After a crazy Week 6 last week, we look ahead to a Week 7 that includes Cincinnati hosting UCF, two top-15 undefeated teams, and Arch Manning visiting Texas. Expect lots of unexpected moments this week because that is guaranteed every week. Here are my selections for today:
UCF (3-2) at #3 Cincinnati (5-0) (-21.5)
I think UCF will cover, especially with Dillon Gabriel throwing the ball. However, Cincinnati is ranked third in the country, which is their highest ranking yet. Desmond Ridder has been great, and the Bearcats have won 23 straight at Nippert Stadium. Cincinnati wins again at home.
Tune into UCF at Cincinnati at 12 PM ET on ABC.
#10 Michigan State (6-0) (-4) at Indiana (2-3)
Michigan State looks terrific, and they have a Heisman candidate in Kenneth Walker III. They are favorable in this matchup, leading the series against the Hoosiers 48-17-2, with a record of 22-10-1 in Bloomington. Michigan State covers and beats Indiana.
Tune into Michigan State at Indiana at 12 PM ET on Fox Sports 1.
#5 Alabama (5-1) (-17) at Mississippi State (3-2)
Alabama is coming off of its first loss since Auburn in 2019. Nick Saban and the Tide don’t lose two games in a row. It helps that Alabama is 20-4 in Starkville, but all history is put aside as Alabama is not #1 in the country anymore. They have to bounce back against the Bulldogs, which I think is likely.
Tune into Alabama at Mississippi State at 7 PM ET on ESPN.
TCU (3-2) at #4 Oklahoma (6-0) (-13.5)
Oklahoma left the Cotton Bowl with a scare as they came back to beat arch-rival Texas. Everyone is wondering who will start at quarterback for the Sooners: Spencer Rattler or Caleb Williams. Oklahoma is 16-5 all-time against the Horned Frogs, and I feel comfortable picking them to win. However, they’re not as good with Rattler starting.
Tune into TCU at Oklahoma at 7:30 PM ET on ABC.
Pittsburgh (4-1) (-6.5) at Virginia Tech (3-2)
I am very surprised that Pittsburgh is a 6.5-point favorite against the Hokies. Virginia Tech has one of the best atmospheres in college football. These two teams go all the way back to the Big East days, so I expect a good game today. Virginia Tech has a 11-9 record against the Panthers, but they are 7-2 in Blacksburg. Pittsburgh beat Virginia Tech last time, so it makes sense for the Hokies to have a revenge game.
Tune into Pittsburgh at Virginia Tech at 3:30 PM ET on ESPN2.
#18 Arizona State (5-1) at Utah (3-2) (-1)
This was my toughest game to pick between. Arizona State has Jayden Daniels, while Utah is at home and has a reputation as a terrific defensive team in past years. I like seeing ranked teams lose, so I will take Utah in a close one, especially with their defense and their home-field advantage.
Tune into Arizona State at Utah at 10 PM ET on ESPN.
#22 NC State (4-1) (-3) at Boston College (4-1)
NC State has the best defense in the ACC statistically, which will be needed to beat a threatening Boston College team. The Eagles lead 10-7 against NC State, but it has been even for the past ten matchups. Give me the Wolfpack in a close one.
Tune into NC State at Boston College at 7:30 PM ET on ACC Network.
#13 Ole Miss (4-1) (-2) at Tennessee (4-2)
Tennessee is 44-19-1 against Ole Miss, but they don’t fare well in checkerboard games. Ole Miss has my Heisman frontrunner at quarterback: Matt Corral. I think Corral and the Rebels will win big against the Volunteers.
Tune into Ole Miss at Tennessee at 7:30 PM ET on SEC Network.
#20 Florida (4-2) (-12.5) at LSU (3-3)
I’m not a fan of Florida being a heavy favorite due to their questionable quarterback play so far this season. LSU has won the last two meetings between these SEC foes, but Florida has held their own in both games. With how last year’s game went, I would not be surprised if the Gators come in and beat the Tigers.
Tune into Florida at LSU at 12 PM ET on ESPN.
Auburn (4-2) at #17 Arkansas (4-2) (-4.5)
Auburn has Bo Nix and Tank Bigsby, but they haven’t lived up to the high expectations I had for them. Arkansas is coming off of a heartbreaking loss against Ole Miss, but they look promising with KJ Jefferson leading the way. Auburn leads the series 18-11-1, with the Tigers leading in Fayetteville with an 8-5 record. Arkansas wins, however.
Tune into Auburn at Arkansas at 12 PM ET on CBS.
#19 BYU (5-1) at Baylor (5-1) (-5)
These two teams have not met since the early ’80s! It’s crazy, but this will be a top matchup today. Baylor is hot, while BYU just lost to Boise State in Provo. Baylor is better on both sides of the ball, and it helps that they are home. Baylor wins by a touchdown.
Tune into BYU at Baylor at 3:30 PM ET on ESPN.
#12 Oklahoma State (5-0) at #25 Texas (4-2) (-3.5)
Texas leads the overall series 26-9, but that is not why I am taking the Longhorns. Texas had a phenomenal first half last week against Oklahoma, but they couldn’t finish what they started as they played the second half. Texas is at home with a chip on their shoulder, so I will take the Longhorns.
Tune into Oklahoma State at Texas at 12 PM ET on FOX.
#11 Kentucky (6-0) at #1 Georgia (6-0) (-21.5)
The game of the day has Georgia as a heavy favorite against the undefeated Wildcats. Kentucky last beat the Bulldogs in 2009, where they came back to stun Georgia in Athens. I’m not saying that will happen again, but it is worth noting. Kentucky’s offense has been solid, with quarterback Will Levis leading the way. However, Georgia has the best defense in the country, and it isn’t close. Georgia has a test today, but they’ll win by at least two touchdowns.
Tune into Kentucky at Georgia at 3:30 PM ET on CBS.
Calhoun's Corner 