Prime intersectional clashes are in store.
#23 Northwestern @ #22 Stanford
Spread: Stanford by 6.5
Courtesy: Pinterest
As one of two ranked-vs.-ranked match-ups this week, both of these teams are looking to improve on 9-win seasons. For Stanford, it’s all about K.J. Costello and his potential to lead the Cardinal, a team hampered by a limited running game. After all, multi-dimensional Bryce Love is gone. Can fifth-year senior Cameron Scarlett carry the load? If he can, then Stanford will compete in the Pac-12. He’ll get a good test against NU, too.
The Wildcats feature another good defense, an eleven that will likely carry Northwestern early-on as the team establishes an offensive identity. QB Clayton Thorson is gone, and it’s unclear who will emerge to replace him. Will it be T.J. Green or Hunter Johnson? In the meantime. Sophomore RB Isaiah Bowser will be the go-to guy.
All in all, I think Stanford will have the advantage in this opener. But I also expect it to be sloppy going for both teams. Costello will do what needs to be done. Stanford will win but barely cover.
Stanford 27, Northwestern 20
Houston @ #4 Oklahoma
(Sunday game)
Spread: Oklahoma by 23.5
Don’t expect a lot of defense in this game. It will be a battle of dynamic offenses, led by Houston’s D’Eriq King and transfer Jalen Hurts for OU. OU will have the advantage because Lincoln Riley’s offense is ready to overcome just about any defense. In addition to Hurts, Riley has premier receivers in CeeDee Lamb and Grant Calcaterra.
Does Houston stand a chance? Yes, but only if OU’s 1st and 2nd string receivers call in sick
Oklahoma 58, Houston 31
GAME OF THE WEEK
#13 Oregon vs. #16 Auburn
Spread: Auburn by 3.5
UO’s Justin Herbert is one of nation’s best (photo, UO Athletics)
It’s always refreshing when teams with entirely different philosophies play. In this one, it’s Oregon’s offense led by Justin Herbert and stud O-line v. Auburn’s rock-solid defense and grind-it-out offensive style. UO’s offensive line, which may be the best in the U.S., is led by Shane Lemieux. He and others will protect Heisman-hopeful Herbert, giving him time to inflict damage on opposition defenses.
The problem is that Auburn comes in with one of the best front-7s in the land. Derrick Brown and Marlon Davidson are just two of Herbert’s concerns.
But while Oregon has a proven signal-caller at the helm, Auburn doesn’t. Is Bo Nix ready to lead the Tigers to a win in a big game like this? Yes, Oregon doesn’t have a great team defensively, but Nix is still going to have to move the ball and (likely) out-duel Herbert.
That’s why I pick the Ducks. Auburn may have a decent non-conference winning streak, but I think it will end on Saturday. If Herbert and his Ducks come through, they’ll enter the select circle of playoff contenders.
Oregon 30, Auburn 27
