Week 10 Predictions – 2019
Last Week: Wisconsin came into the ‘Shoe as the #1 defense in the country and left with their second loss in as many weeks. Ohio State had no problems dispatching the Badgers and continuing their quest for a Big Ten title and beyond. The win should solidify their place in the top four of the first playoff poll on November 5th, the only question will be what position will they start. For our staff predictions, we had five people go a perfect 5-0, including PJSBuck who has done that two straight weeks. He and Steven our still tied on top the standings with an incredible 40-6 mark on the season which makes even ‘The Bear’ jealous.
This Week’s Games: Ohio State has their second off week and I think Chase Young still got two more sacks! So we get to look at five other games this week. But with four of the top five teams not playing and Clemson is Wofford, season defining games are few and far between this week. The big game in the SEC is #8 Georgia, playing #6 Florida in Jacksonville. The loser will be done for playoff consider and the winner will be in the driver seat for the SEC East. Who will survive and advance? …. Two games will shape the 2019 future of the Pac-12. The first will be Utah at Washington, the second is Oregon at USC. The conference really needs the road teams to win to keep a chance alive to get one of them in the playoffs, but there is a lot of football to be played yet so stay tuned. …. The Coastal division of the ACC is a mess, no better way to say it. North Carolina and Virginia get together in a game which could shape the future of the winner. Will the Tar Heels prevail and perhaps get another chance at Clemson? …. The AAC (not the ACC) actually has three ranked teams and two of them will square off this weekend as unbeaten SMU travels to one loss Memphis. Will the Mustangs keep their New Year’s Six hopes alive or leave Beale singing the blues?
Buckeye Greats: As with the past, we will continue to include former Buckeye players in our prediction fun and we are thrilled to have Vaughn Broadnax back with us as a regular participant for the fifth straight year.
Here we go with our Week 10 Picks – Good Luck to All – Gregg
(8)Georgia vs. (6)Florida
Andy: This is a game that could go either way, and to be honest I don’t think this game will be a game where one teams runs away from the other. These teams are pretty evenly matched. Georgia is ranked higher both in total offense and total defense, however if you’ve watched many Bulldogs games this season you’d know they’re not passing the ole look test. On a serious note, Jake Fromm has struggled with his young receiver corps, the Bulldogs have only had one receiver (Lawrence Cager) consistently making plays this season despite having a loaded depth chart. Florida has the 25th overall ranked defense as of now, I think this matchup will be favorable for them. Aside from running the football, Georgia is NOT a good passing team. Being one dimensional against a top 25 defense could be their undoing. I really think the match up to watch here is the Florida offensive line vs the Georgia front seven. The Gators have struggled with pass protection issues the entire season, add on top of that they are having a hard time running the football and that means the game is in the hands quarterback Kyle Trask. I believe this game being played in the Swamp will give an advantage to Florida, but Trask is going to need to win the game for the Gators. Either way I see this game being really close. Florida 24 – Georgia 21
Bbaver: Pick: Georgia – I think the Gators defense keeps them in this game, but I think Georgia likely wins this one and eventually heads to the SEC title game 11-1
Coach Rick: This should be the best game of the week to watch. I personally do not think that it will be a good game and Florida will win big this weekend. I have the Gators winning 31 to 17.
Cory: Following their disappointing home loss to South Carolina, Georgia bounced back with a solid 21-0 win over Kentucky last week. Florida is coming off a win over South Carolina, but the Gators needed three touchdowns in the fourth quarter to pull off that win. Both teams are good, but are either of them great? While Florida is playing with a backup quarterback, it’s the Georgia offense that is having trouble getting things going. So far the only quality team Georgia has played is Notre Dame, and now that win is looking less and less good by the day. It’s time to stop underestimating Florida. Even with a backup quarterback, the Gators look like they’re legit. Florida 24, Georgia 17
Dr. Mark: Florida 27-24 – Will see if Gators D can hold thru the first half- I always lose when I pick Georgia.
