College Football’s Undefeated Teams Face Challenges
Several of college football’s remaining undefeated teams will be put to the test on Saturday as the regular season moves beyond the midway point for most schools. The day also features some blockbuster rivalry matchups that carry major College Football Playoff implications.
Undefeated Teams on the Line
No. 4 Texas A&M is among those putting an unblemished record on the line, as the Aggies travel to face Arkansas in the first of three consecutive SEC road games. Things figure to be even more challenging for No. 5 Ole Miss, which is headed to face No. 9 Georgia as a 7.5-point underdog.
Big Ten and Big 12 Matchups
No. 1 Ohio State will look to keep its national title defense rolling as it heads to Wisconsin as a significant favorite. Rounding out the loaded middle slate is a huge Big 12 battle between unbeaten No. 7 Texas Tech, which is headed to face Arizona State.
Rivalry Showdowns
The evening window is highlighted by a pair of massive rivalry showdowns. No. 13 Notre Dame hosts No. 20 USC, and No. 6 Alabama hosts No. 11 Tennessee. All four teams have already suffered losses, thus the stakes are sky-high for those two contests between premier brands.
Expert Predictions
Here are our expert predictions for the top games:
Texas A&M vs. Arkansas
Arkansas seems poised to upset an SEC team at some point this season because of its high-scoring offense. However, the defense is among the worst in the sport, and the program is inconsistent. Texas A&M has the speed and size to corral quarterback Taylen Green. Pick: Texas A&M SU.
Ohio State vs. Wisconsin
Ohio State is one of the most complete teams in college football. The Buckeyes are 5-1 ATS this season, and their opponent, Wisconsin, is searching for answers under Luke Fickell. Historically, the trends might suggest leaning toward Wisconsin, but that edge disappears when considering Fickell’s 3-7 ATS mark at home in conference play since 2022. Pick: Ohio State -26.5.
Georgia vs. Ole Miss
If you want to get really creative based on how trends have worked in Georgia games this year, take Ole Miss in the first half and Georgia in the third quarter. For a more traditional play, I’d argue taking Georgia and the points. So far in SEC play, home teams have gone 14-6-1 against the spread, and Ole Miss has not had much success at Sanford Stadium. Pick: Georgia -7.5.
Texas Tech vs. Arizona State
The Red Raiders have been nearly unbeatable through six games, physically bullying their opponents into submission with their aggressive pass rush. The Sun Devils had real optimism coming into the year, but the injury to quarterback Sam Leavitt has left a major hole. Pick: Texas Tech -9.5.
Notre Dame vs. USC
This game has huge College Football Playoff implications. A win by Notre Dame keeps them in the hunt, while a loss could be the start of an even further uphill climb to get back in the CFP. Give me the Trojans with the points. Pick: USC +8.5.
Alabama vs. Tennessee
Alabama’s Kalen DeBoer and Tennessee’s Josh Heupel are two of the best offensive minds in the head coaching ranks, and they each have high-caliber quarterbacks. But the Crimson Tide have chosen to play a clock-bleeding style so far during conference action, which has depressed the amount of scoring in Bama games. Pick: Under 58.5.
Conclusion
The stakes are high for the undefeated teams and the teams involved in the rivalry showdowns. Our expert predictions provide an insight into the possible outcomes of these crucial games. With the College Football Playoff implications on the line, every game counts, and the teams will give it their all to emerge victorious.
