 PM ET, CBS)
A lot is at stake in the SEC West and nationally when ESPN’s College GameDay comes into town for the battle between Alabama (5-0 in the SEC) and LSU (4-1 in the SEC) in Tuscaloosa both off of bye weeks. Pending Ole Miss’ (4-1 in the SEC) results the rest of the season (the Rebels defeated LSU back on September 30th, giving them the head to head tiebreaker over the Tigers), this game could determine the SEC West’s champion. LSU gunslinger Jayden Daniels has been the top offensive player in the SEC this season, throwing for over 2,500 yards yards and 25 TDs so far this season. His receivers Malik Nabers has helped him out this season, using his 56 catches for 981 yards and 9 TDs and Brian Thomas Jr., who has 42 catches 732 yards and 11 TDs. To keep Alabama’s front seven honest, tailback Logan Diggs (611 yards and 6 TDs) and his offensive line must establish the run game to upset the Crimson Tide. The Tiger defense has struggled to stop opposing offenses, giving up tons of yards to top offenses, namely at Florida State and Ole Miss. Without starting safety Greg Brooks for most of the season, replacements Major Burns (50 tackles, 1 interception, and 1 sack) and Andre’ Sam (50 tackles and 3 interceptions) have shined. They must be able to stop Jalen Milroe (1,617 yards and 13 TDs) and his dangerous deep pass ability to give the LSU offense some help. Milroe must continue to use running backs Jase McClellan (569 yards and 4 TDs) and Roydell Williams (339 yards and 1 TD) to establish their short and medium passing games in addition to Milroe’s great long passing ability. Former Georgia receiver Jermain Burton, who has 23 catches for over 500 yards and 5 TDs and fellow receiver Isaiah Bond 360 yards and 3 TDs must step up if they want to able to keep pace with LSU’s high scoring offense. It will be up to the Alabama defense, led by linebackers Deontae Lawson (49 tackles and 2 sacks), Trezmen Marshall (40 tackles and 2.5 sacks), Jiihad Campbell (39 tackles, 0.5 sacks, and 1 interception), and Dallas Turner (34 tackles and 8 sacks), who continue to shine for the Crimson Tide. The Alabama-LSU game always has huge implications in the SEC but nationally. The winner of this duel between Nick Saban and Brian Kelly will have a great shot to make it to Atlanta and a chance at a College Football Playoff berth. Projected Score: Alabama 31, LSU 28

Image Courtesy: The Athletic

AP Top 6
1.Georgia 7-0 (4-0) SEC This week: Florida (5-2) (3:30 PM ET, CBS)
2.Michigan 8-0 (5-0) Big Ten This week: Off
3.Ohio State 7-0 (4-0) Big Ten This week: @ Wisconsin (5-2) (7:30 PM ET, NBC)
4.Florida State 7-0 (5-0) ACC This week: @ Wake Forest (4-3) (12 PM ET, ABC)
5.Washington 7-0 (4-0) Pac-12 This week: @ Stanford (2-5) (7 PM ET, FS1)
6.Oklahoma 7-0 (4-0) Big 12 This week: @ Kansas (5-2) (12 PM ET, FOX)

Biggest risers and fallers in the AP Top 25 this week:

Risers
9.Alabama 7-1 (5-0) SEC Week 8: #11 (Defeated 17.Tennessee, 34-20)
13.Utah 6-1 (3-1) Pac-12 Week 8: #14 (Defeated 18.USC, 34-32)
15.LSU 6-2 (4-1) SEC Week 8: #19 (Defeated Army, 62-0)
16.Missouri 7-1 (3-1) SEC Week 8: #20 (Defeated South Carolina, 34-12)
19.Air Force 7-0 (4-0) Mountain West Week 8: #22 (Defeated Navy, 17-6)

Fallers
10.Penn State 6-1 (3-1) Big Ten Week 8: #7 (Lost to 3.Ohio State, 20-12)
17.North Carolina 6-1 (3-1) ACC Week 8: #10 (Lost to Virginia, 31-27)
21.Tennessee 5-2 (2-2) SEC Week 8: #17 (Lost to 11.Alabama, 34-20)
20.Duke 5-2 (2-1) ACC Week 8: #16 (Lost to 4.Florida State, 38-20)
24.USC 6-2 (4-1) Pac-12 Week 8: #18 (Lost to 14.Utah, 34-32)

Dropped Out
Iowa 6-2 (3-2) Big Ten Week 8: #24 (Lost to Minnesota, 12-10)

New
25.James Madison 7-0 (4-0) Sun Belt Week 8: NR (Defeated Marshall, 20-9)

Key games this weekend (Rankings based off of AP Poll)
6.Oklahoma (7-0) @ Kansas (5-2) (Saturday, 12 PM ET, FOX)
Central Florida almost upset their former quarterback Dillon Gabriel (2,131 yardds and 19 TDs) and Oklahoma last Saturday afternoon in Norman. To avoid an upset against a much better Kansas team in Lawrence this weekend, Brent Venables’ team must rely on their running back duo of Marcus Major (308 yards and 1 TD) and Tawee Walker (239 yards and 4 TDs) to help Gabriel, who has also rushed for five touchdowns. Gabriel must get the ball down the field to his talented quartet of receivers including Jalil Farooq (438 yards and 2 TDs), Andrel Anthony 429 yards and 1 TD), Nic Anderson (387 yards and 8 TDs), and Drake Stoops (318 yards and 5 TDs). If linebacker Danny Stutsman, who has an incredible 70 tackle season so far (an average of 10 tackles per game) can help lead the Sooner defense to a quality showing against a Kansas offense without starting quarterback Jalon Daniels due to a back injury, they should win this game. In relief of Daniels, backup signal caller Jason Bean has thrown for over 900 yards and 9 TDs and just two turnovers. The trio of Jayhawks running backs, Devin Neal (659 yards and 6 TDs), Daniel Hishaw Jr. (437 yards and 6 TDs), and Dylan McDuffie (180 yards and 3 TDs), will be important for Bean to get settled in to the game if he in fact remains the starter for this week 9 Big 12 battle. In addition Lawrence Arnold (324 yards and 1 TD), Quentin Skinner (264 yards and 2 TDs), and Mason Fairchild (255 yards and 2 TDs) must be reliable receiving options against a red hot Oklahoma offense that will definitely continue to score throughout the game. To stop Oklahoma’s offense, safety Kenny Logan Jr. (45 tackles) and linebacker JB Brown (34 tackles and 2 sacks) must have big days. A win for the Sooners would put them in great position to clinch a spot in this season’s Big 12 Championship game with just a month left in the regular season. Projected Score: Oklahoma 35, Kansas 27

20.Duke (5-2) @ 18.Louisville (6-1) (Saturday, 3:30 PM ET, ESPN)
Duke can put itself back in play for an ACC title game appearance with a win over Louisville on the road this Saturday and a victory over North Carolina on November 11. The Blue Devils gained multiple leads over fourth ranked Florida State in the first half last Saturday but after starting QB Riley Leonard (981 yards and 3 TDs) re-aggravated his high ankle sprain, the lead was lost for good by the Blue Devils. Jordan Waters, who has rushed for 464 yards and 9 TDs, and Jaquez Moore 390 yards and 3 TDs, were huge in Saturday’s loss to Florida State. They must be great again in Louisville if the Blue Devils want to win this game. The linebacking duo of Tre Freeman (56 tackles and 1 interception) and Dorian Mausi (47 tackles and 1 interception) will be huge in determining who wins this game. If the Cardinals establish their running game at home with Jawhar Jordan, who has rushed for 661 yards and 8 TDs the passing game can get going with Jack Plummer (1,901 yards and 13 TDs) at quarterback. Not turning the ball over will be important for Louisville’s quarterback, who has already thrown 8 interceptions through seven games. Plummer’s receiver Jamari Thrash has starred during the 2023 campaign, catching 39 balls for nearly 700 yards and catching 6 TDs. Catching Riley Leonard when he escapes the pocket will be important for the Cardinal defense. Linebacker TJ Quinn (54 tackles) and defensive back Devin Neal (37 tackles and 3 interceptions) will both be important in stopping Leonard and the Duke offense. A loss for Duke would mean absolutely no ACC title game appearance so Louisville has to be ready for a football team that is ready to play them hard. Projected Score: Duke 28, Louisville 24

1.Georgia (7-0) vs. Florida (5-2) (Jacksonville) (Saturday, 3:30 PM ET, CBS)
Florida can move into first place in the SEC East with a win over Georgia, who haven’t lost a game since the 2021 SEC Championship Game. Crazy things happen in Jacksonville between the Gators and Bulldogs, in “The World’s Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party”. The winner of this game normally has control of the line of scrimmage. For it to be Florida, QB Graham Mertz (1,897 yards and 12 TDs) must rely on his tandem of running backs, Montrell Johnson (438 yards and 4 TDs) and Trevor Etienne (407 yards and 3 TDs), must follow their offensive line and establish the line of scrimmage against a talented Georgia front seven. Linebackers Smael Mondon Jr. (32 tackles and 2 sacks) and Jamon Dumas-Johnson (23 tackles and 2.5 sacks) must explode through the offensive line to stop Johnson and Etienne trying to get downhill and in the end zone. On the other side of the ball, Georgia QB Carson Beck, who has thrown for over 2,000 yards and 12 TDs this season, has been without superstar tight end Brock Bowers, who has caught 41 footballs for 567 yards and 4 TDs, due to a high ankle sprain, will keep him out for most of the rest of the season. The offensive production must be replaced by tailback Daijun Edwards (460 yards and 6 TDs) and pass catchers Marcus Rosemy-Jacksaint (333 yards and 2 TDs) and Dominic Lovett (282 yards and 1 TD). If not, the Gators defense, headed by linebacker Shemar James (50 tackles and 1 sack), will have an easier time defending against the first year Bulldog starter Beck. The Florida-Georgia rivalry is always a must watch game but with Missouri coming to town just a game back of the Bulldogs in the SEC East standings like Florida next week, it is important for Kirby Smart’s team to take care of business. Projected Score: Georgia 31, Florida 27

8.Oregon (6-1) @ 13.Utah (6-1) (Saturday, 3:30 PM ET, FOX)
Utah is riding high after an emotional win over USC at the LA Coliseum last Saturday win, giving them their fourth consecutive win over the Trojans. The Utes’ backup quarterback Bryson Barnes played phenomenal against USC’s defense, throwing for 235 yards and 3 TDs along with multiple clutch runs to get the Utes’ a game winning field goal in the final seconds of the game. Offensive playmakers also shined for Utah such as tailback Ja’Quinden Jackson, who rushed for 117 yards and receiver Sione Vaki went for 149 yards and two TDs on just five catches. Safetes Cole Bishop (35 tackles, 2 interceptions, and 2 sacks) and Sione Vaki (34 tackles, 1 interceptions, and 1 sack; who is also a Utes’ tailback) must the terrific Oregon offense led by their quarterback Bo Nix (2,089 yards and 19 TDs). The Ducks bounced back from their loss to Washington on October 13 with a win over Washington State last Saturday. If Nix is able to get the ball to his playmakers, Bucky Irving (649 rushing yards and 7 TDs), Jordan James (463 yards and 8 TDs), Troy Franklin (768 receiving yards and 8 TDs), and Tez Johnson (368 receiving yards and 4 TDs) the Ducks will be able to move the ball easily and win this important Pac-12 game as both teams would be eliminated from Pac-12 Championship and College Football Playoff contention with a loss. For Oregon defensively, defensive backs Tysheem Johnson, who has 39 tackles and 1 sack, and Evan Williams, who has 38 tackles and 3.5 sacks on the year. They will be instrumental in shutting down Bryson Barnes and the Utah passing game to make their offense unilateral with the run game. As ESPN’s College GameDay comes to town, the battle between the Ducks and Utes is majorly important for the Pac-12 title race. Projected Score: Oregon 38, Utah 35

3.Ohio State (7-0) @ Wisconsin (5-2) (Saturday, 7:30 PM ET, NBC)
Ohio State’s defense stepped up and played great against a talented Penn State offense in a top seven battle in Columbus in a 20-12 win over the Nittany Lions. The Buckeyes now head to Madison to face the Badgers under new head coach and Ohio State alum Luke Fickell, who led Cincinnati to a College Football Playoff appearance in 2021. The Ohio State defense has been fantastic all season long, being led by linebackers Tommy Eichenburg (54 tackles and 1 sack) and Steele Chambers (42 tackles and 1 interception). The Buckeyes’ offense was not fantastic against the Nittany Lions but on an off day, at least they know their defense can step up for them. Their talented receiving core, led by Marvin Harrison Jr. (766 yards and 6 TDs), Cade Stover (429 yards and 3 TDs), and Emeka Egbuka (303 yards and 3 TDs). If their junior slinger Kyle McCord, who has thrown for 1,937 yards and 12 TDs, can get the ball to them, they should control this game especially with the Buckeyes’ running back room having injury problems with TreVeyon Henderson (295 yards and 5 TDs) and Miyan Williams (158 yards and 3 TDs). On the other side, former Buckeye Luke Fickell’s team must have semblance offensively to get the job done against his alma mater. SMU transfer signal caller Tanner Mordecai has thrown for almost 1,200 yards, 3 TDs, and 3 interceptions while fellow quarterback Braedyn Lock has thrown for 370 yards and 2 TDs. With the lack of quality quarterback play in Madison, they must rely on star running back Braelon Allen, who has rushed for 704 yards and 8 TDs at about midseason. Safety Hunter Wohler (70 tackles, 2 interceptions, and 1 sack) and linebacker Jake Chaney (44 tackles and 2 sack) must make sure the Badgers’ defense does not get exposed in primetime on NBC by the Buckeyes’ talented offense. With the Badgers atop the Big Ten West and the Buckeyes tied atop the Big Ten East with Michigan, this game is very important for the Big Ten as the season moves to November. Projected Score: Ohio State 42, Wisconsin 21

Image Courtesy: Buckeyes Wire

AP Top 6
1.Georgia 7-0 (4-0) SEC This week: Off
2.Michigan 7-0 (4-0) Big Ten This week: @ Michigan State (2-4) (7:30 PM ET, NBC)
3.Ohio State 6-0 (3-0) Big Ten This week: 7.Penn State (6-0) (12 PM ET, FOX)
4.Florida State 6-0 (4-0) ACC This week: 16.Duke (5-1) (7:30 PM ET, ABC)
5.Washington 6-0 (3-0) Pac-12 This week: Arizona State (1-5) (10:30 PM ET, FS1)
6.Oklahoma 6-0 (3-0) Big 12 This week: Central Florida (3-3) (12 PM ET, ABC)