Gregg: At the beginning of the year I would have picked Georgia by 10 in this one. Their Quarterback is too good, the running backs are too good, the Bulldog offensive line is too good. After watching the Florida-Miami game, I would have picked Georgia by 20, the Gators looked that bad. However, as the season has moved along, Florida is really coming around and Georgia is struggling against poor teams.I expect some antics in this one but it might be fun to watch them. Somewhere in the middle of all the game, Coach Mullen win will put on a show and pull away. Georgia should still have a few good games in them but they may have peaked against Notre Dame. And we know that the Irish are subpar, just like the ACC conference the try to pretend to be a part of. For the Gators, it will be ‘Cocktails and Dreams’ Florida 27 Georgia 20
Jason: Florida
Joe-S-U: Georgia
John: So Georgia is a 6 ½ point betting favorite. This is surprising to me. I would have thought the line would be closer. Both teams have one loss, but not all losses are created equal. The Gator have the better loss, if you believe in that sort of thing, losing at top 5 LSU while the Bulldogs spit the bit at home to 3-4 South Carolina. Georgia’s lone “quality” win also lost some luster when Notre Dame quit in the rain last week and got pummeled by what I still believe to be an incredibly mediocre Michigan. To me, all of this points to a Gator win in the worlds largest cocktail party. Florida 31 Georgia 28
Josh: Both teams have a loss for the season, and the winner of this games sets themselves up to take first place in the SEC East, and a chance to still compete for a chance for the college football playoff. This game always brings out the worst of each team, both the players on the field, and the fans in the stand, who might not be sober enough to remember the result. Despite having the advantage in recruits, Georgia has not opened up at all offensively, and Jake Fromm has been average this season. Florida has the better loss between the two teams, and Trask and Mullen had an extra week to prepare for this game. Even though Florida is the underdog, I like the Gators to win in this one, and drop Georgia from the playoff race. Florida 24 – Georgia 17.
Pia Pete: Gators go Down in Georgia UGA 35 – UF 27
PJSBuck: Good game if you like SEC football. Close the whole game but Florida wins.
Steven: You know, everyone seemed so dang impressed how Georgia’s defense looked against Notre Dame. After this weekend it seems like even dopes like Jim Harbaugh have that covered. Florida is trending in the right direction. I previously underestimated QB Kyle Trask, but this kid is really good and meshes well with the Florida offense. He is a definite improvement over Feleipe Franks. I’ll take the Gators 24-21. For anyone going down for the game, please party responsibly, and for everyone’s sake, use the cocktail stick.
Trout: This game should be relatively close. Both teams have talent, but its also clear that both teams are not finished products. I believe I will give the edge to Georgia. besides a terrible performance against a bad South Carolina team, they have been relatively consistent. Granted, I think LSU and Alabama are vastly more talented, but the Bulldogs are no slouches. Jake Fromm is a really good Quarterback. I can see his experience being the x factor in securing their victory. I also just don’t fully believe in the Gators. They are better this year than they have been, but they are still nowhere close to the team in the Urban Meyer era. It should be a somewhat low scoring game, with a few lead changes through the game. However, the Bulldogs pull off the victory with their experienced quarterback. (Georgia, 21-17)
Vaughn Broadnax (OSU 1980-83): The World’s Largest Cocktail Party will feature two SEC teams who we don’t know if they’re real or Memorex. Georgia’s home loss to South Carolina is looking worse every week except to AP and coaches who don’t care. Florida struggled for three quarters against those same Gamecocks. However, Florida was able to take care of Auburn. I am going with Florida to win against Georgia 24-17.
Final Score: Georgia 24 Florida 17
(9)Utah @ Washington
Andy: I am a huge fan of Utes head coach Kyle Wittingham. He has quietly built one of the best teams in the country out in Salt Lake City. The Utes are lead by their defense, a defense that is currently the 3rd best overall defense in the country. They’re currently allowing just over 4 yards per play on defense which ranks 8th best overall out of 130 teams, and the best stat which everyone should love, the Utes are the 4th best scoring defense in the country. This matters because Washington has the 28th best scoring offense in the country, they lost their best players on offense last year to the NFL, their starting left tackle, their quarterback Jake Browning and half back Myles Gaskin. Even though the Huskies get the Utes at home and I think Chris Peterson is an excellent coach, but their current quarterback Jacob Eason has struggled a lot this year in a new offense. I think the Utes capitalize on a struggling quarterbacks performance. Utah 24 – Washington 14
Bbaver: Pick: Washington – I just can’t see Chris Peterson dropping a 4th game on the first weekend of November.
