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The Big 10 is back in action this weekend! The biggest matchup is easily Michigan-Minnesota facing off to start their season, both respectively ranked in the top 25. The Buckeyes are ready to showcase their talent and give college playoff writers something to talk about as they enter play as the highest ranked squad from the Big 10 at #6. With a 'tune up' like matchup against Nebraska, Justin Fields looks to start this season off with a bang. #8 Penn St. faces off against Indiana Our slate includes 4 top 25 matchups and for the first time will not feature a SEC game. Strap in, College Saturday is just one day away, our picks and game previews are below.
(John Autey / Pioneer Press)
Lines: UNC -15.5 / O/U 60.5
UNC looked awful in the first half last week against ACC opponent Florida St as they entered the second half down 31-7. They fell 31-28 but surged in the late stages of the ball game outsourcing the Seminoles 21-0 in the second half. This UNC squad is led by Sophomore QB Sam Howell who has 9 TD's overall and a 75.4 completion percentage at home for the Tar Heels in 2020. NC State’s QB Devin Leary broke his leg last week in their win over Duke and will miss at least 6-8 weeks, in the meantime Bailey Hockman will get the start against in-state rival UNC. Both teams have a lethal rush attack as 4 of the top 15 rushers in the ACC are featured in this ball game.
Vince: UNC -15.5
Ryan: UNC -15.5
Maher: Over 60.5
Patrick: UNC -15.5
Lines: OK St. -3.5 / O/U 51.5
Since being held to 14 in week 1 the Cyclones have produced over 30 points a game for three weeks straight. QB Brock Purdy has led the way for Iowa St. in 2020 with 912 yards and 4 TD’s but hasn’t held up to his NFL potential thus far. The good news is RB Breece Hall has been fantastic, he’s 3rd in the nation in rushing yards with 531 yards, along with 8 TD’s through the first 4 games. They’re going up against the last undefeated team in the Big 12, #6 ranked Oklahoma St. The defense for OK St. has been absolutely dominant in their opening 3 games, allowing just 9.0 PPG so far this year. They also feature a top running back in Chuba Hubbard who’s averaging 113 YPG, and 4.9 per carry. This matchup is going to tell us a lot about the Big 12 and if they’ll be able to produce a playoff team this year.
Vince: OK St. -3.5
Ryan: Over 51.5
Maher: Iowa St. +3.5
Patrick: Over 51.5
Lines: Mich -3.0 / O/U 54.5
This Big 10 matchup has me juiced for Saturday! Both of these teams spent some time in the top 10 rankings last year and are poised to continue their success in 2020. Minnesota returns Star WR Rashod Bateman who just a few months ago was planning on opting out of the season and focusing on the NFL Draft. Most scouts have this stud WR as a 1st round pick, last year he torched the Big 10 and finished with 60 Catches, over 1200 yards, and 11 TD’s. The Wolverines are expected to start Junior QB Joe Milton, who at 6’5 and 243 LB’s is a physical presence and ready to make his first career start for Michigan. This Michigan team lost a lot of players from last year and will need a big game from Milton to hang in against Minnesota.
Vince: Over 54.5
Ryan: Minnesota +3
Maher: Mich -3
Patrick: Minnesota +3
Lines: SMU -2.5 / O/U 55.5
It’s a great offense vs a great defense in this humongous AAC ball game on Saturday night that just might play a pivotal role in the College Football Playoff selection. The 9th ranked Bearcats feature one of the top defenses in the AAC, only allowing 12.3 PPG so far this season. Their offense is led by Desmond Ridder who has done enough to win this year but hasn’t been dominant, he features a 60% completion percentage and 6 TD’s on the year. The Bearcats have been a RB by committee type team so far but are led by Gerrid Doaks. The SMU offense is a powerhouse and has been electric every week, almost warranting a must watch label as they’re 5-0 and are putting up 42.6 PPG. Senior QB Shane Buechele has thrown the ball 35.4 per game and has a very solid completion percentage at 67.2%. They overcame a late scare last week against Tulane and won 37-34 in OT.
Vince: Cin +2.5
Ryan: Cin +2.5
Maher: Cin +2.5
Patrick: Over 55.5
#8 Penn St. (0-0) @ Indiana (0-0)
Lines: PSU -6.0 / O/U 61
Penn St. is going to be the defensive monster they’ve been the past couple year, the true question marks are in the weapons department of their offense. Star RB and likely first round Journey Brown is expected to miss the season due to an undisclosed medical condition, a huge loss for this offense and a horrible thing to happen to a college player. PSU has to plug in RB’s Noah Cain and Devyn Ford to make up for that loss and are not deep at all at WR this year after losing KJ Hamler. Junior QB Sean Clifford looks to take the leap this year and improve on his solid Sophomore campaign. Indiana had a pretty good 2019 run, winning 8 games for the first time since 1993. The Hoosiers Whop Philyor is definitely the guy to watch for Indiana on offense. He’s a 5’11 WR who had over 1000 yards and 70 catches last year, including three games where he had over 10 receptions a game. It looks like we’ll see Michael Penix Jr. lead Indiana and look to continue their winning ways in 2020.
Vince: PSU -6
Ryan: Under 61
Maher: PSU -6
Patrick: PSU -6
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* Cover Photo: John Autey | Credit: John Autey | Copyright: John Autey photography
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