Biggest risers and fallers in the AP Top 25 this week:

Risers
5.Washington 6-0 (3-0) Pac-12 Week 7: #7 (Defeated 8.Oregon 36-33)
10.North Carolina 6-0 (3-0) ACC Week 7: #12 (Defeated 25.Miami 41-31)
12.Oregon State 6-1 (3-1) Pac-12 Week 7: #15 (Defeated 18.UCLA, 36-24)
15.Notre Dame 6-2 (0-0) Independents Week 7: #21 (Defeated 10.USC, 48-20)
19.LSU 5-2 (4-1) SEC Week 7: #22 (Defeated Auburn, 48-18)

Fallers
18.USC 6-1 (4-0) Pac-12 Week 7: #10 (Lost to 21.Notre Dame, 48-20)
21.Louisville 6-1 (3-1) ACC Week 7: #14 (Lost to Pittsburgh, 38-21)
25.UCLA 4-2 (1-2) Pac-12 Week 7: #18 (Lost to 15.Oregon State, 36-24)

Dropped Out
Washington State 4-2 (1-2) Pac-12 Week 7: #19 (Lost to Arizona, 44-6)
Kansas 5-2 (2-2) Big 12 Week 7: #23 (Lost to Oklahoma State, 39-32)
Kentucky 5-2 (2-2) SEC Week 7: #24 (Lost to Missouri, 38-21)
Miami 4-2 (0-2) ACC Week 7: #25 (Lost to 12.North Carolina, 41-31)

New
20.Missouri 6-1 (2-1) SEC Week 7: NR (Defeated 24.Kentucky, 38-21)
22.Air Force 6-0 (4-0) Mountain West Week 7: NR (Defeated Wyoming, 34-27)
23.Tulane 5-1 (2-0) American Week 7: NR (Defeated Memphis, 31-21)
24.Iowa 6-1 (3-1) Big Ten Week 7: NR (Defeated Wisconsin, 15-6)

Key games this weekend (Rankings based off of AP Poll)
7.Penn State (6-0) @ 3.Ohio State (6-0) (Saturday, 12 PM ET, FOX)
ESPN’s College GameDay will head to Columbus for this huge Big Ten East showdown between Penn State and Ohio State. The Nittany Lions will have their hands full with an Ohio State team that went on the road and beat a then top ten Notre Dame team, who rarely loses at home. This will be the Buckeyes’ biggest test since that game on September 23. This will be Penn State’s biggest test until they host Michigan on November 11 in Beaver Stadium. For the Nittany Lions, Drew Allar has been fantastic in his first season as a starter, throwing for. 12 touchdowns and almost 1,300 yards without turning the ball over yet. The Nittany Lions running back tandem of KeAndre Lambert Smith (375 yards and 3 TDs) and Nick Singleton (362 yards and 6 TDs) will be hard for the Buckeyes defense to stop. Penn State receiver Keandre Lambert-Smith (402 yards and 3 TDs) and tight end Theo Johnson (167 yards and 2 TDs) will also be huge in determining who wins this game. The Nittany Lions will need a quality defensive performance against Ohio State. They are led by linebacker Curtis Jacobs (23 tackles and 1 sack) and safety Jaylen Reed (16 tackles and 1 sack). When you think about Ohio State, you think first about the Buckeyes loaded receiving core. Likely top five 2024 NFL Draft pick Marvin Harrison Jr. (604 yards and 5 TDs), Cade Stover (359 yards and 3 TDs), and Emeka Egbuka (303 yards and 3 TDs) are why the Buckeyes are so efficient offensively. New starting QB for the Buckeyes Kyle McCord has been sufficient getting the ball to his weapons, throwing for 1,651 yards and 11 TDs. Establishing the running game for Ohio State are TreVeyon Henderson (295 yards and 5 TDs) and Miyan Williams (96 yards and 2 TDs). Both were inactive last Saturday so Chip Trayanum (235 yards and 2 TDs) has been great in relief. Ohio State’s defense has been much better this season, notably holding Notre Dame’s potent offense to just 14 points. To do the same against Penn State’s quality offense, they will need safety Tommy Eichenberg (46 tackles and 1 sack) and linebacker Steele Chambers (36 tackles and 1 interception) to be fantastic. This huge Big Ten East battle should deliver in the early slate of week 8. Projected Score: Ohio State 34, Penn State 24

17.Tennessee (5-1) @ 11.Alabama (6-1) (Saturday, 3:30 PM ET, CBS)
In what could be the second to last annual “Third Saturday in October” game between Alabama and Tennessee with Texas and Oklahoma coming in to shakeup the league, both squads look like contenders to make it to Atlanta. Coming into the season most Tennessee fans thought strong armed quarterback Joe Milton (1,264 yards and 10 touchdowns) and receivers Squirrel White (305 yards) and Ramel Keyton (230 yards and 3 TDs) would be the main focal point of their offense. However, it has been the running back room that has led the Volunteers to their five wins this season. Tailbacks Jaylen Wright (571 yards and 1 TD), Jabari Small (359 yards and 2 TDs), and Dylan Sampson (273 yards and 6 TDs) that have led the Volunteers to their success this season. Tennessee linebackers Aaron Beasley (38 tackles and 2 sacks) and Elijah Herring (34 tackles) must get in the backfield if they want to leave Tuscaloosa with a win. On the other side, Alabama struggled in the second half but finished well in their 24-21 win over Arkansas last Saturday. Jalen Milroe (1,397 passing yards, 139 rushing yards, and 16 overall TDs) has gotten so much more comfortable as Alabama’s quarterback and has become the team’s true leader. Running the ball for the Tide has been Jase McClellan who has almost 500 yards on the ground and 3 TDs. Former Georgia wideout Jermaine Burton exploded in the Tide’s win over Texas A&M in week 6 but was held to just a single catch against Arkansas last Saturday, now with 446 yards and 4 TDs on the season. Alabama’s front seven has been fantastic so far this season, being led by linebacker Deontae Lawson (37 tackles and 2 sacks), defensive lineman Justin Eboigbe (30 tackles and 3 sacks), and linebacker Dallas Turner (29 tackles and 7 sacks). If they keep up their quality of play, it will be tough for Tennessee’s offense to move the ball. Can Tennessee upset Nick Saban and Alabama for the second consecutive season? We will see on Saturday afternoon as both team look to add a quality win to their College Football Playoff resumés. Projected Score: Alabama 27, Tennessee 17

16.Duke (5-1) @ 4.Florida State (6-0) (Saturday, 7:30 PM ET, ABC)
A huge ACC showdown looms in Tallahassee on Saturday night. If Duke wants to make the ACC Championship in Charlotte with the Seminoles and North Carolina both being undefeated. Florida State’s dominant win over Syracuse sets them up in a really good spot if they can beat Duke at home on Saturday. FSU QB Jordan Travis has been phenomenal this season, throwing for almost 1,500 yards and 13 TDs. Tailback Trey Benson has scampered for 463 yards and 6 TDs while the receiving trio of Keon Coleman (418 yards and 7 TDs), Johnny Wilson (357 yards and 2 TDs), and Jaheim Bell (238 yards and 2 TDs) have been fantastic for the Seminoles this season. The linebacker trio of Kalen DeLoach (31 tackles and 3.5 sacks), Tatum Bethune (28 tackles), and DJ Lundy (24 tackles and 1.5 sacks) must get to the Blue Devils QB. Whether that will be injured starter Riley Leonard (912 yards and 3 TDs) or replacement Henry Belin IV (225 yards and 3 TDs). According to Blue Devils head coach Mike Elko, Leonard is day to day with an ankle injury he suffered late in the loss to Notre Dame on September 30. Without Leonard, the Blue Devils will have to rely on running back Jordan Waters (426 yards and 9 TDs) and receivers Jalon Calhoun (368 yards and 2 TDs) and Jordan Moore (322 yards and 3 TDs). The Blue Devils defense must also step up in Leonard’s absence if he can’t go. Duke linebacker Tre Freeman has been great this season with 49 tackles, an interception, and a half sack. His play against the FSU offense will be huge in determining the outcome of this game. With how Florida State’s defense played a week ago against Syracuse only giving up three points, Duke’s offense will need a great showing to win this game and keep them in the ACC picture. Projected Score: Florida State 31, Duke 21

14.Utah (5-1) @ 18.USC (6-1) (Saturday, 8 PM ET, FOX)
Can Caleb Williams (2,021 yards and 23 TDs) and USC bounce back at home against a tough Utah team after his three pick showing last Saturday in primetime against Notre Dame? The Trojans began the season undefeated at 6-0 before being dominated by Notre Dame last Saturday. They have also lost their last three against Utah, including last season’s Pac-12 title game in Las Vegas. Williams’ offensive line must protect him so he can get the ball to talented receivers Tahj Washington (497 yards and 5 TDs) and Brenden Rice (452 yards and 8 TDs). The Trojan offensive line must also get down hill and block Utah’s great front seven to open holes for Trojans tailback Marshawn Lloyd, who has rushed for 565 yards and 5 TDs. USC’s defense must look better than they did in South Bend against Notre Dame even if the Utah offense is without Cam Rising, the star Utes QB who has not played yet this season. Utah continues to play quarterback by committee with dual threat Nate Johnson (499 passing yards, 153 rushing yards, and 6 overall TDs) pocket passer Bryson Barnes (398 passing yards and 1 TD). The Utes continue to rely on their running game with Johnson and top running backs Ja’Quinden Jackson (333 yards and 1 TD) and Jaylon Glover (249 yards and 2 TDs). Their true backbone is their defense. Safeties Cole Bishop (32 tackles, 2 interceptions, and 2 sacks) and Sione Vaki (32 tackles, 1 interception, and 1 sack) continue to support the back end of the unit while defensive end Jonah Eliss (29 tackles and 9 sacks) continues to get to the quarterback. The Utah offense cannot rely totally on its terrific defense to win this game against the reigning Heisman Trophy winner Caleb Williams. Following up the Washington-Oregon classic Pac-12 fans saw last week will be tough but the battles between Utah and USC have been terrific since Lincoln Riley took over in Los Angeles. A loss for either of these teams would take them out of the Pac-12 Championship Game and College Football Playoff picture. A lot is on the line in this game. Projected Score: Utah 27, USC 23

Image Courtesy: SBNation.com

AP Top 6
1.Georgia 6-0 (3-0) SEC This week: @ Vanderbilt (2-5) (12 PM ET, CBS)
2.Michigan 6-0 (3-0) Big Ten This week: Indiana (2-3) (12 PM ET, FOX)
3.Ohio State 5-0 (2-0) Big Ten This week: @ Purdue (2-4) (12 PM ET, Peacock)
4.Florida State 5-0 (3-0) ACC This week: Syracuse (4-2) (12 PM ET, ABC)
5.Oklahoma 6-0 (3-0) Big 12 This week: Off
6.Penn State 5-0 (2-0) Big Ten This week: Massachusetts (1-6) (3:30 PM ET, BTN)

Biggest risers and fallers in the AP Top 25 this week:

Risers
5.Oklahoma 6-0 (3-0) Big 12 Week 6: #12 (Defeated 3.Texas, 34-30)
14.Louisville 6-0 (3-0) ACC Week 6: #25 (Defeated 10.Notre Dame, 33-20)

Fallers
9.Texas 5-1 (2-1) Big 12 Week 6: #3 (Lost to 12.Oklahoma, 34-30)
19.Washington State 4-1 (1-1) Pac-12 Week 6: #13 (Lost to UCLA 25-17)
21.Notre Dame 5-2 (0-0) Independents Week 6: #10 (Lost to 25.Louisville, 33-20)
24.Kentucky 5-1 (2-1) SEC Week 6: #20 (Lost to 1.Georgia, 51-13)
25.Miami 4-1 (0-1) ACC Week 6: #17 (Lost to Georgia Tech, 23-20)

Dropped Out
Missouri 5-1 (1-1) SEC Week 6: #21 (Lost to 23.LSU, 49-39)
Fresno State 5-1 (1-1) Mountain West Week 6: #24 (Lost to Wyoming, 24-19)

New
18.UCLA 4-1 (1-1) Pac-12 Week 6: NR (Defeated 13.Washington State, 25-17)
23.Kansas 5-1 (2-1) Big 12 Week 6: NR (Defeated Central Florida, 51-22)

Key games this weekend (Rankings based off of AP Poll)
Texas A&M (4-2) @ 19.Tennessee (4-1) (Saturday, 3:30 PM ET, CBS)
Can Texas A&M bounce back after a tough loss to Alabama last week? The Aggies offensive line was destroyed time and time again by the Alabama front seven. Max Johnson (675 yards and 7 TDs) tried to evade the Tide rush on multiple occasions but rarely could do so. Receivers and Anias Smith (431 yards) and Evan Stewart (403 yards and 4 TDs) must be good in this game if they want to go into Neyland Stadium and win over the Volunteers. The Aggies defense must get to the quarterback with linebacker Edgerrin Cooper (41 tackles and 6 sacks), Taurean York (32 tackles and 1 sack), and defensive lineman Walter Nolen (22 tackles and 4 sacks). That quarterback, Joe Milton, has used his strong arm to throw for nearly 1,200 yards and 9 TDs. In the running game, Jaylen Wright’s 435 yards and 1 TD paces them while Ramel Keyton (230 yards and 3 TDs) does the same for the receivers. Linebacker Aaron Beasley (33 tackles and 2 sacks) leads the Volunteers defensively. In what should be a very important game in the race to Atlanta for both teams, the line of scrimmage should determine it. Projected Score: Texas A&M 27, Tennessee 24

8.Oregon (5-0) @ 7.Washington (5-0) (Saturday, 3:30 PM ET, ABC)
Oregon and Washington look like the top two teams in the Pac-12’s final season as we know it. Can former Auburn transfer QB Bo Nix (1,459 yards and 15 TDs) lead the Ducks to a win on the road in a hostile Seattle environment. Helping him will be tailbacks Bucky Irving (393 yards and 4 TDs) and Jordan James (297 yards and 7 TDs). Receiver Troy Franklin, who has 535 receiving yards and 7 touchdowns, has been huge for the Ducks this season. Oregon’s defense has held both Colorado and Stanford to six points each in blowouts. A much more difficult challenge awaits in Heisman contender Michael Penix (1,999 yards and 16 TDs) and the high flying Washington offense. Receivers Rome Odunze (608 yards and 4 TDs), Ja’Lynn Polk (468 yards and 4 TDs), and Jalen McMillan (311 yards and 3 TDs). Defensive back Dominique Hampton (35 tackles and 1 interception) and linebacker Edefuan Ulfoshio (27 tackles and 1 sack) must get in the backfield and make Bo Nix earn everything on Saturday. Washington will need to play better after only beating Arizona by seven a week ago. In maybe the best Pac-12 we have seen in years and ESPN’s College GameDay on site, this Oregon-Washington game means so much to not only the conference race but a College Football Playoff berth. Projected Score: Washington 45, Oregon 38