Coach Rick: Washington will win this game if in the past week they figured out how to run with the football. Washington is a great passing team, just do not have a rushing game. I have Utah winning 35 to 24.
Dr. Mark: Utah 38-28 – Will be fast paced game, probably a lot of turnovers.
Gregg: Utah has looked solid all year with the one lose to USC. It was only a 7 point margin but it was on the road, where the Trojans have been pretty strong. Because of that win, USC has the edge in the Pac-12 West, but if the Utes can win out they can probably count on the Trojans to lose somewhere along the line. However, Washington is playing well too and almost knocked of Oregon last week. I think the playoff road ends for the Utes this week as the Huskies will pull off the win. Washington 27 Utah 24
Jason: Utah
Joe-S-U: Utah
John: Perhaps the biggest beneficiary last week of Oklahoma’s upset loss was the pac-12, as they will now hear some talk of how a 1-loss champion is in the playoff mix. Don’t get too excited, Pac -12, as ESPN will be lobbying hard for the one lose loser between Alabama and LSU to be a second representative from the SEC. The Pac-12 most likely needs more help form Clemson and the Big 10. Vegas must not think much of the Ute’s as this is basically a pick-em game. One would think a top ten team playing a three loss team in November would get a little more respect. I think the Pac-12’s feeble playoff hopes take another hit. I like UW in a close on.. Washington 31 Utah 30
Josh: Utah is starting to look like the team that was the preseason PAC-12 favorite, and held Cal to 83 total yards for the game. Washington is better than the Bears on offense behind Jacob Eason, and with this game in Seattle, the crowd will be rocking on the bay. Utah is actually the underdog heading into this game according to the FPI, and this rematch of last years PAC-12 Championship game should answer some of the questions for the PAC 12. I think the Utes get it done on the road, and hold Peterson’s offense to under 300 yards, and win behind a big game from Tyler Huntley. Utah 31 – Washington 10
Pia Pete: Utah keeps their playoff hopes alive. Utah 24 – Washington 20
PJSBuck: Good west coast game. Almost a toss-up for me but I will go with Washington.
Steven: I like the Utes defense. They kept Washington State to 13 points which is pretty tough against a Mike Leach coached team. They have given up 10 total points over their last 3 games. Certainly their offense will not wow you, but if the D give QB Tyler Huntley enough possessions the Utes can beat the Huskies. Look for the ground and pound game to be the order of the day as Utah tries to keep the ball out of Husky QB Jacob Eason’s hands. Utah 31-28.
Trout: I think the Utes win this game. I don’t believe the Washington Huskies are any good. Their one notable win is against an inconsistent USC team. Granted, Utah lost to that same USC team, but in their other 7 games, they have been able to win relatively comfortably in all of them. This should be another close game. Each team will score some points, but I can also see both teams making costly mistakes. But in the end, the Utah Utes, score just enough to get by and stay up towards the top of the PAC-12 South.(Utah, 33-24)
Vaughn Broadnax (OSU 1980-83): Utah is playing like the team everyone expected this since losing to USC. Washington has been somewhat disappointing. I am going with the Utes over the Huskies 34-21.
Final Score: Utah 33 Washington 28
(7)Oregon @ USC
Andy: Another big match up for the Pac 12, this one has potential playoff implications now that Oklahoma lost a game. If Oregon can run the table they can squeak into the Playoffs if the stars align for them. But USC has a sneaky good offense this season (33rd best overall offense) and a horrendous defense (98th worst overall defense in the country). The Ducks have the 20th best overall defense in the country and their offense has been extremely efficient at moving the ball down field. On top of that quarterback Justin Herbert has been one of the most efficient quarterbacks in the nation this year, only allowing one turnover and completing nearly 69% of his passes on the season. I think the biggest match up to watch is the Oregon offensive line against the USC front seven on defense. I see this game being close in the first half and Oregon eventually pulling away in the 2nd half. Oregon 42 – USC 34
Bbaver: Pick: Oregon – Might be a tight one, but I’ll say this is one more stake hammered in Clay Helton’s coffin.
