(11 AM CT ON FOX)

Nebraska (0-0) at #5 Ohio State (0-0)

The first week of Big Ten football is here, and there’s some important games to start the season, including a game on Saturday morning in Columbus, Ohio. Heisman contender Justin Fields aims to return the Buckeyes to the playoffs and dominate the Big Ten once again. The Buckeyes open up play vs an unproven Nebraska team at home. Nebraska has looked better under third year head coach Scott Frost. This game has been dominated by Ohio State in the past, but under such different circumstances, nothing is certain this year. Justin Fields has some great weapons on the outside in Garret Wilson and Chris Olave. Ohio State should have a lot of success through the air, and it should be interesting to watch the run game after the departure of J.K. Dobbins. Nebraska will give this team an early scare, but Ohio State will prevail by a good margin.

Score Prediction Ohio State: 52 Nebraska: 27

GAME OF THE WEEK

(2:30 PM CT ON FOX)

#17 Iowa State (3-1) at #6 Oklahoma State (3-0)

A very crucial game in the Big 12 title race takes place in Stillwater, Oklahoma on Saturday afternoon. The undefeated Cowboys are in a spot to make the playoffs if they win out. Oklahoma State has a lot of weapons including Heisman finalist Chubba Hubbard and star wideout Tylan Wallace. Iowa State isn’t as lethal on offense, but veteran quarterback Brock Purdy can get the job done. Iowa State’s early loss set them back, but after winning three straight, this team is building major confidence. Both teams’ defenses look very improved, especially Oklahoma State’s secondary. This game will be very close. If quarterback Spencer Sanders is at full health this game looks great for the Cowboys. Both defenses have to make some big stops and force turnovers, and Oklahoma State will do exactly that. The Cowboys will get a great game from the Cyclones, but the Cowboys offense will be too much to beat in the end.

Score Prediction Oklahoma State: 34 Iowa State: 30

(8:00 PM CT ESPN2)

#9 Cincinnati (3-0) at #16 SMU (5-0)

Saturday night two undefeated non-power five teams clash in a game more important than it appears. Ever since the playoff system has been implemented, no team from a non-power five has made it yet, but that could possibly change with the short schedules this year. Cincinnati is that team to make it, and they’ve put themselves in a spot where they will be a contender for the final playoff spot if they continue winning. SMU is also unbeaten and could take that spot if they win. SMU is going into this game off of a few ugly performances. The Mustangs offense is still there under veteran quarterback Shane Buchele. On the other sideline, Desmond Ridder needs to turn things around after throwing four interceptions in three games. There should be a good amount of scoring on both sides, but the Bearcats have played stellar so far on defense and will again on Saturday night. This game will come down to the end and whichever team can avoid turning the ball over which both teams haven’t done.

Score Prediction Cincinnati: 43 SMU: 34