College showdowns: The Pac-12 debuts with big tests for USC and Oregon; unbeatens BYU and Boise State clash; and, of course, Georgia vs. Florida. We pick the winners.
What to watch in Week 10 of the college football season. Game times and networks subject to change:
No. 9 BYU at No. 23 Boise State
Friday, 9:45 p.m. ET, FS1 Danny Sheridan’s line: BYU by 3
The jam-packed weekend of high-profile matchups kicks off as the Cougars (7-0) face their biggest remaining obstacle to an undefeated regular season. The Broncos might have a shot at a major bowl themselves if they can add a top-10 upset to their résumé.
BYU QB Zach Wilson hasn’t faced the toughest of competition, but his overall numbers are nevertheless impressive with a 74.6% completion rate and 19 TDs to only two picks. The Broncos (2-0) have only gotten on the field twice thus far but have been equally effective with either QB Hank Bachmeier or Jack Sears at the controls.
Prediction: Winning on the blue turf is tough for visitors, but the Cougars appear to have what it takes to pull it off in what should be a fun, back-and-forth affair.
BYU, 42-38
Arizona State at No. 20 Southern California
Saturday, noon ET, Fox Danny Sheridan’s line: Southern Cal by 11
It will be an odd breakfasttime kickoff on the West Coast for these two Pac-12 South hopefuls, but everyone must be awake as neither can afford an early setback.
QB Kedon Slovis is back for the Trojans. He proved to be a pleasant surprise when J.T. Daniels was injured early and subsequently transferred to Georgia. He won’t be afraid to fire away, but his protectors must do a better job this year. ASU also has an incumbent signal caller in Jayden Daniels. He was efficient as a freshman but might need to take more chances as he breaks in new targets.
Prediction: The Pac-12 will be even more of a crapshoot than usual with all that’s gone on in college football. For now, we’ll give the nod to third-year Sun Devils coach Herm Edwards to kick things off with the mild upset.
Arizona State, 24-21
No. 25 Michigan at No. 13 Indiana
Saturday, noon ET, FS1 Danny Sheridan’s line: Michigan by 3
Few would have guessed that it would be the Hoosiers with the higher ranking in the week of Big Ten competition. It is, in fact, Indiana’s best position ever in the Amway Coaches Poll. The Wolverines (1-1, 1-1 Big Ten), now in need of a season saver, aren’t interested in letting the Hoosiers (2-0, 2-0) climb any higher.
After opening with an offensive show at Minnesota, the Wolverines’ inability to mount anything consistent against Michigan State was stunning indeed. Expect QB Joe Milton to try opening things up right away with some deep shots at the Hoosiers’ defense, which wasn’t rock solid even in their signature opening victory against Penn State. IU QB Michael Penix Jr. isn’t the imposing physical specimen his Michigan counterpart is, but his knack for getting the ball in the right place serves him well.
Prediction: These Hoosiers are scrappy, but the Wolverines will be in a bad mood when they get to Bloomington.
Michigan, 38-23
No. 5 Georgia vs.
No. 8 Florida in Jacksonville
Saturday, 3:30 p.m. ET, CBS Danny Sheridan’s line: Georgia by 31⁄
2
Things might not be quite as festive at this annual neutralsite gathering of fierce border rivals. But the stakes are as high as ever with the Southeastern Conference East crown almost certainly on the line.
The stronger unit will be on the field for both teams when Florida (4-1, 4-1 SEC) has the ball. Gators QB Kyle Trask shook off some early rust to put up another big score against Missouri last week. The Bulldogs’ defense is superb, but it can’t hold up against an elite passing attack for 60 minutes without some help from its offense. Georgia QB Stetson Bennett has had some moments but few explosive plays.
Prediction: The Florida defense has been exposed at times but is coming off its best performance. Eventually, the Gators will get enough points to pull away from the offensively challenged Bulldogs (4-1, 4-1) and seize control of the division.
Florida, 31-20
No. 1 Clemson at No. 4 Notre Dame
Saturday, 7:30 p.m. ET, NBC Danny Sheridan’s line: Clemson by 51⁄
2
These teams were scheduled to play before the Fighting Irish (6-0, 5-0 Atlantic Coast Conference) cut a deal with the league for temporary membership. It might now be just the preliminary round with a rematch likely in the conference title game.
The complexion of the contest changed a bit with the announcement that Clemson QB and Heisman favorite Trevor Lawrence would be unable to make the trip due to his COVID-19 diagnosis. Freshman D.J. Uiagalelei ran the Tigers’ of
fense well against Boston College, but Notre Dame’s leagueleading defense figures to be more of a challenge. After a few lackluster outings, Fighting Irish QB Ian Book was able to crank up the passing attack over the last two weeks. He’ll have to be quick and accurate against the Clemson rush.
Prediction: This is the kind of game the Tigers (7-0, 6-0) live for. Even without Lawrence, they’ll find a way to get the prime-time victory.
Clemson, 37-28
Stanford at No. 14 Oregon
Saturday, 7:30 p.m. ET, ABC Danny Sheridan’s line:
Oregon by 101⁄
2
At long last, the Pac-12 joins the fray in 2020. It seems unlikely that the league’s abbreviated slate will allow its members to do enough to impress the playoff committee, but the conference favorite Ducks will try to make the most of this primetime opportunity. Stanford has been a perennial nemesis for Oregon, however, so it likely won’t be easy.
With longtime starter Justin Herbert now taking snaps for the LA Chargers, sophomore Tyler Shough will likely take over at QB for the Ducks. It will help that he has several talented and experienced running backs behind him, led by C.J. Verdell, but a rebuilt interior line must come together quickly. Stanford QB Davis Mills started several games when K.J. Costello, now with Mississippi State, was injured and will keep the reins of the Cardinal offense.
Prediction: Stanford came away with an overtime shocker in its last visit to Eugene two years ago, but the 2019 campaign saw the two programs go in opposite directions. Despite the Ducks’ significant personnel losses, their momentum should continue.
Oregon, 28-10