Coach Rick: I am not sure which USC team is going to show up. They are a team that I would have thought they would have had a better record. I have Oregon winning but what is to be a close game. I have the score as Oregon winning 28 to 21.
Cory: The only loss Oregon has so far this season came in the opener to Auburn. Since then the Ducks have reeled off seven consecutive wins, and go for their eighth this week at USC. Oregon’s in the top 10 and win Oklahoma’s loss last week the Ducks are probably thinking they’ve got a shot at the playoff. That said, the hardest part of Oregon’s schedule starts now. USC, despite being 5-3, still is a talented team and one capable of winning this game. The Trojans handed Utah their only loss, and almost upset Notre Dame in South Bend. Still, it’s hard to see USC pulling the upset here. The Trojans are very inconsistent. They needed two fourth quarter touchdowns to come from behind and beat a mediocre Colorado team last week. Oregon 31, USC 17
Dr. Mark: Oregon- 42-20. QB playing great – USC too inconsistent
Gregg: I actually thing this is going to be a great game. USC play well at home and Clay is still coaching for his job. Oregon is playing for relevance and conference pride. I think the Trojans keep it close with a trio of receivers that catch fire, however Oregon will win and use this game toward a perfect November and a conference championship. Oregon 38 USC 35
Jason: Oregon
Joe-S-U: Oregon
John: If the Pac -12 is going to have a representative in the CFP, it will almost certainly have to be Oregon. For that to remain a possibility the Ducks need a big road win in the Colosseum. I think they get it done, but I think it will be close. Oregon 30 USC 28
Josh: Both teams came off of near losses heading into this game. USC survived on the road against Colorado, and Oregon needed a last second field goal to beat Washington State. The narrative for Clay Helton is not going away, and he might already be out the door regardless of how he finishes the season, but maybe a chance at the PAC-12 Championship will be enough to let him keep his job. What is unique for USC is that thanks to their win against Utah, they are first place in the South, and Oregon is trying to keep their playoff hopes alive, which were helped with Oklahoma losing to Kansas State last week. I think Oregon has rebounded from a first week loss to Auburn, and Herbert leads to the Ducks to victory. Oregon 34 – USC 21
Pia Pete: Oregon kicks USC while they’re down. Ducks 27 – USC 24
PJSBuck: ANOTHER good west coast game. This will be worth taping. I am going with the Ducks, maybe in OT??
Steven: While USC has done really well to overcome a spate of QB injuries and win a couple games along the way, they might have a hard time keeping up with the Ducks offense. USC’s Freshman Quarterback Kedon Slovis has kept the season and quite possibly coach Clay Helton’s continued employment alive, but he’s not Superman. The Ducks are playing too well and the Trojan defense is giving up too much, to the tune of 120 yards and 10 more points per game than Oregon. Sounds like a mismatch to me. If USC wins, give Helton an extension, he will have earned it. Alas, Ducks rule the West for now. Oregon 35-24
Trout: The Ducks should win this game. The Trojans have played so inconsistent this year. And unfortunately I don’t think they are going to match up with Oregon very well. The Oregon Ducks are clearly the best team in the PAC-12. Honestly, they are one fluky play from being undefeated. However, they are far from unbeatable. They might be the best team, but they are the best team in the worst conference. They have managed to stay atop the PAC-12 by playing good, consistent football. Unlike the Trojans, who one week will look like world beaters and the next week look like Rutgers. I do see the Trojans playing them tough, and keeping it close for a while. But I just think Oregon will be able to capitalize on USC’s mistakes and pull off the win. (Oregon, 27-17)
Vaughn Broadnax (OSU 1980-83): Oregon is playing well….enough. USC is on what seems its 5th QB and their offense is somewhat out of sync. Even though the Trojans are home I don’t see them hanging with the Ducks’ offense. Oregon beats USC 35-17.