Missouri (5-1) @ 24.Kentucky (5-1) (Saturday, 7:30 PM ET, SECN)
Missouri and Kentucky both took their first losses a week ago. Missouri’s defense failed them in a 49-39 shootout loss to LSU in a blacked out Faurot Field in Columbia last Saturday. Kentucky was blown out by Georgia, 51-13. The Wildcats must be better if they want to beat a Missouri team that looks vastly improved from a season ago. Kentucky needs to get their running game going with Ray Davis, who has already rushed for 653 yards and 8 TDs. They also have a few talented receivers in Tayvion Robinson, who has 317 yards and 3 TDs and Dane Key who has 261 yards and 2 TDs. Throwing them will be Devin Leary, who has thrown for almost 1,300 yards and 12 TDs. He must avoid turning the ball over as he already has thrown five interceptions. For Missouri, their offense was humming against LSU. Brady Cook continues to shine, throwing for 1,879 yards and 13 TDs so far this season. Cody Shrader continues to pund on the ground, running for 577 yards and 6 TDs while receiver Luther Burden has 793 yards and 5 TDs. Linebacker Ty’Ron Hopper (35 tackles and 1 sack) and defensive back Joseph Charleston (31 tackles) lead the Tigers defense. With Georgia still the favorite currently in the SEC East, Kentucky and Missouri must prove themselves while they still have a shot to make it to Atlanta for the SEC Championship. Projected Score: Missouri 35, Kentucky 24

25.Miami (4-1) @ 12.North Carolina (5-0) (Saturday, 7:30 PM ET, ABC)
Miami lost in the worst possible way when they could have ended their game against Georgia Tech last Saturday with a kneel but they ran the ball and fumbled and lost to the Yellow Jackets in the final seconds. Hurricanes signal caller Tyler Van Dyke has thrown for 1,330 yards and 12 TDs on the season while his tailback Henry Parrish Jr. has rushed for 379 yards and 4 TDs. Van Dyke needs to rely on his receivers against a question North Carolina pass defense, including Xavier Restrepo (478 yards and 2 TDs), Jacolby George (337 yards and 4 TDs), and Colbie Young (298 yards and 3 TDs). The Miami defense, including linebacker Francisco Maugoia (22 tackles and 1 interception) and defensive back Jaden Davis (19 tackles and 3 interceptions), will have to be great against a terrific North Carolina offense, led by quarterback Drake Maye (1,629 yards and 8 TDs). With Omarion Hampton (461 yards and 7 TDs) running the ball well and receiver Tez Walker (43 yards) finally back in the lineup after being ruled eligible ahead of last week’s win over Syracuse. Defensive backs Giovanni Biggers (22 tackles) and Alijah Huzzie (20 tackles and 3 interceptions) must stop the Hurricanes’ passing attack if they want to stay undefeated through six games. A huge ACC match up looms on Saturday in prime time. Projected Score: North Carolina 41, Miami 31

10.USC (6-0) @ 21.Notre Dame (5-2) (Saturday, 7:30 PM ET, NBC)
After Notre Dame’s second loss of the season in what has been a grueling stretch of games against AP top 25 teams versus Ohio State (loss), at Duke (win), and Louisville (loss) they face their fourth consecutive top 25 opponent in primetime. This time it will be against reigning Heisman Trophy winner, Caleb Williams (1,822 yards and 22 TDs). Notre Dame must get back to relying on their running game with tremendous running back Audric Estime, who has rushed for almost 700 yards and 7 TDs. His hard running will be crucial to opening the pass for signal caller Sam Hartman (1,712 yards and 16 TDs) against a questionable USC passing defense. Stopping a star like Caleb Williams and the up tempo Lincoln Riley offense is always difficult, but the Notre Dame defense will look to do so with leading tackler Howard Cross III (42 and 1 sack). The USC playmakers must be terrific against a great Notre Dame defense on the road. Trojan running back MarShawn Lloyd (519 yards and 4 TDs) and receivers Tahj Washington (456 yards and 5 TDs) and Brenden Rice (434 yards and 7 TDs) will look to help Williams win the rivalry game against the Fighting Irish. Similarly to the Notre Dame defense against Caleb Williams, the USC defense will have to be just as good against Sam Hartman. Trojan safeties Jaylin Smith (41 tackles) and Calen Bullock (30 tackles and 1 interception) will look to create turnovers with pressure on the Notre Dame quarterback. With the Fighting Irish out of College Football Playoff conversations, they can’t eliminate USC from the event yet but coming off a loss, Notre Dame still has a New Year’s Six Bowl game to play for. Projected Score: Notre Dame 45, USC 42

Image Courtesy: chatsports.com

AP Top 6
1.Georgia 5-0 (2-0) SEC This week: Kentucky (7 PM ET, ESPN)
2.Michigan 5-0 (2-0) Big Ten This week: @ Minnesota (7:30 PM ET, NBC)
3.Texas 5-0 (2-0) Big 12 This week: Oklahoma (Dallas) (12 PM ET, ABC)
4.Ohio State 4-0 (1-0) Big Ten This week: Maryland (12 PM ET, FOX)
5.Florida State 4-0 (2-0) ACC This week: Virginia Tech (3:30 PM ET, ABC)
6.Penn State 5-0 (2-0) Big Ten This week: Off

Biggest risers and fallers in the AP Top 25 this week:

Risers
13.Washington State 4-0 (1-0) Pac-12 Week 5: #15 (Off)
15.Oregon State 4-1 (1-1) Pac-12 Week 5: #19 (Defeated 10.Utah, 21-7)
16.Ole Miss 4-1 (1-1) SEC Week 5: #20 (Defeated 13.LSU, 55-49)

Fallers
18.Utah 4-1 (1-1) Pac-12 Week 5: #10 (Lost to 19.Oregon State, 21-7)
19.Duke 4-1 (1-0) ACC Week 5: #17 (Lost to 11.Notre Dame, 21-14)
23.LSU 3-2 (2-1) SEC Week 5: #13 (Lost to 20.Ole Miss, 55-49)

Dropped Out
Florida 3-2 (1-1) SEC Week 5: #22 (Lost to Kentucky, 33-14)
Kansas 4-1 (1-1) Big 12 Week 5: #24 (Lost to 3.Texas, 40-14)

New
20.Kentucky 5-0 (2-0) SEC Week 5: NR (Defeated 22.Florida, 33-14)
25.Louisville 5-0 (2-0) ACC Week 5: NR (Defeated NC State, 13-10)

Key games this weekend (Rankings based off of AP Poll)
23.LSU (3-2) @ 21.Missouri (5-0) (Saturday, 12 PM ET, ESPN)
Can LSU’s defense bounce back after giving up over 700 yards against Ole Miss? The Tiger defense crumbled as Rebels overcame a nine point deficit in the final minutes. Many talking heads do not think they should be ranked just because of that weak unit. On the other side of the ball, Jayden Daniels has been fantastic. In last Saturday’s shootout with Ole Miss, he threw for 414 yards and 4 TDs. His receiver Brian Thomas Jr. had eight receptions for 124 yards and 3 TDs. In addition, Logan Diggs rushed for 101 yards and 2 TDs. If the Tiger offense plays half as well as they did in Oxford, they should have a great shot at beating red hot Missouri in Columbia. Missouri QB Brady Cook (1,468 yards and 11 TDs) and has the record for number of passes thrown without an interception all time in the SEC. His running back Cody Schrader (463 yards and 3 TDs) and receivers Luther Burden (644 yards and 5 TDs) and Theo Wease Jr. (254 yards and 3 TDs) have been phenomenal as they have beaten Kansas State, Memphis, and Vanderbilt as they enter this big game. Missouri’s defense is led by linebacker Ty’Ron Hopper (27 tackles) and defensive back Joseph Charleston (26 tackles). LSU needs to bounce back in what should be a fantastic game in Columbia on Saturday afternoon. Projected Score: Missouri 35, LSU 31

12.Oklahoma (5-0) vs. 3.Texas (5-0) (Dallas) (Saturday, 12 PM ET, ABC)
Can Oklahoma defeat Texas after their first 5-0 start since 2009? The Sooners themselves are also undefeated entering the final Red River Showdown as Big 12 foes before they both head to the SEC. Both teams are undefeated entering the game for the first time since 2011. Brent Venables’ team already has as many wins (5) as they had all of last season. So, things are looking up. But, they run into what is a buzzsaw in Texas. Venables’ QB is Dillon Gabriel, who has thrown for 1,593 yards and 15 TDs, has been great up to this point. It will be up to the Sooners running backs to help Gabriel in the passing game, Marcus Major (199 yards and 1 TD) and Tawee Walker (193 yards and 2 TDs). Michigan transfer receiver Andrel Anthony must be good for the Sooners, as he has put up 387 yards and 1 TD through one third of the season so far. On the other side, Texas’ offense has been one of the best in the country. Longhorn running back Jonathan Brooks exploded for 218 yards and 2 TDs in their dominant win over Kansas last weekend. He will be a key to making things easier for signal-caller Quinn Ewers Quinn Ewers, who threw for over 300 yards and 1 TD in the victory. Ewers’ targets Adonai Mitchell and Xavier Mitchell will be crucial in determining the outcome between the Longhorns and Sooners. Looking to stop Gabriel and the Oklahoma offense will be Jaylan Ford (32 tackles and 2 interceptions) and the Texas defense. A huge one looms at the Cotton Bowl and the Texas State Fair. Projected Score: Texas 38, Oklahoma 31

13.Washington State (4-0) @ UCLA (3-1) (Saturday, 3 PM ET, P12N)
Can UCLA get a quality win in the Pac-12 and make itself a contender in what has been the best league in America this year? Freshman quarterback Dante Moore (849 yards and 8 TDs) must be efficient against a very good Washington State team if they want to do so. Tailbacks Carson Steele (272 yards and 2 TDs) and TJ Harden (264 yards and 2 TDs) must support Moore in this game as well. J. Michael Sturdivant has been fantastic for the Bruins, having 12 receptions for 279 yards and 2 TDs. The UCLA defense must stop an electric Wazzu offense, as the unit is led by linebackers Darius Muasuau (24 tackles, 1 interception and 3 sacks) and Kain Medrano (21 tackles and 2 sacks). The Cougar offense has been fantastic this season, led by QB Cameron Ward, who has thrown for almost 1,400 yards and 13 TDs. His receivers Lincoln Victor (342 yards and 3 TDs), Josh Kelly (336 yards and 5 TDs), and Kyle Williams (301 yards and 4 TDs) will be very hard for the Bruins defense to stop. Defensively for Washington State, defensive back Sam Lockett III leads them in tackles with 26 and 1 interception. A fun Pac-12 battle in Westwood looms on Saturday. Projected Score: Washington State 41, UCLA 31

11.Alabama (4-1) @ Texas A&M (4-1) (Saturday, 3:30 PM ET, CBS)
Alabama and Texas A&M will fight for first place in the SEC West at Kyle Field on Saturday afternoon. The Crimson Tide have not been as good as they normally are under Nick Saban because of worse than usual offensive line play but this is their chance to prove they are still national championship contenders. Both the Crimson Tide and Aggies defenses have been crucial to their 4-1 starts this season. Defensive back Caleb Downs (40 tackles and 1 interception), linebacker Trezmen Marshall (30 tackles 1.5 sacks), and defensive back Jaylen Key (29 tackles and 1 interception) have led the Tide. For the Aggies, linebackers Edgerrin Cooper (30 tackles and 3 sacks) and Tauren York (27 tackles and 1 sack), and defensive tackle Walter Nolen (20 tackles and 3 sacks) have been huge this season. Offensively for the Aggies, Max Johnson replaced Connor Weigman as the starting quarterback last Saturday when Weigman was injured in the Aggies win over Auburn two weeks ago. Johnson (436 yards and 6 TDs on the season) played fantastic against Arkansas in Arlington, leading them to a win in the Southwest Classic. A&M’s talented core of receivers also excelled last week; including Evan Stewart (357 yards and 4 TDs) and Anias Smith (343 yards). Offensively for the Crimson Tide, signal-caller Jalen Milroe (838 passing yards, 189 rushing yards, and 10 total TDs) and has been great since regaining his starting position against Ole Miss. Along with Milroe, Alabama’s other top rushers, Jase McClellan (326 yards and 3 TDs) and Roydell Williams (242 yards and 1 TD) must help Milroe open the deep passing game for the Crimson Tide, who struggle with that with no receivers over 200 yards on the season. Texas A&M will look to beat Alabama for the third time since entering the SEC. Projected Score: Texas A&M 28, Alabama 24

20.Kentucky (5-0) @ 1.Georgia (5-0) (Saturday, 7 PM ET, ESPN)
Kentucky finally looks like they may be able to beat Georgia in the Kirby Smart era with Georgia’s struggles against lesser competition. Devin Leary (1,129 yards and 10 touchdowns) has been solid for the Wildcats this season since transferring from North Carolina State. Leary must avoid throwing his sixth interception this season against the Georgia defense that is always good under Kirby Smart. Vanderbilt transfer running back Ray Davis has been tremendous for Kentucky, rushing for 594 yards and 8 TDs. Kentucky’s receiving corps have looked great as well, with Tayvion Robinson (308 yards and 3 TDs), Barion Brown (251 yards and 1 TD), and Dane Key (196 yards and 2 TDs). The Wildcats defense will have to stop new Georgia starting QB Carson Beck (1,497 yards and 7 TDs) and talented tight end Brock Bowers (413 yards and 3 TDs) if the Wildcats want to win this game. The Kentucky defense is led by defensive back Maxwell Hairston, who has 33 tackles and 3 interceptions. The Georgia offensive line must establish holes for their running game like they did in their win over Auburn if they want the same result against Kentucky. Daijun Edwards has been the focal point for the Bulldog rushing attack, with 260 yards and 5 TDs on the season. There are huge SEC East implications in this game. Projected Score: Georgia 27, Kentucky 24

