Preview and Prediction of every AP Top 25 Game

ARKANSAS vs #1 ALABAMA

The Crimson Tide will be without their Hiesman candidate at quarterback. Their offense should still roll playing an Arkansas team on a 4-game losing streak. The Arkansas defense will give up too many points but the Alabama defense will allow them to stick around.

Alabama 38-24

#8 NOTRE DAME vs #19 MICHIGAN

Can Michigan build on their second half success vs Penn St.? Notre Dame has had two weeks to prepare for their trip to Ann Arbor. This is an elimination game for the CFP. Even at two losses the Wolverines can still win the Big Ten and get in. A third loss to Notre Dame doesn’t affect their Big Ten championship but ends their Playoff hopes. A second loss for Notre Dame with no conference championship ends their CFP chances.

Irish win 19-18

#16 SMU vs HOUSTON

After a huge offensive explosion last week at home vs Temple the Mustangs have to travel to Houston and take on team underachieving and reeling half way through the season. Expect a repeat from performance from quarterback Shane Buechele who threw for 457 yards and 6 TDs and Reggie Roberson Jr. with 250 yards receiving and 3 TDs.

SMU 37-20

#5 OKLAHOMA vs KANSAS STATE

Jalen Hurts is high on everyone’s Hesiman list and is playing at the same if not a higher level than his two predecessors Kyler Murray and Baker Mayfield. Manhattan is always a tough place to play and this will be a true test for the Sooners.

OU 52-38

#20 IOWA vs NORTHWESTERN

For three weeks straight the Hawkeyes offense has not found its rhythm and now it will take on a Northwestern team that was embarrassed at home a week ago 52-3. The Wildcats with be motivated and play for their pride.

Northwestern 22-20

#13 WISCONSIN vs # OHIO ST

Wisconsin is still in the driverseat in the Big Ten West and after losing in Champagne last week they have to travel to Columbus to take on arguably the best and most complete team in the nation. The Badgers run game can keep the explosive Buckeyes offense on the sideline and keep them in striking distance but won’t be enough.

Buckeyes 27-10

#21 APPALACHIAN STATE vs SOUTH ALABAMA

Now as only one of two undefeated Group of 5 teams, App St. can climb the rankings and crash the New Year’s Six Bowls. They have been dominant and should continue this week.

App St. 49-12

OKLAHOMA STATE vs #23 IOWA STATE

Oklahoma St. was expected to pull off the upset last week vs undefeated Baylor but wasn’t able to make it happen at home. This week on the road vs Iowa St who is ranked again and looking to make a push for a BIG 12 title appearance they can play spoiler again.

Cyclones 24-19

#6 PENN STATE vs MICHIGAN STATE

There isn’t much to play for now in East Lansing these days other than a bowl game and now spoiler. Hosting a Penn St. team that is emerging as one of the best in the nation. The MSU defense has not lived up to their preseason expectations and at some point pride takes over.

Spartans 16-13

MARYLAND vs #17 MINNESOTA

Where has the Maryland offense has gone? After scoring 142 points in their first two games they have managed to score just 107 over their last five games. That includes 48 vs Rutgers. Minnesota has been a pleasant surprise for the Big 10. When teams like Maryland could keep playing at a certain level Minnesota’s emergence enhances the conference.

Minnesota 38-36

#9 AUBURN vs #2 LSU

The last top 10 team to come in Baton Rouge at night left with a loss because their offense couldn’t keep pace with the Bayou Bengals. Auburn finds itself needing to score 30 or more points to pull off the road loss, unfortunately they won’t get to 30.

LSU 31-24

#15 TEXAS vs TCU

The Longhorns needed a last second field goal at home to defeat Kansas at home. This week they struggle to keep pace with TCU on the road. They’re not good enough to turn it on and off sleepwalk in the first half and as a result fall short.

TCU 33-30

BOSTON COLLEGE vs #4 CLEMSON

This is a matchup that features two of the draft prospects at the running back position. Travis Etienne of Clemson and AJ Dillon of Boston College. The Eagles will need to give Dillion a heavy workload to keep the score low and limit the number of possessions the Clemson offense gets.

Clemson 25-14

#24 ARIZONA STATE vs UCLA

Classic offense vs defense matchup in this one. The Sun Devils led by coach Herm Edwards will play tough, discipline, and assignment defense against a Chip Kelly offense looking to score and score as quickly as possible. Both teams find themselves only a game back in the Pac-12 South but a loss here more than likely closes the door on winning the division.

UCLA 30-24

CALIFORNIA vs #12 UTAH

Hard to believe that Cal was 4-0 and ranked with a win in Seattle over the Huskies of Washington. They have dropped 3 straight, 2 at home including last week vs Oregon St. Now they have to travel and play a Utah team that is riding high after a big win vs Arizona St. last week.

Utah 31-6

WASHINGTON STATE vs #11 OREGON

The Oregon defense has been unbelievable at home this season giving up 19 points in 4 games. Washington St. hasn’t won a game on the road all year (both vs ranked teams) and struggled offensively at Utah throwing 2 picks and going 3/12 on 3rd down. Things won’t be much different in Eugene.

Ducks 48-17