Final Score: Oregon 56 USC 24
Virginia @ North Carolina
Andy: I had high hopes for Virginia this year, they returned almost all their starters on offense and defense last year, including their stud dual threat quarterback Bryce Perkins. Unfortunately for the Cavaliers, Perkins sustained a knee injury in their last game against Louisville. It also doesn’t help that Virginia has lost 3 of their last 4 games to ACC opponents. Tarheels first year head coach Mack Brown has proven he still has what it takes to coach a tough football team. The Tarheels were one play away from defeating Clemson earlier this season, but called a triple option play attempting a two point conversion which was stopped yards short of the end zone effectively ending the game. UNC has been super elite on either offense or defense, but they are playing extremely well in close games this year. With Perkins being out, I expect UNC to come away with a win. North Carolina 21 – Virginia 14
Bbaver: Pick: North Carolina – Two mediocre football teams….one of them has to win.
Coach Rick: This is going to be a coin flip for me. North Carolina is a much more balanced team. With North Carolina being at home and well balance, I see them winning this game. I see it UNC 28 to 17.
Cory: Things have gone wrong really quickly for Virginia this season. At one point the Cavaliers were undefeated and ranked until they fell short in a loss to Notre Dame. Since then the Cavaliers are 1-2, including losing to Miami and Louisville. Things won’t get much easier this week against a scrappy North Carolina team. The Tarheels are just 4-4, however, every single loss they’ve had came by one score – six points to Wake Forest, three to Appalachian State, one to Clemson, and two to Virginia Tech. The problem with Virginia is the inconsistency on offense. If only the Cavaliers had an offense to match their defense, which has only allowed two teams to score more than 20 points. North Carolina 24, Virginia 20
Dr. Mark: NC- 31-28 – teams fairly even
Gregg: At the beginning of the season I had Virginia as the Coastal champ. They started OK but have started to fade. I am going to put my faith in the coach with the national championship ring. North Carolina 31 Virginia 24
Jason: North Carolina
Joe-S-U: North Carolina
John: Hard to get excited about this one at all. UNC probably should have beaten Clemson. If they win this one they may get another shot, but I doubt the rematch will be much of a contest. Carolina wins in a close but boring game. North Carolina 24 Virginia 17
Josh: If anyone were looking at a flow chart of the ACC Coastal, they would see that it is a cyclical chart of each team beating each other. Every team in the division has two losses, and Virginia holds the lead at the moment. North Carolina though could move into first place with a win, and they have proven that they can compete with the Clemson Tigers. As interesting as this division has been, I agree with Rece Davis’ take that this mediocrity is boring. One could argue that the AAC is strong than the ACC Coastal. I think Mac Brown has found his fountain of youth in Chapel Hill, and finds a way to win at home. Each of their losses has been within 6 points. North Carolina 24 – Virginia 21.
Pia Pete: Virginia falls to NC. UNC 17 – Virginia 10
PJSBuck: (another) action-packed ACC game I could do without. Probably a fun game to watch. I am going with Mack Brown at home for this.
Steven: C’mon, does anyone truly believe anyone outside of Clemson is really good in the ACC? Outside of Rutgers, I think even the lowliest Big 10 teams would crush these two programs. You do have to hand it to Mack Brown, he is (slowly) bringing UNC back. They did play Clemson tough at home, just missing the colossal upset by an ill-conceived 2 point attempt. They won’t win any beauty contests, but you already knew that. The ACC is a pig that Estee Lauder couldn’t fix. Even so, I like the Heels at home in a squeaker. (Squealer?) UNC 28-27.
Trout: I don’t know much about either team. Obviously neither are fighting for a spot in the CFP this year. If I have to pick a winner, I will have to go with the Tar Heels. North Carolina should that they can at least put up a fight with the big boys of College football. They were one dumb play call away from beating the reigning champs in Clemson. I can see this game being very sloppy and very low scoring. Neither team will reach the 20 point mark. In this battle of middle of the road ACC teams, I think UNC comes out on top. (North Carolina, 17-14)
Final Score: Virginia 38 North Carolina 31
(15)SMU @ Memphis
Andy: There is one thing to consider watching in this game, SMU has the 10th best overall offense in the country this year. Yes you read that correctly, SMU has an elite offense. Memphis on the other hand has an average defense at best, currently ranked 55th overall in the country the Memphis Tigers have given up 22 touchdowns this season to their opponents. I slept on SMU earlier, estimating their competition was not that good so far in the season. When you’re beating your opponents by double digit touchdowns most of your games it doesn’t matter who the competition is. I expect Memphis to lose to this Mustang high powered offense. SMU 38 – Memphis 28
Bbaver: Pick: Memphis – I like SMU getting the 5.5 pts, but gotta pick Memphis winning straight up at home.