10.Notre Dame (5-1) @ 25.Louisville (5-0) (Saturday, 7:30 PM ET, ABC)
I feel like I preview a Notre Dame every week at this point. This and next week (the Irish face top ten USC on 10/14), I will also be previewing their game. Notre Dame, though, needs to take it one game at a time and be focused on the Louisville, who is undefeated in what is looking like a loaded ACC in 2023 with Florida State, North Carolina, and Duke also ranked in the AP Top 25. So, lets focus on the Cardinals. Under former Purdue coach Jeff Brohm, the Cardinals have rushed to their best start in a long time. Quarterback Jack Plummer has diced defenses up for over 1,400 yards and 11 touchdowns. Tailback Jawhar Jordan has ran all over defenses for 510 yards and 6 TDs while receiver Jamari Thrash (444 yards and 5 TD) has made opposing defenses pay with his big play ability. Defensively, the Cardinals had a good performance last time out, holding Brennan Armstrong and NC State to just 10 points. However, the Cardinals just put up 13 points. Louisville will have to be better on that side of the ball if they want to win this game. So, linebacker TJ Quinn (32 tackles) and defensive backs Cam’Ron Kelly (24 tackles and 2 interceptions) and Devin Neal (24 tackles and 1 interception) will be crucial in determining the outcome of this game. For Notre Dame, the terrific backfield of QB Sam Hartman and Audric Estime have been fantastic this season. If they want to avoid another close finish against an ACC foe (they escaped Durham with a 21-14 win over Duke last weekend), their defense will have to make timely stops like they did in their win over the Blue Devils. Defensive lineman Howard Cross III (35 tackles) and linebacker JD Bertrand (32 tackles) will need to be great if the Irish want to win this game. This showdown is Louisville’s chance to prove that the Jeff Brohm era can be a great one if they protect home field against the Fighting Irish. Projected Score: Notre Dame 35, Louisville 24

AP Top 6
1.Georgia 4-0 (1-0) SEC This week: @ Auburn (3:30 PM ET, CBS)
2.Michigan 4-0 (1-0) Big Ten This week: @ Nebraska (3:30 PM ET, FOX)
3.Texas 4-0 (1-0) Big 12 This week: 24.Kansas (3:30 PM ET, ABC)
4.Ohio State 4-0 (1-0) Big Ten This week: Off
5.Florida State 4-0 (2-0) ACC This week: Off
6.Penn State 4-0 (1-0) Big Ten This week: @ Northwestern (12 PM ET, BTN)

Biggest risers and fallers in the AP Top 25 this week:

Risers
4.Ohio State 4-0 (1-0) Big Ten Week 4: #6 (Defeated 9.Notre Dame, 17-14)
21.Florida 3-1 (1-0) SEC Week 4: #25 (Defeated Charlotte, 22-7)
16.Washington State 4-0 (1-0) Pac-12 Week 4: #21 (Defeated 14.Oregon State, 38-35)

Fallers
8.USC 4-0 (2-0) Pac-12 Week 4: #5 (Defeated Arizona State, 42-28)
11.Notre Dame 4-0 (0-0) Independents Week 4: #9 (Lost to 6.Ohio State, 17-14)
19.Oregon State 3-1 (0-1) Pac-12 Week 4: #14 (Lost to 21.Washington State, 38-35)
21.Ole Miss 3-1 (0-1) SEC Week 4: #15 (Lost to 13.Alabama, 24-10)

Dropped Out
Colorado 3-1 (0-1) Pac-12 Week 4: #19 (Lost to 10.Oregon, 42-6)
UCLA 3-1 (0-1) Pac-12 Week 4: #22 (Lost to 11.Utah, 14-7)
Iowa 3-1 (0-1) Big Ten Week 4: #24 (Lost to 7.Penn State, 31-0)

New
23.Missouri 4-0 (0-0) SEC Week 4: NR (Defeated Memphis, 34-27)
24.Kansas 4-0 (1-0) Big 12 Week 4: NR (Defeated BYU, 38-27)
25.Fresno State 4-0 (0-0) Mountain West Week 4: NR (Defeated Kent State, 53-10)

Key games this weekend (Rankings based off of AP Poll)
10.Utah (4-0) @ 19.Oregon State (3-1) (Friday, 9 PM ET, FS1)
Can Oregon State bounce back after a tough loss to Washington State last Saturday night? The Beavers defense must play better even if they are playing an Utah team that has not played with their starting quarterback, Cam Rising, due to a torn ACL, since the Rose Bowl in January. The Utes have managed to go undefeated through for four games with the help of reserve signal callers Nate Johnson (398 passing yards TDs, 150 rushing yards, and 5 overall TDs) and Bryson Barnes (230 passing yards and 1 TD). As the Utes wait the return of their star QB, they have relied on tailbacks Ja’Quinden Jackson (239 yards rushing) and Jaylon Glover (179 yards and 2 TDs) heavily. It will be up to them and their tremendous defense, who held UCLA to just seven points in week 4. For Oregon State, DJ Uiagalelei (828 passing yards, 99 rushing yards, and 12 overall TDs) must lead the Beavers to a win or they will be almost out of Pac-12 conference title contention with the league being so competitive this season. Uiagalelei has great options at receiver in Silas Bolden (235 yards and 1 TD) and Anthony Gould (217 yards and 2 TDs). If they can connect a few times and terrific linebacker Easton Mascarenas-Arnold (33 tackles) can lead his defense to a standout performance, this game will at least be a close one. Projected Score: Utah 27, Oregon State 20

22.Florida (3-1) @ Kentucky (4-0) (Saturday, 12 PM ET, ESPN)
Can Florida continue its quality play this season against undefeated Kentucky in Lexington? The Gators have lost their last two against the Wildcats after dominating the series previously. After losing to Utah to open the year in Salt Lake City, the Florida defense has played much better, being led by Shemar James (27 tackles and 1 sack) and Jordan Castell (24 tackles). The Gators offense relies heavily on a talented running back room including Trevor Etienne (329 yards and 2 TDs) and Montrell Johnson (211 yards and 3 TDs). The running game should help QB Graham Mertz (951 passing yards and 4 TDs) and receiver Ricky Pearsell (362 yards and 1 TD) open up the offense. This is the first time we will see Kentucky on the national stage. NC State transfer signal-caller Devin Leary (1,060 yards and 9 TDs) and Vanderbilt transfer running back Ray Davis (314 yards and 5 TDs) will pose great threats to the talented Gator defense. The talented Kentucky defense will look to stop the Florida offense using linebacker Trevin Wallace (25 tackles and 3.5 sacks) and defensive back Maxwell Hairston (23 tackles and 3 interceptions). Another important game in this SEC East series looms. Projected Score: Kentucky 28, Florida 27

8.USC (4-0) @ Colorado (3-1) (Saturday, 12 PM ET, FOX)
USC is 16-0 against Colorado all time. Colorado is coming into their Pac-12 home opener after getting blasted by Bo Nix and Oregon, 42-6. So, USC should control this game if Colorado’s defense does not play better than they did last week. Last season’s Heisman winner Caleb Williams has been great so far this season, throwing for 1,200 yards and 15 TDs. The likely number one pick in this April’s NFL Draft is joined by MarShawn Lloyd in the backfield, who has rushed for 349 yards and 2 TDs. Williams’ talented receivers include Tahj Washington (278 yards and 4 TDs) and Brenden Rice (257 yards and 5 TDs) have been huge for the Trojans as well. It will be up to the USC defense to stop talented Buffaloes QB Shedeur Sanders (1,410 yards and 11 TDs) and great receivers Xavier Weaver (461 yards and 2 TDs) and Jimmy Horn Jr. (243 yards and 2 TDs). The Bufs will be without star receiver and defensive back Travis Hunter yet again after his injury versus rival Colorado State. The Trojans’ Jaylin Smith leads the Trojans with 26 tackles. USC should dominate this game if Deion Sander’s offense cannot get going. Projected Score: USC 45, Colorado 20

24.Kansas (4-0) @ 3.Texas (4-0) (Saturday, 3:30 PM ET, ABC)
Can Kansas win in Austin for the second consecutive time? They definitely have the team to do it Jalon Daniels, who has thrown for 705 yards, rushed for 74 yards, and thrown for 5 TDs. Daniels’ running game is headed by Devin Neal who has rushed for 394 yards and 5 TDs and receiving game is led by Lawrence Arnold (246 yards). Defensively, the Jayhawks are lead by safety Kenny Logan Jr., who has 23 tackles and 1 interception and linebacker Rich Miller, who has 19 tackles. They will be challenged by what looks like the best Texas team in years. Signal caller Quinn Ewers has been fantastic for the Longhorns this season. Ewers has thrown for over 1,000 yards and 9 touchdowns while his running back Jonathan Brooks has run for 379 yards and 3 TDs. Longhorn tight end Ja’Tavion Sanders (268 yards and 1 TD) and receiver Xavier Worthy (252 yards and 3 TDs) lead the Texas receiving units. Their defense has been great this season, helping them to wins over Alabama in week 2 and Baylor in their Big 12 opener a week ago. Linebacker Jaylan Ford (25 tackles and 2 interceptions) has been fantastic for the Longhorns this season. With Texas facing Oklahoma next week at the Texas State Fair in Dallas, this game would be huge for the Jayhawks to win to move towards a spot in the Big 12 Championship Game. Projected Score: Kansas 42, Texas 38

13.LSU (3-1) @ 20.Ole Miss (3-1) (Saturday, 6 PM ET, ESPN)
LSU struggled in the first half but was able to beat Arkansas in another close Battle for the Boot game in Baton Rouge last Saturday night. Jayden Daniels (1,296 yards and 12 TDs) continues to impress with a talented group of tailbacks, namely Logan Diggs (253 yards and 1 TD). Receiver Malik Nabers (523 yards and 5 TDs) caught two touchdowns in last week’s win. He will be huge in a game on the road against an SEC rival like Ole Miss. The Tiger defense is led by safety Major Burns who has put up 27 tackles and 1 sack. QB Jaxson Dart (1,096 yards and and 7 TDs) struggled in a 24-10 loss to Alabama last week. Running back Quinshon Judkins has played okay this season compared to his pre-season expecations, rushing for 201 yards and 4 TDs. Jordan Watkins (347 yards and 1 TD) must catch some balls from Dart to open up the Rebel offense against the talented Tiger defense. Defensively for the Rebels, safety Trey Washington has had 25 tackles and a pick. I think the Ole Miss offense bounces back after a tough performance against an LSU defense that gave up multiple touchdowns in the second half to Arkansas a week ago. Projected Score: Ole Miss 31, LSU 28

South Carolina (2-2) @ 21.Tennessee (3-1) (Saturday, 7:30 PM ET, SECN)
Can Tennessee avenge their blowout loss last November to South Carolina? With the two teams not being guaranteed annual games with Texas and Oklahoma entering the SEC next season, this game should mean more than it ever has. Gamecock QB Spencer Rattler (1,242 yards and 7 TDs this season) lit the Volunteer defense in that game, continuing his great play at the end of last season. Receiver Xavier Leggette (556 yards and 3 TDs) has been phenomenal under new offensive coordinator Dowell Loggains in Columbia. The Gamecocks defense, led by linebacker Debo Williams (31 tackles) must look to stop the high tempo Tennessee offense, led by quarterback Joe Milton (925 yards and 8 TDs) and receivers Ramel Keyton (205 yards and 3 TDs) and Bru McCoy (196 yards and 1 TD). Milton must play better after struggling in a 29-16 loss to Florida two weeks ago in Gainesville. The Vol running game has been better this season with Jaylen Wright (312 yards) taking handoffs. The Tennessee defense must prevent Spencer Rattler from doing what he did last season when they were dominated last season. Notable names on the Volunteer defense include Aaron Beasley (29 tackles and 2 sacks) and defensive backs Tamarion McDonald and Kamal Hadden, who both have 1 interception. South Carolina needs this win bad as they look to avoid a third loss through five games this season. Projected Score: Tennessee 27, South Carolina 24

11.Notre Dame (4-1) @ 17.Duke (4-0) (Saturday, 7:30 PM ET, ABC)
As ESPN’s College GameDay heads to Durham for the first time ever, they also head to their second consecutive Notre Dame game. The Irish were stunned in the final seconds by Ohio State last Saturday, losing 17-14. Up to that game, the Irish offense played fantastic football. However, versus a much improved Buckeye defense, Sam Hartman (1,236 passing yards and 14 TDs) and Audric Estime (591 rushing yards and 5 TDs) faltered in what felt like a low scoring Big Ten defensive struggle. The Notre Dame defense only had ten players on the field for Ohio State’s walk-off touchdown, making them feel like they could have won the game if they had all of their players on the field. Linebacker Jack Kiser (28 tackles and 1 sack) and defensive lineman Javontae Jean-Baptiste (23 tackles) lead that unit for the Irish. Duke quarterback Riley Leonard has been fantastic in the Blue Devils resurgence over the last two seasons. Through four games this season, Leonard has boasted 778 passing yards, 238 rushing yards, and 6 total touchdowns. His tailback Jordan Waters has been incredible too, as he has rushed for seven touchdowns the first quarter of the season and receivers Jalon Calhoun (258 yards and 1 TD) and Jordan Moore (246 yards and 2 TD) have led the Blue Devils catching the ball. For the Duke defense, they have held opposing offenses to just 35 points overall. Chandler Rivers (25 tackles) and Jaylen Stinson (23 tackles) have been terrific in the secondary for the Blue Devils. Duke is for real and Notre Dame will want to avenge their loss last week so this should be a good one. Projected Score: Notre Dame 38, Duke 35

Image Courtesy: Ohio State Buckeyes

AP Top 6
1.Georgia 3-0 (1-0) SEC This week: UAB (7:30 PM ET, ESPN2)
2.Michigan 3-0 (0-0) Big Ten This week: Rutgers (12 PM ET, BTN)
3.Texas 3-0 (0-0) Big 12 This week: @ Baylor (7:30 PM ET, ABC)
4.Florida State 3-0 (1-0) ACC This week: @ Clemson (12 PM ET, ABC)
5.USC 3-0 (1-0) Pac-12 This week: @ Arizona State (9:30 PM ET, FOX)
6.Ohio State 3-0 (1-0) Big Ten This week: @ 9.Notre Dame (7:30 PM ET, ABC)

Biggest risers and fallers in the AP Top 25 this week:

Risers
10.Oregon 3-0 (0-0) Pac-12 Week 3: #13 (Defeated Hawaii, 55-10)
16.Oklahoma 3-0 (0-0) Big 12 Week 3: #19 (Defeated Tulsa, 66-17)
17.North Carolina 3-0 (0-0) ACC Week 3: #20 (Defeated Minnesota, 31-13)
18.Duke 3-0 (1-0) ACC Week 3: #21 (Defeated Northwestern, 38-14)

