ATHLETES ASSERT

Predictions for Week 8 of the college football season

Riley Payne, Reporter

GAME ONE

(11 AM CT ON FOX)

Nebraska (0-0) at

#5 Ohio State (0-0)

The first week of Big Ten football is here, and an important game on Saturday morning in Columbus, Ohio is kicking off the season. Heisman contender Justin Fields aims to return the Buckeyes to the playoffs once again. Nebraska has looked better under third year head coach Scott Frost. Justin Fields has some great weapons on the outside: Garret Wilson and Chris Olave. Ohio State should have a lot of success through the air, and it will 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 crucial game in the Big 12 title race takes place in Stillwater, Oklahoma on Saturday afternoon. The undefeated Cowboys may make the playoffs if they win out. Oklahoma State’s Heisman finalist Chubba Hubbard and star wideout Tylan Wallace will be pivotal. Iowa State isn’t as lethal on offense, but veteran quarterback Brock Purdy can get the job done. Oklahoma State’s secondary defense has improved too. If quarterback Spencer Sanders is at full health, this game looks great for the Cowboys. 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

GAME 3

(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. Since the implementation of the playoff system, no team from a non-power five has made it. However, both Cincinnati and SMU can be contenders for the final playoff spot if they continue winning. 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 defense has been playing stellar. This game will come down to which team can avoid turning the ball over.

Score Prediction Cincinnati: 43 SMU: 34