Coach Rick: Statistically speaking the two most even teams in the conference. The problem is I think SMU is not even with Memphis, they are such a better team. Memphis will have the home crowd, but will be over powered in this game. I have SMU winning 38 to 17.
Cory: A few weeks ago when making a prediction for the Temple-SMU game, I said that it was time to pay attention to Temple. The Owls promptly lost that game while SMU has remained undefeated. It’s now time to pay attention to SMU. The Mustangs are averaging an astounding 43 points per game, and their schedule includes wins over TCU, South Florida, Temple, and Houston. SMU gets a ranked opponent this week in Memphis. Offensively, Memphis can hang with SMU the question is will Memphis be ready? So far the Tigers have only one quality win on their schedule – Navy – which is a bit concerning. It would seem their record is a bit inflated due to a weak schedule. Though Memphis may keep it close, expect SMU to remained undefeated. SMU 42, Memphis 35
Dr. Mark: SMU 45-31– prime time game of the day?- will be wide open. Nice to see they finally recovered from the death penalty.
Gregg: Will be a great game for AAC fans, but the Tigers are about to spoil the perfect season for the Mustangs. Memphis 22 SMU 20
Jason: Memphis
Joe-S-U: Memphis
John: Is the Pony Express back? Vegas doesn’t think so, as the Tigers are a 6 point favorite at home. I really haven’t seen much of either team this year. When in doubt, follow the money. Memphis 34 SMU 28
Josh: SMU has been on a dream season, and their best start since getting hit with the death penalty. Memphis had a close loss to Temple. and have been one of the better teams in the country, cracking the top 25 this week. What little I have been able to see of the Mustangs is that they almost lost to a Houston team who had 4 of their best players “resting” Shane Buechele has found a second wind, and I am sure Texas wishes they still had him on the roster. If the Tigers are able to slow down the Mustangs, they have a good shot of winning, and to sort of help Cincinnati as well, I am going with Memphis to win this one at home. Memphis 35 – SMU 33
Pia Pete: SMU triumphs. SMU 24 – Memphis 13
PJSBuck: My official, “Who gives a shi%*&$t” game of the week. Can they both lose??? Going with SMU in a squeaker
Steven: After watching last week’s rain-soaked tilt against Houston you might come away with a few questions… e.g. with hair as bad as Dana Holgerson’s, why on Earth would the Houston coach choose to wear visors instead of sporting a traditional a ball cap? In the rain it was a particularly bold choice. Thankfully this week we can be spared the brazen display of Holgerson hair and get to focus on SMU and Memphis. The Mustangs ride into Memphis carrying the weight of history on their shoulders. It has been 30 year plus since the NCAA levied the harshest penalty it has ever meted out. It was a penalty so severe and debilitating to SMU it has soured the organization from punishing anyone for nearly anything unless you basically admit to lying to them, (thanks Tress). Despite the pressure of being the first SMU team to drag the university out of college football purgatory, the Mustangs are handling it well. In no small way they are buoyed by the numerous transfers they have taken in. This has created a mature and steady team. The stats and the line all favor Memphis but somehow I think the SMU dream season continues. SMU 31-28
Trout: This game is bit of a toss up as well. SMU and Memphis have played really well this year. I think I will have to give the edge to the Mustangs in this one. Both teams have shown they can score, SMU have multiple games where they have scored 40 or more points. The reason I give the Mustangs the win in this game, is because of their common opponents. SMU beat Temple, where Memphis did not. This game is going to be a shoot out. Just looking at the score in both their game, its clear that the AAC does not have best defensive teams. I think the game game goes down to the wire. However, the SMU Mustangs pull off some last second heroics and remain unbeaten. (SMU, 45-42)
Vaughn Broadnax (OSU 1980-83): SMU has played very well this year, but Memphis has arguably played as well, if not better than SMU. With this being a tossup I am going with the Tigers over the Mustangs 41-38.