Fallers
13.Alabama 2-1 (0-0) SEC Week 3: #10 (Defeated South Florida, 17-3)
23.Tennessee 2-1 (0-1) SEC Week 3: #11 (Lost to Florida, 29-16)

Dropped Out
Kansas State 2-1 (0-0) Big 12 Week 3: #15 (Lost to Missouri, 30-27)

New
25.Florida 2-1 (1-0) SEC Week 3: NR (Defeated 11.Tennessee, 29-16)

Key games this weekend (Rankings based off of AP Poll)
4.Florida State (3-0) @ Clemson (2-1) (Saturday, 12 PM ET, ABC)
Originally expected to be the obvious site for College GameDay in week 4 and for the primetime ABC slot in week 4, Clemson laid an egg against what looks like a phenomenal Duke team. Since only scoring a single touchdown in Durham in week 1, Dabo Swinney’s team put up 66 and 48 points against Charleston Southern and Florida Atlantic respectively. Replacing DJ Uiagalelei at QB, Cade Klubnik did not look good like the rest of the Clemson roster to open the season. But, against lesser competition the last two weeks, Klubnik and the Clemson offense has been better. Klubnik has thrown for eight touchdowns and almost 700 yards while star tailback Will Shipley has yet to run for a touchdown but has rushed for 225 yards. To pick up Shipley’s slack, Phil Mafah has run for 3 TDs. Clemson’s always talented front seven is led by linebackers Jeremiah Trotter (17 tackles) and Barrett Carter (15 tackles). A much more difficult challenge looms for the Tigers against the fourth ranked Florida State Seminoles. Despite almost blowing their lead multiple times on the road in their ACC opener against Boston College, FSU QB Jordan Travis (729 pass yards and 8 TDs) has been one of the best players in the country. Seminole running back Trey Benson has been fantastic as well, scampering for 164 yards and 4 TDs on the season. More importantly for the Seminoles are there talented receiving options. Johnny Wilson (11 catches and 209 yards), Keon Coleman (12 catches, 170 yards, and 2 TDs), and Jaheim Bell (7 catches, 125 yards, and 2 TDs). Similar to Clemson, Florida State is led in tackles by tacklers: Tatum Bethune (17 tackles) and Kalen DeLoach (10 tackles). Something tells me Mike Norvell’s team will not make the same mistakes it did against Boston College and will defeat Clemson after what should be a close game in the first half. Projected Score: Florida State 35, Clemson 24

22.UCLA (3-0) @ 11.Utah (3-0) (Saturday, 3:30 PM ET, FOX)
In what has been an incredible ride in the Pac-12’s last dance, UCLA-Utah is one of three ranked versus ranked matchups on Saturday. The Bruins need a quality defensive performance to stop Utah’s QB Cam Rising, who is likely to return from a torn ACL he suffered in the Utes’ Rose Bowl loss to Penn State in January. Linebackers Darius Muasau (18 tackles), Oluwafemi Oladejo (12 tackles), and Kain Medrano (11 tackles) must play well to win this game in a tough road environment in Salt Lake City. In his first trip and only trip with both schools parting for different conferences in 2024, UCLA freshman signal-caller Dante Moore (615 passing yards and 7 TDs) has been terrific through three games. Going against a tough Utah defensive line, Bruin running backs Carson Steele (243 yards and 2 TDs), ˇJ Harden (233 yards and 2 TDs), and Anthony Adkins (122 yards and 1 TD) must perform if they want to be successful. In addition, receiver J. Michael Sturdivant (219 yards and 2 TDs) must be sure handed for a successful passing day for Moore. Utah’s fate in this game relies on the running game with dual threat QB Nate Johnson (148 yards and 3 TDs) and tailback Ja’Quinden Jackson (213 yards) with the injuries at the quarterback position and all over the field. Utah’s defense plays fantastic at home and they are led by leading tackler linebacker Levani Damuni (19), safety Cole Bishop (17 tackles), and linebackers Lander Barton (13 tackles), and cornerback Zemaiah Vaughn (11 tackles). The Utes’ defense should be the reason why they are 4-0 after Saturday afternoon. Projected Score: Utah 31, UCLA 21

15.Ole Miss (3-0) @ 13.Alabama (2-1) (Saturday, 3:30 PM ET, CBS)
Nick Saban’s Alabama teams do not look like they normally do. The Crimson Tide struggled to a 17-3 road win in Tampa over South Florida, normally a program that does not win very much even in the American Athletic Conference. Former Saban assistant Lane Kiffin brings his undefeated Ole Miss Rebels into Tuscaloosa as he looks to defeat his mentor for the first time. When will Kiffin be able to upend Alabama if it is not now? With the Crimson Tide’s offensive line problems, Jalen Milroe (449 passing yards and 5 TDs) will return to his starting quarterback role after Saban allowed back ups Tyler Buchner and Ty Simpson play against South Floria. Alabama running backs Roydell Williams (177 yards and 1 TD) and Jase McClellan (158 yards and 1 TD) will have to be good to beat a much better Ole Miss team than many expected. Ole Miss’ high flying offense will have to be stopped by talented defenders Deontae Lawson (25 tackles and 2 sacks) and Caleb Downs (22 tackles) led by improved Rebel signal caller Jaxson Dart. Dart (852 yards and 7 TDs), receiver Jordan Watkins (290 yards and 1 TD), receiver Dayton Wade (215 yards), and receiver Tre Harris (188 yards and 5 TDs) will make it difficult for the Crimson Tide’s defense to stop them and win this important SEC opener for both teams. Ole Miss defensive coordinator Pete Golding was in the same role in Tuscaloosa over the last few seasons will look to stop an offense he’s watched at practice in Tuscaloosa for years. So, safety Trey Washington (20 tackles) and linebacker Ashanti Cistrunk (15 tackles) will look to shoot the gaps in the offensive line to get tackles in the backfield and sack Milroe. The Alabama-Ole Miss games are always entertaining between Saban and Kiffin as Alabama looks to bounce back and Ole Miss continues to roll offensively. Projected Score: Alabama 28, Ole Miss 27

19.Colorado (3-0) @ 10.Oregon (3-0) (Saturday, 3:30 PM ET, ABC)
Can Coach Prime and Colorado keep their undefeated record as they go into a tough environment in Eugene? The Buffaloes will be without star receiver and cornerback Travis Hunter due to injury for the next three weeks. So, quarterback Shedeur Sanders (1,251 yards and 10 TDs) will have to rely on his other receiving targets on Saturday afternoon in Xavier Weaver (386 yards and 2 TDs) and Jimmy Horn Jr. (247 yards and 2 TDs). Colorado’s up and down defense must stop star quarterback Bo Nix (893 yards and 8 TDs) and the Oregon offense led by linebacker Marvin Ham II (20 tackles and 1 interception) and safety Shilo Sanders (19 tackles). On the other side, Nix’s weapons include running back Bucky Irving (216 yards and 3 TDs) and receiver Troy Franklin (292 yards and 3 TDs). Oregon’s defense will be the X-factor in this game. Defensive back Tysheen Johnson (20 tackles) and linebacker Jeffrey Bassa (16 tackles) must rattle Shedeur Sanders if they want to protect their home field and get a head start on a Pac-12 title by the end of the season. The biggest test for Deion Sanders should be competitive but Oregon is a Pac-12 power and the Buffaloes will have to be ready. Projected Score: Oregon 35, Colorado 21

14.Oregon State (3-0) @ 21.Washington State (3-0) (Saturday, 7 PM ET, FOX)
Oregon State and Washington State are the only two Pac-12 members that have not found conference homes beyond this academic year. Despite that, the Beavers won 10 games and the Cougars won 8 games during the 2022 season. Both teams are undefeated and are sleepers to win the Pac-12 Championship in Las Vegas in early December. Wazzu QB Cameron Ward has been fantastic this season, throwing for almost 1,000 yards and 9 TDs as well as leading his team in rushing yards. Ward will need to find his favorite target Lincoln Victor (342 yards and 3 TDs) if the Cougars want to win this game. Defending against new Oregon State quarterback DJ Uiagalelei, who has had resurgent play in Salem since transferring from Clemson, will be difficult. So, count on Wazzu linebacker Devin Richardson (21 tackles) to make an impact. Through three games Uiagalelei has thrown for 630 yards, 6 TDs, and rushing for 4 TDs through three games. He will rely on a dynamic duo at running back, in Damien Martinez (351 yards and 1 TD) and Deshaun Fenwick (152 yards and 1) to help the Beavers win this game. Defensively, linebackers Easton Mascarenas-Arnold (23 tackles and 1 interception) and Calvin Hart Jr. (14 tackles) will look to stop the potent Washington State defense. This likely Pac-12 shootout should be a dandy on Saturday night. Projected Score: Washington State 38, Oregon State 35

24.Iowa (3-0) @ 7.Penn State (3-0) (Saturday, 7:30 PM ET, CBS)
Iowa heads to State College for the annual “White Out” game for Penn State. The Hawkeyes’ less than potent offense will be challenged by a talented Nittany Lion defense throughout the game. However, Penn State’s offense has only been up and down with new signal-caller Drew Allar (737 yards and 4 TDs). Allar must rely on his talented running backs Kaytron Allen (208 yards and 2 TDs) and Nick Singleton (154 yards and 5 TDs) against an Iowa defense that also knows its way around the field. The Penn State defensive unit is headed by safeties Jalen Reed and Zakee Wheatley, who both have 10 tackles on the season. The Hawkeye’s defense is led by linebacker Jay Higgins (32 tackles) and Nick Jackson (23 tackles). They will need to turn the Penn State offense over to help their offense, with Michigan transfer Cade McNamara at quarterback (417 yards and 4 TDs). Luke Lachey, McNamara’s tight end must continue his great play (131 receiving yards) if they want to beat the Nittany Lions in primetime. In what should be a classic Big Ten game full of defense. Projected Score: Penn State 21, Iowa 17

6.Ohio State (3-0) @ 9.Notre Dame (4-0) (Saturday, 7:30 PM ET, NBC)
In college football’s game of the week, a top ten battle looms between Notre Dame and Ohio State. All of the eyes will be on this one with College GameDay in town. The hometown team finally has found a quality QB in Wake Forest transfer Sam Hartman, who has thrown for 1,061 yards and 14 TDs and a tremendous running back in Audric Estime who has rushed for 521 yards and 5 TDs. Linebackers Jack Kiser (26 tackles) and Marist Liufau (17 tackles) will look to stop a talented core of Ohio State receivers Marvin Harrison Jr. (304 TDs and 3 TDs), Emeka Egbuka (167 yards and 3 TDs) and tight end Cade Stover (188 yards). Their quarterback Kyle McCord (815 yards and 6 TDs) and running back TreVeyon Henderson (191 yards and 4 TDs) must be good for the Buckeyes to win on the road. Ohio State’s defensive unit has been the best its been since 2019 as linebackers Tommy Eichenburg (20 tackles and 1 sack) and Steele Chambers (19 tackles) must stop Sam hartman and the Notre Dame offense to win an important game for the Buckeyes playoff hopes. This game should be a classic as both teams look to make deep runs this season. Projected Score: Notre Dame 34, Ohio State 31

Image Courtesy: Rock M Nation

AP Top 6
1.Georgia 2-0 (0-0) SEC This week: South Carolina (1-1) (3:30 PM ET, CBS)
2.Michigan 2-0 (0-0) Big Ten This week: Bowling Green (1-1) (7:30 PM ET, BTN)
3.Florida State 2-0 (0-0) ACC This week: @ Boston College (1-1) (12 PM ET, ABC)
4.Texas 2-0 (0-0) Big 12 This week: Wyoming (2-0) (8 PM ET, LHN)
5.USC 3-0 (1-0) Pac-12 This week: Off
6.Ohio State 2-0 (1-0) Big Ten This week: Western Kentucky (2-0) (4 PM ET, FOX)

Biggest risers and fallers in the AP Top 25 this week:

Risers
4.Texas 2-0 (0-0) Big 12 Week 2: #11 (Defeated 3.Alabama, 34-24)
17.Ole Miss 2-0 (0-0) SEC Week 2: #20 (Defeated 24.Tulane, 37-20)
18.Colorado 2-0 (0-0) Pac-12 Week 2: #22 (Defeated Nebraska, 36-14)

Fallers
10.Alabama 1-1 (0-0) SEC Week 2: #3 (Lost to 11.Texas, 34-24)
20.North Carolina 2-0 (0-0) ACC Week 2: #17 (Defeated Appalachian State, 40-34)

Dropped Out
Wisconsin 1-1 (0-0) Big Ten Week 2: #19 (Lost to Washington State, 31-22)
Texas A&M 1-1 (0-0) SEC Week 2: #23 (Lost to Miami, 48-33)
Tulane 1-1 (0-0) American Week 2: #24 (Lost to 20.Ole Miss, 37-20)
Clemson 1-1 (0-0) ACC Week 2: #25 (Defeated Charleston Southern, 66-17)

New
22.Miami 2-0 (0-0) ACC Week 2: NR (Defeated 23.Texas A&M, 48-33)
23.Washington State 2-0 (0-0) Pac-12 Week 2: NR (Defeated 19.Wisconsin, 31-22)
24.UCLA 2-0 (0-0) Pac-12 Week 2: NR (Defeated Coastal Carolina, 27-13)
25.Iowa 2-0 (0-0) Big Ten Week 2: NR (Defeated Iowa State, 20-13)

Key games this weekend (Rankings based off of AP Poll)
15.Kansas State (2-0) @ Missouri (2-0) (Saturday, 12 PM ET, SECN)
A huge match up for the Missouri Tigers and the SEC as the conference has yet to win a big time nonconference game this season (unless you want to include Auburn’s win over Cal in Berkeley last Saturday night). South Carolina’s loss to North Carolina, LSU’s loss to Florida State, and Alabama’s defeat at home against Texas are the three headliners that are not only usual wins for the SEC but dominations by the conference’s elite. Eliah Drinkwitz’s Missouri team looked primed for an eight or nine win season even with losing talented receiver Dominic Lovett to Georgia but struggled to get past Middle Tennessee last weekend. Wide receiver Luther Burden (15 receptions, 213 yards, and 1 TD through 2 games) must make the game comfortable for improving signal caller Brady Cook (376 passing yards and 3 TDs). The Tiger defense will look to stop Kansas State QB Will Howard (547 passing yards and 5 TDs) and the Kansas State offense using defensive lineman Darius Robinson (leads Tigers with 10 tackles) and defensive back Joseph Charleston (9 tackles). For KSU, without now Dallas Cowboys running back Deuce Vaughn in the backfield, they have had to rely more on the aforementioned Howard and the passing game. Howard has thrown two interceptions so he will need to make better decisions in an SEC environment in Columbia. Tailback DJ Giddens (27 carries and 180 yards) has been a solid replacement for Vaughn and should help his quarterback in this game. Howard has four receivers who have over 100 receiving yards including RJ Garcia II (150 yards and 1 TD) and Phillip Brooks (134 yards and 1 TD). Those two pass catchers will be huge if the Wildcats want to come home to Manhattan with a victory. Projected Score: Kansas State 34, Missouri 27

