The Longhorns will travel up to Stillwater, OK in a matchup against the Cowboys that holds major Big 12 Championship implications. Tough week for both Oklahoma State and Texas as the Cowboys picked up their first loss of the year against TCU while Texas struggled at home against Iowa State, albeit getting a win in the process. While OSU’s offense can shine, it’s their defense that concerns me the most, and against a trio of Ewers/B. Robinson/Worthy at QB/RB/WR, it raises eyebrows to just how much work this team can put in against a defense that allows 437.7 yards per game. I think Texas wins again to become bowl eligible while Oklahoma State falls to 5-2, but the game is close as it is in Boone Pickens Stadium.
Hunter’s Prediction: Texas: 38, Oklahoma State: 31
Britt's Prediction: Texas: 42, Oklahoma State: 34
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Who predicted that the two teams at the top of the Big 12 in week 8 would both be representing the color purple? The Horned Frogs and Wildcats have both taken down quality opponents, and if it wasn’t for an early season loss for Kansas State against Tulane, this would more than likely be a Top 10 matchup. TCU just came off a huge win against Oklahoma State, and Kansas State coming off a bye week having an extra week to study the Horned Frogs. While TCU gives up more yardage than Kansas State, the Wildcats have far less YPG than the Horned Frogs, while also scoring, on average, 17.1 less PPG. Combine that with a better kicking game, I think TCU continues their historic season under first year HC Sonny Dykes.
Hunter’s Prediction: TCU: 41, Kansas State: 35
Britt's Prediction: TCU: 48, Kansas State: 38
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Again, have you talked to your friends and family about undefeated Syracuse? IN FOOTBALL?!?!?!?! Well, this may be the last time you get a chance to do so this year as they head down to Death Valley to take on the Clemson Tigers who have continued to show improvement week in and week out against better quality teams. This will be the Orange’s biggest game yet, I think that Clemson’s ability to force more turnovers, gain more yards on offense, and an overall better schedule to prepare them for big games will be the key factor here. The clock will strike midnight on this undefeated season for Syracuse. Britt on the other hand thinks a upset will happen in Death Valley.
Hunter’s Prediction: Clemson: 42, Syracuse: 30
Britt's Prediction: Syracuse: 35, Clemson: 31
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In another edition of “Teams you didn’t think would be undefeated at this point in the season” We have the UCLA Bruins. Multiple times this year the Bruins have been faced with adversity however time and time again they find themselves back in the win column. Their opponent this week? The Oregon Ducks, who have been a completely different team since their week 1 blowout loss, come into this game averaging over 500 yards and 40 points a game. UCLA’s offensive, and for the sake of argument, defensive, production is around the same as Oregon. One area where UCLA really shines is their turnover margin, where the Bruins have forced over double the amount turnovers than they have given up, and much more in total than the Ducks. Oregon has the edge in the kicking game, where it has been spotless on XP and FG attempts, while the Bruins have made less than 75% of their FGs. While I do think the Bruins will force some turnovers, I do believe the kicking game and the atmosphere of Autzen Stadium will be the key difference in this high scoring matchup. Britt says this will be a close one but UCLA wins on the road.
Hunter’s Prediction: Oregon 52 UCLA 45
Britt's Prediction: UCLA: 49, Oregon: 45
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Unless you have had no access to outside communication or haven’t heard the echoes of Rocky Top echo from the State of Tennessee over the past week, Alabama is no longer undefeated after losing on the road 52-49 to the Tennessee Volunteers. The Crimson Tide this season have been very undisciplined both with offensive and defensive penalties being added up in every game, and have one of the highest average amount of penalties per game. Their opponent this week is the Mississippi State Bulldogs, who are coming off a loss of their own against the Kentucky Wildcats. I could throw out stats about the Bulldogs to try and convince you that I think they have a chance, but I don’t think a victory for Mississippi State is in the picture. Alabama is going to fight with everything they have the rest of the season to survive for a chance at the playoff. Bama wins, big.
Hunter’s Prediction: Alabama 48 Mississippi State 20
Britt's Prediction: Alabama: 42, Mississippi State: 24
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