14.LSU (1-1) @ Mississippi State (2-0) (Saturday, 12 PM ET, ESPN)
LSU struggled in the second half against Florida State to open the season but bounced back well in a dominant victory over Grambling last Saturday. Tiger signal caller Jayden Daniels (615 passing yards and 6 TDs) needs to continue being the elite QB we have seen this past season and the current one if they want to go into Starkville and get a win. His running ability (93 yards on the season) and running back Logan Diggs’ (115 yards and 1 TD) will be crucial against a Mississippi State defense that is full of veterans. Brian Thomas Jr. (220 yards receiving and 3 TDs) and Malik Nabers (154 yards and 1 TD) must play big after not showing well against a quality Florida State team two years ago. On the other side, Mississippi State QB Will Rogers (389 passing yards and 5 TDs) may be the most underrated at his position in the SEC. The Bulldogs did not have a great running game over the last few seasons but with Jo’Quavious Marks (250 rushing yards and 3 TDs) next to Rogers in the backfield, they have a chance to compete with anyone in the SEC. Mississippi State’s high flying offense also includes talented receiver Lideatrick Griffin, who has put up 116 yards and 2 TDs in the first two games of the season. LSU cannot look to far ahead as they face Arkansas in Baton Rouge next season. If they do, Mississippi State could surprise them. Projected Score: Mississippi State 35, LSU 24

South Carolina (1-1) @ 1.Georgia (2-0) (Saturday, 3:30 PM ET, CBS)
Can South Carolina beat Georgia for the first time since the fall of 2019? The Gamecocks were shocked by North Carolina during Labor Day weekend in Charlotte. However, quarterback Spencer Rattler (698 yards and 3 TDs) has looked phenomenal even with the Gamecocks’ struggles, especially on the offensive line. The bad offensive line play has caused a lack of running game in Columbia with leading rusher Dakereon Joyner only rushing for 65 yards in two games. With star receiver Juice Wells out due to a lower body injury, Xavier Leggette has been great for the Gamecocks with 15 catches for 296 yards, and 1 TD. Defensive back Jalon Kilgore (18 tackles) and linebacker Debo Williams (18 tackles) must rattle new Georgia QB Carson Beck (577 passing yards and 3 TDs). The two time defending national champions boast maybe the best offensive playmaker in the country in tight end Brock Bowers. Bowers is slated to be an early first round pick in next April’s NFL Draft with great freshman and sophomore seasons over the last two years. What is more impressive for Kirby Smart’s offense is the depth in the receiver room. RaRa Thomas, the Mississippi State transfer, has been the best at the position for the Bulldogs so far this season. Thomas has caught three balls for 90 yards while Mekhi Mews has caught six balls for 102 yards and a touchdown. The two will look to help Georgia win another title. Defensive backs Malaki Starks (10 tackles and 1 interception) and Tykee Smith (9 tackles) must make it hard for Spencer Rattler and the Gamecock offense to get down the field and score the ball with ease. Georgia’s home environment should make South Carolina’s chances to win this game on their road to another potential playoff appearance and national championship. Projected Score: Georgia 35, South Carolina 17

11.Tennessee (2-0) @ Florida (1-1) (Saturday, 7 PM ET, ESPN)
Can Florida upset Tennessee at home in “The Swamp”? The Gators must stop a high tempo Tennessee offense led by the QB with the strongest arm in the country, Joe Milton. Milton, in two games against relatively bad defenses against Virginia and Austin Peay, has thrown for 429 yards and 4 touchdowns. Tennessee’s running game does look better this season with Jaylen Wright (233 yards), Jabari Smith (162 yards), and Dylan Sampson (60 yards and 3 TDs). Replacing great production from last season, receivers Ramel Keyton (118 yards and 1 TD), Squirrel White (75 yards), and Bru McCoy (72 yards) have been impressive against weak competition. The Vol defense had some question marks entering the season but needs to show they can really do it on the road in Gainesville. For Florida, Wisconsin QB transfer Graham Mertz (526 yards and 2 TDs) must be successful in this game if they want to beat a good Tennessee squad. Florida’s receivers must step up if they want to set up the running game for talented tailbacks Montrell Johnson (125 yards and 2 TDs) and Trevor Etienne (109 yards and 1 TD). As Joe Milton makes his first true road trip as a starting QB in the SEC, the home crowd in Gainesville should play a huge role in determining whether or not the Gators can pull the upset. Projected Score: Tennessee 27, Florida 20

Pittsburgh (1-1) @ West Virginia (1-1) (Saturday, 7:30 PM ET, ABC)
The “Backyard Brawl” rivalry game returned to Pittsburgh for the first time since the Panthers and the Mountaineers were both in the Big East back during Thanksgiving weekend of 2011. The Panthers won a 38-31 shootout at home a season ago. West Virginia coach Neal Brown is on the hot seat as his Mountaineers have not been successful since he has taken over. This home game should be an opporunity to turn things around against a rival. Brown must rely on QB Garrett Greene (402 yards and 4 TDs) and talented receivers Hudson Clement (117 yards and 3 TDs) to win this game against an always tough Pittsburgh team under coach Pat Narduzzi. Brown’s defense must be up for the challenge against the Panthers with linebacker Lee Kpogba (15 tackles). Pitt’s offense is led by Boston College transfer signal caller Phil Jurkovec (393 yards and 4 TDs), tailback Daniel Carter (90 yards and 1 TD), and tight end Gavin Bartholomew (118 yards and 1 TD). Getting the ball in the end zone could be a challenge in primetime for the Panthers against a rival if they turn the ball over, but Jurovec has not done so all season. Defensive back Phillip O’Brien Jr. (12 tackles) and linebacker Bangally Kamara (11 tackles and 1 sack) lead the Panthers defense. They will be a big part of what determines this edition of the “Backyard Brawl” on ABC. Projected Score: West Virginia 21, Pittsburgh 17

Image Courtesy: The San Diego Union-Tribune

AP Top 6
1.Georgia 1-0 (0-0) SEC This week: Ball State (0-1) (12 PM ET, SECN)
2.Michigan 1-0 (0-0) Big Ten This week: UNLV (1-0) (3:30 PM ET, CBS)
3.Alabama 1-0 (0-0) SEC This week: 11.Texas (1-0) (7 PM ET, ESPN)
4.Florida State 1-0 (0-0) ACC This week: Southern Miss (1-0) (8:30 PM ET, ACCN)
5.Ohio State 1-0 (1-0) Big Ten This week: Youngstown State (1-0) (12 PM ET, BTN)
6.USC 2-0 (0-0) Pac-12 This week: Stanford (1-0) (10:30 PM ET, FOX)

Biggest risers and fallers in the AP Top 25 this week:

Risers
4.Florida State 1-0 (0-0) ACC Week 1: #8 (Won over 5.LSU, 45-24)
17.North Carolina 1-0 (0-0) ACC Week 1: #21 (Won over South Carolina, 31-17)
21.Duke 1-0 (0-0) ACC Week 1: Unranked (Won over 9.Clemson, 28-7)
22.Colorado 1-0 (0-0) Pac-12 Week 1: Unranked (Won over 17.TCU, 45-42)

Fallers
5.Ohio State 1-0 (0-0) Big Ten Week 1: #3 (Won over Indiana, 23-3)
14.LSU 0-1 (0-0) SEC Week 1: #5 (Lost to 8.Florida State, 45-24)
25.Clemson 0-1 (0-0) ACC Week 1: #9 (Lost to Duke, 28-7)

Dropped Out
TCU 0-1 (0-0) Big 12 Week 1: #17 (Lost to Colorado, 45-42)
Iowa 1-0 (0-0) Big Ten Week 1: #25 (Beat Utah State, 24-14)

Key games this weekend (Rankings based off of AP Poll)
Nebraska (0-1) @ 22.Colorado (1-0) (Saturday, 12 PM ET, FOX)
Colorado proved everyone wrong after beating reigning national championship runner-up TCU, 45-42, in a thriller on Saturday. In the terrible Fort Worth heat, Deion Sanders’ team put on a great offensive display: Sanders’ son Shedeur put up a Colorado record 510 passing yards and tossed 4 TDs. Travis Hunter, the wide receiver and cornerback, also put his name in the early season Heisman conversation by picking off a Chandler Morris pass and catching 11 balls from Sanders for 119 yards. Along with Hunter, three other wideouts had over 100 receiving yards for the Buffaloes, Dylan Edwards (5 catches, 135 yards, 3 TDs), Xavier Weaver (6 catches and 119 yards), and Jimmy Horn Jr. (11 catches, 117 yards, 1 TD). While there were some problems in the win, Coach Prime’s team should be ready to get another win over an old rival in Nebraska. The Cornhuskers must bounce back from a gut-wrenching loss to Minnesota on a last second field goal. Nebraska QB Jeff Sims threw just one touchdown and three picks in the loss in week 1 while his defense helped him out, holding the Golden Gophers to thirteen points. Secondary members DeShon Singleton and Omar Brown both had seven tackles in the Cornhuskers’ week 1 effort. Colorado should win this one easily if they can eliminate mistakes they made on the road a week ago. Projected Score: Colorado 35, Nebraska 20

20.Ole Miss (1-0) @ 24.Tulane (1-0) (Saturday, 3:30 PM ET, ESPN2)
A top 25 matchup looms in New Orleans between what looks like an improved SEC program in Ole Miss and former SEC member Tulane. The Green Wave beat Heisman-winning QB Caleb Williams and USC in the Cotton Bowl back in January. Jaxson Dart (334 yards passing and 4 TDs), Quinshon Judkins (60 rushing yards and 2 TDs) and the Ole Miss offense looked fantastic in a 73-7 drubbing of Mercer a week ago. Receivers Tre Harris and Jordan Watkins both put up over 100 yards in the offensive explosion while the defense looked better even against a lesser opponent with new defensive coordinator Pete Golding calling plays. Tulane looked good in their win over a respectable South Alabama team, 37-17. Linebacker Corey Platt looked awesome in the Green Wave’s opener with 15 tackles while defensive back Lance Robinson intercepted a ball. Offensively, QB Michael Pratt continues to shine, as he went 14-15 passing for 294 yards and 4 TDs. New freshman running back Makhi Hughes ran for 41 yards on eight carries while receiver Jha’Quan Jackson went for over 100 yards. Whoever gets the ball last should win this shootout. Projected Score: Ole Miss 45, Tulane 38

Iowa (1-0) @ Iowa State (1-0) (Saturday, 3:30 PM ET, FOX)
The Cy-Hawk Trophy will be up for grabs on Saturday afternoon. Iowa might finally have a sufficient passing offense with new offensive coordinator Brian Ferentz and former Michigan signal-caller Cade McNamara taking snaps and throwing touchdowns. McNamara got in the end zone twice while Kaleb Johnson rushed for a touchdown. Iowa is known for their tight ends and Luke Lachey looks like the next great one. Lachey went for seven catches and 73 yards. Iowa State QB Hunter Dekkers and a few of his teammates pleaded guilty to underage gambling recently. So, the Cyclones win over Northern Iowa 30-9 was huge as they welcome a tough Hawkeye team to town on Saturday. Cyclones QB Rocco Becht looked good in the win last Saturday but no receiver for Iowa State had over 36 yards. To win this rivalry game, more is going to be necessary to beat the Hawkeyes. Projected Score: Iowa 27, Iowa State 10

23.Texas A&M (1-0) @ Miami (1-0) (Saturday, 3:30 PM ET, ABC)
Texas A&M and Miami were expected to be nine, ten, or better win teams in 2022. However, when these two programs met almost a year ago in College Station, the Aggies protected home field in a low scoring win. Following this game, both teams faltered as Texas A&M and Miami won only five games each as Jimbo Fisher needed to realize his play calling was not working for the A&M offense and the Hurricanes couldn’t succeed even after bringing Mario Cristobal home from Oregon in his first season as head coach. Cristobal’s QB Tyler Van Dyke looked steady during the Hurricanes’ win over Miami (OH) with 201 passing yards and a TD after dealing with injuries and being benched in 2022. It will be up to Miami’s playmakers against a tough Texas A&M defense including tailback Henry Parrish Jr. (90 rushing yards and 1 TD), receiver Colbie Young (4 catches, 79 yards, 1 TD), and receiver Xavier Restrepo (5 catches and 68 yards) against the Red Hawks to win this game. With offensive mastermind Bobby Petrino calling plays for the Aggies and talented receivers Evan Stewart (8 catches, 115 yards, 2 TDs), Noah Thomas (6 catches, 74 yards, 3 TDs), and Ainias Smith (3 catches and 40 yards), they are poised to finally make some noise at the top of the SEC. New starting QB Connor Weigman was outstanding against New Mexico, throwing 5 TDs in a dominant win. A&M’s talented defense is led by defensive back Josh DeBerry (10 tackles and a sack) and Edgerrin Cooper (8 tackles). They should be ready for the Miami afternoon heat in what should be a competitive game for at least a half or three quarters. Projected Score: Texas A&M 31, Miami 21

11.Texas (1-0) @ 3.Alabama (1-0) (Saturday, 7 PM ET, ESPN)
As ESPN’s College GameDay, SEC Network’s SEC Nation, and every other media network heads to Tuscaloosa for the second installment of Alabama and Texas, the Longhorns will look to prove that they are SEC material with quarterback Quinn Ewers, running back Jaydon Blue, receiver Xavier Worthy, and linebacker Jaylan Ford leading the way. On the other side, Nick Saban’s Alabama team is looking to move back to their old ways of his dynasty. The Crimson Tide want to run the ball and play quality defense. Saban’s quarterback Jalen Milroe, running back Jase McClellan, and fellow running back Rhoydell Williams will look to prove the ground and pound method while defensive back Caleb Downs and linebacker Dallas Turner look to stop the Ewers’ led offense. Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian makes his return to Tuscaloosa after two stints as offensive coordinator including winning the Broyles Award for being the top assistant coach in the country during his last year in Tuscaloosa when he helped the Tide win a national championship in January of 2021. Can Sarkisian and his Longhorns prove that they can go into one of the top environments college football and win after getting crushed by Arkansas in Fayetteville the last time they went into an SEC environment just two years ago? We should find out almost immediately after kickoff in the most hyped up game of the college football season to this point. Projected Score: Alabama 28, Texas 24

19.Wisconsin (1-0) @ Washington State (1-0) (Saturday, 7:30 PM ET, ABC)
Wisconsin looked good in its opener in a win over Buffalo. With former Badger QB Graham Mertz now at Florida, Wisconsin must rely on SMU transfer Tanner Mordecai, who threw just one touchdown and two interceptions in a twenty one point win. Tailback Chez Mellusi must continue his quality play after rushing for 157 yards in the opener if the Badgers want to get a road win. New head coach Luke Fickell will need his receivers to be better after none of Will Pauling, Tucker Ashcraft, and Chimere Dike did not have more than 60 receiving yards. A much more challenging test awaits in Pullman for the Badgers. The Cougars went into Madison a season ago and beat Wisconsin, 17-14. Washington State will have to play in a very difficult Pac-12 this season but first they will have to deal with a much better Wisconsin team than they played a season ago. QB Cameron Ward passed for 451 yards and 3 TDs while receiver Lincoln Victor went for 168 yards receiving in their opener against Colorado State. The Wazzu defense has some great players, including linebackers Devin Richardson and Kyle Thornton. One or two plays should determine who wins this game in primetime in Pullman. Projected Score: Washington State 38, Wisconsin 31

Image Courtesy: Yahoo Sports

AP Top 6
1.Georgia 0-0 (0-0) SEC This week: UT-Martin (Saturday, 6 PM ET, ESPN+/SECN+)
2.Michigan 0-0 (0-0) Big Ten This week: East Carolina (Saturday, 12 PM ET, Peacock)
3.Ohio State 0-0 (0-0) SEC This week: @ Indiana (Saturday, 3:30 PM ET, CBS)
4.Alabama 0-0 (0-0) SEC This week: Middle Tennessee (Saturday, 7:30 PM ET, SECN)
5.LSU 0-0 (0-0) SEC This week: 8.Florida State (Orlando) (Sunday, 7:30 PM ET, ABC)
6.USC 1-0 (0-0) Pac-12 This week: Nevada (Saturday, 6:30 PM ET, PAC12)

Key games this weekend (Rankings based off of AP Poll)
Florida @ 14.Utah (Thursday, 8 PM ET, ESPN)
In what was a great season opener between the Gators and Utes in “The Swamp” last season, should be another good one in 2023. This year, the game was moved up to Thursday to open Week 1. According to Clutch Points, Utah star QB Cam Rising does plan on playing after tearing his ACL in the Utes’ Rose Bowl loss to Penn State in January. Rising will have to play this season without star tight end Dalton Kincaid and offensive tackle Braeden Daniels (Wednesday Update: Rising is not expected to play per multiple sources). If Rising is out, backup signal caller Bryson Barnes will lead the Utes on Thursday night. The Utes defense loses Clark Phillips. Anthony Richardson, Florida’s QB last fall, starred in a close opening over the Utes. Despite a rocky season after the big opening season win, was selected by the Indianapolis Colts early in the first round of the NFL Draft. To replace him, Gators coach Billy Napier brought in Wisconsin transfer Graham Mertz. Mertz is expected to start alongside a talented backfield that includes tailbacks Trevor Etienne, Montrell Johnson, and Tulane transfer Cam Caroll. The Gators’ front seven defensively is talented but a shaky secondary will have to stop Rising and Utah’s passing attack. Unlike last season, this game should not come down to the last play but it will be close for a half. Projected Score: Utah 24, Florida 17

Colorado @ 17.TCU (Saturday, 12 PM ET, FOX)
Colorado begins the Deion Sanders era against the reigning national runners up TCU Horned Frogs. In what seems like will happen in every future college football off-season, the Buffaloes added and lost many transfers during the spring and summer 2023 including adding Deion’s sons Shedeur Sanders (QB), Shilo Sanders (S), as well as the multi-talented Travis Hunter (WR, CB) who will be a game wrecker for them in the tough Pac-12. The Horned Frogs lost a lot from their Fiesta Bowl winning roster including quarterback Max Duggan, receiver Quentin Johnson, running back Kendre Miller, receiver and return specialist Derius Davis, cornerback Tre’Vius Hodges-Tomlinson, and linebacker Dee Winters to the NFL Draft. Most importantly, Garrett Riley left TCU’s offensive coordinator job to take the same job at Clemson. Former Arkansas offensive coordinator Kendal Briles should be a good fit with Chandler Morris taking over the reins as the signal-caller in Fort Worth. TCU should be a great challenge for Colorado, a team many think will only win a few games in year one under Coach Prime. Projected Score: TCU 35, Colorado 20

Virginia vs. 12.Tennessee (Nashville) (Saturday, 12 PM ET, ABC)
Can Josh Heupel lead Tennessee to a ten win or better season again in 2023? An instate trip to Nashville to face Virginia should not be a difficult one for the Volunteers but they trot out new starting QB Joe Milton against the Cavaliers. Losing quarterback Hendon Hooker and receivers Jalin Hyatt and Cedric Tillman will hurt the Vols’ offense but Heupel’s offensive mind should help. Tennessee’s mediocre defense will have to stop new Cavaliers Tony Muskett, the new signal-caller in Charlottesville who replaces Brennan Armstrong, the all-time leader in almost every passing category in school history. Virginia head coach Tony Elliott will need answers from his subpar defense in 2022 to stop a Vol offense that is full of talent outside of Milton including receiver Bru McCoy and running back Jamari Small. Projected Score: Tennessee 38, Virginia 13

West Virginia @ 7.Penn State (Saturday, 7:30 PM ET, NBC)
Penn State is primed to be among Michigan and Ohio State as favorites in the Big Ten with young QB Drew Allar primed to start for the first time at night against an underrated West Virginia team. James Franklin’s Nittany Lions isn’t young outside of their signal caller with a loaded running back room led by Nick Singleton, receivers Harrison Wallace, KeAndre Lambert-Smith, Liam Wallace. Penn State’s defense is full of veterans and should be able to stop West Virginia’s offense with new quarterback Garrett Greene should have some difficulties moving the ball in a hostile environment in State College even with a veteran filled offense. The Mountaineer defense will have to slow down Nick Singleton which will not be easy. Penn State should win easy in this one after a competitive first half. Projected Score: Penn State 34, West Virginia 17

South Carolina vs. 21.North Carolina (Charlotte; Duke’s Mayo Classic) (Saturday, 7:30 PM ET, ABC)
ESPN’s College GameDay heads to Charlotte for this old ACC rivalry between a South Carolina team that surged to end the year and a North Carolina squad that lost its last four games. The quarterback match up between Spencer Rattler (South Carolina) and Drake Maye (North Carolina) should be fantastic. Rattler will have to find talented receiver “Juice” Wells against a so-so Tar Heels defense while Maye will be without his top receiver from last year Josh Downs, who was drafted to to the NFL back in April. The Tar Heels await the NCAA’s decision on Tez Walker’s appeal to play this season. He would be a huge help to the Tar Heel offense, however, without a decision from the NCAA at least a week before the game, he is not expected to play. South Carolina’s defense should not be as bad as the Tar Heels’ last season but losing three players on that side of the ball to the NFL. With that being said, this game should be 50-50 with both offenses going back and forth. Projected Score: South Carolina 31, North Carolina 28

5.LSU vs. 8.Florida State (Orlando; Camping World Kickoff) (Sunday, 7:30 PM ET, ABC)
LSU will look to avenge a loss to Florida State last season in Orlando on Sunday night when the Seminoles blocked LSU’s extra point that would have tied the game. Then Notre Dame head coach Brian Kelly and his Fighting Irish opened the season on against Mike Norvell’s Seminoles in Tallahassee and came out with a close win in Tallahassee. Can Kelly do the same thing in a revenge spot with his star defensive end Maason Smith getting suspended due to getting paid signing autographs prior to the NIL agreement? Fellow LSU lineman Harold Perkins will have to pick up the slack on getting to FSU QB Jordan Travis to create havoc in the backfield. Travis gets to throw to talented transfer tight end Jaheim Bell while LSU will rely on pre-season All-SEC First Team QB Jayden Daniels tossing it to Malik Nabers. The Seminoles defense is full of talent just like LSU’s led by defensive end Jared Verse. Both of these teams are very talented and so the game should not disappoint. Projected Score: LSU 28, Florida State 24

9.Clemson @ Duke (Capital One Labor Day Kickoff) (Monday, 8 PM ET, ESPN)
Clemson will begin its season for a second consecutive season Monday in primetime against a fellow ACC opponent. Last season, Clemson cruised against a lowly Georgia Tech team. This season’s opener should be different against a Duke team that was great a season ago. Blue Devils QB Riley Leonard, RB Brandon Johnson, and receiver Jordan Moore will look to continue their success from last season. The Blue Devil defense is full of veterans and will go against what should be a much improved passing offense with former TCU coordinator Garrett Riley who led the Horned Frogs offense to a national championship runner up. In addition, the Tigers offense should be more stable with Cade Klubnik stepping into a more permanent role at quarterback and Will Shipley continuing to lead the unit at tail back. Clemson’s always talented front seven headed by four graduates on the line should be the difference in a close, season opening win. Projected Score: Clemson 24, Duke 21

Image Courtesy: FanSided

The 2023 college football season is just one week away! The last season of Texas and Oklahoma in the Big 12 before they head for the SEC, the final ride for the Pac-12 before the conference ends as we know it as they lost eight of their twelve members over the last year, and the final season of the four team College Football Playoff before it turns into a 12-team event. Enjoy my preview for the upcoming college football season.

*Click each conference’s link to check out my game by game predictions for each team*

2023-2024 Power 5 Projected Conference Standings:

ACC
1.Florida State 10-2 (7-1)
2.Clemson 10-2 (6-2)
3.Miami 9-3 (5-3)
4.North Carolina 8-4 (5-3)
4.Louisville 8-4 (5-3)
6.Duke 7-5 (3-5)
6.Wake Forest 7-5 (4-4)
6.NC State 7-5 (4-4)
6.Pittsburgh 7-5 (4-4)
10.Syracuse 7-5 (3-5)
11.Georgia Tech 5-7 (3-5)
12.Virginia Tech 5-7 (2-6)
13.Boston College 5-7 (1-7)
14.Virginia 3-9 (1-7)

Florida State and Clemson return as the league’s most talented teams in 2023. The biggest question is who if any will challenge the Seminoles or Tigers? Miami, North Carolina, Louisville, and Duke will look to uproot things on the east coast.

Best Non-Conference Games
1.LSU vs. Florida State (Orlando) (September 3)
One of the best games a season ago. Now, both teams are going to be in the pre-season top ten.
2.Notre Dame @ Clemson (November 4)
A huge game as the Fighting Irish and Tigers battle to get a potential CFP berth.
3.North Carolina vs. South Carolina (Charlotte) (September 2)
The second game between the Tar Heels and Gamecocks is in Charlotte this time.
4.Texas A&M @ Miami (September 9)
After battling last season, both A&M and Miami had terrible seasons for their standards. Both teams will look to bounce back this season.
5.Pittsburgh @ West Virginia (September 16)
The Backyard Brawl returns for the second consecutive season.

Best Conference Games
1.Florida State @ Clemson (September 23)
This will be the top ACC game of the season. Without divisions, FSU-Clemson will likely be a preview for the title game in the conference.
2.Miami @ Florida State (November 11)
Sunshine State residents only hope the rivalry between the Hurricanes and the Seminoles can return to a quality game.
3.Clemson @ Miami (October 21)
Clemson’s trip to Hard Rock Stadium will not be easy.
4.Clemson @ Duke (September 4)
Can Duke upset Clemson on Labor Day?
5.Duke @ North Carolina (November 18)
The Duke-North Carolina rivalry is normally known for its crazy basketball games. This could be a top 25 football game in November.

Awards
MVP: Jordan Travis, QB, Florida State
2022 Stats: 226-353, 3214 yards, 24 TDs, 5 INT
Offensive Player of the Year: Will Shipley, RB, Clemson
2022 Stats: 210 rushes, 1182 yards, 15 TDs
Defensive Player of the Year: Jared Verse, DE, Florida State
2022 Stats: 48 tackles, 17 TFL, 9 sacks
Newcomer of the Year: Jaheim Bell, TE, Florida State
2022 Stats: 25 receptions, 231 yards, 5 TDs, 73 rushes, 261 yards, 3 TDs (@ South Carolina)
Coach of the Year: Mike Norvell, Florida State

Conference Championship
Florida State (11-2) over Clemson (10-3)
FSU beats Clemson for the second time in a few months to win the ACC Title game.

Big 12
1.Kansas State 9-3 (7-2)
1.Texas 9-3 (7-2)
3.TCU 9-3 (6-3)
4.Kansas 8-4 (6-3)
5.Oklahoma 8-4 (5-4)
6.Texas Tech 7-5 (5-4)
7.Oklahoma State 7-5 (4-5)
8.Baylor 6-6 (4-5)
9.Central Florida 5-7 (3-6)
9.Iowa State 5-7 (3-6)
11.West Virginia 4-8 (3-6)
12.Cincinnati 4-8 (2-7)
12.Houston 4-8 (2-7)

Texas was picked to win the Big 12 by the media. But since 2009, the Longhorns have not won the conference. With Oklahoma and Texas out the door after this upcoming season, TCU looks to maintain the success it had last season and Kansas State will attempt to win the conference a second consecutive season.

Best Non-Conference Games
1.Texas @ Alabama (September 9)
Can Texas beat Alabama in 2023 after losing by just a point in 2022?
2.Oregon @ Texas Tech (September 9)
Texas Tech was improved in 2022 and will have a challenging match up against a good Oregon team.
3.Colorado @ TCU (September 2)
After appearing in the national championship in 2023, the Horned Frogs open against Coach Prime and Colorado.
4.Utah @ Baylor (September 9)
Both of these teams had high hopes in 2022. Utah won its second consecutive Pac-12 title while Baylor did not do much.
5.Pittsburgh @ West Virginia (September 16)
See Best ACC Non-Conference Games

Best Conference Games
1.Oklahoma vs. Texas (Dallas) (October 7)
The final Red River rivalry match up for the Sooners and the Longhorns should be full of storylines.
2.Kansas State @ Texas (November 4)
Reigning Big 12 champion Kansas State heads to Austin to face off against the media’s pre-season champion, Texas.
3.TCU @ Kansas State (October 21)
A rematch of the 2022 Big 12 title game should be a fun one between the Horned Frogs and Wildcats.
4.Texas @ TCU (November 11)
Texas meets TCU for the final time in the Big 12. Big 12 title hopes should be on the line.
5.Texas Tech @ Texas (November 24)
Texas and Texas Tech had much better seasons in 2022 compared to previous seasons. By November 24 we should know much better where each program is as the Longhorns play their final regular season game in the Big 12.

Awards
MVP: Jalon Daniels, QB, Kansas
2022 Stats: 152-230, 2,014 yards, 18 TDs, 4 INT
Offensive Player of the Year: Richard Reese, RB, Baylor
2022 Stats: 198 rushes, 972 yards, 14 TDs
Defensive Player of the Year: Jaylan Ford, LB, Texas
2022 Stats: 119 tackles, 10 TFL, 4 INT
Newcomer of the Year: Dasan McCullough, LB, Texas
2022 Stats: 49 tackles, 6.5 TFL (@ Indiana)
Coach of the Year: Chris Klieman, Kansas State

Conference Championship
Kansas State (10-3) over Texas (9-4)
Kansas State wins the Big 12 for the second consecutive season by ending the Longhorns run in the Big 12.

Big Ten
East
1.Michigan 11-1 (8-1)
1.Penn State 11-1 (8-1)
3.Ohio State 10-2 (8-1)
4.Maryland 6-6 (3-6)
5.Michigan State 5-7 (3-6)
6.Rutgers 3-9 (1-8)
7.Indiana 3-9 (1-8)

West
1.Wisconsin 9-3 (6-3)
2.Iowa 8-4 (5-4)
3.Minnesota 7-5 (5-4)
3.Illinois 7-5 (5-4)
5.Nebraska 6-6 (3-6)
6.Purdue 5-7 (3-6)
7.Northwestern 3-9 (1-8)

While Michigan, Ohio State, and Penn State are returning as the top teams in the east division while the west is wide open with Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, and Wisconsin all being contenders to win the division. With it being the last season of divisions in the conference, these west division teams need to take advantage of their last opportunity to get into the Big Ten Championship and win it with the amount of talent Michigan, Ohio State, and Penn State have every season.

Best Non-Conference Games
1.Ohio State @ Notre Dame (September 23)
Notre Dame needs to take advantage of playing both Ohio State and Clemson at home this season to make the CFP for the first time since 2020.
2.Iowa @ Iowa State (September 9)
The battle for the state of Iowa should be a good one in Ames.
3.Washington @ Michigan State (September 16)
After Washington won 11 games in 2022 and Michigan State won 5 games after 11 in 2021, both programs will be poised to get to that mark again in 2023.
4.West Virginia @ Penn State (September 2)
West Virginia will look to avoid getting blown out against what should be a fantastic Penn State team.
5.Nebraska @ Colorado (September 9)
In this former Big 12 rivalry, Nebraska’s Matt Rhule and Colorado’s Deion Sanders will look to give their new teams a win early in the season.

Best Conference Games
1.Ohio State @ Michigan (November 25)
Maybe the fiercest rivalry on the college football gridiron, “The Game” resumes on the Saturday after Thanksgiving. The Buckeyes will look to beat the Wolverines for the first time in three seasons.
2.Michigan @ Penn State (November 11)
Many believe this is Michigan’s best chance to lose before their duel with Ohio State.
3.Penn State @ Ohio State (October 21)
Ohio State has not lost to Penn State since the Nittany Lions blocked the Buckeyes’ attempt at a game-winning field goal and returned it to win in 2016. It will be tough for the Nittany Lions to go into Columbus and win against one of the nation’s top offenses.
4.Ohio State @ Wisconsin (October 28)
Outside of the Big Ten East, this will likely be Ohio State’s toughest test in conference, against the Badgers and former Buckeye alum and player Luke Fickell.
5.Iowa @ Wisconsin (October 14)
This mid-October battle will likely determine who has the inside track win the west and to get to the Big Ten Championship in the last season of divisions in the conference.

Awards
MVP: Marvin Harrison Jr., WR, Ohio State
2022 Stats: 77 catches, 1263 yards, 14 TDs, 2 rushes, 32 yards
Offensive Player of the Year: Blake Corum, RB, Michigan
2022 Stats: 247 rushes, 1463 yards, 18 TDs, 11 catches, 80 yards, 1 TD
Defensive Player of the Year: Denzel Burke, DB, Ohio State
2022 Stats: 34 tackles, 3 TFL
Newcomer of the Year: Cade McNamara, QB, Iowa
2022 Stats: 14-25, 180 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT (@ Michigan)
Coach of the Year: Jim Harbaugh, Michigan

Conference Championship
Michigan (12-1) over Wisconsin (9-4)
Michigan would dominate new Wisconsin coach Luke Fickell for a third consecutive Big Ten Championship.

Independents
1.Notre Dame 10-2
2.Connecticut 6-6
3.Army 4-8
4.Massachusetts 3-9

Best Games
1.USC @ Notre Dame (October 14)
A phenomenal QB match-up between reigning Heisman winner Caleb Williams and Wake Forest transfer Sam Hartman should be electric in a battle of CFP hopefuls.
2.Ohio State @ Notre Dame (September 11)
See Best Big Ten Non-Conference Games
3.Notre Dame @ Clemson (November 4)
See Best ACC Non-Conference Games
4.Army vs. Navy (Foxborough) (December 9)
Eyes are always on the Army-Navy game with it being a stand alone game following conference championship weekend.
5.Notre Dame @ Louisville (October 7)
With Jeff Brohm now on as head coach, Louisville is set up to win they have on the roster. A tough Notre Dame team comes to town, led by head coach Marcus Freeman.

Awards
MVP: Sam Hartman, QB, Notre Dame
2022 Stats: 270-428, 3701 yards, 38 TDs, 12 INT
Offensive Player of the Year: Sam Hartman, QB, Notre Dame
2022 Stats: See Above
Defensive Player of the Year: Benjamin Morrison, DB, Notre Dame
2022 Stats: 33 tackles, 1 TFL, 6 INT
Newcomer of the Year: Sam Hartman, QB, Notre Dame
2022 Stats: See Above
Coach of the Year: Marcus Freeman, Notre Dame

Conference Championship
N/A

Pac-12
1.USC 10-2 (8-1)
2.Oregon 10-2 (7-2)
3.Washington 9-3 (6-3)
3.Utah 9-3 (6-3)
5.UCLA 8-4 (5-4)
5.Oregon State 8-4 (5-4)
7.Arizona 7-5 (5-4)
8.Washington State 5-7 (3-6)
9.Colorado 4-8 (3-6)
10.Stanford 4-8 (2-7)
10.California 4-8 (2-7)
12.Arizona State 3-9 (1-8)

The Pac-12 is expected to be the best it has been in many years as a football conference. Reigning champ Utah, USC, Oregon, UCLA, and Oregon State all have a chance to lift the conference championship trophy this December in Las Vegas.

Best Non-Conference Games
1.USC @ Notre Dame (October 14)
See Best Independents Non-Conference Games
2.Florida @ Utah (August 31)
Utah will look to avenge last season’s loss to Florida in “The Swamp”, led by QB Cam Rising.
3.Colorado @ TCU (September 2)
See Best Big 12 Non-Conference Games
4.Utah @ Baylor (September 9)
See Best Big 12 Non-Conference Games
5.Washington @ Michigan State (September 16)
See Best Big Ten Non-Conference Games

Best Conference Games
1.Utah @ USC (October 21)
A rematch of last season’s Pac-12 championship game should have massive conference implications again this season.
2.USC @ Oregon (November 11)
Oregon and USC, two longtime Pac-12 members and favorites every season to make it into the post-season meet for the final time in Autzen Stadium before the Trojans head to the Big Ten.
3.Washington @ USC (November 4)
Two 11 win teams in 2022 meet in LA. A lot should be on the line in this early November match up.
4.Oregon @ Utah (October 28)
The 2021 Pac-12 title rematch in Salt Lake City should be a good one as both teams look to make it back to Las Vegas.
5.Oregon State @ Oregon (November 24)
After losing a multiple touchdown lead late in Salem last season, Oregon will have to be ready to protect home field against what should be a good Oregon State team again in 2023.

Awards
MVP: Caleb Williams, QB, USC
2022 Stats: 333-500, 1912 yards, 42 TDs, 5 INT
Offensive Player of the Year: Michael Penix, QB, Washington
2022 Stats: 362-554, 4641 yards, 31 TDs, 8 INT
Defensive Player of the Year: Laiatu Latu, DE, UCLA
2022 Stats: 36 tackles, 12.5 TFL, 10.5 sacks,
Newcomer of the Year: Patrick McMorris, DB, California
2022 Stats: 61 tackles, 2.5 TFL, 1 INT (@ San Diego State)
Coach of the Year: Dan Lanning, Oregon

Conference Championship
Oregon (11-2) over USC (10-3)
In the first Pac-12 Championship game without Utah in three seasons, Oregon denies USC its second Pac-12 title in as many years.

SEC
East
1.Georgia 12-0 (8-0)
2.Tennessee 9-3 (5-3)
3.Missouri 8-4 (4-4)
4.Kentucky 8-4 (4-4)
5.South Carolina 7-5 (4-4)
6.Florida 5-7 (2-6)
7.Vanderbilt 3-9 (0-8)

West
1.LSU 11-1 (7-1)
2.Alabama 10-2 (6-2)
3.Ole Miss 9-3 (6-2)
4.Texas A&M 9-3 (5-3)
5.Arkansas 7-5 (4-4)
6.Mississippi State 6-6 (2-6)
7.Auburn 6-6 (2-6)

Georgia looks to win a third consecutive national championship while LSU will attempt to make it back to the SEC Championship for a second consecutive season. Alabama’s QB issues in the spring will determine whether the Tide will be able to make a post-season run. Tennessee, Ole Miss, and Texas A&M all look to be contenders as well.

Best Non-Conference Games
1.LSU vs. Florida State (Orlando) (September 3)
See Best ACC Non-Conference Games
2.Texas @ Alabama (September 9)
See Best Big 12 Non-Conference Games
3.South Carolina vs. North Carolina (Charlotte) (September 2)
See Best ACC Non-Conference Games
4.Florida @ Utah (August 31)
See Best Pac-12 Non-Conference Games
5.Tennessee vs. Virginia (Nashville) (September 2)
See Best ACC Non-Conference Games

Best Conference Games
1.LSU @ Alabama (November 4)
Alabama will look to beat LSU after losing on a two-point conversion by the Tigers in Death Valley last season and regain control of the SEC West as the conference ends its era with divisions.
2.Georgia @ Tennessee (November 18)
The only true bump on the road for what should be another loaded team for Kirby Smart and Georgia will be a trip to Knoxville and their game against Josh Heupel and the Vols.
3.Tennessee @ Alabama (October 21)
Alabama will not only host and look to avenge its loss against LSU, it will attempt to do the same thing against Tennessee, who they lost to in the final seconds at Neyland Stadium for the first time in 16 opportunities last season.
4.Alabama @ Texas A&M (October 7)
Alabama has only lost against Texas A&M in College Station twice since the Aggies joined the SEC (2012 & 2021). With Bobby Petrino calling the offense for the Aggies and the Tide’s normal lapses against Jimbo Fisher’s team, an upset could be on the horizon in 2023.
5.Texas A&M @ LSU (November 25)
LSU did win the SEC West in Brian Kelly’s first season as head coach. But, a puzzling loss to a 5-7 Texas A&M in College Station last Thanksgiving kept the Tigers out of the playoff. LSU should be focused this season against the Aggies after a puzzling let down to end the 2022 campaign.

Awards
MVP: Harold Perkins, DE, LSU
2022 Stats: 72 tackles, 13 TFL, 1 INT, 4 FF
Offensive Player of the Year: Quinshon Judkins, RB, Ole Miss
2022 Stats: 274 rushes, 1,567 yards, 16 TDs, 15 catches, 132 yards, 1 TD
Defensive Player of the Year: Harold Perkins, DE, LSU
2022 Stats: See Above
Newcomer of the Year: Omar Speights, LB, LSU
2022 Stats: 83 tackles, 8 TFL (@ Oregon State)
Coach of the Year: Kirby Smart, Georgia

Conference Championship
LSU (12-1) over Georgia (12-1)
LSU will avenge last season’s SEC Title game loss to the Bulldogs.

National Preview:

Top 5 Non-Conference Games
1.LSU vs. Florida State (Orlando) (September 3)
2.Texas @ Alabama (September 9)
3.Ohio State @ Notre Dame (September 23)
4.Notre Dame @ Clemson (November 4)
5.South Carolina vs. North Carolina (Charlotte) (September 2)

Top 5 Conference Games
1.Ohio State @ Michigan (November 25)
2.LSU @ Alabama (November 4)
3.Florida State @ Clemson (September 23)
4.Georgia @ Tennessee (November 18)
5.Tennessee @ Alabama (October 21)

CFP and New Year’s 6 Projections

December 29
Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic (Arlington)
Clemson (11-3) over Kansas State (10-4)
Clemson beats Big 12 champ KSU.

December 30
Chick-Fil-A Peach Bowl (Atlanta)
Alabama (11-2) over Notre Dame (10-3)
Alabama goes to Atlanta and dominates Notre Dame again.

Capital One Orange Bowl (Miami Gardens)
Ohio State (11-2) over Florida State (11-3)
Ohio State wins the Orange Bowl after failing to make the Big Ten Championship Game.

January 1
VRBO Fiesta Bowl (Phoenix)
USC (11-3) over UTSA (13-1)
USC beats the best Group of Five Team, UTSA, after falling to Tulane in the Cotton Bowl last season.

CFP Semifinal at the Rose Bowl Game (Pasadena)
1.Michigan (13-1) over 4.Penn State (11-2)
Michigan avenges a regular season loss to Penn State in the Rose Bowl.

CFP Semifinal at the Allstate Sugar Bowl (New Orleans)
3.Georgia (13-1) over 2.LSU (12-2)
Georgia avenges its SEC Championship game loss against LSU in the Tigers’ backyard this time.

January 8
CFP Championship Game (Houston)
1.Michigan (14-1) over 3.Georgia (13-2)
Michigan beats Georgia, keeping them from winning a third consecutive title and winning Jim Harbaugh’s first collegiate championship ever.

Heisman Winner: Blake Corum, RB, Michigan

Check out the top 25+ incoming recruits to college football in 2023 (per 247sports composite).